also he iustified and whom hee iustified them also hee glorified Rom. 8.30 2. Promises to make us righteous As by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many bee made righteous Rom. 5.19 therefore we are said to be the righteousnesse of GOD in him 2 Cor. 5.21 For this cause CHRIST is called The LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESSE Ier. 23.6 33.16 CHRIST is made unto us righteousnesse 1 Cor. 1.30 He is said to be the end of the law for righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth Rom. 10.4 and the Sacraments are said to be the Seales of the righteousnesse of faith Rom. 4.11 He hath covered mee with a robe of righteousnesse Abraham beleeved GOD and it was imputed to him for righteousnesse Gal. 3.6 This imputed righteousnesse the Papists scoffe at and call it a putative righteousnesse and yet the phrase is used tenne times in one Chapter 4. Reconciliation By CHRIST wee are reconciled to GOD. GOD hath reconciled us to himselfe by JESUS CHRIST GOD was in CHRIST reconciling the world unto himselfe 2 Cor. 5.18 19. CHRIST is our peace who hath made both one that he might reconcile both unto GOD Ephes. 2.14 16. You that were sometime alienated yet now hath he reconciled Col. 1.21 5. Adoption Promises 1. of it Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sonnes of GOD 1 Joh. 3.1 2. But to as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sonnes of GOD even to them that beleeve in his name Iohn 1.12 That is a gracious promise which the Apostle citeth out of the Prophet Hosea Rom. 9.26 And it shall be in the place where it was said unto them yee are not my people that there they shall be called the children of the living GOD. So the LORD promiseth to such as shall separate themselves from the wicked 2 Cor. 6.18 Hee that overcommeth shall inherit all things and I will be his GOD and hee shall be my sonne Rev. 21.7 Blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the sonnes of GOD Mat. 5.9 It was GODS promise to David concerning Salomon 2 Sam. 7.14 I will be his father and hee shall be my sonne Whereupon David much affected and ravished saith verse 18. O LORD GOD what am I or my fathers house that thou shouldst vouchsafe me so great honour and happinesse as to finde my childe yea to take him for thine owne and to become his Father See that excellent place Gal. 4.4 5 6 7. Rom. 8.17 2. To it paternity promiseth all blessings Mat. 7.11 and all forbearance Psal. 103.13 Heb. 12.5 6. CHAP. VIII PROMISES 1. Of the Spirit THe giving of the Spirit is a part of GODS Covenant I will powre out my Spirit upon all flesh in those daies and your young men shall see visions c. Ioel 2.28 29. which is repeated Acts 2.17 18. The great Promise that our Saviour CHRIST made to them before he departed in the flesh was this I will baptize you with the HOLY GHOST which was fulfilled after when he powred forth his Spirit So Esay 44.3 I will powre water upon him that is thirsty and flouds upon the drie ground I will powre my spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thy off-spring the latter end of the verse interprets it So Ezek. 36.25 26 27. I will put my spirit within you c. I will powre upon the house of David the spirit of grace and supplications Zach. 12.10 How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Spirit to them that aske him Luke 11.13 I will powre out my spirit unto you Prov. 1.23 This is meant in that place Ioh. 4.10 Where our Saviour saith to the woman of Samaria thou wouldest have asked of him and hee would have given thee living water that is the Spirit as appeares by comparing it with Iohn 7.38 39. I will pray the Father and hee shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of truth Iohn 14.16 17. It is said Ephes. 1.13 They were sealed with the Spirit of promise that is which was promised to all Beleevers and Gal. 3.14 we are said by faith to receive the promise of the Spirit that is the Spirit of promise or that had beene promised CHRIST had the Spirit in the fullnesse of it It pleased the Father that in him should all fullnesse dwell Col. 1.19 all fullnesse both in respect of the number of graces Esay 11.2 and in respect of the measure of them Iohn 3.34 Col. 2.3 Of his fullnesse we shall all receive and grace for grace Ioh. 1.16 grace freely and grace upon grace Zach. 14.8 A Promise to those that have the Spirit As many as are led by the Spirit of GOD they are the sonnes of GOD Rom. 8.14 CHAP. IX The operation of the Spirit 1. In Generall Sanctification 2. In Speciall 1. Spirituall graces 2. Spirituall duties 1. The kinds of them 2. The degrees of them 1. The Promises of Sanctification _â—OD promiseth in the Covenant of grace which hee hath made with his people to take away their hearts of stone and give them hearts of flesh to put his law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts