oath and promises These Promises are of all needfull things in the world both Spirituall and Temporall of assistance under all crosses and of deliverance from them and at length of eternall glory and happinesse in Heaven which because it is furthest off and includeth in it an accomplishment of all other promises is the most proper object of Hope in which respect the Scripture doth thus intitle it hope of salvation 1 Thess. 5.8 hope of eternall life Tit. 3.7 hope of glory Rom. 5.2 At this Cape of good hope arrives every good Christian every true Israelite The rest are either hopelesse being Aliens from the Covenant of promise or over-hoping without evidence and due qualification fondly expecting the promise 2. The Promises are the obiects of our Faith and also the foundation of it whatsoever is promised may and must be beleeved and whatsoever is beleeved without a promise is rather presumed The Gospell is called the Word of Faith Rom. 10.18 the Ephesians beleeved after that they heard the Gospell Ephes. 1.13 The object of true faith is 1. Principall the promise of salvation by CHRIST this is the maine promise So GOD loved the world that hee gave his onely begotten Sonne to the end that whosoever beleeveth in him should not perish but have everlasting life 2. All inferiour Promises annexed thereunto of Temporall blessings as food raiment health peace liberty deliverance in temptations safety in dangers c. these depend upon the maine promise of CHRIST so farre forth as they are for our good for in CHRIST all the promises of GOD whether they concerne life eternall or this temporall life are yea and Amen that is sure and certaine to GODS children True Faith first of all directly and plainely fasteneth it selfe on the maine promise of GOD in CHRIST but after and with this on all other promises that concerne soule or body The Heart that saith by faith GOD will pardon my sinne and save my soule will say also by the same faith GOD will give me foode and raiment and all things sufficient for this life Rom. 4.18 Abraham by the same faith wherby hee was justified beleeved GODS promise that he should have a Sonne in his old age and Noah beleeved GODS promise of his preservation in the Arke by the same faith whereby He was made Heire of righteousnesse First faith apprehends mercy in CHRIST and then providence for this life Justifying Faith beleeves the Creation and all other holy truths Heb. 11. besides the Promises therefore the promises are not the onely object of Faith But not imploying her selfe about them as her speciall object but presupposing them as necessary Antecedents Justifying Faith beleeves other promises besides that of CHRIST and salvation by Him as concerning strength in tentations moderation of afflictions comforts of this life True but as Appendants and Appurtenances to the maine and principall Promise for in CHRIST that is the Fundamentall Promise concerning CHRIST All that is the other depending Promises are yea and Amen The proper and peculiar object then of Justifying faith is the Evangelicall promise other things are beleeved some as necessary Antecedents some as necessary Consequents of this But Faith findes life and salvation neither in the histories of the Creation nor in the Legall Commandements threatnings promises but onely in the Covenant of Grace CHAP. 11. 2. The Kinds of them SOme divide them thus The Promises are either Generall or Particular Reall or Personall Conditionall or Free Temporall or Eternall Others thus They are either Spirituall or Temporall concerning this life or the life to come of things simply necessary to salvation or of things good in themselves but not alwaies good for us The Promises are either Legall or Evangelicall Generall or Particular Principall or lesse Principall Direct or by Consequent Absolute or Conditionall Temporall Spirituall or Eternall There are Promises Legall and Evangelicall Legall are made on condition of workes as the perfect keeping of the Law which none since Adam save CHRIST can lay claime to Deut. 7.12 Ier. 7.3 23. These should be uneffectuall if CHRIST had not for us fulfilled that righteousnesse whereupon they hang Gal. 2.16 Evangelicall are made on condition of beleeving and repenting 2 Cor. 7.10 Iohn 3.15 These are made to the worker not for the merit of his worke but for CHRISTS merit in which both his person and worke are accepted Legall Promises or sentences may be found in the New Testament as Rom. 2.8 9. to the 13 Rom. 10.5 Gal. 3.10 12. and Evangelicall promises of grace may be found in the Old Testament as Psal. 32.1 2. Ier. 31.31 32. Both these are either Generall or indefinite propounded to all Exodus 20.6 Iohn 3.16 17 18. Or Particular directed to some kinde of persons few or one Exod 20.12 Matth. 