THE Helmet of Hope Distinguished from the Hope of Hypocrites And Published To prevent the danger of False Hope and to promote the Duty of Living in true Hope of Glory WITH An Appendix of the Grounds of Hope Collected in a Catalogue of Promises and Experiences By A. B. A Minister of the Gospel The Hypocrite with Hope is vainly Fed His Hope 's no Helmet but a Spiders Web. But Converts know it is no Idle Story That Christ within is the true Hope of Glory London Printed by J. A. for Thomas Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers-Chappel And are to be Sold by Obed. Smith at Daventry in Warwickshire 1694. THE EPISTLE TO THE READER Dear Friend THIS little Book now come to thy Hand calls for entertainment both for thy Saviours sake who hath provided Salvation for thee at his own cost and for thy Souls sake which therein is much concerned both in Point of Safety and Comfort Enquire not after the Author but Study the needful Matter it presents unto thee Though it come in a plain Dress without either Top-knot or Ruffles yet it 's Grave and Serious and may contribute much towards both thy Temporal and Eternal welfare It was not designed for Publick Vse when composed but proved so Sweet in the Meditation and so acceptable in the Ministration that thereby I was encouraged to send it abroad to warn the secure World against those false Hopes that lull Sinners asleep in Security And to invite all that meet with it to look after that Helmet that is of so great use for all Souldiers that fight under the Banner of the Captain of our Salvation Christ Jesus And if thou be one of this number and hast any skill in the Spiritual warfare thou wilt in thy own Experience acknowledge the account here given of this piece of our Spiritual Armour Thou art so well acquaintted therewith and finds in thy self the fore-thoughts of Glory made thereby the Joy and Delight of thy Soul That thou wilt see that thou hast met with an old Fellow-Souldier that hath been in many a Battle and still found his Helmet of Hope his Safeguard and so admires and valueth it that he would not part with it for Paris Let me entreat thee to take thy Helmet into thy Hand and compare it with the Helmet here treated of and then Mind the Vse and Advantage of the Helmet of Hope and if it raise in thy Heart high thoughts of this great Grace and more Diligence in the Exercise of it I have obtained my end and Christ his Glory who is the Object Author and offspring of this Hope with whom we Hope to live in Glory Rom. 15.13 Now that the God of Hope may fill thee and me with all Joy and Peace in believing that we may abound in Hope through the Power of the Holy Ghost is the earnest Prayer of Daventry May 21st 1694. Thy Fellow Souldier and Servant AND. BARNET COL 1.27 latter end of the Ver. Christ within the Hope of Glory THere is a vast difference betwixt the Effects of Common Providence and the Fruits of Christs Presence 1. The Effects of Common Providence extend to the just and to the unjust We in this Nation have long lived under the Gospel and hereupon come to be acquainted with the things that belong to our Peace 2 Tim. 1.10 for Life and Immortality are brought to Light by the Gospel And the Light of the Gospel shining so long amongst us by the good Providence of God hath enlightned the understandings of many with the common Notions of Christianity and the Will following the Dictates of the Understanding it hence comes to pass that a visible outward Profession of Religion abounds amongst us And great numbers there are of Professors that walk in a Track of Duty and Conform to the External part of the true Religion and have Hope in themselves that all is well with them and that they shall inherit Glory when all this is but the Effect of Common Providence and they are still of the number of the Foolish Virgins that though Virgins vaunted in their outward Behavior yet had not a Grain of the Oyl of Grace in the Soul 2. The Fruits of Christ his own Presence are enjoyed by few and are the peculiar Priviledges of the Vessels of Honour that Christ hath Redeemed by his Bloody Sacrifice John 17.2 ver 6. These that the Father gave him are they to whom he gives Eternal Life He gave his Life for them and gives himself to them He opens their hearts by his Spirit and comes in and takes up his abode with them And having cast out the strong Man armed and set up his own Kingdom in their Souls that Kingdom that consists not in Word but in Power and ruling in their Hearts by his Grace and Spirit they hereby come to enjoy in themselves sure and certain Hopes of Glory This is called in the Text a Mistery made manifest to the Saints it s a mistery in it self and to all carnal unregenerated Persons but made manifest to the Saints They and none but they understand the meaning of it and know not only who Christ is and what are his Offices and the Benefits thereof but also what it is to have Christ in them and to live in the enjoyment of so great a Blessing And this it is that is the Ground of their Hope of Glory to them God hath made known what is the Riches of the Glory of this Mistery amongst the Gentiles which is Christ in them the Hope of Glory It s the Clause of these Words that I have chose to be the Subject of my ensuing Discourse Christ in you the Hope of Glory Wherein we may note 1. The Characteristical Qualification of the Persons here spoke of viz. Christ within 2. The Consequent Consolation thence arising viz. The Hope of Glory 1. The Characteristical Qualification of the Persons spoken of viz. Christ within this is the Motto of the true Christian and that that denominates him not only a Christian by Name but a Christian indeed A true Nathanael in whom there is no guile a true Israelite one by whom Christ is not only professed but also possessed Christ is formed in him and he conformed to him It s not Christ without that will serve the turn but we must have Christ within living and reigning in our Souls by his Grace and Spirit It s not Christ in Heaven but Christ in the Heart that constitutes us true Christians It s not talking of Christ but entertaining Christ as King Priest and Prophet that we must come up to if we will become true Christians 2. The Consequenâ— Consolation hence arising viz. The Hope of Glory It s Christ in the Soul that puts the Soul in so hopeful a Condition and is the true and main ground of the Souls Hope of Glory And this ground of Hope all such have that have Christ in them I do not say that all
