keepe the Law for GOD must inable to both And true repentance saith hee is never too late GOD hath promised pardon to the penitent there is no exception of sinne times or persons but at what time soever what sinner soever repents him of what sinne soever he shall be forgiven This cannot be denied but yet though true repentance be never too late late repentance is seldome true and though GOD hath promised pardon to the penitent yet hee hath not promised repentance to the sinners Thirdly thou knowest not whether ever thou shalt have time for hee promiseth not tomorrow to the offendour who is alwaies ready to receive the penitent One saith GOD hath left man time past to repent of and time present to repent in but the time to come he hath reserved in his owne hands 3. The Promises are most firme and faithfull GOD is true in all his promises be they never so great or wonderfull heaven and earth shall sooner passe away then one piece of his promise faile Rom. 4.16 GOD cannot lie Tit. 1.2 nor denie himselfe 2 Tim. 2.13 He may as easily denie himselfe as his word David often in 119. Psalme giveth this epithite to GODS Word Iust and righteous Word 106 123 137 144 verses Paul often useth this preface This is a true saying and of all men worthy to be beleeved or this is a faithfull saying 1 Tim. 1.15 1 Tim. 4.9 2 Tim. 2.11 Tit. 3.8 Revel 21.5 22.6 it is called The Word of truth Iam. 1.18 Ephes. 1.13 Col. 1.5 The words of the LORD are pure words as silver tried in a fornace of earth purirified seven times Psal. 12.6 Psal. 18.30 Psal. 119.140 Pro. 30.5 As the gold and silver that hath beene often tried doth never deceive men so the divine promises doe not deceive those that trust in them because the truth and goodnesse of them hath beene continually tried by others and graciously performed by GOD himselfe His Covenant is called a Covenant of salt 2 Chron. 13.5 that is a stable and sure Covenant an everlasting Covenant Gen. 17.7 Esay 55.3 Ezek. 16.60 this phrase is frequently used in Scripture GOD that keepeth Covenant Deut. 7.9 Dan. 9.4 Nehem. 1.5 9.32 2 Chron. 6.14 15. Psal. 89.34 Esay 54.10 All the promises of GOD are Yea and Amen in CHRIST 2 Cor. 1.20 Not onely Yea but Yea and Amen Not onely firme and faithfull in themselves but such as shall be made good to the soules of GODS people in full perfection We may call in experience to witnesse this truth GOD hath not onely made good his Covenant to his friends but to his enemies and strangers Deut. 2. Iosh. 23.5 10 14 15. He kept touch with Iehu for the kingdome for foure generations according to his promise He is faithfull to those that deale perfidiously in the Covenant Rom. 3.3 4. He makes good his promises in the circumstances of them keepes the very houre as it were Gen. 15.13 16. compared with Exod. 12.41 therefore this phrase is often used as the LORD hath said or as the LORD hath promised Deut. 10.9 18.26 27.2 Ioel 2.32 Iosh. 23.5 10. We might instance in particulars and shew how the promises of GOD have still beene fulfilled as that first promise of CHRIST Gen. 3.15 we may see fulfilled Luke 1.68 to 73. Gal. 4.4 and that particular promise to preserve Noah in the Arke Gen. 6.18 fulfilled Gen. 8. those made to Abraham Isaac and Iacob But I leave this to the observation of Christians themselves GODS Love and mercy is the onely reason of making promises but his truth justice fidelity power and glory are the reasons of fulfilling them The LORD did not set his love upon you nor choose you saith Moses to Israel because yee were more in number then any people but because the LORD loved you that is the ground of making the promise and because hee would keepe the oath which he had sworne to your fathers that was the ground of performing his promise For thy words sake and according to thine owne heart saith David hast thou done all these great things according to thine owne heart that is ex mero motu out of pure and unexcited love thou didst give thy Word and promise and for thy Word sake thou hast performed it Thou wilt performe saith the Prophet The truth to Jacob and the mercy to Abraham which thou hast sworne unto our father from the daies of old Why truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham the promise after a sort began in Abraham therefore hee is called the Father of the faithfull and when GOD makes a promise it is onely out of mercy but the promise was continued unto Iacob who being Abrahams seed was an heire of the Promise and so the inheritance which was out of mercy given unto Abraham did out of truth and fideliâ—y descend unto Iacob the seed of Abraham and therefore we shall find Covenant Mercy and Oath joyned together in the Scripture Deut. 7.12 Luke 1.72 73. to note unto us both the ground of making the Covenant Mercy and the ground of performing the Covenant made the Truth and Fidelity of GOD. GODS very name JEHOVAH declareth