9.2 Numb 25.12 13. There are Promises Principall and lesse Principall 1. Principall as righteousnesse remission of sins 2. Lesse Principall deliverance in afflictions safety in dangers health wealth There are direct or expresse Promises and Promises by consequent Direct as that which was made to Abraham of a Sonne Gen. 18. to Paul that not one in the ship should lose his life Acts 27. Promises are implied by consequence either in the examples or prayers of faithfull Saints 1. In their examples by those blessings which they have enjoyed GODS giving it to one is a promising it to all Thus doth S. Iames urge that end which GOD gave to Iobs troubles as a ground of our faith to make us waite for a like deliverance in troubles S. Paul assures us that for this cause GOD comforted him in his tribulation that hee might be able to comfort them which were in any trouble by the comfort wherewith hee was comforted of GOD 2 Cor. 1.4 Whatsoever things were written whether precepts promises threatnings or examples are written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Rom. 15.4 2. In their prayers by those things which they prayed for in faith and obtained The Faithfull calling upon GOD and GODS gracious hearing of them are as much as a promise that GOD in such and such things will heare us calling upon him David made this a ground of his faith Psal. 22.4 5. There are Promises Absolute and Conditionall 1. Absolute which GOD hath simply determined to accomplish even as they are propounded as before CHRIST was manifested in the flesh the promise of the Messiah Esay 7.14 and of calling the Gentiles Esay 42.1 since that time the promise of calling the Jewes Rom. 11.26 and of CHRISTS second comming in glory Matth. 24.30 2. Conditionall which are no further promised then GOD in wisedome seeth to be most meete for his owne glory and his childrens good Thus are promised 1. All temporall blessings which Lazarus wanted 2. Freedome from all crosses and troubles Iob and other Saints had their part in
The definition of a Promise in generall Promissio Dei est denunciatio suturorum honorum nobis dandorum uâ— ex ea consolationem habeamus siducia nosâ—ra in Vâ—um confirmetur Polanus Faith and Hope agree in their ground both of them are grounded on Gods promises but Fides credit promissioni divinae spes patienter expectat praestationem promissionis saith Polanus Faith beleeves the truth of GODS promises Hope waiteth till GOD manifest and accomplish His truth Heb. 11.10 Praesumendo sperant sperando pereunt Heb 11.11 Premissiones vocantur obiectum fidei per melonymiam adiuâ—cti The obiect of faith is Christ or the Gospell and the promises therof The order wherin faith laies hold upon the promises Ioh. 3.16 â— Cor. 1.20 Obiect Answ. Obiect Answ. * The Promises of the Law are directed and made to the person of every man particularly those of the Gospell are first directed and made to Christ and then by consequent to them that are by faith ingrafted into him Perk The Evangelicall Promise is called the promise of Grace because it is freely given and freely performed and the Promise of the Spirit Gal. 3.14 because the Spirit is boâ—h the Author and appâ—ier of it Promissiones Evangelij praestantiores Legalibus dicuntur primò quia conditio Legis est Hoc fac viveâ— id quod simpliciter impâ—ssibile est quando lex nos invenit peccatores nec ullum relinquit â—oenitentiae locum quod facit Evangelium Deinde verò promissiones Evangelij habent comitem essi aciam Spiritus Sancti aâ—ul electoâ— promissiones Legales apud neminem Tertio promissio Evangelij complectitur donum perseverantiae Promissio Legis minimè Quartò promissiones Legis sum obscurae Evangelij sole meridiano clariores Quintò promissiones Legaleâ— pertinent ad solos Iudaeos promissiones Evangelij indiscriminatim ad omnes Denique promissio Legis est â—ossessio terrae Chanaan sen vita beata in illius possessione Promissio Evangelij est vita beata in coelis de genda Cameron What hee promâ—seth to any he promiseth to all in an equall estate Iam. 5.11 That there shall be no waters of a floud to