such are assured of Glory but this I say that all such are sure of Glory and ought to live in sure and certain Hope of Glory In this Case Christ himself is the Object and Original of all true Hope of Glory But its Christ in the Soul both in respect of Union and Communion that is the off-spring of this Hope of Glory and Christ in us becomes our Hope of Glory two ways By way of Influence and by way of Evidence 1. By way of Influence as when the Soul comes into the Body it animates it and by its influence causeth such Motions as do assure the Mother that she is quick with Child and may live in Hope of being a glad Mother So when Christ comes into the Soul by his Spirit it so influenceth the Soul and changeth it that thereby the Soul comes to know and understand that it is a member of Christ and an Heir of Glory and therefore lives in sure and certain Hope of Glory 2. By way of Evidence the Spirit of Christ in the Soul is the Souls Evidence for Heaven and as great an Evidence as can be had on this side Heaven Rom. 8.9 Ye are not in the Flesh but in the Spirit if so be the Spirit of God dwell in you Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his You see that the Spirit of Christ in the Soul doth Evidence the Souls Interest in Christ and assures it that he is Christs and Christ is his and this Evidence is so Evident that it fills the Soul with Hopes of Glory The Soul thus argues with it self Christ in the Soul is the Souls Hope of Glory Now I find Christ in my Soul and therefore Oh my Soul live thou in sure and certain Hope of Glory Having now divided and unfolded the Words I extract thence these two Doctrines Doct. 1. That every true Christian hath Christ within him Doct. 2. It s Christ within us that is our Hopes of Glory 1. Doct. Every sincere Christian hath Christ within him John 14.20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father and you in me and I in you Gal. 2.20 I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me 1 John 3. last He that keepeth his Commandments dwelleth in him and He in him And hereby we know that he abideth in us by the Spirit which he hath given us Rev. 3.20 If any Man hear my Voice and open the Door I will come in to him To prevent mistakes and clear up this great Truth let us enquire how and in what Sense this is to be understood when and in what manner doth Christ take Possession of the Hearts of his Elect why and for what cause and end is it that he abideth in them And how may we know the Spirit of Christ from the Spirit of Antichrist Quest 1. How and in what sense is this Doctrine to be understood Answ 1. Negatively It 's not to be understood of his personal bodily Presence his Body is now a Glorified Body and abideth in Heaven and there is to abide 'till he come to Judgment The Romanist tell us that Sacramental bread is changed into his Body and after Consecration every Wafer is the Body of Christ and is not to be eaten but to be swallowed and upon swallowing it Christ is within them but if Paul had been of their mind he would not have tould us that after Consecration it remains still bread and that it's bread that we eat and not the very body of Christ 1 Cor. 11.26.27 And our senses assure us it is bread we see feel and taste bread and yet they are so senseless as they will not believe their own eyes Nor is it to be understood of the Providential presence of Christ it is true that Christ is with us by the presence of his Providence ordering our affairs and disposing of us and our concerns according to the Councel of his good Will and Pleasure but the In-being here spoken of is of another Nature therefore I answer 2. Affirmatively That it is to be understood of his Spiritual presence viz. that Christ is in his Spouse and in every particular Member that belongs unto him by his Spirit and Grace Rom. 8.9 10. If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none his and if that Christ be in you the body is dead because of sin viz. If by his Spirit he be in you It implies the Mistical union that is betwixt Christ and his Members A Mistery that is too wonderful to be made manifest to Mortals And it signifies to us our dependance upon Chriist for Light and Life What the Soul is to the body that Christ is to the Soul he abides in it by his spirit to supply its needs And is all in all to the Soul And all things else are just nothing to the Soul for they can afford it no satisfaction nor any one supply of its needs Alas what relief can Honour or Riches afford a Christless Soul none at all They oft prove snares to the Soul but never give any succour to it but Christ by his Spirit is in every true Christian and this is his Happiness and his hope of Glory Quest 2. When and in what manner doth Christ take possession of the hearts of his Elect Answ In this great transaction betwixt Christ and the Soul it is certain that Christ himself is the Author and the Spirit his Agent and his Word his usual and ordinary instrument and Faith his appointed method and means and the Work is wholly supernatural But the Modus rei the course and order that the Spirit makes use of in this great affair its intricate and hereby hath occasioned some difference in the apprehensions of the Learned In my weak Judgment they are in the right that distinguish betwixt 1. The qualifying Antecedents or Prerequisites that dispose prepare and fit the Soul for so great a Guest viz. the Grace that Christ by his Spirit conveys into the Soul in order to his entrance called the first preventing Grace this is the seed of Faith and a holy principle of Life Light and Love infused into the Soul as a holy Root and cause of all actual holiness and precedes it and puts the Soul into a capacity to put forth future acts of holiness This initial holiness sanctifies the Soul and halloweth it and makes it meet for the indwelling of the holy Spirit And till the Soul be thus seasoned I cannot see how the Holy Ghost can take up its Habitation in it What Communion can light have with darkness 2. The conveying Concomitants that usher Christ into the Soul and accompany the possession that the Spirit takes of the Soul is called subsequent Grace or the Influence of the Spirit causing the Soul freely to reduce the said seed and principle into Act and when it actually repents and believes through grace received then it is actually justified upon the account of Christ's
It 's a Holy Spirit and therefore called the Holy Ghost they then that are carnal and sensual have not the Spirit Jude 19. And the Spirit of God is a humble and meek Spirit they then that are haughty and lofty and despise and contemn the Righteous they want the Spirit 2. By its Nurture it Nurtures and trains up the Soul in the fear of God and in the Faith of the Gospel John 16.13 When the Spirit of truth is come he will guide you into all truth That Spirit then that leads men into Errour cannot be the Spirit of God Now that Spirit that cries down Christs Ordinances and his Ambassadors leads into Errour The Word of God is the Dictates of the Spirit and the Standard of Truth and that Spirit that contradicts the written Word cannot be the Spirit of Christ for the Spirit of Christ cannot Contradict it self in contradicting any one part of that word that it was dictator of You must then judge of the Spirit by the Word That Spirit that doth not train up conduct and lead according to the Scriptures is a false Spirit Isa 8.20 If they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them Gal. 1.8 9. Such as preach another Gospel are accursed And such as preach contrary to the Gospel set up another Gospel Thus far I have spoke to the Doctrinal part now let us proceed to the practical part of the Doctrine Is the Spirit of Christ in every sincere Christian Then 1 Vse Shall be of Terror to such as live without Christ in the World be they prophane Persons or Professors God hath provided an alsufficient Saviour for us that can savâ— to the utmost and there is no Salvation in any other Person or thing to be expected And none can be saved by him but such as receive and admit him into their hearts by Faith and how few are they