that he is constant and will performe his promise because as he giveth being to all things so he makes that to be which he hath promised By my Name JEHOVAH was I not knowne to them Exod. 6.3 He meaneth that though he made many promises to them especially concerning their possession of Canaan yet he did not shew himselfe to be JEHOVAH an Accomplisher of his promises that he reserved to future generations ver 8. Therefore whensoever in any of the Prophets GOD promiseth or threatneth any great matter to assure us of the most certaine event of such his promise or threatning he addes unto it his Name JEHOVAH as Ezek. 5.17 Ier. 31.31 in which Chapter being wholy promissorie concerning the New Covenant of grace and free pardon of sinnes which the Church obtaineth thorough CHRIST it is repeated 33 times It was the end 1. Of CHRISTS Incarnation to shew that GOD would be mindfull of his promise Luke 1.72 2. Of his Ministery to assure and confirme the promises made before to the Fathers Romanes 15.8 3. They are sealed with the blood of CHRIST the Testator Heb. 9.16 and therefore are said to be all in him Yea and Amen 2 Cor. 1.20 that is sure and infallible They are sealed in his Spirit all beleevers are said to be sealed by the Spirit of promise Ephes. 1.13 and this is GODS privie Seale GOD hath sealed to all his promises in the Sacraments Rom. 4.11 which are given to us as GODS broad Seales to ratifie his Covenant and all his promises made unto his Church they are outward pledges to confirme our faith and make the promises though not more sure yet more credible to us The promises are in some places called in the singular number
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
9 10 1â— 19 20 21. 4 1. 7 16 17. 8 3 4. 13 8 14 13. 15 4. 16 15. 17 14 16. 18 8 21. 19 9. 20 6. 21 3 4 6 7 24 26. 22 4 5 7 14 17 20. FINIS The Table of the first booke In this first booke six things concerning the promises in generall are handled 1. The nature of the promises where 1. The woâ—d iâ— opâ—ned according to the expresâ—ionâ— of it in laâ—guages and acceptions of iâ— an Scripture 2. Tâ—e thing desiâ—ed in generall 〈◊〉 distinguished into â— Câ—vill 2. Râ—ligions â— Divine whicâ— dâ—vine promiâ—eâ— are 1 Dâ—fined 2 Diffâ—â—encâ—â— from a 1. Purpoâ—â— Threâ—tning â— Commâ—nd 3. describâ—d to be the 1 GrouÌ„dâ—â— ou◠〈◊〉 2 〈◊〉 out faâ—â— 2. The kinds of them The Promiâ—es are 1. â—egâ—llor evâ—ngelicall 2 Generall or parâ—icular â— Princiâ—all or lesse principall 4 Dâ—râ—ct or by consequent â—â—bsolute oâ— câ—nditionall 6. Pertaining to 1 Thiâ— life 1 Temporâ—â— â— Spirituâ— â— The life to come Eternall 3. The excellency of them 4. The right use of them 1. In generall we must labour 1. To bee acquainted with them â— Faithfully to remember them â— Wisely and fitly to apply them by 1 Fixed meditâ—tion 1 Marking the promise 2 Mâ—sing of it 3 Mâ—king iâ— familiar to â—s 2 Fâ—rvent prayer where of lâ—ving by faith 2 Speciall râ—les dirâ—cting uâ— now to use them 1 Generall promises are particularly and particulars generally appliable 2 Pâ—omiâ—es are subordinated and performed with dependance 3. The experience of GOD in his promises confirmeth faith and nourisheth hope 1 Experiments God hatâ— given us in others â— Experience of his mercâ— in our selves 4. Gods promises to us must be the rule of our prayers to him 1. The ground for what and rule how wâ— mâ—st pray â— God will not perform promiseâ— till by prayer they be sought foâ— 5 The properties of them Gods promises are 1. Free 2. Full in respect of 1. Persons 2. Things 3. Firm faithfull yet 1 God giveâ— not â—hrâ—ieâ— the tâ—ing pâ—omiseâ— but somtimes that which it equivalent or bâ—tter nor to the same parties but to them oâ— their posterity 2 The time of accomplishing them is uncertaine 6. The persons to whom the promises belong 1. Câ—rist as the head 2 His members A TREATISE OF THE Divine PROMISES The first Booke CHAP. 1. 1. The Nature of the Promises THERE are three things to be known in the Word 1. Precepts or Commandements because they teach obedience 2. Threatnings because they restraine disobedience 3. Promises because they serve to confirme us in our Obedience Promise is oftentimes used in the New Testament both in the Singulâ—r and Plurall number especially in S. Pauls Epistles it signifieth by an excellencie the Gospell it selfe or the promise of giving the Messiah and free reconciliation with GOD by Him It is called by a Synecdoche saith Polanus the Word Psal. 56.4 10. In GOD will I praise his Word that is his promise saith Iunius and sometimes it is taken by a Metonymie as Beza and Piscator have observed for the good things promised Gal. 3.14 the promise of the Spirit for the Spirit promised Acts 1.4 waite for the promise of the Father that is the good promised viz. the HOLY GHOST You are sealed with the Spirit of Promise Ephes. 