when hee seeth that their power is gone and there is none shut up or left Deut. 32.36 2 King 14 26. Going into captivity was a signe of the Israelites returning out of Captivity Faith will teach us to say he hath chastized me according as he hath threatned therfore he wil comfort me according as he hath promised Ier. 32.42 It will extract abundance of comfort in the most desperate distresses from those places 2 Chron. 20.12 Prov. 18.10 Esay 33.9 10. For the nature of it is to beleeve GOD upon his bare word and that against sense in things invisible and against reason in things incredible Heb. 11.1 David Psal. 56.10 though sorely afflicted yet rejoyceth in GOD because of his naked promise the woman of Canaan could picke comfort out of the reproachfull name of dog Hath not GOD promised and assured me not to faile nor forsake me but to uphold me in affliction and bring me through it and comfort me by it and glorifie me after it therefore I should with Abraham hope against hope and apprehend the certaine accomplishment of these promises by faith when sense and carnall reason see nothing but the contrary CHAP. III. Temporall Promises in regard of evill things Speciall Sicknesse Poverty Famine Warre Captivity Witchcraft or possession of the Divell Oppression Promises in regard of Sicknesse 1. TO prevent Sicknesse and keepe it away If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy GOD and wilt doe that which is right in his sight and wilt give eare to his Commandements and keepe all his statutes I will put none of these diseases upon thee which I have brought upon the Aegyptians for I am the LORD that healeth thee Exod. 15.26 Deut. 7.15 GOD will preserve his children from the pestilence Psal. 91.3 6 7 10. He will certainly deliver them from the hurt of it so as it shall not hinder the good or salvation of any in the godly mans house 2. If sicknesse be amongst us to helpe in it and remove it from us The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing thou wilt make all his bed in his sicknesse Psal. 41.3 And the LORD will take away from thee all sicknesse Deut. 7.15 And I will take sicknesse away from the midst of thee Exod. 23.25 In all our bodily infirmities and sore diseases we should remember some of these promises and lay hold on them by faith that wee faint not nor murmure Promises in regard of Poverty There is a generall promise made to all that feare GOD 1 Tim. 4.8 Psal. 34.9 10. Heb. 13.5 And many other speciall promises likewise which may comfort and strengthen the godly against murmuring and impatiency in hard times I will abundantly blesse her provision I will satisfie her poore with bread Psal. 132.15 Deut. 8.16 No rich man under Heaven can be so assured that hee and his shall be preserved from beggery as every poore Christian may be For though the LORD in infinite bounty doe bestow those blessings on wicked men in great abundance yet they belong to them onely ex largitate out of a generall providence but to the faithfull ex promisso out of GODS promise David beholding how much it vexed GODS children to see the wicked prosper in this world and the godly distressed of purpose made the 37. Psalme to heartenâ— the godly against this sore tentation which in all ages much troubled GODS people and there hee sheweth that the state of the godly is far better even in this life then that of the wicked 3 4 5 11 16. verses To the same purpose was made the 73. Psalme See Psal. 16.5 6. Psal. 23. Psal. 10.14 Psal. 109.31 He raiseth up the poore out of the dust and lifteth the needie out of the dunghill Psal. 103.7 I have beene young saith David in that 37. Psalme 25. verse and now am old yet have I not seene the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread Davids saying may be taken 1. as his owne observation in his time for he saith not the righteous is never forsaken but that he never saw it and it is a rare thing 2. which Exposition Master Perkins approves the righteous man is never forsaken and his seed too GOD may make triall of godly Parents by want but their godly children shall surely be blessed 3. hee saith hee never saw the righteous and his seed forsaken begging bread that is no not forsaken when they were begging their bread Whensoever wee are pinched with any earthly necessity we should runne to one of these gracious promises for if wee rightly beleeve them they will make us cast our care on GOD that careth for us and moderate our immeasurable carking after the things of this world moving us