that have Christ in them Oh you that do make account to be saved by Christ at death and yet shut your hearts against Christ and have not embraced him as freely offered in the Gospel know that you do but deceive your selves If you keep Christ out of your hearts Christ will keep you out of Heaven A Christless Soul is a wretched Soul Oh now whilst it is said to day it concerns you above all things in the World to consider your danger the dreadfulness of your danger and the desperate Madness of such as sit down contented under their danger I pray you to consider 1. Your Danger If Christ be not in you you cannot be in safety Your condition must needs be a perilous condition you stand upon the Margin of Death and Destruction For 1. You are under the Captivity of Satan and in the snares of the Devil and are carried Captive by him at his will and pleasure 2 Tim. 2. last Satan possesses the Soul of all that continue in the state of Nature 'till Christ comes and dispossesseth him Eph. 2.2 Satan is the Spirit that worketh in the Children of Disobedience And you are the Children of Disobedience and disobey the Calls of the Gospel and the Commands of Christ in the Gospel He Commands you to believe and to repent and to obey his Gospel but you disobey him and therefore the Spirit that dwells in you is Satan and it 's he that works in you and Oh what sad work doth he make with your precious Souls how doth he insnare and enslave them what Tyranny doth he exercise on them it's high time for you to consider it 2. You are under the Curse of the Law and under the Condemnation of the Gospel and therefore you are in as much danger of Damnation as a condemned Person is of Execution Oh what dreadful Curses are the Curses of God and how certain in the Execution if Repentance do not intervene And these Curses of God hang over your heads like a Hurricane or violent Tempest that is ready to fall down upon you There is a Curse upony our Blessings a Curse upon your bodies A Curse upon your substance and a Curse upon your Soul And if this Curse be not removed it will certainly light upon you Your sins will find you out surely then you are in danger Now Consider 2. The Dreadfulness of this danger that you are under The greatness of this danger lies in these instances I will lay them before you in couples for the help of your Memories The dreadfulness of this your danger lies in 1. The Unavoidableness and Universality of this danger 1. It 's an unavoidable danger I mean under your Circumstances rebus sic stantibus as the case is now with you A man may be in danger and he may foresee it and avoid it David was in danger of Saul and hid himself in a cave and so avoided it But in the case you are in the danger is unavoidable not that it is so in it self but you make it so to your selves there is one way and but one way to avoid it and this way is by Christ Now this way you reject and how can ye escape if ye neglect so great Salvation It 's impossible for you to escape any other way and this way you do not and will not be perswaded to take and so go about to make your danger unavoidable 2. It s an universal danger a danger of a vast extent your All is in danger your lesser and greater Concerns your Estates your Lives your Bodies and Souls Your All is under a Curse and therefore your All is in danger and is it not time to look about you when fire is got in the thatch and all your goods are in danger how are you Concerned your case is much worse your danger far greater and will you be unconcerned 2. The Dreadfulness of your danger lies in the Proximity and Perpetuity of the Evils you stand in danger of 1. In their Proximity The Judge stands at the door your danger is not a remote but a present danger you are now and alway in danger you may lose your Souls in a minute you know the uncertainty of Life that it is but a Vapour a Bubble that may burst and vanish in a moment So that upon this account you are daily and constantly in danger Now Life is so uncertain that in Temporal matters you will secure your selves because all men are mortal and will you run such a hazzard as we are now speaking of and not study your safety will you be penny wise and pound foolish secure a little Siver and let your Souls lie in such danger 2 In their Perpetuity the danger is not only present but the evils you stand in danger of are everlasting You are in danger to lose your Souls and to lose Heaven and these are irrevocable losses and such losses as will I remain to all eternity and your are in danger of Hell and of eternal Death and if the danger be not removed but it once overtake
Souls should fallely apply this to themselves and so aggrivate their discouragements I shall first describe the Hypocrite and then lay open the falsness of his Hope That Professor is an Hypocrite that for self-interest conforms to the outward exercises of Christianity and walks in the tract of the duties thereof but is a stranger to the inwards of duty viz. the enjoyment of Christ and the exercise of Grace therein hath no regard to the inward man hath nothing of the Image of Christ in the Soul is wholly carnal and sensual not having the Spirit is altogether destitute of saving Grace And as for his gifts he useth them for by ends to quiet his Conscience to keep up his Name and Credit amongst Christians or to curry favour with some that he hath a dependance upon As for such as labour under a trembling fear of hypocrisie and bewail that partial hypocrisie they find in themselves and fight and pray against it they hereby give such an evidence of their sincerity as declares that they are of the number of true Christians and cannot be ranked amongst Hypocrites and their Fault lies not in hoping but in the weakness of their Hope and oft in rejecting the Hope of Glory But the Hypocrite tho' he be not in a hopeful condition yet he is commonly full of confidence and cherisheth false hope in himself but this Doctrine overthrows his hope Si tollitur causa tollitur effectus Take away the Cause and the Effect ceaseth Now in these the experience of the saving work of Grace in the heart is wanting Christ was never formed in them and therefore there can be no such thing in them as any true Hope of Glory And hence it is the Spirit of God in the Word cries down the hope of the Hypocrite and tells him that it is not to be trusted to but that in vain they hope for Glory Job 8.13 14. The Hypocrites Hope shall perish His trust shall be a Spiders Web Spun out of a false conceit of their own brains and when the besom of destruction comes it fails and proves a Spiders Web for weakness and worth and durance it proves of no value Job 27.8 What is the Hope of the Hypocrite when God taketh away his Soul Then where is his hope Alas he then finds his hope turned into despair and he that hoped for Heaven is cast down into Hell Oh these false Hopes how do they vanish under the greatest needs of the Soul such come before God like men to a Market with Money enough in their Pocket that they took for good but proves counterfeit and will not pass and so they cannot supply any of their need with it So these hopes fails them when they most need them and will not pass for currant their hopes of Glory have not 〈◊〉 grain of good in them they are counterâ—eit Coin away with them 2. To