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
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
give us all things Rom. 8.32 See Matth. 6.25 to the end Phil. 4.6 1 Tim. 4.8 1 Pet. 5.7 4. Promises against Scandales GOD will secure his people and save them from being ensnared by scandals Psal. 119.165 and nothing shall offend them or they shall have no stumbling block Ier. 31.9 CHAP. IIII. Infirmities are 1. Generall as sinfullnesse of nature that remaines though it raigne not 2. Speciall 1. IGnorance 2. Spirituall deafenesse 3. Slips and frailties Here Promises 1. To keepe them from falling 2. To comfort them being fallen and restore them againe 4. Spirituall lamenesse 5. Doubts and feares of losing the love of GOD. 6. Forgetfullnesse 7. Dullnesse and uncheerefullnesse 8. Indisposition to good 9. Distractions in good 10. Evils of good done 11. Feares of falling away from GOD. Comforts to the godly who likewise want the meanes of grace either altogether or in the power of them or having them doe not profit by them 1. Generall or daily Infirmities Comforts to those that do fall though Infirmity The LORD The LORD GOD mercifull and gracious long suffering and abundant in goodnesse and truth keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity transgression and sinne Exod. 34.6 7. Hee is JEHOVAH Alwaies the same unchangeable hee will not alter his love to thee and for the more assurance he repeateth that title twice then followeth his power GOD Though thou be weake he is strong Mercifull or compassionate towards repâ—ntant and beleeving sinners and though they be unworthy yet he is Gracious The Hebrew word signifieth to powre out abundance of extraordinary bounty upon a most undeserving and ill deserving partie He will shew mercy not because thou art good but because he is Good not because thou canst please him but because mercy pleaseth him Micah 7.18 though thou offerdest daily yet he is Long-suffering and Abundant in goodnesse and truth 1. In Goodnesse ready to bestow all benefits 2. In Truth ready to fulfill all promises keeping kindnesse for thousands a certaine number for an uncertaine forgiving iniquity transgression and sinne that is sinnes of all sorts kinds and degrees whatsoever It is neither the foulenesse of sinne nor the multitude of sinnes nor the long continuance in sinne that can prejudice his goodnesse GOD upon our prayer will cure our infirmities Esay 40.29 Psal. 103.3 hee pittieth his in their infirmities as an Indulgent â—ather his little ones Mal. 3.17 CHRIST himselfe is affected with the sence of our infirmities Heb. 4.15 16. Matth. 11.28 and Esay 42.3 he was a Proâ—itiation for such sinnes and comforts us concerning them before they be committed 1 Iohn 2.12 Rom. 6.14 The Spirit helpes our â—nfirmities Rom. 8.26 helpes â—ogether the Greeke word is decompound and there is a great force in it as two that carry a burden one will carry over â—gainst another and put to his â—and and helpe him so when we begin to sinke GODS Spirit puts under his hand to support â—s which is said in so many words Psal. 37.24 O but I offend daily I sinne againe and againe may some weake Christian say GOD promiseth likewise that he will multiply his pardons so the word signifieth in the Originall as thou hast multiplied thy sinnes for saith he there My thoughts are not as your thoughts nor my waies as your waies but my thoughts goe beyond your thoughts as much as the distance is betweene Heaven and earth He is mercifull and and gracious slow to anger and plenteous in mercy hee will not reward us after our iniquities for as the Heaven is high above the Earth so great is his mercy toward them that feare him Psal. 103.8 10 11. As there is a continuall spring of wickednesse in you so there is a continuall spring of mercy flowing from him both to pardon and wash away this iniquity Speciall Infirmities 1. Ignorance or blindnesse Comforts against ignorance It is a speciall promise of GOD in the new Covenant that Hee will write his lawes in thy heart and hee will make thee to know the LORD He hath promised to leade thee by a way that thou hast not knowne Esay 42.16 wee have such an High Priest as knowes how to have compassion on the ignorant Heb. 5.2 3. The eyes of the blinde shall be opened Esay 35.2 Hee shall open the eyes of the blind Esay 42.2 Luke 4.18 The annointing thou hast received shall teach thee all needfull things and leade thee into all truth 1 Ioh. 2.27 GOD hath made many promises to teach them his way that see their ignorance and mourne for it Hee will guide the meeke in iudgement and will teach the humble his way Psal. 25.9 See 12. 