destroy all flesh Gen. 9 11 15. a Psal. 84.11 No gooâ— thing doth he witâ—hold Psal. 34. â— They shall want â—othing that is good They are good in themâ—elves not alwaies good for us * Luk. 16.20 b The evill of troubles shal not â—urt them Iob 5.19 Psal. 23.4 Ioh. 17.15 c The godly shall be delivered from the evill of temptation and persecution So that promise Rev. 3 10. is to be understood Poâ—an Syntag The Lord calleth them the bands of love Hos. 11.4 * To them pertained the promises made to the Patriarkes touching the Messias Rom 9.4 Perkins The promises which were of two sorts either temporall as touching the inheritance of the land of Canaan or Spirituall of the Messiah Gryneus Both Legall promises and Evangelicall Pet Maâ—t Pareus Boâ—h â—f this lâ—fe and the next PellicaÌ„ These promises first belonged to them and upon their reiecting they were fulfilled upon the Gentiles â—sâ—nder a Fortasâ—is epitheâ—um pretiopa nonnullum respectuÌ„ habit ad prenuÌ„ sanguinis Christi meritoruÌ„ eius Lorinus in locum b Quaelibet divinae promissio est dilectionis Dei erga nos testimonium Calv. l. 3. Iustit c. 2. c ExcellentiaÌ„ promissionum inde ostendit quòd nos tandem efficianâ— naturae Divinae consortes Calvin on this place of S. Peter d Piscator in locum If the promiseâ— be so sweet what sweeâ—nesse shall we find in the performance of them 1 Cor. 2.9 e Cardan subtil l. 7. Ioseph Antiâ— l. 3. c. 9. Pro. 31.10 Pro. 8.11 Promises in our hearts saith one are better then pearles or pretious stones in our chests * Psal. 6. Psal. 22. Psal 51. Pierre du Moulin de L' Amour Divin Bolton his Instructions for a right comforting afflicted consciences Page 345. Page 346. Page 397. 1 Tim. 1.15 D. Preston of the New Covenant Thus saith the Lord ver 12. Alludit ad infantes â—ugente quos maetres quietant solaÌ„tur applicando eis uberibus ut sugenâ—o stere desinant Cor. a Lap. in locum We are to praise God for his promises 1. Tey are good things 2. They shall be accomplished in a conveâ—ient season and this duty have the Saints practised Luke 1.46 Heb. 11.13 2 Cor. 6.17 â—8 7. Chap. v. 1. Iob 22.21 2â— Heb. 12 3 5. Faith applies and appâ—oâ—riates Châ—ist in 〈…〉 to â—nes selfe He loved me and gave himsâ—lfe for me Gal. 2.20 saiâ—h S. Paul in the person of all beleevers When Thomas said My Lord and My God Chrâ—st answered that he beleeved Ioh. 20. Gal. 3 2â— * Promises are never beleeved unlesse they be trusted upon as a captive cannot be said to beleeve him that promiseth to ransome him upon a day unles he trust and depend upon him Ephes 1.17 18. Living by Faith is a relying upon the Word of God with full purpose to be guided by it either by resting upon his promises or obeying his Commandemenâ—s Baynes directions These words Hab. 2.4 are interpreted two waies according to the severall readings the first is thus The iust by faith shall live The words â—y faith being referred to the subiect of this proposition Thâ— Iusâ— and then the sense is he that is iust by faith shall liâ—e and have eternall life Iuniuâ— in his parallels Weemse Willet Faiâ—â— and Wilson saâ—â— this is the râ—gâ—t reading The second readâ—ng is thus The Iust shall live by Faith The words by faith being referred to the predicate shall liâ—e then the sense is this the just while hee lives in this world shall live by his Faith Piscator on 1 Rom. and Perkins on Hab. 24. approve this latter construction for the best That wee may live by fâ—â—â—h wee shâ—â—ld 1 Stoâ—e up good promises seasonably when our parts and â—bilities are strong 2. Abundantly of al kinds Esa. 42. â—3 as if hee had said you must not onely lay in promises just for the present but store them for afterwards 3. We must so lay them up that we may have them at hand Col. 3.16 Verse 12. 1. Chap. 5. 10. verses Verse 8 9. * The threaâ—â—nings declare the great purenesse of God the promises do shew â—is great love to righteousnesse and his wonderfull goodnesse toward men Hee that doth these thâ—ngs shall live it them is the promiâ—e Levit 185. The threatning that answers it The soule that sinneth it shall die Ezek. 18.4 20. The tarâ—nesse of tâ—e threatning makeâ— us best tast the sweetnesse of the promise Sowre and sweeâ— make the best sauce promises and threatnings mingled serve tâ— keepe the heart in the best temper * Faith receives Christ presumption snatches at him Dike Faith having promise of a blessing useth with precisest care meanes ordained to obtaine it Act â—7 25 3â— Presumption so builds on the promise that it regards not meanes of