patiently to waite for the accomplishment of our desires or contentedly to want what GOD denieth Phil. 4.5 1 Pet. 5.7 Psal. 55.22 Psal. 37.4 5. Deut. 8.3 Promises for succour in Famine Particular promises for helpe in Famine and deliverance from it In Famine he shall redeeme thee from death Iob 5.20 The LORD will not suffer the soule of the righteous to famish Prov. 10.3 Behold the eye of the LORD is upon them that feare him upon them that hope in his mercy to keepe them alive in famine Psal. 33.19 In the daies of famine they shall be satisfied Psal. 37.19 If I shut up Heaven saith the LORD thâ—t there be no raine or if I command the Locusts to devoure the land if my people shall humble themselves and pray and seeke my face and turne from their wicked waies then will I heare from heaven and will forgive their sinne and heale their land 2 Chron. 7.13 14. In that day I will heare saith the LORD I will heare the Heavens and they shall heare the Earth and the earth shall heare the corne and the wine and the oyle and they shall heare Iezreel Hosea 2.21 22. When the poore and needy seeke water and there is none and their tongue faileth for thirst I the LORD will heare them I the GOD of Israel will not forsake them I will open rivers in high places and fountaines in the midst of the valleys I will make the wildernesse a poole of water and the drie land springs of water See Ioel 2.18 19. Zach. 8.11 12. 10.1 Mal. 3.10 GODS children in time of scarcity should live by faith Mat. 4.4 feede on the promise and depend on GODS allowance when our owne provision failes us then not to distrust the provision of GOD is a noble tryall of faith Promises to preserve from Warre and deliver from the Sword The LORD will preserve his children from Warre Thou shalt not see a fierce people Esay 33.19 The enemies being astonished shall be a prey to the Church ver 23. GOD will deliver them from the Sword as he saith Ier. 39.17 18. I will deliver thee in that day and thou shalt not be given into the
of GOD. David Psal. 40.3 shewes another meanes whereby GOD doth stirre up this grace in his people viz. the beholding of GODS mercy on others saying And he hath put a new song in my mouth even praise unto our GOD many shall see it and feare and shall trust in the LORD They shall feare thee as long as the Sunne and Moone endure throughout all generations Psal. 72.5 They shall feare the GOD of Israel Esay 29.23 They shall feare the LORD and his goodnesse in the latter daies Hos. 3.5 GOD hath made promises to free his people from servile feares Iob 11.15 Psal. 112.7 8. Prov. 1.33 Promises to Feare 1. Great and everlasting mercy is promised to those that feare GOD. As the heaven is high above the earth so great is his mercy toward them that feare him Psal. 103.11 The mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that feare him verse 17. O how great is thy goodnesse which thou hast laid up for them that feare thee Psal. 31.19 2. Such as feare GOD are accepted of him Act. 10.35 He taketh pleasure in them Psal. 147.11 Mal 3.16 17. The Sunne of righteousnesse shall rise up to such Mal. 4.2 GOD will teach them in the way that they should choose Psal. 25.12 13 14. Hee will fulfill their desire Psal. 145.19 3. They shall not want There is no want to them that feare the LORD Psal. 34 9 Psal. 111.5 4. The Angell of the LORD encâ—mpeth round about them and delivereth them Psal. 34.7 5. Their daies shall be prolonged Pro. 10.27 Pro. 19.23 Pro. 22.4 and they shall be rewarded Pro. 13.13 6. Those that feare the LORD are pronounced blessed Blessed is the man that feareth GOD Psal. 112.1 2. Hee will blesse them that feare the LORD both small and great Psal. 115.13 Happy is the man that feareth alway Pro. 28.14 He that feareth the LORD is and shall be every way blessed Psal. 128.1 4. The reward of eternall life shall be given them Rev. 11.18 8. Obedience Promises 1. Of Obedience GOD will make us able to obey GOD doth promise in the New Covenant to enable us to walke in his statutes and keepe his Ordinances and doe them Ezek. 11.19 20. the like is repeated Ezek. 36.27 37.24 And thou shalt returne and obey the voice of the LORD and doe all his Commandements which I command thee this day Deut. 30.8 The like promise is Hos. 14.9 The waies of the LORD are right and the iust shall walkâ— in them GOD hath sworne that wee shall serve him Luke 1.72 74. Promises 2. To Obedience The Scriptures are full of promises to Obedience True and faithfull obedience bringeth all manner of blessings for body and soule for name and estate yea and for seede and posterity also All these blessings shall come on thee and overtake thee if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy GOD Deut. 28.1 2. to 14. 