14. verses GOD will fill the hungry with good things Luke 1.53 To him that disposeth his way aright will I shew the salvation of the LORD Psal. 50.23 He that followeth mee shall not walke in darkenesse but shall have the light of life Joh. 8.12 I will manifest my selfe to him John 14.21 The Spirit of truth will guide them into all truth John 16.13 A high way shall be there and fooles shall not erre therein Esay 35.8 2. Spirituall deafenesse Comforts against spirituall deafenesse The cares of the deafe shall be unstopped Esay 35.5 Other sheepe I have which are not of this fold them also I must bring and they shall heare my voice Ioh. 10.16 that is the Gentiles not yet called shall understand the voice of GOD. 3. Particular falls through frailty Comforts in regard of slips and frailties 1. GOD will uphold his and keepe them from falling I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world but that thou shouldst keepe them from the evill Joh. 17.20 The LORD is faithfull who shall stablish you and keepe you from evill 2 Thess. 3.3 That your whole soule and body may be preserved blamelesse unto the comming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST Faithfull is hee that calleth you who â—lso will doe it 1 Thess. 5.23 24. GOD watcheth over his people to defend them from sinne 2 Tim. 4 17 18. Rom. 7.24 25. Psa. 73.23 24. Ier. 32.39 40. His mercy holdeth up the godly when they say their foot slippeth Psal. 94.18 He will be their confidence and shall keepe their foot from being taken Pro. 3.26 He will keepe the feete of his Saints 1 Sam. 2.9 And guide their feete into the way of peace Luke 1.79 And thine eare shall heare a word behind thee saying This is the way walke yee in it when yee turne to the right hand and when yee turne to the left Esay 30.21 The childe of GOD hath a promise of preservation from the sinne unpardonable 1 Iohn 5.18 2. Comforts to those that doe fall through infirmity But of this I have spoken already when I treated of the daily and generall Infirmities of Christians therefore I will tanquam canâ—s ad Nilum runne over it hastily GODS people after relapse into some old or fall into some new sinne when their heart is smitten
Psal. 89.16 See Psal. 33.21 8. Indisposition Comforts against it In the thoughts of our indisposiâ—ion to any thing that is good let these places quicken us I can doe all things through CHRIST that strengthneth mee Phil. 4.13 Yee shall be unto mee a kingdome of Priests Exod. 19.6 We shall be able to offer unto GOD the sacrifice of prayer or praise In every place incense shall be offered to my name and a pure offering Mal. 1.11 which is spoken of the beleeving Gentiles 9. Distractions Comforts against them GOD promiseth in the Covenant of grace Ezek. 11.19 To give his people one heart CHRIST prayed that we might have this one heart Iohn 17.21 23. and be one with GOD. When we are troubled with distractions in prayer hearing or meditation wee should pleade the Covenant and pray with David O LORD unite my heart to thee 10. Evils of good done Promises or comforts to the godly for evils of good done GOD not onely accepteth and taketh in good part the poorest service we doe to him notwithstanding our corruptions and frailties but even delighteth and taketh great pleasure in them Cant. 2.14 as a Father delights more in the stammering of his little childe then in the eloquence of the best Orator CHRIST presenteth and perfumeth our prayers to his Father Rev. 8.3 1 Pet. 2.5 And it shall be upon Aarons fore-head that Aaron may beare the iniquity of the holy things and that they may be accepted before the LORD Exod. 28.38 Aaron was a Type of CHRIST who by his intercession perfumes our prayers and doth away the blemishes that cleave to our best actions Loving Parents doe not take notice of many blemishes in their children so GOD seeth no iniquity in Iacob nor any transgression in Israel Num. 23.21 But passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage which makes the Prophet in the beginning of the verse in admiration to cry Who is a GOD like to thee 11. Comforts against Feares of their falling from GOD who labour to work out their salvation with feare and trembling 1. In regard of GOD. 1. His Counsell on which mans salvation is founded is sure and unchangeable and his calling without repentance Rom. 11.29 2. His Love is everlasting and inviolable Ier. 31.3 Rom. 8.35 ult 3. His Mercy like his Lovâ— is â—verlasting Psal. 103.17 Psal. 100.5.106.1 107.1 Luke 1.50 It is iterated 26. times in 136. Psalme 4. His Will is for such Luke 12.32 Iohn 6.39 His Grace and that is all-sufficient 2 Cor. 12.9 5. His Power is for such and that is Almighty Ioh 10.27 28 29. Iude 24.2 Tim. 1.12 6. His faithfullnesse and truth make both for this 2 Thess. 