1.13 that is with the Spirit promised So Gal. 3.22 That the promise by faith of JESUS CHRIST that is the thing promised remission of sinne and life everlasting Heb. 10.36 Yee have need of patience that yee might receive the promise that is eternall glory promised Heb. 6.12 Who through faith and patience inherit the promises that is life promised by a Metonymie 2 Tim. 1.1 It is called the Promise of Life for life promised A Promise is a revelation of some such truth as shall be beneficiall to mee in particular The truth of such a promise consists in the certainty of performance the goodnesse of it in the quality of the thing promised Promise is 1. A word passed from man to man for performance of some lawfull things as in contracts bargaines marriages and other affâ—ires of common life This is a civill promise Such a one Laban made to Iacob for giving his daughter David to Ionathan 2. Our word passed and given unto GOD for some duty which we will doe unto his honour Psal. 66.13 14. I will pay thee my vowes which my lippes have promised Num. 30.2 He shall not breake his promise This is a religious or holy Promise called a vow in Scripture 3. The Word of God given unto men for the performance of some good or for removing some evill Spirituall or Bodily Psal. 119.103 How sweet are thy promises unto my mouth and verses 38 49. This is a divine Promise Of these I purpose to treat the divine Promises are thus defined The Promises are declarations of GODS favour towards Man and of his providence over him for his good Or thus The Promises are all those declarations of GODS will wherin he signifieth in the Gospel what good He will freely bestow I shal define them in this manner The Promises are outward declarations of GODS will concerning good to be received and evill to be removed I call them outward declarations to distinguish them from inward purposes concerning good to distinguish them from threatnings which are also declarations of GODS will but for evill to be inflicted concerning good to be received c. to distinguish them from commands which declare GODS will for good but that of duty to be done to him not of mercy to be received from him The Promises of the word are as so many Legacies bequeathed us by our Heavenly Father and by His Sonne JESUS CHRIST in His last Will and Testament The Promises are the grounds of our Hope and the obiects of our Faith 1. The grounds of our Hope Remember thy Word i.e. the promise of mercy and grace unto thy servant upon which thou hast caused me to hope Psal. 119.49 81. verse I hope in thy Word Therefore Hope is termed the hope of the Gospell Coloss. 1.23 that is an hope which waiteth for those things which in the Gospell are promised This was the ground of Simeons hope Luke 2.25 We have no reason to hope for any thing which is not promised or upon any other condition then as promised The Apostle useth this argument why we should not cast away our confidence or slacken our hope because there is a Promise Heb. 10.35 36. which is a fâ—rme foundation for our Confidence to rest upon So Abraham is said Rom. 4.18 to have beleeved against hope of sence and reason under hope of GODS Word for the ground of that hope is added according to that which was spoken to that word of promise so shall thy seed be and elsewhere to Looke for a Citie that hath foundations that is as one expounds it a Citie which was built upon the immutable stability of GODS
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
the promise to assure us that it is as easie for GOD to fulfill all that goodnesse contained in all those Promises as if they were but one onely Promise We promise and many times faile either by the mutability of our will the imbecillity of our power or the scantnesse of our knowledge not being able to foresee impediments But GOD is neither mutable weake nor ignorant His promises are made in heaven where there is no inconstancie nor repentance For I the LORD change not therefore yee sonnes of Jacob are not consumed Mal. 3.6 as if hee had said I promised not to consume you and you can tell I have kept promise with you for yee are not consumed to this day With him there is no variablenesse nor shadow of turning Iam. 1.17 GOD cannot lie 1 Sam. 15.29 nor repent He cannot lie in making a promise nor repent in fulfilling it GOD is also infinite in wisdome to contrive and in power to bring about the execution of his owne will Hee is onely wise Rom. 16.27 1 Tim. 1.17 The LORD knoweth to deliver the righteous out of trouble GOD is able to accomplish what he hath promised All things are possible to him Mar. 10.27 Nothing is too hard for him Ier. 32.27 Gen. 18 14. Num. 11.23 He câ—nnot be hindered by weaknesse Hee is Almighty Revel 1.8 Hee that is able of stones to raise up children unto Abraham Matth. 