1. All in generall all these blessings shall overtake thee 2. Every one in particular as is shewed in the verses following Particular promises made to Obedience 1. Holy and Christian security Levit. 25.18 19. 26.3 5 6. Pro. 1.33 Iob 11.13 15 19. 1 Chron. 28.7 2. Sufficiencie of outward things nay plenty Deut. 28. Levit 25.18 19 21. 26.3 4 5 10. GODS blessing on the creatures Exod. 23.25 3. Prosperity and a blessing also on their seed Iob 36.11 Esay 48.17 Deut. 6.17 18 24. This is often iterated almost in every Chapter in Deuteronomie and in divers verses of some one Take heede and doe according to all that I command you that it may be well with you and with your children for ever Deut. 4.40 Deut. 5.29 33. Deut. 6.2 3 18 24. Deut. 12.28 GOD will shew mercy unto thousands of them that love him and keepe his Commandements Deut. 5.10 Exod. 20.6 4. Freedome from diseases Exod. 15.26 and deliverance out of trouble Deut. 4.30 31. 5. GODS love and presence If yee will obey my voice indeed and keepe my Covenant then yee shall be a peculiar treasure unto mee above all people Exod. 19.5 And I will set my Tabernacle amongst you and I will walke among you Levit. 26.11 12. 6. Victory over enemies Deut. 6.19 Deut. 11.22 23. Deut. 28.7 Levit. 26.7 8. 7. Audience of their suites and acceptance of their persons If my words abide in you yee shall aske what yee will and it shall be done unto you Iohn 15.7 Our obedience is an acceptable sacrifice to GOD offered up in CHRIST Gen. 4.7 Levit. 26.9 Acts 10.35 8. Perseverance If you keepe my Commandements yee shall abide in my love Iohn 15.10 9. Blessednesse and eternall salvation Blessed are they that keepe iudgement and hee that doth righteousnesse at all times Psal. 106.3 See Pro. 8.32 29.18 Luke 11.28 Iohn 13.17 Rom. 2.10 Iames 1.25 Rev. 22.14 He became the Author of eternall salvation unto all them that obey him Heb. 5.9 A promise 1. To willing obedience If yee be willing and obedient yee shall eate the good of the Land Esay 1.19 2. Promisâ—s to generall obedience Then shall I not be ashamed when I have respect unto all thy Commandements Psal. 119.6 Yee are my Friends if yee doe whatsoever I command you Iohn 15.14 9. Repentance Promises 1 of it Acts 5.31.2 to it Acts 2.31 2 Cor. 3.16 Ier. 4.1 Ezek. 33.15 16. In it are handled 1. Confession of sin 2. Mourning for it 3. Killing of it 4. Turning from it 1. Confession of sinne To true Confession of sinne are promised Remitting of it purging from it and mercy If wee confesse our sinnes hee is faithfull and iust see the certainty of this promise to forgive us our sinnes and to cleanse us from all unrighteousnesse See the extent and largenesse of this promise 1 Ioh. 1.9 Cum homo agnoscit Deus ignoscit saith Austin Hee that confesseth and forsaketh his sinnes shall have mercy Pro. 28.13 If we would iudge our selves we should not be iudged 1 Cor. 11.31 Jer. 3.12 13. Hee looketh upon men and if any say I have sinned and perverted that which was right and it profited mee not He will deliver his soule from going downe into the pit and his life shall see the light Iob 33.27 28. 2. Mourning for sinne Promises 1. Of godly sorrow GOD promiseth in the New Covenant to take away the stony heart out of their flesh that is the stony hardnesse which was in their heart before and to give them a heart of flesh that is a soft and tender heart to tremble at GODS judgements beleeve his promises and obey his Commandements You shall looke on him whom you have pierced and you shall mourne for him as one mourneth for his onely Sonne and be in bitternesse for him as one that is in bitternesse for his first-borne Zach. 12.10 See Ezek. 20.43 36.31 If thou complainest of a hard heart