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
difficulties and hazards of that holy warre and S. Paul applies the promise to all the faithfull in any straights or distresses of life as the LORD himselfe had before applied it from Moses to Ioshua Let your conversation be without covetousnesse for as GOD was with Ioshua so will he be with thee Hee will not faile thee nor forsake thee CHRIST made a particular promise unto Peter I have prayed for thee that thy faith faile not And the same in effect he applies to all his I pray that thou wouldst keepe them from the evill Thus may the children of GOD doe if they finde any promise made to one godly man and no speciall reason expressed why it should be peculiar to him they may take it as a promise made to them The ground of this is taken from GODS unchangeable and impartiall manner of dealing the same GOD that he is to one faithfull man the same he is to all they all are under the same Covenant and have interest in the same promises 2. Promises are subordinated and performed with dependance Therefore we must not anticipate nor perturbe the order which GOD hath put in his Promises but waite upon him in his owne way Grace and Glory will hee give but first grace before glory no man must snatch at this promise till he have interest in that Godlinesse hath the promises of this life and of that which is to come but we must note the order which our Saviour puts First seeke the Kingdome and Righteousnesse of GOD and then all these things shall be added unto you The LORD promiseth to call men unto CHRIST Nations that knew thee not shall runne unto thee The Apostle tells us whereunto he calls GOD hath not called us unto uncleannesse but unto holinesse Therefore in the next place he promiseth to sanctifie and cleanse his Church I will put my law in their hearts and in their inward parts The qualification of this holinesse is that it be whole and constant The very GOD of peace sanctifie you and preserve you blamelesse unto the comming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST is the Apostles prayer for the Thessalonians Therefore in the next place GOD promiseth perseverance I will not turne away from them to doe them good but I will put my feare into their hearts that they shall not depart from mee But this perseverance is not so certaine but that it admits of fals slips and miscarriages therefore in that case Hee promiseth healing and restoring I will heale their backeslidings I will love them freely I will binde up that which is broken and will strengthen that which was sicke And after all this comes the promise of Glory and Salvation Therefore we must take the Promises in that Connexion and dependancie which they have amongst themselves When GOD hath called us to the knowledge of CHRIST we must not skip over all the intermediate linkes and looke presently for the accomplishment of GODS promise of Salvation or perseverance by GODS sole power and in the meane time omit all care of Holinesse in our conversation For GOD doth not fulfill his promises in us onely but by us too and those things which in regard of his word are his promises are also in regard of his Command our duties 3. Experience of GOD in his Promises confirmeth Faith and nourisheth Hope The faithfull are confirmed in the truth of GODS promises by the experience of his dealing with others of his servants Psal. 22.4 Our father 's trusted in thee they trusted and thou didst deliver them Psal. 34.5 They shall looke unto him and 〈◊〉 to him and their faces shall not be ashamed What made them so confident in GODS mercies verse 6. This poore man cryed and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles Experience of GODS dealing with others doth also nourish and uphold hope Therefore Iames brings to the memories of the Christian Jewes GODS dealing with Iob to strengthen their hope But especially the experience a man hath had in himselfe of the performance of GODS promises will marvellously confirme him This incouraged David when he was to encounter with Goliâ—h The LORD saith he did deliver mee from a Lion and a Beare therefore he will deliver mee from this Philistine 1 Sam. 17 35 37. Paul concluded Gods favour for the time future by his proceedings past The LORD sâ—ith he hath delivered mee from a sentence of death and doth