3.3 2. In regard of CHRIST 1. Because of our union with him He is the Head we the members and he will not suffer any to perish that are ingraffed into him Ioh. 6.39 Ioh. 17.22 23 26. 2. From the perpetuall efficacie of his intercession Rom. 8.34 Heb. 7.21 Hee is a Priest for ever and alwaies intercedes for his What he said to Peter I have prayed that thy faith faile not Luke 22.32 Hee performeth for all He is the Author and finisheâ— of our faith Heb. 12.2 3. In regard of the HOLY GHOST 1. His continuall assistance Hee shall abide with us for ever John 14.16 And hee which hath begun a good work will finish it Phil. 1.6 2. His Obsignation which is irrevocable every one that beleeveth is sealed by the holy Spirit of promise Ephes. 1.13 14. sealed for ever 4.30 2 Cor. 1.22 an honest man will not break his bargaine when there is earnest and evidence for it therefore Chrysostome saith elegantly if GOD having once given this earnest should not also give the rest of the inheritance He should undergo the losse of his earnest 4. The lasting power of the Word once rooted in the good and honest heart Luke 8.15 It is called immortall seed 1 Pet. 1.23 25. The engraffed Word James 1.21 The seed remaining 1 Joh. 3.9 5. The certainty and sweetnesse of the promises to this purpose GOD hath promised that his people shall not be mooved from the state of grace Psal. 15.5 16.8 Psal. 37.24 27 28 31. Psal. 55.22 102.28 Pro. 10.30 Psal. 125.1 Hee will not cast off his people nor forsake his inheritance Psal. 94.14 1 Sam. 12.22 And hee will put his feare into their hearts that they shall not depart from him For this is his Covenant with his people Ier. 32.39 40 41. Hosea 2.19 20. Hee upholdeth them with his hand that they shall not fall away Hee will confirme them unto the end that they may be blamâ—lesse in the day of our LORD JESUS CHRIST 1 Cor. 1.8 9. the like is 1 Thess. 5.23 24 GOD hath made more promises to hold up his children then ever he made to hold up the pillars of the world 6. The prayers of the whole Church of GOD which are very prevalent and powerfull Ioh. 16.23 the daily sacrifice of beleevers is ne inducas in tentationem 7. The force and might of faith 1 Pet. 1.2 3 4 5. 8. The durable vigour of saving graces John 4.14 our Saviour hath promised Iohn 16.22 that he will give unto the faithfull such constant and permanent joy as no man shall be able to take from them He hath prayed that our faith may not faile Luke 22.32 It is a stable grace 1 Ioh. 5.4 1 Pet. 2.6 Comforts to the Godly who are troubled with many and strong corruptions and likewise want the meanes of grace either 1. Altogether 2. In the power of them 3. Or having them so yet profit not by them 1. Comforts in case of dismayednesse under many and strong corruptions I will sprinkle cleane water upon you and you shall be cleane â—rom all your filthinesse and from all your idols will I cleanse you Ezek. 36.25 Though thy sinnes were as great as Idolatry in the first Table or Whoredome in the second yet GOD will forgive and sanctifie thee He will cast all our sinnes into the depths of the sea Micah 7.19 The sea can drowne mountaines as well as mole-hills Though they were as crimson and scarlet which will take no other die yet in CHRISTS bloud they shall bee made as white as wooll and snow Esay 1.18 All manner of sinnes and blasphemies shall be forgiven unto men Matth. 12.31 CHRIST came to save sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 It matters not what the wound is so CHRIST be the Physitian Where sin that is the knowledge and feeling of sinne abounded grace over-abounded Rom. 5.20 have wee a multitude and magnitude of sinnes GOD hath a multitude and magnitude of mercies Have mercy upon mee O GOD according unto the multitude so wee translate it the Hebrew word Rob signifieth also magnitude of thy tender mercies Two things terrifie penitent sinners 1. The multitude and exceeding great number of evils whereof they are guilty he tels