prophane Wretches that live scanâ—alous Lives wallow in wickedness that â—ne would think that they could not pretend 〈◊〉 any hopes of Glory and yet I have met with many of these that feed themselves with hopes of Glory Though these hopes are the Childrens bread yet these Dogs snatch at them and they that are Posting towards Hell will not be brought to see their Danger but think they are going to Heaven Oh you that live prophane Lives and yet hope for Glory hear what is said of your hope Job 11.20 The Hope of the wicked shall be as the giving up of the Ghost that is He that is seized with Death and his Soul ready to expire may as well hope to Live as such hope for Heaven in the State they are in Or their Hope is as the giving up of the Ghost that is as a puff of breath like the last puff of breath that a dying man puffeth when he leaves the World that vanisheth in a moment It 's no more to be regarded no more to be relied upon then such a puff And when the Wicked puff out their last breath their breath and hope will vanish together Then adieu to Breath and adieu to Hope Oh ye that live in notorious Wickedness and yet hope for Mercy from God in this State of Sin at your Death give me leave to expostulate with you a little about your hopes 1. What reason can you give for this hope that is in you what Word of God have you met with to ground your hope on Alas alas that you should take up a hope that hath not one Word of God for its support but much against it in the Scripture Nay let me tell you your hope is false or God himself false in his Word reconcile your hope if you can to these Scriptures Psa 9.17 The wicked shall be turned into Hell Job 19.7 He shall perish for ever like his own Dung Isa 3.11 Wo to the wicked it shall be ill with him for the reward of his hands shall be given him Isa 27.11 He that made them shall not have mercy on them and he that formed them shall shew them no favour Rom. 2.9 Tribulation and Anguish upon every Soul that doth evil 2 Thes 1.7.8.9 The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven ta-Vengance on them that know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ who shall be punished with everlasting Destruction 2. What Right can you claim to Christ and to Salvation by him he is a Saviour of the believer and of none but believers if you say you believe and therefore he is your Saviour then hear what James says to you James 2.18 19 20. Thy Faith is a dead Faith and profits nothing and this he proves thus Faith without works is dead thy Faith is such a Faith and therefore but a dead Faith Obj. This Doctrine tends to despair and leaves a Sinner without Hope and therefore a dangerous Doctrine Answ It 's the Doctrine of the Gospel and tells you that there is no hope for you in a State of Sin and yet there is Hope no Hope and yet Hope No Hope whilst you cleave to your Sins and prefer your Sins before your Salvation And yet Hope if you turn true penitent Believers Ezra 10.2 There is hope in Israel viz. For Sinners in case of Repentance Ezek. 18.30 Turn you from all your Iniquity so Iniquity shall not be your ruin otherwise it will certainly ruin you so that Life and Death are set before you Salvation and Damnation Salvation in case of Repentance but Damnation in case you live and die without true Repentance Now what will ye do in this Case will you be as you are and do as you do then you remain hopeless but if you will turn from all your Sins to God and accept of Salvation by Christ in Gods appointed way then you may live in Hope of Glory Heb. 6.18 Who have fled for Refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us You see there is a Refuge for you to flie to a Present Patent
choicest Treasure and set a great value upon them both because of the superexcellency of the things Promised and because of the infallibility of him that promised them He that made these Promises is God and not man and there being no impotency nor inconstancy in him the Promises must needs prove certain and unfailable 2. The faithfulness of God in his promises serves to check and condemn the fears and jealousies that arise in us from the foresight of future troubles Whence spring all these distracting thoughts that croud our Souls but from Unbelief did we live by Faith upon the Promises it were not possible for us to be overwhelmed with fears Matth. 8.26 Why are ye fearful oh ye of little faith have we such precious Promises and is he faithful that hath promised then why are we so fearful our fears surely are groundless fears they proceed not from any just cause but from our distrusting the faithfulness of God in his Promises Had we more Faith we should have less fear Faith would scatter our fears by fetching in relief from the Promises if would chide out slavish fear as it did in David Psal 42. last Why are thou cast down Oh my Soul hope thou in God 3 The faithfulness of God in his Promises serves to Create in us an ardent Love to our Gracious Lord and Master Who would not Love such a kind and faithful Friend as we should fear him for his Greatness so should we love him for his Goodness How good hath God been to us in giving such a large stock of rich Promises unto us and therein intailing so large an inheritance upon us how sad and forlorn would our condition be were it not for these precious Promises what would poor persecuted reproached and despised Christians do were they not supported by these Promises and what would poor doubting Christians do but for these Promises how many under the distresses of their Souls have recived comfort from the Promises that Blessed Martyr Mr. Bilney being wounded in Conscience for renouncing the Profession of his Faith and subscribing the Popish Errors was at last comforted with that Promise Isa 26.3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee A Young maid went Triumphantly to Heaven by the refreshment she found in that Promise Matth. 11.28 Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest Many drooping Spirits have been comforted from these words 1 John 3.14 We know that we have passed from death to life because we love the Brethren I know one that hath lived comfortably many Years upon that Promise Phil. 4.19 My God shall supply all your wants according to his riches in glory by Christ Oh what comforts have many received from the Promises God expresseth his Love to his People in these Promises and they should express their Love to him in their thankfulness for the Promises 4. The Faithfulness of God in his Promises serves to confirm our Faith in the Promises Is he faithful that hath Promised why then should we doubt of the truth of the Promises Christ says one is the Vine and the Promises are a Cluster of Grapes growing upon this Vine and Faith presseth the Wine of comfort and contentment out of the cluster of the Promises Why do we not make more improvement and advantage of the Promises and live more upon them doth not the Faithfulness of God silence all our doubts and challenge from us more strenuous Acts of Faith is God true to his Word then surely we should patiently wait for and assuredly expect the accomplishment of the Promises and that when the Stream of Providence runs another way God saith Jer. 32. 