deliver therefore I trust that he will deliver 2 Cor. 1.9 10. See 2 Tim. 4.17 18. This we may see also in Salomon 1 King 8.24 and in other places Deut. 1.29 31. Deut. 3.21 Esay 51.9 11. But we have a notable example for this in Iacob Gen. 32.9 Thou saidst unto mee remove into thy countrey and to thy kindred and I will doe thee good There is GODS Word and promise then followeth the experience he had already of the performance of this promise verse 10. I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies which thou hast shewed unto thy servant for with my staffe came I over this Iordan and now I have gotten two bands Then followes the confirmation he received in his faith by this experience verse 11. I pray thee deliver mee from the hand of my brother from the hand of Esau. Experience likewise bringeth forth Hope Rom. 5.4 Three things concurre to make up experience 1. Knowledge the better knowledge the better affiance Psal. 9.10 They that know thy Name will put their trust in thee 2. Observation of the waies of GOD. 3. Memory remembrance of such workes of GOD as wee have knowne and observed We should observe how GOD hath made good and confirmed his promises even in our owne experience by blessing us while we have walked carefully and conscionably before him how often he hath granted our requests To this purpose is that exhortation Psal. 34.8 O tast and see that the LORD is good Labour to be able to say with David Psal. 119.56 This I had because I kept thy precepts thou hast dealt well with thy servant O LORD according unto thy Word 6â— verse or as it is 140. verse Thy Word is prooved most pure by good experience therefore thy servant loveth it or as he saith elsewhere Marvellous are thy works and that my soule knoweth right well 4. GODS Promises to us must be the ground and rule of our prayers to him There are two things in this rule to be observed 1. That we can make no prayer in boldnesse faith or comfort but for things promised and in that manner as they are promised We must see the things we aske made ours in some promise and engagementâ— before we presume to aske them This incouraged Iacob Gen. 32.9 12. David 2 Sam. 7.27 28 29. Daniel 9.2 3. and Iehosaphat 2 Chron. 20.8 12. to pray unto GOD because he had made promises of the things
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
accomplishment 1 King 8.37.40 2 Chron. 20.8 10. Iosh. 1.5 6. Heb. 13.5 Luk. 2â— 32 Iohn 17.15 See â—1 20. verses Psal. 84.11 Master Reynolds in his Treatise of the Sinfullnesse of Sin Mat 6.33 Esay 55.5 1 Thess. 4.7 Ier. 31.33 1 Thess. 5 23 Ier. 32.40 Hos 11.3 Hos. 14.4 Ezek. 34.16 Gods Promises signifie what he will do his precepts what we must do that this promises may be to us fulfilled Hee promiseth to hiâ— Church to forgive theiâ— sinnes withall giveâ— us command to repent beleeve that our sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come Acts 3.19 His promise is to save his children their duty yet to save theâ—selves Acts â— 40 * Experiments God hath given us in others Iam. 5.11 2 Experience â—f his mercy in our selves See Pal. 4.1 â—sal 2 7.5 77.5.11 1.3 5. Psa. 1â—9 52 That faith may be preserved wee must often meditate upon the sweetnesse Ps. 1â—9 103. 139.11 constancie Rev. 1.5 2 Cor. 1.20 perpetulty of the most precious and free promises which are thâ— grounds of faith Hos. 14.5 Ezek. 36.22 as a Revered Divineâ— observes in his Exposition of his Catechisme The Philosopher saith that experience is multiplex memoria a multiplied memory because of the memory of the same thing often done ariseth experience Psal. 139.14 The ground for what and the rule how wee must pray All our prayers are to be grounded on Gods promises David often chargeth God with his promise Psal. 119. Qâ—â—cken me according to thy word v. 2â— that is thy promise in thy word So 10â— 149 154. Remâ—mber thy Wor◠〈…〉 thy Woâ—d 38. still he haâ—ps upon this stâ—ing 28â— 1. â—5 75. * Neh. 1.8 1â— In the waâ—t of other Rhetorick Oratory let Christians in their prayâ—â—â—â—rge this with repetition Lord â—hou hast â—romised thou hast promised 〈…〉 2 Chron. â—9 â—â— 15 17. 