them in that 26. Ezek. that he would wash them from all their filthinesse without exception 1 Joh. 1.9 therefore let us not put in conditions where GOD doth not and as it were interline his Covenant 2. That their sinnes have beene hainous and extraordinary Zach. 13.1 Hee promiseth to open a fountaine of grace to wash them from all sinnes CHRIST hath discharged our pounds as well as our pence He came to take away the sinnes of the world this is spoken indefinitely 2. Comforts to such who are troubled for want of the meanes of grace either Altogether After GOD hath given you the bread of affliction and the water of adversity hee will restore teachers and no more restraine instruction Esay 30.20 Though thou see no way of helpe yet thou knowest not how GOD can provide Hee can open rivers on the tops of mountaines and he maketh the wildernesse a standing poole when his people thirst and cry unto him Esay 41.17 18. If ordinary meanes faile GOD will then â—â—pply of his Spirit I will be unto them as a little Sanctuary in the countries where they shaâ—l come Ezâ—k 11.16 I will take you one of a cittie and two of a family and I will â—râ—ng you in Sion Jer. 3.14 The LORD giveth the Word great is the company of preachers Psal. 68.11 The ransâ—med of the LORD shall returne and come to Sion with songs and everlasting ioy upon their heads they shall obtaine ioy and gladnesse and sorrow and sighing shall flie away Eâ—ay 35.10 Or in the power of them I will give you Pastors according to mine heart which shall feede you with knowledge and understanding Ier. 3.15 Or having them so and not profiting by them I am the LORD thy GOD which teacheth thee to profit which leadeth thee by the way which thou shouldst goe Esay 48.17 For thy Maker is thine husband c. Esay 54.5 6. Hosea 2.19 In the wildernesse shall waters breake out and streames in the desert and the parched ground shall become a poole and the thirsty land-springs of water Esay 35.6 7. that is the most barren heart shall abound with grace according to that promise Out of their bellies shall flow rivers of living water Iohn 7.38 streaming out for the good of others The Kingdome of GOD shall be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof Matth. 21.43 This is a promise that the Gentiles shall bring forth the fruites of the Gospell therefore every beleeving Gentile may apply it The use of Faith here is to uphold us against our manifold deâ—ects infirmities and imperfectiâ—ns For first it giveth evidence to our soules that the graces wee have are the gifts of GOD because GOD promiseth them Secondly it maketh us rest on GOD for perfecting of that good worke which hee hath so graciously begun The Godly that know they feare GOD unfainedly and yet are often perplexed because all sensible tokens of GODS favour are taken from them should 1. Acquaint themselves with the promises and comfort themselves with these words they will be as flagons of wine to all distressed spirits 2. Let them not consider too much of nor reason too much with their temptations Rom. 4.19 3. Though they feele nothing yet let them say with David Psâ—l 56.10 In GOD will I praise his Word in the LORD will I praise his Word CHAP. V. 5. In regard of GOD Desertions Comforts to GODS people in spirituall desertions 1. LEt them Consider that this hath befallen the best of GODS servants Job 6.4 13.16.9 David Psal. 6. 77. and CHRIST himselfe Mat. 27.46 CHRIST saith Greenham was forsaken for a few houres David for a few moneths and Iob for a few yeares 2. GOD doth not forsake them Heb. 13.5 Esay 49.15 16. but seemes to forsake them 3. Desertion is but short compared with the time of mercy For a small moment have I forsaken thee but with great mercies will I gather thee In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindnesse will I have mercy on thee saith the LORD thy Redeemer Esay 54.7 8. He will not alwaies chide neither will hee keepe his anger forever Psal. 103.9 The LORD will not cast off for ever but though he cause griefe yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies Lam. 3.31 32. 4. GOD waites for a fit season of shewing his favour toward them Esay 30.18 We ought to live by faith Hab. 2.4 waiting for GOD who hides his face Esay 8.17 and to stirre up our selves to lay hold on our GOD Esay 64.7 that is an excellent place Esay 50.10 CHAP. VI. SPIRITVALL PROMISES 1. In regard of Good 1. GODS 1. Love of them which hath three properties it is 1. Free 2. Infinite 3. Eternall 2. Presence with them 1. Each of the godly in particular 2. The whole Church in generall 3. Providence over them keeping them 1. Immediatly by himselfe 2. Mediatly by his Angels 1. Promises of GODS Love ANd he will love thee and blesse thee c. Deut. 7.13 Hee crowneth his people with loving kindnesse and tender mercies Psal. 103.4 There are three properties of GODS Love 1. It is a free Love he stands not upon desert Hosea 14.4 Exod 33.19 1 Ioh. 4.10 19. The LORD did not set his Love upon you nor choose you because yee wore more in number then any other people but because the LORD loved you Lo he loved you because he loved you to shew the freedome and independancy of his love unto them 2. It is an infinite transcendent Love Eph. 2.4.7 18 19. GOD so loved the world c. Iohn 3.16 that is so infinitely so transcendently so incomprehensibly 1 Ioh. 3.1 3. It is an eternall and unchangeable Love I have loved thee with an everlasting love Jer. 31.3 Behold I will betroth thee unto mee for ever Hosea 2.19 With everlasting kindnesse will I have mercy on thee Esay 54.8 2. Promises of GODS speciall and gracious presence This is the most sweete comfort wherewith GOD anciently used to sustaine his children Each in particular Isaac Gen. 26.3 24. Moses Exod. 3.12 4.12 Josh. 1.5 9. 