Ezek. 36.25 I will turne to the people a pure language Zeph. 3.9 See ver 13. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisedome and his tongue talketh of iudgement The Law of GOD is in his heart Psal. 37.30 31. CHRIST gave himselfe for us that hee might redeeme us from all iniquity and purifie unto himselfe a peculiar people zealous of good workes the LORD will guide the meeke in iudgement and teach the humble his way Psal. 25.8 12. In the daies of the Gospell saith the Prophet Zacharie shall there be upon the bels of the horses HOLINESSE VNTO THE LORD Those Promises before quoted in the Chapter of Justification Mat. 1.21 Ioh. 1.29 1 Iohn 2.2 1 Ioh. 1.7 Rev. 1.5 may be referred to this head also for they are to be understood not onely of pardoning our sinnes but delivering us from the power of them Promises 2. To Sanctification In keeping of them there is great reward Psal. 19.11 Blessed and happy is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power Rev. 20.6 Depart from evill and doe good and dwell for evermore Psal. 37.27 To give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified Act. 20.32 See the like Act. 26.18 See Rom. 8.1 13. 1 Iohn 1.7 Esay 1.16 17 18. CHAP. X Promises of Spirituall Graces 1. The kinds of them 1. Knowledge and wisdome 2. Faith 3. Confidence 4. Hope 5. Joy 6. Love of 1. GOD. 2. CHRIST 3. Our Brethren 4. Our Enemies 7. Feare 8. Obedience 9. Repentance in which are handled 1. Confession of sin 2. Mourning for sin 3. Killing of it 4. Turning from it 10. Humility 11. Meekenesse 12. Patience 13. Righteousnesse 14. Vprightnesse 15. Peace 16. Zeale 17. Perseverance Spirituall Graces promised 1. Knowledge and Wisdome Promises 1. Of Knowledge IT is part of the Covenant Heb. 8.11 You shall know me from the least to the greatest and I will teach you and you shall no more teach one another his neighbour you shall have my law written in your hearts The Prophet speaking of the daies of CHRIST saith The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea Esay 11.9 the like we have Hab. 2.14 In the time of the Old Testament there was a vaile that covered their hearts and their eyes that they were not able to see the truth clearely but now That vaile is taken away and wee see the truth with open face as wee see an image in a glasse We know much more then they in the Old Testament and in another manner more distinctly more particularly It is oft said that The LORD will teach his people As in that famous prophesie of the daies of the Gospell that GOD would teach them his waies and they would walke in his paths Esay 2.3 Micah 4.2 So Psal. 25.8 9. Hee will teach sinners in the way and the meeke hee will teach his way The Elect shall be all taught of GOD Iohn 6.45 so much as is necessary for their salvation yea The least as well as the greatest They shall know of the Scripture to be GODS Word Esay 52.6 They shall know in that day that I am hee that doth speake behold it is I. They shall know of that doctrine which is taught them whether it be of GOD or whether their teacher speake of himselfe Iohn 7.17 CHRISTS Sheepe know his voice and will follow him John 10.4 The secret of the LORD is revealed to them that feare him and hee will shew them his Covenant Psal. 25.14 See ver 12. When the Spirit of truth is come hee will guide you into all truth Iohn 16.13 The faithfull have an unction from the holy one and know all things 1 Iohn 2.20 and ver 27. The HOLY GHOST abideth in them and they need not that any man teach them See Pro. 1.23 Hos. 14.9 Psal. 107.43 Iohn 8.32 Psal. 32.8 Marke 4.11 Esay 30.21 Prov. 2.3 4 5 6. Prov. 3.6 14.6 Promises 2. To Knowledge and wisedome It is rewarded 1. with Temporall blessings GOD will exalt such as know him I will set him on high because he hath knowne my name Psal. 91.14 Length of daies is in her right hand and in her left hand riches and honour Prov. 3.14 2. With spirituall blessings as grace and peace 2 Pet. 1.2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of GOD. 3. With eternall blessings Prov. 3.13 18. Shee is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her and happy is every one that retaineth her 2. Faith which is thus defined Faith is a supernaturall gift of GOD in the mind apprehending the saving promise with all the promises that depend upon it Phil. 1.29 Gal. 3.14 Promises 1. Of Faith GOD promiseth to give Faith to whom hee meanes to save The Apostle saith It is the gift of GOD Ephes. 2.8 and Iude 3. That it was once given to the Saints Heb. 12.2 CHRIST is said to be the Author and finisher of our Faith And Rom. 12.3 That GOD hath dealt to every man the measure of Faith All that the Father giveth mee that is by election shall come to mee that is by Faith Iohn 6.37 See verse 35. Promises 2. To Faith Many Promises are made to Beleevers 1. Beleefe in GOD brings good successe Beleeve in the LORD your GOD so shall yee be established beleeve his Prophets so shall yee prosper 2 Chron. 20.20 2. Forgivenesse of sinnes righteousnesse and justification are promised to Beleevers Acts 10.43 Rom. 10.4 4.5 5.1 Acts 13.39 3. Wee are made the sonnes of GOD by adoption when wee beleeve in CHRIST Ioh. 1.12 Gal. 3.26 29. 