3.9 is able to take away our stony heart and give us a heart of flesh There is a promise made of calling the Jewes unto CHRIST and causing them to turne from transgression in Iacob Esay 59.20 But he who should consider the extreame obstinacie and stubbornenesse of that people against the Gospell would thinke it impossible that they should ever be pul'd out of the snare of the Divell therefore the Apostle makes GODS power the ground of certaintie in this promise Rom. 11.23 26. The HOLY GHOST also puts us in mind of GODS power to strengthen our faith in these promises following 1. The alteration of our corrupt nature Marke 10.23 2. All needfull grace GOD is able to make all grace abound 2 Cor. 9.8 3. Perseverance to the end Ioh. 10.28 29. 4. Supply of all necessities GOD that is able will supply them Philip. 4.19 5. Assistance in all trouble Psal. 89.13 21 22.23 6. Deliverance out of all evill Esay 50.2 7. The resurrection of our bodies Ephes. 1.19 20. 8. Eternall glorification Phil. 3.21 This motive taken from GODS Almighty power is used often in Scripture to stirre up men and women to beleeve the promises of GOD. It was used to Sarah Gen. 18.14 to the Virgin Mary Luke 1.37 to Ieremy Ier. 32.27 and to the Disciples of CHRIST Marke 10.27 Abraham looked to GODS power and thereby was moved to beleeve that GOD would performe his promise though Isaac in whom the promise was made was to be sacrificed Rom. 4.20 21. Heb. 11.19 Iehosaphat also by his faith did magnifie GODS power 2 Chron. 20.12 This was Iobs onely comfort upon the dunghill that that GOD who would after wormes had consumed his flesh raise him up at the last day and make him with those very eyes to see his Redeemer had power enough to deliver him from that calamity into which he cast him and to revive his strength GOD is likewise true just and faithfull and therefore will performe his promises GOD the Father who hath promised is the God of truth Psal. 31.5 the Gospell in which his promises are made is the word of truth Ephes. 1.13 His Sonne who hath declared and merited the promises is a faithfull and true witnesse Revel 3.14 truth it selfe Ioh. 14.6 His Spirit which sealeth unto us the truth of the promises even in our hearts is the Spirit of truth Ioh. 14.17 GOD is iust and faithfull in accomplishing his promises Rom. 3.3 5. David saith LORD in thy faithfullnesse or in thy Iustice answer me Psal. 143.1 that is not in the justice of merit but of promise or Covenant for in his promises he maketh himselfe our Debtor and what he owes by vertue of his blessed promise we may challenge If wee confesse our sinnes hee is faithfull and iust to forgive us our sinnes As if he should say GOD of his infinite mercy hath promised to all true Penitents and Confessors that hee will forgive and never remember their sinnes any more he must stand to his Promises or else he should be unfaithfull and he is iust he doth not say he is mercifull but iust to forgive the sinnes of true beleevers because they are all satisfied for and GODS justice will not let him demand the same debt twice of the surety and of the debter The righteous GOD shall give unto mee a Crowne of righteousnesse 2 Tim. 4.8 righteousnesse as well as mercy is the ground of salvation not in relation or respect to merit in us but to promise in GOD. For he is faithfull that promised Heb. 10.23 Sarah iudged him faithfull who had promised Heb. 11.11 The Promise of GOD is our title to happinesse Gal. 3.18 If some great man out of his bounty give another an Inheritance of a hundred pounds per annum upon his paying of a pepper-corne for rent when hee hath payd it he may claime the profits and by law recover them and his plea in the Law must be the bargaine and Covenant betweene them for betwixt the rent and revenue there is no proportion so upon our scant obedience and scarce appearing faith we may challenge heaven and GOD cannot denie it us not because wee have deserved it but because he hath promised it This will uphold the faith of a Christian GOD hath promised nay confirmed his promise with an oath and sent his Sonne in the fullnesse of time Gal. 4.4 in whom all the promises are Yea and Amen What can be more Absolute It is a maine pollicie of the Divell to lay siege to the truth of GODS Word Yea hath GOD said so he would perswade us that GOD will forget to be mercifull and his promise will faile for evermore Psal. 77.8 9. Weake Christians in temptations and desertions are ready to distrust GOD and to question the truth of his promises The wicked hope he will change where is the promise of his comming 2 Pet. 3.4 the godly feare he will change David complaineth Psal. 69.3 I am weary of my crying my throat is dried mine eyes faile while I waite for my GOD Psal. 119.123 Mine eyes faile for thy salvation I shall one day die saith he by the hand of Saul 1 Sam 27.1 Psal. 73.13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vaine Psal. 116.11 I said in my haste all men are lyars Psal. 31.22 I said in my haste I am cut off from before thine eyes After that GOD had promised to Abraham that he would make of him a great nation Gen. 12.2 and make his seed as the dust of the