1 King â—2 The thing asked must first be warranted under some precept or promise in generall though not expresly M. Harris Obiect How wee may pray in faith when we want a particular promise that the thing we aske shall be granted Sol. Gods promises of things temporall and to heare us for others are but indefiniâ—e not universall The faith therefore requited toward them is but an indefinite act of recumbency and submissiâ—n not of assurance M. Goâ—heiâ— in his returne of Prayers Yet God often grants prayers made for oâ—herâ— since promises are made to such prayers as that they shal be healed in their bodies Iam 5 15. healed of their lustâ— v. 16. converted to liâ—e 1 Ioh 5 16. Id. ib. Eo modo cuinia sunt petenda quo modo sunt promissa Verse 3â— We may pray againsâ— temptations as against sicknesse and poverty 〈◊〉 simply buâ— with submission to Gods will only we must pray abâ—oluâ—ely to be 〈◊〉 from 〈…〉 of temptation for those latter words in the I. P doe restraine or correct the former D. Am. That wee should have grace is absolutely necessary and therefore we may pray absolutely for it We may not absolutely pray for limited set meaâ—ureâ— of grace but in what measure God shall thinke good D. Sclater upon 2. to the Thess. pag. 18.210 233. 2 Chro. 32 31 D. Sâ—lat on 1. of Rom. We must referre the time manner and measure of granting our petitions to the Lord. D. Preston on the Sacrament D. Gâ—uge on the Lords Prayer See page 10 See Schudder key of heaven last Doct. Mat. 26.39 D. Sclat on 2.10 Thess pages before quoted There is no temporall thing of this life doth Cadâ—re in promissâ—on Dei but onely so faâ—re forth as it shaâ—l helpe and further the next life This life is but via ad citam and whatsoever God promise◠〈◊〉 in the waâ— is but to 〈◊〉 us â—n the end oâ—â—he 〈◊〉 a 〈…〉 guide to godlinesse b B Babington on L.P. c A Reverend Divine on the L.P. d A Worthy Writer in his Catechisme Smith grounds of religion Tylen Syntag Barker on the 5. Commandement * Illa sola sunt absoluteÌ„ petenda quae necessaria sunt ad Dei gloriam nâ—stram salutem caetera vero cum tacita subiectione ad Dei sapientissimaÌ„ dispositioneÌ„ D Ames medul To l. 2. c. 9. Therefore in the Lords Prayer there are 5. Petitions for Spirituall and but one for Temporall things God must be sought to for the performaÌ„ce of his promises Ezek. 36 â—7 Ier. 29 10 13 God doth not give his promises to make us idle but to exercise our faith in importuning him for performance Gods promises then are as directions in not as dispensations from the devotion we owe unto God Bish. Lake â—hen God promised thingâ— in parâ—icular yet â—â—ll â—hey prayed and prayed earnestlâ— as Eâ—â—th when God promiseâ— that it should raine 1 Kiâ—g 18.41 42. and David when God promised to make him an house 2 Sam. 7.11 It is called a Covenant of gâ—ace and the promise of grace The very Greek and Latine wâ—rds for promise sâ— was beforâ— noted signifie a free and willing promise so the word is taken â—it 1. â— Deut. 7.7 8. Ezek. 16.6.8 a Christ is a free gift Esay 96. and how shall he not with him freely give us all thing Rom. 8 31. God commendeth his love to us in that when we were yet sinners and enemies also Christ died for us Rom 5 8.10 He loved us non existentes imo resistentes saith Bernard b The promises are free yet conditionall Conditionall is not opposed to Free but to Absolute 2 Thess. 3.3 4 2 Thess. 3.11.12 The freenes of Gods promises revives our hope * It is good for a man saith Greenham to watch himselfe whether in hearing the promises of God he hath a cold feare comming on him for his unworthines which if he have that man may hope well of himselfe Mat. 11.28 The wicked came Gods peace into wantonnes Iude 4. 2 Cor. 7 1. Heb. 4 1. Esay 55.7 The Covenant is actually made with beleevers onely Act 13.48 Gal. 3. â— but it is offered unto all by the Gospel Mat. 28 1â— Acts 17.30 Col 1.23 Tit. â— 11 Ioh. 6 45 7 Ephes. 1.17 〈…〉 in Comment ad Rome 3. v. 2. Acts 2.39 The largenesse of the Promise serveth not onely to assure all beleevers of salvation but to encourage all that heare of Christ to beleeve in him as the brazen Serpent had a promise annexed to it Numb 21.8 9. Ioh. 3.14 15 â—6 that all that lookâ—d toward it when they were stung with a Serpent should be he healed that promise served not onely to assure the lookers of recovery but also to encourage and warrant every one to looke to the Serpent The Sacraments particularize the generality of the promise * Perkins reformed Cathâ—like Abbot against Bish. * D. Prideaux Lect 7 de salutis certitudine D Sclater on Rom 18. The Papish say it is arrogancy and presumption by a speciall faith to apply the promises to our selves
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