4. GOD will give his Spirit to them that beleeve Hee that beleeveth in mee out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water Ioh. 7.38 5. GOD hath promised to heare the prayers of such as beleeve What things soever yee desire when yee pray beleeve that yee receive them and yee shall have them Mark 11.24 Whatsoever yee shall aske in prayer if yee beleeve yee shall receive it Matth. 21.22 6. Eternall life is promised to Beleevers Iohn 3.16 Whosoever beleeveth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life It is not onely said hee shall have eternall life but already he hath it often in Iohn Chap. 3.36 Chap. 5. 24. Chap. 6.47 54. 1. In regard of right because hee is instated into it in the Covenant of grace Mat. 5.3 2. CHRIST in his Ascention hath taken full possession for us Ephes. 2.6 3. In regard of initiall fruition in this life the life of grace is an imperfect life of glory Beleevers are said to be blessed John 20.29 Every man that beleeves shall be saved Mar. 16.16 There is the gracious promise now the Faithfull man assumes the Minor but I beleeve and out of these two premises inferreth this saving Conclusion therefore I shall be saved
hearts discouraged by the little strength we finde to master our speciall corruptions then we may apply to our selves any of these promises wherein the LORD himselfe doth undertake this worke which is too hard for us That he will subdue our iniquities cleanse us from all unrighteousnesse Though a strong and importunate lust hang upon us an hereditary disease a lust that is naturall to us which we think wee shall never be able to conquer yet GOD hath promised to breake the dominion of every sinne That hee will crucifie the flesh with the affections thereof Hee can heale the strongest lusts CHRIST could cure those that were borne blinde and lame therefore when we grapple with a strong lust we should goe to the LORD and pleade the Covenant and say to him LORD I feele this temptation is too strong for mee such a lust I cannot overcome thou hast said Thou wilt circumcise my heart that thou wilt dissolve these lusts I beseech thee to doe it If we truly hate and detest sinne though it doe sometimes stirre in us we should not be discouraged for our Sanctification here is but in fieri it is but in doing yet Rev. 6.2 CHRIST rides about conquering and will yet goe on to conquer sinne in us He will not subdue our corrupt lusts unto us at once but as he did the Cananites to his people Israel by little and little Exod. 23.30 Deut. 7.22 That promise which GOD made to Paul in the stirrings and conflicts of his concupiscence is made unto all of his temper my grace is sufficient for thee 2 Cor. 12.9 There are two things in that promise grace to make it and sufficiency to fulfill it The LORD doth sometimes descend to particulars as that Hee will cleanse them from their Idols and that hee will take away the stony heart out of them But wee may apply the former generall promises to our particular occasions and they will be as comfortable as if the LORD had said in particular hee will kill our pride our unbeleefe our hypocrisie Promises 2. To Mortification The benefits the LORD will bestow upon us if in obedience and love to him wee can be content to cast away our sinfull lusts He that forsaketh any profit credit or comfort for CHRISTS sake shall be rewarded an hundred fold Mar. 10.29 30. Mat. 19.28 Hee shall receive not ten in the hundred but a hundred for ten If yee mortifie the deeds of the flesh by the Spirit yee shall live Rom. 8.13 Without it there is no living it is a necessary condition required to the attainement of salvation 4. Turning from sinne Promises 1. Of Turning from sinne Then thou shalt remember thy waies and be ashamed Ezek. 16.61 Yee shall remember your waies and all your doings wherein yee have beene defiled and you shall lothe your selves in your owne sight for all your evills that yee have committed Ezek. 20.43 the like is repeated 36.31 Vnto you hath GOD raised up his Sonne JESUS and sent him to blesse you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities Acts 3.26 GOD promiseth to the Gentiles in their conversion Then will I change in the people their lip that it may be pure so Iunius reads it with the which all may call upon the name of the LORD that is I will call them to repentance and then followes a promise of taking away the staine of sinne In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy workes The remnant of Israel shall stay upon the LORD the holy one of Israel in truth The remnant shall returne c. Then shall shee say I will goe and returne to my first husband for then was it better with mee then now Hos. 2.7 They shall returne unto mee with their whole heart Ier. 24 7. Promises 2. To turning from sinne Turning unto GOD by repentance procureth his mercies upon us 1. Temporall Returne unto mee and I will returne unto you saith the LORD of hostes Malac 3.7 See Deut. 30.1 2 Nehem. 