to put his feare in their hearts that they shall not depart from him and to give them a new heart and to put his Spirit within them The substance of which Covenant is this that all their sins shall be forgiven and both the guilt and punishment thereof wholly remooved Their persons shall be justified and their natures sanctified the lawes of GOD and his promises shall be written in their mindes so that they shall have the knowledge of them and in their hearts so that they shall have the comfort feeling and fruition of them they shall not onely have interest in all GODS graces and blessings but according to their neede shall have the use and enjoyment thereof The LORD often promiseth to Sanctifie and make holy his people as Exod 19.6 31.13 Levit. 22.32 Esay 4.3 4 35.8 Ioel 3.17 Sanctifie them through thy truth John 17.17 and ver 19. For their sakes I sanctifie my selfe that they also might be sanctified through the truth The LORD hath sworne that his children shall serve him in holinesse and righteousnesse all the daies of their life Luke 1.73 74 75. The GOD of peace sanctifie you wholly Faithfull is hee that hath called you who also will doe it 1 Thess. 5.23 24. CHRIST is made unto us Sanctification 1 Cor. 1.30 The LORD hath said that his children shall not want any needfull Grace for the leading of a godly life Psal. 84.11 There shall be a fountaine opened for sinne and for uncleanenesse Zach. 13.1 it is GODS Covenant to sprinkle cleane water upon us that we may be cleane and to cleanse us from all our filthinesse and all our Idols
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
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
but the old in tables of Stone 8. The Covenant of nature was made in Paradise the other in Mount Sina 9. There was no Mediator of that this had a Mediator Moses Deut. 5.26 27. 10. That was made with all mankinde when man was perfect this with a certaine people after the fall The Old and New Covenant agree 1. In the principall efficient cause for there is the same Author of both GOD Ier. 31.31 2. In causa pröegumena the inward impulsive cause the mercy of GOD in both Luke 1.54 55 72 78. 3. In the meritorious procatarcticall cause there is one and the same foundation of both Covenants CHRIST Heb. 13.8 Rev. 13 8. 4. In the matter there is the same thing promised in both Rom. 1.1 2. 5. In the essentiall forme in both Covenants there is a mutuall obligation of GOD and the faithfull although of GODS part it is free of mans due Rom. 3.22 6. In the end which in both is the glory of GOD and salvation of man Heb. 11.8 9 10. 7. In the subject for GOD made both of them with the faithfull onely Rom. 3.26 8. In the adjunct the internall obsignation for both of them are sealed by the same HOLY GHOST to the faithfull 2 Cor. 1.22 Ephes. 1.13 The Old and New Coâ—enant differ 1. In respect of the Author or Covenant-Maker which was not CHRIST but GOD the Father of the Old or he made it then mediately and not Incarnate now immediately and from his owne mouth 2. In respect of the Mediator Moses was Mediator of the Old Levit. 26.46 Deut. 5. 27 28. CHRIST of the New Heb. 8.6 9.15.12.24 3. In their quality 1. In respect of liberty of old they had circumcision and the Passeover which were painefull and chargeable Seales and they were burdened with many carnall ceremonies we have bread and wine cheape and easie seales in comparison and are freed from the Ceremoniall Law Col. 2.14 that was a hand-writing against us the new is a rest for us Matth. 11.28 2. Clarity the old was obscure Heb. 9.8 2 Cor. 3.13 14. consisting in rites and ceremonies whereby CHRIST was darkely prefigured but the new is more plaine and perspicuous Iohn 1.17 then the Spirit was distilled by drops now there is a larger effusion of the Spirit Heb. 8.10 Ioel 2. which is repeated Acts 2. Tit. 3.6 Zach. 12.8 2 Cor. 3.12 they had the blood of CHRIST but shadowed onely in the blood of bulls and goates Heb. 9.18 Exod. 24.5 8. we have the very blood of CHRIST it selfe to seale unto our covenant Mat. 26.28 Heb. 9.12 10.4 Zach. 9.11 Cuius sanguis sistit omnem sanguinem as the Fathers say 4. In their quantity the new is larger and more extensive then the Old in respect of 1. Persons the Old Testament was appropriated to a few and did belong properly to the nation of the Jewes alone Psal. 76.1 none but Israelites and Proselytes had part in the promise the New extends to the Gentiles 2. Places that was proposed as to one people so in angulo tantum mundi in one land of Canaan this to all nations throughout the whole world 3. Times that was Temporary and to endure but a while viz. till the â—â—rst comming of CHRIST this is perpetuâ—ll and shall last from CHRISTS first to his second comming Heb. 8.6 13. 10.4 9. 