Bellarmine saith this particular proposition such or such a man is truly justified hath eternall life is not contained in the Word of GOD either immediatly or by consequence Some Divines say that such places as these Psal. 103.3 Rom. 10.9 Gal. 2.20 intimate and imply such a particular proposition immediatly but this is deduced by evident consequence out of the word from such generall promises and propositions as these Whosoever beleeveth in him shall receive remission of sinnes Acts 10.43 And by him all that beleeve are iustified from all things c. Acts 13.39 He that beleeveth on the Sonne hath everlasting life Iohn 3.36 follow by good consequence these particulars Paul Peter Calvin Bradford or any other particular man beleeving in him receives remission of sinnes is justified and hath eternall life as it followes directly and infallibly every man is a reasonable creature therefore Iohn Thomas c. is endued with reason For all Generalls comprehend and include their particulars otherwise how shall it be proved that GOD made Hens and Ducks c. but by this that hee made all the world and gave being to every creature One meanes to get Assurance is a serious meditation on the Promises of GOD and an humble and sound application of them to thy selfe Heb. 10.22 23. When the LORD acquaints us with his Word and Promises and causeth us by his Spirit to put our trust in them this is a sound and true Assurance Iob 33.26 The smallest measure of Faith that can be is when a man not being able to apply the promises to himselfe and to say I am perswaded my sinnes are forgiven yet out of a troubled heart doth unfainedly desire the favour of GOD above all the world To this thirsting the Promises are made Mat. 5.6 Psal. 107.9 The LORD will fulfill the desires of them that feare him Psal. 145.19 See Esay 55.1 2. Esay 44.3 4. Rev. 21.6 22.17 Iohn 7.37 Psal. 10.17 Luke 1 53. Promises of Assurance Psal. 50.23 that is I will cause him to see and know that hee shall be saved Mal. 4.2 Psal. 85.9 97.11 GOD hath first commanded the faithfull to make their calling and election sure 2 Pet. 1.1 and to beleeve his promises Mar. 1.15 1 Iohn 3.23 Secondly promised that hee will certifie and assure his people of his favour Ezek. 34.30 Thirdly GOD hath given his people in all ages experience of the truth of this his promise in themselves Rom. 8.15 16. Gal. 4.6 3. Confidence Promises 1. Of Confidence It is said of GODS people That they shall stay upon the LORD the holy one of Israel Esay 10.20 At that day shall a man looke to his Maker and his eye shall have respect to the holy one of Israel Esay 17.7 Thou shalt call mee my father and shalt not turne away from mee Jer. 3.19 They shall trust in the name of the LORD Zeph. 3.12 Many shall see it and feare and shall trust in the name of the LORD Psal. 40.3 Vnder his wings shalt thou trust Psal. 91.4 Hee is the confidence of all the ends of the earth and of them that are a farre off upon the Sea Psal 65.5 They that know thy name will put their trust in thee Psal. 9.10 In his name shall the Gentiles trust Mat. 12.21 The Iles shall waite upon mee and on mine arme shall they trust Esay 51.5 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD and shall trust in him Psal. 64.10 Promises 2. To Confidence 1. Safety GOD is a shield to them that put their trust in him Pro. 30.5 who so putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe Pro. 29.25 They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion which cannot be removed Psal. 125.1 Thy life shall be for a prey unto thee because thou hast put thy trust in mee saith the LORD Jer. 39.18 None of them that trust in him shall be desolate Psal. 34.22 The LORD shall save them because they trust in him Psal. 37.40 The faithfull have promised themselves helpe because they trusted in the LORD Psal. 57.11 143.8 9. Numb 14.9 1 King 6.16 Psal. 3.6 23.4 27.1 3. Psal. 46.1 2. 49.4 46. Psal. 4.11 118.6 Esay 12.2 2. Peace Thou wilt keepe him in perfect peace whose minde is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee Esay 26.3 3. Mercy Hee that trusteth in the LORD mercy shall compasse him about Psal. 32.10 4. Blessednesse Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee Psal. 84.12 Blessed is the man that maketh the LORD his trust Psal. 40.4 Who so trusteth in the LORD happy is he Pro. 16.20 4. Hope Calvin calleth Hope an expectation of those things which Faith beleeveth to be truly promised of GOD. M. Perkins defineth Hope thus Hope saith he is the grace o◠GOD whereby with patienc◠we waite the LORDS leisure for the performance of his promises especially touching redemption and life eternall Hope is an expectation o◠such good things to come 〈◊〉 GOD hath promised and