3.7 Ezek. 3. Jer. 1.8 19. David incouraged his sonne Salomon with this 1 Chron. 28.20 And the whole Church in generall Esay 41.10 43.2 Rev. 1.13 2.1 CHRIST left this comfort for his farewell to his Disciples and their Successors Lo I am with you to the end of the world Matth. 28.20 And With you Comprehends under it not onely Pastors but people also For where two or three are gathered together in my name saith CHRIST there am I in the midst of them Mat. 18.20 3. Promises of GODS providence over his children They have an honourable guard 1. GOD himselfe keepeth his Israel who neither slumbreth nor sleepeth Psal. 121.4 5. He keepeth his under the shadow of his wings
Ezek. 36.25 I will turne to the people a pure language Zeph. 3.9 See ver 13. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisedome and his tongue talketh of iudgement The Law of GOD is in his heart Psal. 37.30 31. CHRIST gave himselfe for us that hee might redeeme us from all iniquity and purifie unto himselfe a peculiar people zealous of good workes the LORD will guide the meeke in iudgement and teach the humble his way Psal. 25.8 12. In the daies of the Gospell saith the Prophet Zacharie shall there be upon the bels of the horses HOLINESSE VNTO THE LORD Those Promises before quoted in the Chapter of Justification Mat. 1.21 Ioh. 1.29 1 Iohn 2.2 1 Ioh. 1.7 Rev. 1.5 may be referred to this head also for they are to be understood not onely of pardoning our sinnes but delivering us from the power of them Promises 2. To Sanctification In keeping of them there is great reward Psal. 19.11 Blessed and happy is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power Rev. 20.6 Depart from evill and doe good and dwell for evermore Psal. 37.27 To give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified Act. 20.32 See the like Act. 26.18 See Rom. 8.1 13. 1 Iohn 1.7 Esay 1.16 17 18. CHAP. X Promises of Spirituall Graces 1. The kinds of them 1. Knowledge and wisdome 2. Faith 3. Confidence 4. Hope 5. Joy 6. Love of 1. GOD. 2. CHRIST 3. Our Brethren 4. Our Enemies 7. Feare 8. Obedience 9. Repentance in which are handled 1. Confession of sin 2. Mourning for sin 3. Killing of it 4. Turning from it 10. Humility 11. Meekenesse 12. Patience 13. Righteousnesse 14. Vprightnesse 15. Peace 16. Zeale 17. Perseverance Spirituall Graces promised 1. Knowledge and Wisdome Promises 1. Of Knowledge IT is part of the Covenant Heb. 8.11 You shall know me from the least to the greatest and I will teach you and you shall no more teach one another his neighbour you shall have my law written in your hearts The Prophet speaking of the daies of CHRIST saith The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea Esay 11.9 the like we have Hab. 2.14 In the time of the Old Testament there was a vaile that covered their hearts and their eyes that they were not able to see the truth clearely but now That vaile is taken away and wee see the truth with open face as wee see an image in a glasse We know much more then they in the Old Testament and in another manner more distinctly more particularly It is oft said that The LORD will teach his people As in that famous prophesie of the daies of the Gospell that GOD would teach them his waies and they would walke in his paths Esay 2.3 Micah 4.2 So Psal. 25.8 9. Hee will teach sinners in the way and the meeke hee will teach his way The Elect shall be all taught of GOD Iohn 6.45 so much as is necessary for their salvation yea The least as well as the greatest They shall know of the Scripture to be GODS Word Esay 52.6 They shall know in that day that I am hee that doth speake behold it is I. They shall know of that doctrine which is taught them whether it be of GOD or whether their teacher speake of himselfe Iohn 7.17 CHRISTS Sheepe know his voice and will follow him John 10.4 The secret of the LORD is revealed to them that feare him and hee will shew them his Covenant Psal. 25.14 See ver 12. When the Spirit of truth is come hee will guide you into all truth Iohn 16.13 The faithfull have an unction from the holy one and know all things 1 Iohn 2.20 and ver 27. The HOLY