42. I will bring upon them all the good that I have promised them And if we would receive the good contained in the Promises then we must act Faith in the Promises Faith takes this for granted that God will be as good as his Word and by reflecting upon Gods Faithfulness Faith is strengthened and confirmed 5. The Faithfulness of God in his Promises serves to clear the Promises from all charges of miscarrying The Promises are not alway performed to all that claim an interest in them but this is not to be charged on God as a piece of unfaithfulness For 1. Delays in performing Promises are no breaches of Promise if the time of performance be not limited in the Promise Ps 77.8 Doth his promise fail for evermore No No that cannot be it may fail for a time but not for ever God will make his word good one time or other Though he may delay the performance yet he cannot break the Promise and therefore its good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. 2. Discharges from Promises discharge from the performance and in conditional promises the non-observation of the condition discharges from the performance And many of Gods promises are conditional and such as keep not the Condition do justly miss of the Accomplishment of the promise and yet he is faithful that promised 2 Chron. 15.2 The Lord is with you whilst you are with him but if you forsake him he will forsake you 3. Doing more for a person then the promise amounts to though not the same but in another kind is no breach of Promise but a performance of it with advantage As if I promise to another 100 l. and instead thereof give him a Jewel worth 200 l. then I am as good and better then my word to him So it God promise Deliverance and do not deliver but gives Strength Comfort and spiritual Advantage to a person in his Trouble he is as good and better than his word to him When he gives eternal life instead of temporal life the promise doth not fail but still he is faithful that promised 6. The Faithfulness of God in his Promises serves to quicken us to all Diligence in looking out after an Interest in the Promises Though there are many precious promises and he is faithful that promised yet what are we the better if we be none of those to whom the promise belongs if we be in the state of Nature we are under the Law and not under Grace under the Curses of the Law and not under the Promises of the Gospel Study therefore under your Peace and Liberty your interest in the Promises that you may apply them to your selves without Presumption when you fall into Adversity If you ask how you may discover your interest in the Promises I answer 1. You must cleanse your selves from all Pollutions 2 Cor. 7. beg Having these Promises let us cleanse our selves c. He that will comfortably apply the Promises must apply himself diligently to the Conditions of the promise he must cleanse himself that he may be capable to receive the Blessings promised and live alway under the influence of the Promise and be able justly to challenge an interest in the promise Such as have filthy polluted Souls have no Interest
in the Promise 2. You must close with the Promise and accept of it with its Condition annexed striving for the Qualifications upon which the Obligation of the Promise dependeth and acting those Graces so strongly that you may be satisfied in your selves that the Habits of those Graces are within you and then the Door of the Promise will stand open to you and you may enter into it with satisfaction upon all occasions The more clearly Grace darteth forth its Beams in your Souls the more manifest will your interest in the promises appear 7. The Faithfulness of God in his promises serves to convince us of the wretchedness of such as have no Interest in the Promises Alas alas what will formal Hypocrites do in an evil day whether will they fly for refuge if they run to the promise it will afford them no succour not because the Promise faileth but because it belongs not to them They are none of the Heirs of the promise The promise is the Heritage of the Righteous Faithful is he that hath promised But to these he hath made no promises his Threatnings not his Promises belong unto them It s no wonder that formal Hypocrites fall from their profession in a time of Persecution they being not under the promises but under danger of being left to themselves for imprisoning the Truth in unrighteousness 2 Thes 2.10 Such as receive not the Love of the Truth shall be given up to strong Delusions Godliness is profitable to all things having the Promise of this Life and the Life that is to come The promises appertain to Godliness and neither the promises of this life nor of the life to come belong to ungodliness The Godly are the Children of the Promise but the ungodly the Children of Wrath and have nothing to do with the promise And how woful is their condition that have no Interest in the promises 8. The Faithfulness of God in his Promises serves to comfort Christians under all the evils that may befal them in this wicked World They may comfort themselves 1. In the fullness of the Promise There is a supply of all their wants laid up for them in the Promise and whatsoever they need they may fetch from the Fountain of the Promise want they Comfort or Council Support or Strength these and much more are laid up for them in the Promises 2. They may also comfort themselves in the Faithfulness of the Promises They are firm and infallible Promises and can deceive none that rely upon them Suppose they fall into Poverty God hath promised not to suffer them to lack and to repair their Losses and faithful is he that hath promised Suppose they be cast into Prison God hath promised them his Presenee Power Peace and his Spirit and these will turn a Prison into a Pallace and faithful is he that hath promised Suppose they be put to Death in the cause of the Gospel it doth but hasten them to Heaven and God hath promised to be with them in the fire and to reward them with a more weighty Crown of Glory and faithful is he that hath promised Suppose through the violence of a Temptation they be overcome and fall into some hainous sin they shall not die in that sin but recover by renewed Repentance for God hath promised to heal their backsliding and faithful is he that hath promised 9. The Faithfulness of God in his Promises serves to encourage us to Constancy and Stedfastness in the profession of the Faith The Promises are faithful Friends to such faithful Servants as are not only in the Faith and stedfast in the Faith but also stedfast in the open Profession of their Faith How do the Promises embolden animate and encourage them to Constancy and Perseverance in this their Profession in stormy and perilous times Heb. 10.23 Let us hold fast our profession without wavering faithful is he that hath promised And is he faithful that hath promised then why should we waver and let go our profession of our Faith Is not Gods Faithfulness a strong Encouragement to us to stick close to our Profession Surely it is for it answers all objections that carnal reason objects aganst stedfastness in our Profession and assures us of all supplies that we stand in need of to help us to hold fast our Profession without wavering 1. It answers all Objections that Carnal Reason objects against this stedfastness in our Profession Doth carnal reason object Poverty saying