9.12 How hath GOD then honoured us in these daies of the Gospell who are herein beyond not Heathens onely who were without GOD and without the Covenant but even beyond Adam in his innocency and GODS Ancient people of Israel for we have a better Covenant then they had made upon better promises Heb. 8.6 upon better termes and conditions upon better evidences and assurances Since GOD hath thus abounded in love and mercy towards us we therefore should abound in knowledge faith love zeale and care to worship GOD publikely and privately with joy and singlenesse of heart I have hitherto handled the severall Covenants comparatively and that to give some light to the Covenant of Grace which I shall now speake of in a speciall manner as it is a Bundle of all the Promises The Covenant of Grace is expressed in these words I will be thy GOD and thou shalt be my people Ier. 31.33 In this Covenant GOD undertakes to free his people from all evill that mâ—y any way prove hurtfull to them and to bestow all good things upon them Temporall Spirituall and Eternall Gen. 17.1 2. Levit. 2.6.11 12. 2 Cor. 6.16 17 18. Heb. 8.10 11 12. We promise to choose GOD to be our GOD trust in him love and feare him and walke in obedience before him Exodus 15.2 20.19 24.3 7. David cals GOD his Lot and Portion Psal. 119.57 GOD is my portion for ever Psal. 16.5 6. Psal. 142.5 This was promised the faithfull in all ages that GOD would be their GOD and they should be his people Exod. 29.45 Revel 21.3.7 Zach. 13.9 Ezek. 36.28 Ierem 31.1 33. 1 Chron. 17.13 22.10 All the particular promises depend upon this maine Charter that GOD is our GOD one observes that throughout all the Scripture all the mercy promised and every promise wherein any happinesse is contained hath this Seale and I will be their GOD and they shall be my people If we could stedfastly beleeve and rest upon this promise we should finde more true comfort in it then in all the world besides This is the top of mans felicity when GOD takes him into Covenant When GOD Levit. 26. had spoken much by way of promise to his Church as That hee would give them raine in the due season c. That hee would set his Tabernacle among them c. at length he concludes all with this verse 12. I will walke among you I will even neighbour with you as it were and I will be your GOD and yee shall be my people David having prayed for many temporall blessings in the behalfe of his people That their sonnes might be as plants their garners full c. at length he windeth up all with this Epiphonema or conclusion Happie is that people that is in such a case but presently comes with an Epanorthoma or a correction of his former speech Yea rather happy is that people whose GOD is the LORD as if he had said that indeed is a happinesse in some kinde but nothing to this that is but Temporall this is Eternall The honour and happinesse of a nation and people Psal. 33.12 and also of particular persons Psal. 65.4 lyes in this that they have GOD for their GOD. He that is in speciall Covenant with GOD all that is in GOD is for him his truth for his security his love for his comfort his power for his protection his wisedome for his direction all that is in CHRIST is his his love his graces his merits He is his
Saviour Redeemer The HOLY GHOST is his Comforter dwells in him to teach him and guide him into all truth and to seale up the promises to his heart He hath the guard of Angels Heb. 1.14 Dominion over the creatures and free use of them both for necessity and delight Heb. 2.7 8. 1 Tim. 4.2 3. All things are his and he is Christs 1 Cor. 3.22 23. GOD calls such as are in Covenant with him His Treasure Psal. 135.4 His peculiar people Exod. 19.5 Deut. 14.2 His love for delights Cant. 76. The Lot of his inheritance Deut. 32.9 His hidden ones Psal. 83.3 His Iewels Mal. 3.17 Hee that toucheth them toucheth the apple of his eye Zach. 2.8 They are his beloved Psal. 108.6 127.2 As the signet upon his right hand Cant. 8.6 Esay 49.16 Hee dwelleth with them Ioh. 14.23 He followeth them whithersoever they goe Iosh. 1.9 He stands at their right hand Psal. 109.31 And holds them up by it Psal. 73.23 He covers them under his pavillion Psal. 27.5 Hee keepes their feet 1 Sam. 2.9 Their very bones Psal. 34.20 Hee counteth their wandrings Psal. 56.8 Hee numbreth their haires Matth. 10.30 Hee bottles up their teares Psal. 56.8 If they doe but sigh Hee observes it Psal. 38.9 He is the shield of their helpe the sword of their excellencie Deut. 33.29 Hee is their hope their helpe their health Psalme 71.5 Ioel 3.16 Ier. 17.7 Their Rocke their Refuge Psal. 62.2 6 7. Hee will teach them in the way that they should choose Psal. 25.12 And make them perfect in good workes Heb. 13.21 2 Thess. 