GHOST abideth in them and they need not that any man teach them See Pro. 1.23 Hos. 14.9 Psal. 107.43 Iohn 8.32 Psal. 32.8 Marke 4.11 Esay 30.21 Prov. 2.3 4 5 6. Prov. 3.6 14.6 Promises 2. To Knowledge and wisedome It is rewarded 1. with Temporall blessings GOD will exalt such as know him I will set him on high because he hath knowne my name Psal. 91.14 Length of daies is in her right hand and in her left hand riches and honour Prov. 3.14 2. With spirituall blessings as grace and peace 2 Pet. 1.2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of GOD. 3. With eternall blessings Prov. 3.13 18. Shee is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her and happy is every one that retaineth her 2. Faith which is thus defined Faith is a supernaturall gift of GOD in the mind apprehending the saving promise with all the promises that depend upon it Phil. 1.29 Gal. 3.14 Promises 1. Of Faith GOD promiseth to give Faith to whom hee meanes to save The Apostle saith It is the gift of GOD Ephes. 2.8 and Iude 3. That it was once given to the Saints Heb. 12.2 CHRIST is said to be the Author and finisher of our Faith And Rom. 12.3 That GOD hath dealt to every man the measure of Faith All that the Father giveth mee that is by election shall come to mee that is by Faith Iohn 6.37 See verse 35. Promises 2. To Faith Many Promises are made to Beleevers 1. Beleefe in GOD brings good successe Beleeve in the LORD your GOD so shall yee be established beleeve his Prophets so shall yee prosper 2 Chron. 20.20 2. Forgivenesse of sinnes righteousnesse and justification are promised to Beleevers Acts 10.43 Rom. 10.4 4.5 5.1 Acts 13.39 3. Wee are made the sonnes of GOD by adoption when wee beleeve in CHRIST Ioh. 1.12 Gal. 3.26 29. 4. GOD will give his Spirit to them that beleeve Hee that beleeveth in mee out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water Ioh. 7.38 5. GOD hath promised to heare the prayers of such as beleeve What things soever yee desire when yee pray beleeve that yee receive them and yee shall have them Mark 11.24 Whatsoever yee shall aske in prayer if yee beleeve yee shall receive it Matth. 21.22 6. Eternall life is promised to Beleevers Iohn 3.16 Whosoever beleeveth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life It is not onely said hee shall have eternall life but already he hath it often in Iohn Chap. 3.36 Chap. 5. 24. Chap. 6.47 54. 1. In regard of right because hee is instated into it in the Covenant of grace Mat. 5.3 2. CHRIST in his Ascention hath taken full possession for us Ephes. 2.6 3. In regard of initiall fruition in this life the life of grace is an imperfect life of glory Beleevers are said to be blessed John 20.29 Every man that beleeves shall be saved Mar. 16.16 There is the gracious promise now the Faithfull man assumes the Minor but I beleeve and out of these two premises inferreth this saving Conclusion therefore I shall be saved
to be conveyed wheresoever they are Prayer is profitable to obtaine every thing as is evident by the promise of CHRIST Iohn 16.23 Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever yee shall aske the Father iâ— my name hee will give it you Note the certainty of the promise in CHRISTS vehement asseveration note the generality of it whatsoever Our Saviour oft repeated such promises in those heavenly and last speeches which he uttered to his Disciples Iohn 14.13 Ioh. 15.7 16 See Mar. 11.24 Iohn 9.31 1 Iohn 3.22 5.14 15. I may say of prayer as the Apostle saith of Godlinesse it hath the promises of this life and that which is to come 1. For this life Temporall and Spirituall things are promised to prayer 1. Temporall 1. The prayer of faith shall save the sicke and the LORD shall raise him up Iam. 5.15 2. Spirituall 1. It obtaineth remission of sins and if hee have committed sinnes they shall be forgiven him the same verse of 5. of Iâ—mes 2. The Spirit How much more shall your heavenly Father give good things to them that aske him Matth. 7.11 Give the holy Spirit to them that aske him So it is Luke 11 13. 2. For the life to come Prayer obtaineth eternall life and salvation For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved Rom. 10.13 That Promise that is made to our prayers runs thus If thou prepare thine heart and stretch out thine hands towards him c. Iob 11.13 The stretching out of our hands or of our voice either is to little purpose if our heart be not prepared first Promises To fervent prayer Then yee shall call upon me and ye shall goe and pray unto me and I will hearken unto you And ye shall seeke me and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart that is truly and fervently saith Greenham The effectuall prayer of a righteous man availeth much both for the helping of the body and healing of the soule but with this proviso if it be fervent open thy mouth wide that is earnestly confidently call upon me and I will fill it that is I will satisfie thy desire to the full Aske and it shall be given you seeke and yee shall find knocke and it shall be opened unto you Matth. 