Faith beleeved Faith is the foundation of Hope Hope is the nourishment of Faith Faith apprehendeth the promises of things to come Hope expecteth the things promised Simeon having a promise that before he died he should see CHRIST with his bodily eyes beleeved the same and looked for the performance of it Luke 2.26 29 30. Promises 1. Of Hope David often professeth that GOD was his hope and his trust even from his youth and GOD made him hope even from his mothers wombe Psal. 71.5 22.9 And that GOD is the hope of all the ends of the earth Psal. 65.5 CHRIST is in you the hope of glory Col. 1.27 The righteous hath hope in his death Proverbs 14.32 Promises 2. To Hope The LORD promiseth Psal. 91. both temporall blessings and eternall salvation to those that hope in him They are pronounced Blessed that have true hope Psal. 40.4 We are saved by hope Rom. 8.24 The hope of the righteous shal◠be gladnesse Pro. 10.28 Hope maketh us not ashamed Rom. 5.5 Psal. 25.3 To Hope in GOD and to have GOD for our Helpe ar◠linked together in Scripture Happy is he that hath the GO◠of Jacob for his helpe whose hop◠is in the LORD his GOD Psal. 146.5 See Heb. 10.35 Lam. 3.24 2◠26. Psal. 14.7 11. Hope is preserved by a 〈◊〉 consideration and full perswasion of GODS properties which make us patiently abide for the accomplishment of his promises foure speciall properties for this purpose are to be observed 1. His free grace that makes us waite on him being perswaded in our hearts by faith that the same grace which moved GOD to make any gracious promise will further moove him to accomplish it 2. His infinite power being perswaded that hee is able to do it 3. His infallible truth so faithfull is GOD that not a word which he hath said shall fall to the ground 4. His unsearchable wisedome he is most wise in
me hath everlasting life the houre is comming and now is when the dead shall heare the voyce of the Sonne of GOD and they that heare shall live John 5.24 25. not such a voyce as shall call them out of their graves as in the 28. verse for he saith now is but the meaning of the place is that those which were dead in sinne should be quickned either by CHRIST in his own person or by his Word in his Ministers The titles given to the Word expresse this It is called the Word of life Acts 5.20 Phil. 2.16 John 6 68. The Word of grace Acts 20.32 The word of Salvation Acts 13. â—6 Salvation it selfe and life eâ—erlasting Heb. 2.3 Acts 28.28 John 12.50 The word is able to save our soules Jam. 1.21 1 Tim. 4.16 1 Cor. 1.21 To this purpose there are so many commendations of the Word specially in the Psâ—lmes and Proâ—erbes Psal. 19. â— The lâ—w of the LORD is perfect c. the whole 119. Psalm was written to set out the excellency of the Word The nine first Chapters of the Proverbes Take fâ—â—st hold of instruction let her not goe keepe her for she is thy life Pro. 4.13 Instruction is our life therby we attain all things pertaining to the comfort of this life and of that to come See Pro. 1.9 23. Pro. 2. from 1. to 13. Prov. 3.3 to 4. 13. ver to 24. Prov. 4.5 to 14. 20. to 23. Prov. 6.20 to 24. Pro. 7.1 to 5. and the whole eighth Chapter Sanctifie them through thy truth thy word is truth John 17.17 Doe not my words doe good to him that walketh uprightly Micah 2.7 As new born babes desire the sincere milke of the word that yee may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2.2 The comparisons which are used to set forth the profit of the Word confirme this it is resembled to The light Esay 9.2 Raine Deut. 32.2 Deaâ— there also living water Zach. 14.8 Wine and milke Esay 55.1 2. It is able 1. To inlighten with saving knowledge the simplest that shall heare and read it with an honest heart Psalme 119.130 2. To reform the heart and life of him that hath the strongest corruptions Psal. 119.9 3. To comfort and revive the heart that is most cast down either with inward or outward afflictions Esay 57.19 4. To preserve and adde knowledge and grace to them that have best profited Mar. 4.24 Whensoever we goe to the Word we should meditate on some of these precious promises to incourage us to attend unto GODS Word with expectation of his blessing on our labours Promises For the Sacraments 1. In generall They are the Seales of the righteousnesse of faith Rom. 4.11 or of the Covenant of grace The Apostle speaks of both Sacraments 1 Cor. 12.13 2. The specialâ— Sacraments Baptisme LORDS Supper 1. Baptisme Promises to it It is called The laver of regeneration Tit. 3.5 The Baptisme of repentance for remission of sinnes Mar 1.4 Act. 2.38 Our sins are said to be washed away Act. 22.16 Heb. 10.22 and Baptisme saveth 1 Pet. 3.21 all which belong to the blood of CHRIST Rev. 1.5 1 John 1.7 our Saviour saith we must be borne of water John 3.5 that is be made GODS children by receiving CHRIST as John 1.12 GOD hath promised that he will baptise us with the HOLY