2.17 Hee will give them their hearts desire Psal. 37.4 Pro. 10.24 His eye is ever upon them for good Psal. 33.18 The Prophet comprehends all in that one verse Psal. 84.11 The LORD GOD is a Sunne and shield the LORD will give grace and glory no good thing will hee withhold from them that walke uprightly A Sunne for consolation a Shield for protection A Sunne to give them life a Shield to defend life given A Sunne to make them fruitfull in all good a Shield to preserve them from all evill He will give not onely temporall blessings as it followeth there no good thing c. but he will also bestow upon them grace here and glory hereafter even that grace that shall be once glory Godlinesse is profitable to all things saith the Apostle having the promises of both lives of temporall things for this life and of spirituall and eternall things for the life to come Since then the happinesse of a Christian consists in this that GOD is his GOD every one should labour to secure this maine point and try whether he be in speciall Covenant with GOD. To this duty the Apostle exhorts us when he bids us Give diligence to make our calling and election sure 2 Pet. 1.10 2 Cor. 13.5 he saith Examine your selves whether yee be in the faith prove your owne selves And indeed there cannot be a better evidence that we are in the Covenant then this that we are in the faith or that faith is in us for so are those words to be understood For the Covenant of grace runs all upon promises I will give thee c. now faith answers the promise for the promise is to be beleeved Abraham beleeved in the LORD and therefore GOD reckoned him as a man that was righteous Gen. 15.6 and accepted him to be a partaker of the Covenant Every beleever is within the Covenant He that hath a true and saving Faith which worketh inwardly by purifying the heart Acts 15.9 and outwardly by Love Gal. 5.5 may certainely conclude that GOD is his GOD. We may know likewise that we are in Covenant with GOD by this if wee labour to keepe Covenant with him Psal. 103.18 if our greatest care be to please him and our greatest feare least we should offend him If we have chosen him it is certaine hee hath chosen us for so Cyril interprets that place Iohn 15.16 You have not chosen mee but I have chosen you that is saith he in regard of priority I have chosen you first There is a threefold Choosing of GOD. 1. In opinion to prize and esteeme him above all other delights when with Paul wee count all things as drosse and dung nay dogges-meat as the Originall hath it in comparison of CHRIST Philip. 3.8 2. In affection if we love him above all when we can say with the Spouse Cant. 1.7 O thou whom my soule loveth or with Peter LORD thou knowest that I love thee Ioh. 21.16 3. In practise when we choose his waies as David saith I have sworne and will performe it that I will keepe thy righteous iudgements Psal. 119.106 If upon a diligent scrutinie into our owne hearts and waies we finde GOD hath the chiefest command over all our thoughts affections and desires and that wee are truely ingrafted into CHRIST by faith wee should then prize the Covenant and improve it to all holy uses 1. We should highly prize the Covenant We should say with David What am I or what is my fathers house that I should be raised hitherto We should rejoyce in this that the Great and mighty GOD will enter into Covenant with us every promise should be precious unto us That noble Emperour Theodosius thought it a greater honour to be Membrum Ecclesiae then Caput Imperij a member of the true Church then Monarch of the world Salomon in the booke of his repentance preferres the title of Ecclesiastes a Preacher or reconciled Penitent before the title of the Sonne of David King of Ierusalem When Charles the fifth Emperour in a challenge to Francis the first King of France commanded his Herauld to proclaime him with all his Titles stiling him the Emperour of Germanie King of Castile Arragon Naples Sicilie c. Francis commanded his Herauld to call him so often King of France as the other had titles by all his Countries implying that France alone was more worth then all the Countries which the other had So when the wicked brag of their Honours Livings and great Lordships a child of GOD may say that GOD is his he is his portion and oppose this to all other dignities whatsoever For when a man hath GOD he hath all hee is Blessednesse it selfe when hee comes into the heart all comforts come along with him The Child of GOD may view the Heavens and say my Father made them hee may behold the workes of providence and say my Father feeds cloathes and preserves all the creatures in the world if he be in prosperity he may say GOD hath yet reserved greater goods for mee if in adversity hee may say CHRIST hath endured much more for my sake The Word and Sacraments are his Hee may goe boldly to the throne of grace Heb. 10.22 and aske almost what hee will in the name of CHRIST Marke 11.24 All his infirmities shall be borne withall all his