if thou stick now in such times as these to thy profession thou wilt be undone and bring thy self and thy Family to Beggary The Answer is The Earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof he feeds the Fowls of the Air and provided Manna for the Israelites in the Wilderness and he hath promised that there shall be no lack to them that fear him Ps 34.9 and faithful is he that hath promised Doth carnal reason object impotency and disability saying alas thou art a weak frail and fearful Creature and wilt never be able to hold out and hold fast thy profession to the end of the storm the Severities of unreasonable Men and the Cruelties they will expose thee to will prove too hard for thee it s to no purpose to strive against so violent a stream better yield at first than to stand out a while and then be forced to a dishonorable Retreat The Answer is this When my flesh and my heart faileth me God is the strength of my Heart Though I am weak yet God is strong and he hath promised to be my Shield and Refuge and faithful is he that hath promised When Paul was in Trouble God stood by him and strengthned him 2 Tim. 4.16 Heb. 11.34 And in the primitive Persecutions the Christians out of weakness were made strong why then should I be discouraged I will trust to Gods Faithfulness which never failed Doth carnal reason object the perfidiousness of Friends saying all will forsake you and frown on you and you will have none to stand by you and to look after you in your troubles The Answer is I have a faithful Friend that hath promised to stick close to me that can and will help me The Lord of Host hath promised to be with me and to help me and faithful is he that hath promised He was faithful to Paul and to Jacob and to Joseph and though they had many and great troubles and their worldly Friends failed them yet he befriended them all along and why should I distrust so faithful a Friend that never falsified his promise thus the Faithfulness of God answers all carnal objections And 2. It assures as of all sorts of supplies that we stand in need of to help us to hold fast our profession without wavering Phil. 4.19 My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ He shall do it saith Paul And how could Paul assure of all necessary supplies why he knew that God was engaged by
help from God I continue unto this day Acts 26.22 Out of Weakness were made strong Heb. 11.34 Sixthly Promises of Peace and Comfort in all Conditions Thou shalt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee Isa 26.3 Ask for the good old way and walk therein and you shall find rest to your souls Jer. 6.16 I will pray the Father and he will give you another comforter that he may abide with you for ever John 14.16 The Peace of God that passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds viz. from inward distractions under outward afflictions Phil. 4.7 The Lord will comfort Zion Joy and Gladness shall be found therein thanksgiving and the voice of melody Isa 51.3 I will extend peace to thee like a River as one whom his mother comforteth so will I comfort you and you shall be comforted Isa 66.12 13. Experiences of Peace and Comfort in all Conditions I laid me down and slept viz. in his flight from his Son Absolon Ps 3.5 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul Ps 94.19 As the Sufferings of Christ abound in us so also our Consolations by Christ abound 2 Cor. 1.5 As sorrowful yet alway rejoycing 2 Cor. 6.5 Who comforteth us in all our Tribulations that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we our selves are comforted of the Lord 2 Cor. 1.4 So Hannah went away and did eat and her Countenance was sad no more 1 Sam. 1.18 They continued daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with Gladness and singleness of heart Acts 20.46 Seventhly Promises of the Prevalency and Acceptance of Prayer He shall call upon me and I will answer him Psal 91.28 Before they call I will answer and while they are yet speaking I will hear Isa 65.4 I am the Lord their God and will hear them Zecha 10.6 All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing ye shall receive Mat. 21.21 The effectual fervent Prayer of the righteous availeth very much James 5.16 Ask and it shall given you seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened to you Mat. 7.7 The Lord is far from the Wicked but he heareth the Prayer of the Righteous Prov. 15.29 The Eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his Ears are open to their Prayers 1 Pet. 3.12 Lord thou hast heard the desires of the humble thou wilt prepare their hearts thou wilt cause thine Ears to hear Psal 10.17 Experiences of the Prevalence and Acceptance of Prayer He viz. Jacob had power over the Angel and prevailed Hos 12.4 I cried by reason of my afflictions to the Lord and he heard me out of the belly of Hell cried I and thou heardst my voice Jonah 2.2 Thou heardst the voice of my supplication when I cried to thee Ps 31.22 Our Fathers cried to thee and were delivered They trusted in thee and were not confounded Ps 22.5 Verily God hath heard me he hath attended to the voice of my Prayer Blessed be God who hath not turned away my prayer nor his mercy from me Ps 66. lat Cornelius thy prayer is heard and thy Alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God Acts 10.31 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are And he prayed earnestly that it might not rain and it rained not on the earth for the space of three years and six Months And he prayed again and the Heavens gave Rain and the Earth brought forth her fruit James 5.17 18. Eighthly Promises of the Pardon of Sin If we confess our sins he is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 1 John 1.9 I will he merciful to their Vnrighteousness and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more Heb. 8.10 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous Man his thoughts and let him return to the Lord and he will have mercy upon him and to our God and he will abundantly pardon Isa 55.7 To him gave the Prophets witness that through his Name whosoever believeth shall receive remission of sin Acts 10.43 I will forgive their iniquities and I will remember their sins no more Jer. 31.34 All manner of sin and Blasphemy shall be forgiven to men viz. upon repentance but the sin against the Holy Ghost Mat. 12.31 If ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will forgive you your trespasses Mat. 6.14 Experiences of the Pardon of Sin I acknowledge my sin unto thee I said I will confess my transgressions to the Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Selah Ps 32.5 He being full of Compassion forgave their iniquities and destroyed them not Ps 78.38 Christ saith of Mary Magdalen her sins which were many are forgiven Luke 7.47 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of his Son in whom we have redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sins Col. 1.13.14 Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all his Benefits Who forgiveth all thy iniquities and healeth all thy Diseases Ps 103.2 3. Forgive one another as God for Christ sake hath forgiven you your sins Ephe. 4. last He said to the sick of the palsie son thy sins be forgiven thee Mar. 2.5 Ninthly Promises of Power against Sin