GHOST and with fire Mat. 3.11 2. LORDS Supper Promâ—ses to it When our LORD JESUS did ordaine it he speaking of the Bread said This is my body and of the Wine This is my blood of the New Testament Mat. â—6 26 28. that is these outward signes and seales were most sure and certain pledges of his body and blood which he did as truly give to be spirituall food as he gave the bread and wine to be bodily food to every believer 1 Cor. 10.16 There is a full meale 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 14.17 Bread and Wine comprehend entire food for humidum siccum are all that are required unto food this is promised Esay 25.6 In this mountaine shall the LORD of Hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things a feast of wines on the lees c. that is he would make for his Church compleat provision So Pro 9.5 A Lawfull Oath Promises to it God hath promised to reward it 1. In this life Jer. 12.16 If they will learne the wayes of my people to sweare the LORD liveth c. then shall they be built in the midst of my people 2. In the life to come with eternall happinesse for he that sweareth and chargeth not though it be to his owne hinderance he shall dwell in GODS holy Mountaine Psal. 15 4. Fasting Promises to it Be afflicted and mourne and weepe let your laughter be turned to mourning and your ioy to heavinesse Humble your selves in the sight of the LORD and he shall lift you up Jâ—m 4.9 10. If thou fast in secâ—â—t thy Father which seeth in secreâ— will reward thee openly Mat. 6.18 Joel 2.12 13 14 15 18 19. first a fast is prescribed then a blessing promised Praising GOD. Promises of it They shall praise the LORD that seeke him Ps. 22.26 They shall shew forth my praise Esay 43.21 Yee shall eat in plenty and be satisfied and praise the name of the LORD Joel 2.26 where GOD promiseth temporall blessings and a thankfull heart it is an evident signe of the continuance of them as there in Joel And Deuter. 8.10 Esay 62.8 9. Promises to it Them that honour me I will honour 1 Sam. 2.30 He that offereth praise glorifieth me Psal. 50.23 Praise is one of the Sacrifices with which GOD is well-pleased Heb. 13.15 16. Psal. 69.30 31. Let all the people praise thee O GOD let all the people praise thee Then shall the Earth yeeld her increase and GOD even our owne GOD shall blesse us Psal. 67.5 6. Promises To Meditation Mercy and truth shall be to them which devise good Pro 14 22. Thinke of these things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me and the GOD of peace shall be with you Phil. 4.8 9. Let not the booke of the Law depart out of thy mouth but meditate therin day and night that thou maist observe to doe according to all that is written therin for then shalt thou make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good successe Josh. 1.8 Blessed is the man that meditates on the Word day and night Psal. 1.2 Promises To Self-examination If we would iudge our selves we should not be iudged 1 Cor. 11.31 Let every man proove his owne work and then he shall have reioycing in himselfe alone and not in another Gal. 6.4 Promises To those that conscionably sanctifie the LORDS day The sanctifying of the LORDS â—ay will bring comfort and hapâ—inesse to soule and body 1. Blessings Spirituall 13. v. â—â—d Temporall 14. of 58. of Esay If thou turn away thy foot from the â—abbath from doing thy
but it is a notable glorifying of God the glory of his truth is given him when a man doth as it were subscribe to GODS Word and set his Seale to iâ— Ioh 3.33 Rom 4 20. not to beleeve is horriâ—le preâ—umption for that we presume to give God the lie â— Ioh 5. â—0 for he that doth not in speciall apply the promise unto himselfe doth not in heart beleeve the generall promise Non enâ—m hic sensus est quem fingit Bellarminus credo in Ecclesia dari remissionem peccatorum quod Diabolus atque desperabundus quivis potest credere sed credo diri remissionem peccatorum per Christum mihi quia in illum Credo Episc Daven in Col. Generals of promise blessing or comfort delivered in Scripture are intentionally meant to particulars rightly qualified Quod omnibus promiâ—titur singulis promittitur a 1 Ioh. 1.7 Esay 1.8 Ezek. 18.22 b Ezek. 3â— 12 c Mat. 1â— 28 * Poenitentia vera nunquaÌ„ sera at poenitentia sera rarò vera Austen Qui promisit â—oenitenti veniam non promisit peccanti poenitentiam Peccanti crastinum non promisit Nemo promiâ—tat sibi quod Evangelium non promittit Nehem. 9.8 * A firme sate and uncorruptible Covenant which lasts for ever Num 18.19 Decretum ab omni corruptione tutum perpetuumque saith Iunius Every word of his mouth is exactly performed aâ— his people by experience have found and confessed Iosh. 21 45. 1 King 8.56 * 2 King 10.30 a The promise Gen 12 2 3. performance Gen. 13.26.24.1.35 the promise Gen. 15.5 fulfilled Deut. 10.22 the promise Gen. 17 16 9. fulfilled Gen. 21.1 2. b Promise to Isaac Gen 26.3 fulfiâ—led 12 13. verses c To Iacob Gen. 24.15 fulfilled Gen. â—5 3. His love moveâ— him to promise his truth binds him to performe Deut. 7 7 8. 