7.7 Aske seeke knocke It is not a simple repetition of the same thing but a gradation It shews instantissimam neâ—essitatem saith Austen Aske â—s a begger seeke as with a candle knocke as one that hath powâ—r with importunity One thus descants upon the place Aske with the mouth seek with the heart knock with the hand and it shall be given you that is for Temporall things and yee shall find that is for Spirituall things and it shall be opened unto you that is for Eternall things Promises 1. To Secret Prayer When thou prayest enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut thy dore pray to thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly 2. To Private or Family prayer Where two or three are gathered together in my name there aâ— I in the midst of them Matth 18.20 3. To publike prayer Publike for 1. Matter 2. Place 1. A promise to those that pray for the Church Remember Sion they shall prosper that love thee Psalme 122.6 7. 2. Promises to the prayers of the Congregation made in the Church Hierusalem had singular promises made unto it such as had no particular Church in the world besides Psalm 132.14 There is a speciall promise made to the prayers made in the Temple 2 Chron. 7.15 Mine eyes shall be open and mine eares attent unto the prayer tâ—at is made in this place 1 Kings 9.3 The LORD hath promised that he will cause his servants to rejoyce in the granting of their suites which they shall make unto him in his owne house Esay 56.7 upon the like promise made by GOD Salomon at the consecration of the Temple 1 King 8.30 33. groundeth his Prayer that the LORD would in speciall manner heare the suites and supplications of his servants publikely assembled in his Temple to call upon him See the 5. Book cap 1. A promise To Preaching GOD hath made a speciall promise to this that he will be with it to assist and blesse it Matth. 28.20 I am with you alwaies even unto the end of the world Promises To Reading In Reading of the Word if we understand not we should apply these Promises Prov. 1.23 I will powre out my Spirit unto you I will make knowne my Words unto you Prov. 1.4 It gives subtilty to thâ— simple to the young men knowledge and discretion The Commandement of the LORD is pure inlightningâ— the eyes Ps. 19.8 GOD hath promised to teach and instruct such by his Spirit that bring good and honest hearts to the reading and hearing of the Word Psal. 25.12 What man is he that fearth the LORD him will he teach in the way that he shall choose The promise of finding is made to those who seeke as for gold and search as for treasure Pro. 2.3 4 5. Promises to sâ—ch as love the Word of GOD. Great peace have they which love thy Law and nothing shall offend them Ps. 119.165 Blessed is the man that delighteth greatly in his commandements Ps. 112.1 A promise to those that waite for the Word There is a blessing promised to such hearers as wait for the Word Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doores For who so findeth me findeth life and obtaineth favour of the LORD Promises that GODS children shall hearken to the Word The eares of them that heare shall hearken Psa. 32 3. See Esaias 50.4 Acts 16.14 Promises to such as conscionably hearken to the Word Hoe every one that thirsteth come yee to the water and he that hath no mony come yee buy and eat yea come buy wine and milke without mony and without price Hearken diligently unto me and eat ye that which is good and let your soule delight it selfe in fatnesse Encline your eare and come unto me heare and your soule shall live c. There the LORD freely offereth saving grace to such as have none and nothing whereby they might purchase it 2. He setteth out a way wherby they might injoy it viz. a diligent hearing and beleiving GODS Word 3. He makes most sweet promises that their soule shall live that is they shall be quickned in CHRIST and in him the seed of David be made partakers of those mercies which shall never decay If thou warne the righteous man that the righteous sinne not and he doth not sin he shall surely live because he is warned Ezek. 3.21 The conscionable hearing of GODS Word quickens the soule and makes it to live both the life of grace and of glory He that heareth my word and beleeveth on him that sent