and Growth of Grace Sin shall not have dominion over you for you are not under the Law but under Grace Rom. 6.14 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you and you shall be clean from all your filthiness will I cleanse you I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my way Ezek 36.25 26 27. He will turn again he will have compassion on us he will subdue our Iniquities Mic. 7.19 My grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in Weakness 2 Cor. 12.0 Return ye backsliding Children and I will heal your backsliding Jer. 3.22 Every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth that it may bring forth more fruity John 15.2 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing to shew that the Lord is upright Psal 92.14 15. I will be as the dew to Israel he shall grow as the Lilly They shall revive as the corn and grow as the vine Hos 14.5 7. My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ you need more grace more strength and all your need shall be supplied Phil. 4.19 Experiences of Power against Sin and Growth in Grace Such were some of you but now are ye washed now are you sanctified In the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6.11 Now being made free from sin and become servants of God ye have your fruit unto holiness and the end everlasting life Rom. 6.22 O wretched man that I am
who shall deliver me from the body of this Death I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord Rom. 7.24 In all these things we are more then Conquerours through him that loved us Rom. 8.37 Joseph refused to ly with his Mistress saying how can I do this great sin and sin against God Gen. 39.8 We are bound to give thanks to God alway for you Because your faith groweth exceedingly 2 Thes 1.3 The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more to the perfect day Prov. 4.18 Which Gospel is come unto you as it is in all the world and bringeth forth fruit as it doth also in you Col. 1.6 Tenthly Promises of the Presence of God and of his Spirit Fear not for I am with thee I am thy God I will strengthen thee yea I will help thee yea I will uphold thee Isa 41.10 Fear not O Israel thou art mine when thou passest through the waters I will be with thee they shall not overflow thee when thou walkest thro' the fire thou shalt not be burnt Isa 43. beg Be content with such things as ye have for he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee Heb. 13.5 If a man love me he will keep my words and my father will love him and we will come to him and make our abode with him John 14.23 Turn you at my reproof behold I will pour out my Spirit into you Prov. 1.23 It is convenient for you that I go away for if I go not away the Comforter will not come but if I depart I will send him to you John 16.7 If ye being evil know how to give good Gifts to to your Children how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him Luke 11.13 I will pray to the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you John 14.16 18. Experiences of the Presence of the Spirit of God Though I walk through the valley of the shaddow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me Psa 23.4 Joseph was sold into Egypt but the Lord was with Joseph and he shewed him mercy Gen. 39.21 Lo I see four men loose walking in the midst of the fire and they have no hurt and the form of the fourth is like the son God Dan. 3.25 Solomon was strengthened in his Kingdom and the Lord his God was with him and magnified him exceedingly 2 Chron. 1.1 Hereby we know that we dwell in him and he in us because he hath given us of his Spirit 1 John 4.3 God which knoweth the hearts bear them witness viz. the Gentiles giving them his spirit even as he did to us Acts 15.8 The Holy Ghost fell on them which heard the word Acts 10.44 Barnabas was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith Acts 11.24 The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost Acts 13. last Eleventhly Promises of Perseverance I will make an Everlasting Covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear into their hearts that they shall not depart from me Jer. 32.40 I will give them everlasting Life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand John 10.28 One thing is needful Mary hath chosen the better part which shall never be taken from her Luke 10. last Who will confirm you to the end that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 1.8 I pray God that your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ faithful is he that hath called you who will also do it 1 Thess 5.23 24. The Gifts and calling of God are without repentance Rom. 11.29 Being confident of this thing that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ Phil. 1.6 Experiences of Perseverance The high places were not removed nevertheless Asa his heart was perfect with the Lord all his days 1 King 15.14 I have fought the good fight I have finished my course I have kept the faith Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness 2 Tim. 4.7 8. Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace for I have seen thy salvation Luke 2.29 The house built upon the rock though the rain descended and the flood came and the winds blew yet kept his standing Mat. 7. lat These all dyed in the faith Heb. 11.13 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation 1 Pet. 1.5 I have been young and now am old yet have not seen the righteous forsaken Psal 37.25 My flesh and my heart faileth me but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever Psal 73.26 Twelfthly Promises of the Possession of Heaven Fear not little flock it is your Fathers good will to give a Kingdom Luke 12.32 Eye hath not seen ear hath not heard nor hath it entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him 1 Cor. 2.9 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of Life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him James 1.12 When the chief shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a Crown of Glory that faideth not way 1 Pet. 5.4 Fear none of these things which thou shalt suffer ye shall have tribulation 10 days be faithful unto death and I will give thee a Crown of Life Rev. 2.10 You have your fruit unto holiness and the end everlasting Life Rom. 6.22 Of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ Col. 3.24 Experiences of the Possession of Heaven Be ye followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the Promises Heb. 6.12 Lazarus dyed and was carried by the Angels into Abraham's bosom Luke 16.2 Then talked with him two men which were Moses and Elias who appeared in glory Luke 9.30.21 The Spirits of just men made perfect Heb. 12.23 Heaven is called the inheritance of the Saints because they do inherit it Col. 1.12 A Song of Praise THe World 's a toy let me imploy My Soul in higher things Than upon those that create woes And carry cruel Stings My Fears are great Sorrow my Meat And humane Faith is gone On Pilgrimage for in this Age Amongst us there is none Thy faithfulness O God I bless And cannot but admire That Love is cold and yet behold None warm it at this Fire But O my Soul do not condole But Triumph thou in Praise Greatly rejoice with Hearts and Voice Let Joy thy Spirits raise Mind not the Rod rejoice in God That never failed thee Thou knowest this faithful he is And so will ever be Thou hast been Low and