2 Sam. 7.18 21. Micah 7 20. The promises run all upon mercy Exod 20.6 34 7. Deut. 5.10 Luk. 1 50 Psal. 103 17 18. Mat. 5 7. Psal. 62 2. Every one of Gods promises is as sure as himselfe being confirmed with his owne oath Heb. 17 18. Luk. 1 7â— Esay 54.9 D. Benefield on Amos 1.2 Psal. 119.89 152. Psal. 33.11 Num. 13.19 2 Pet. 29. It is not Gods power simply but with relation to his promise which secures our faith Luk. 1.37 Psal 1â—5 3. 135 6. In Dei pâ—omissis nulla falsit is est quia in facieâ—dis nulla omnipotentâ— est difficultas Fulgentius God having made a promise unto Israel to restore them out of that great Captivity of Babylon and it seeming to them incredible he acquainteth them with his power together with his promises Ezek. 37.11 13. Where the Holy Ghost intreats of the doctrine of repentance and faith the word create is metaphorically useâ— to assure us that God will performe his promise though it were as hard a worke as to create all things at first Thus hee hath promised to create a clean heart Ps 51. and to create the fruite of lips to be peace Esay 57.9 and to create upon every place c. Esa 4.5 and to create light and deliâ—erance out of afflictions Esa. 45 7. God performeth his promise when there is no ground nor possibility in nature for itâ— notwithstanding all the media incongruâ—i dissimilia Iob 15.25 26 â—7 All the promises are as true as truth it selfe The promises are called suâ—e Rom 4 16. Promâ—ssa tua sunt Deus qua falit timeat cum promittii veritas August Confes l. 12. c. 10. His words are as deeds his promises as performances The land which was onely promâ—sed to Abraham is said Gen. â—5 12 to be given him Promittendo se fecit debitorem Austen 1 Ioh. 1.9 Verba illa Iustâ—s fidelis referuntur ad promissionem divinam Bellar. de poenitent l. 3. c. 6. God is as just in performing the mercy which he promiseth as in executing the vengeance which he threatneth 2 Tim. 2.13 1 Thess. 5.24 Gen. 3 1. Moses bewrayed his infidelity Num. 11 1â— 14.15 Christs Disciples and otheâ—s that believed in him accounted the promises of his resurrection to be vaine Luk. 24.11 25. Psal. 105.24 Luk. 1. 18 20 The Covenant is mutuall betweene God and us 1 King 8.23 God hath said that he will be All-sufficient to us but he requires then on our part that we be Altogether his Cant. 2.16 In marriage the woman must take the may for her husband as well as he her for his wife True faiths apprehension of Christ is mutuall it laies hold on Christ as we use to do in our salutatioÌ„s when we imbrace one another there is mutuall hold on both sides Whence the act of the Patriarkes faith apprehending the promises Heb. 11.13 is elegantly set out by the metaphor of saluting They saluted the promises True faith kissing Christ is kissed of him embracing Christ is reimbraced of him Phil. 3.12 a Psal. 15.4 b When we receive this command from God keepe my covenant we should pray with Austen Da Dominc quod iubes iube quid vu or as the Church teacheth us when wee heare the 10. CommaÌ„dements Lord have mercy on us and incline our hearts to keep this law c Exod. 19 5 Deut. 5.16 Is a good exposition of this place So farre as long life may be a benefit to Gods children so far he giveth it to them Gen. 25.8 * He promised â—itam 〈◊〉 â—ongatam and gave vitam perpeuatam for it In Coelis repâ—sita est maior compensatio Calvin 1 Chron. 34.28 Acts 7.5 Tibi dabo semini tuo Gen. 13.15 Particula et videtur exegetica Pareus in locum God delayeth the fulfilling of his promises Hab. 2.3 Goodnesse makes the promise truth performes it and wisdome observes the fittest time Esay 60.22 2 King 4.16 17. Gen. 3.15 Iude 14. The Amorites countrey is by promise given to Abâ—ahams see iâ— Gen. 12 7. 13.15 and 15.18 and Abrahams seede in the posterity of Iacob possessed it Amos 2 10. but some 400 seventy yeares after the promise Luke 2. â—5 Alwaies some distance of time passeth beâ—weene promises â—erfoâ—mances Pollicitiâ— diveâ— quilibet este potest Ovid. * Matth. 4. Excelsâ— fro 〈◊〉 in excelso On a mountaine he promiseth mouÌ„taines 1 Pet. 1.4 * Like the man in Erasmus his naufragium who in a storme promised the Virgin a picture of wax as big as S. Christopher but when hee came to shâ—re would not give a tallow candle Heb. 6.12 15 Psal. 130.7 8 * He promised the câ—ildren of Israel onely the land of Canaan but hee gave them besides the whole lâ—nd of Canaan two other kingdomes which he never promised and to Zachary for his unbeleefe stricken dumbe he promised to give his speech at the birth of the child but besides he gave him also the gift of prophecy God prevents his people with his blessings Psal. 2â— 3 He is bountifull to them afore they aske ver 3. and above their requests ver 4. Christ