now art so And God hath alway been A Sun and Shield that succour yield As thou hast often seen His Word is sure and doth endure For ever and for aye Witness thou can to every Man All 's true that he doth say If this be so come let us go To God and on him stay It 's not absur'd to plead his Word To it he ne'er says nay His Word applaud his Name with Laud And Praises celebrate Let not thy Love to God above In any thing abate And now O Lord for thy sure Word Of Promise I thee bless And whilst I live will Glory give To thee not to the Flesh Praise is thy due thy Word is true Thy Promises our store And full though wide from side to side Praised be God therefore A full supply in Misery I see it doth afford O let it be now unto me According to thy Word Let Faith be fed and by it led To live on Thee alone Help me to trust in the most Just Faithful and Righteous One. My Doubts expel let Hope excell Let Praises be my Trade Let me rejoice with Heart and Voice In all that thou hast said Let none despair the news is rare The Promises revealed Are high and great without deceit Records most firmly Sealed Oh praised be thy Majesty For Promises of Grace All the Elect may hear expect Supplies in every Case Another Song of Praise MY Soul give Praise unto the Lord With Joy his Praises Sing To Praise the Name of God thy Lord Is a most pleasant thing His Promises rich Jewels are These Jewels are thy own Though thou art Poor yet very rich In Promises alone Thy Faithful God will certainly His Promises perform Fear not O Soul the frowns of Men Fear not the greatest Storm Rejoice in God and in his Word Of Promise made to thee His Promises most precious Certain and faithful be Though thou art Poor God will provide Supplies he will afford Yea such supplies as shall suffice According to his Word Though thou art weak his Arms support What need is there to fear Above beneath and round about His mighty Arms appear When Troubles like a Hurrican Do compass thee about It s for thy good this Physick thou Canst not be well without Yea safety in and sure support And all that needful be For aid and help in this sad Case Are promised to thee Thy Sins though great are pardoned Thy Enemies are strong But cannot hurt because to thee The Promises belong Such guards and aids the Promises In readiness still have And will be granted unto thee When thou for them dost crave Oh Blessed be the Lords of Hosts My dear and faithful Friend According to his Promises He help and aid doth send His Promises never do fail They are most firm and sure His faithfulness is vastly great And ever shall endure My Soul exalt the living Lord For Gracious is he His Mercy now and evermore He will extend to thee Awake my Glory glorifie And Praise the Lord of Host And of his precious Promises Make thou thy daily boast The World is full of Wickedness Envy debate and strife But these are the great Cordials That do support my Life Thy Presence and thy Promises Are rare and precious things And all along unto my Soul The greatest Comfort brings FINIS Books Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns at the lower end of Cheap-side near Mercers-Chappel A Body of Practical Divinity consisting of above One Hundred Sermons on the Lesser Catechism of the Reverend Assembly of Divines at Westminster with a Supplement of some Sermons on several Texts of Scripture By Tho. Watson formerly Minister of St. Stephens Walbrook A Discourse of Spiritual mindedness Person of Christ On the 130th Psalm The Doctrine of the Trinity Of Mortification of Sin in Believers An humble Testimony concerning the Goodness and Severity of God in Dealing with sinful Churches and Nations A Treatise of Temptation Eshcol or Rules of Fellowship These Eight last by John Owen D. D. Heywood's Baptismal Bonds renewed Grotius of Christ's Satisfaction in English Hursts Revival of Grace i.e. on the Sacrament The good of Early Obedience A Sermon of Unity The Vision of the Wheels in three Sermons Spiritual Wisdom improved against Temptation The Almost Christian discovered All Five by Mat. Mead. Consolation for the afflicted at the Funeral of Mr. Edward Rede By Tim. Rogers M. A. Calamy's Godly Mans Ark in five Sermons his Art of Divine Meditation Redemption of Time the Wisdom and Duty of Christians in Evil Days By John Wade Minister at Hamersmith Intercourses of Divine Love betwixt Christ and his Church being Sermons on the 1st and 2d Chapters of the Canticles or the Song of Songs Several Discourse of actual Providence in three Parts These two last by John Collings D. D. Spiritual Songs or Songs of praise to Almighty God on several Occasions with thirty penitential Crys with a Poem also of Dives and Lazarus The Midnight Cry a Sermon These two by John Mason Mr. Corberts Self-Employment in Secret A Treatise of the Day of Judgment By Mr. Sam. Lee Minister Husbandry Spiritualized A Saint indeed A Token for Mourners All these three by Mr. John Flavel Minister of the Gospel Satan sifting or the Oyl of Joy for the Spirit of Sadness Whites Little Book for Little Children The rare Jewel of Chistian Contentment with four useful Discouses by Mr. Jer. Burroughs An Earnest Call to Family Duties being the substance of Eighteen Sermons by Sam. Slater Hymns for the Sacrament composed mostly out of the New Testament Theological Discourses and Sermons on several Occasions By John Wallis D. D. The Truest and Largest account of the late Earthquake in Jamaica June 7. 1692. from a Reverend Divine there to his Friend in London The best way to mend the world by perswading the Rising Generation to an early and Serious Practice of Piety Both by Samuel Peck Lecturer of Ipswich A Sermon preach'd at the Funeral of the Reverend Mr. Tho shewell M. A. and Minister of the Gospel in Coventry These two last by William Tongue Minister c. A Discourse concerning Old Age tending to the Instruction Caution and Comfort of Aged Persons By Richard Steel M. A. A Sermon at the Funeral of the Worshipful John Symonds late of Great Yeldham in Essex Esq by John Brooke M. A. and Rector there A Vindication of the Church of Scotland being an Answer to five Pamphlets by Dr. Rule A Sermon of the absolute Necessity of Family Duties Preached to the United Parishes of St. Mary-Woolnoth and St. Mary Wool-Church-Haw in Lombard-Street His Farewel-Sermon These Two by David Jones Student of Christ-Church Oxon. A brief on the 7th Commandment wherein is discovered the Cause of all our Controversies about the Sabbath-Day and the means of Reconciling them Recommended by the Reverend Dr. Bates and Mr. John How Convivium Caeleste A plain and familiar Discourse concerning the Lords Supper shewing at once the Nature of that Sacrament as also the right way of preparing our selves for the receiving of it In which are also considered those Exceptions which men usually bring to excuse their not partaking of it A Sermon preached before the King and Queen at White-Hall Nov. 5.1692 These Two by Richard Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells The Confirming Work of Religion and its great things made plain by their primary Evidences and Demonstrations whereby the meanest in the Church may soon be made able to render a Rational Account of their Faith