1.9 Iob 22.23 24 25 28. Ier. 7.3 5 7 14 15. 18.8 2. Spirituall the promises of remission to repentance are very frequent in Scripture So the Prophet Esay promiseth pardon to the penitent Wash you make you cleane put away the evill of your workes from you that is repent and then followes Though your sinnes were as crimson they shall be made as white as snow that is yee shall be pardoned If wee acknowledge our sinnes that is if wee repent hee is faithfull and iust to forgive us our sinnes Hence repentance and remission of sinnes are joyned together by our Saviour Luke 24.47 Acts 2.38 Repent and be converted that your sinnes may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come Acts 3.19 Let the wicked forsake his way and returne unto the LORD and hee will have mercy on him Esay 55.7 3. Eternall O Hierusalem wash thy heart from wickednesse that thou maist be saved Ier. 4.14 10. Humility Promises To Humility The LORD inricheth the humble with all his gifts both Temporall Spirituall and Eternall 1. He will reward them with temporall benefits By humility and the feare of the LORD are riches and honour and life Pro. 22.4 2. GOD promiseth deliverance to the humble 2 Chron. 12.7 Iob 22.29 3. Honour Before honour is humility Pro. 15.33 18.12 Iob 5.11 Iam. 4.6 10. Luke 18.14 Matth. 23 12. 2. Spirituall graces GOD giveth grace unto the humble Iam. 4.6 1 Pet. 5.5 Pro. 3.24 1. Pardon of sinne 2 Chron. 7.14 2. GOD teacheth them his waies Psal. 25.9 Mat. 11.25 He revealeth to them the secrets of his Kingdome making them thereby wise unto their salvation Pro 11.2 3. GOD blesseth them with his presence taking delight to dwell with them Esay 57.15 3. GOD will crowne the humble in the life to come with eternall glory Blessed are the poore in spirit for theirs is the kingdome of heaven Mat. 5.3 Austen and Chrysostome expound it of inward humility 11. Meekenesse Promises 1. Of Meekenesse The Wolfe shall dwell with the Lambe and the Leopard shall lie downe with the Kid and the Calfe and the young Lyon and the falling together and a little child shall leade them And the Cow and the Beare shall feed their young ones shall lie downe together c. Esay 11.6 7 8. whereby is signified that men once converted shall be so changed and altered that if they were never so fierce and cruell against the Church and one against another before yet they shall be framed to a peaceable and meeke disposition towards all men Promises 2. To Meekenesse 1. Protection The meeke are under GODS protection in a speciall manner Psal. 76.9 He will beautifie the meeke with salvation Psal. 149.4 They shall be hid in the day of the LORDS wrath Zeph. 2.3 Hee will rebuke aright for all the meeke of the earth Esay 11.4 2. Advancement The LORD lifteth up the meeke Psal.
earth Gen. 13.16 He and his wife being both old he thus as accounting GODS promises vaine answered LORD GOD what wilt thou give mee seeing I goe childlesse Gen. 15.2 Sarah likewise hearing the promise GOD had made to her husband concerning a Sonne by her laughed at it Gen. 18.12 as if she should have said that is a jest indeed GOD told Adam in Paradise That the seed of the woman should breake the serpents head Gen. 3.15 He was long but sure for it was fulfilled at last He that gave us CHRIST how shall he not with him give us all things also Rom. 8.32 He that hath performed the promise concerning CHRIST wherein shall he faile He hath hitherto kept promise with nights and daies as Ieremy saith Ier. 33.20 25. that one shall succeed the other therefore much more will hee keepe his word with his people Hee is worthy to be beleeved who never failed to performe what he promised If GOD have promised us pardon of sinne Sanctification Patience Faith wee should promise our selves these things and rest confident that we shall receive them Shall we beleeve an honest man on his word and yet not trust GOD upon his word who is Almighty and therefore able a Father and therefore willing to performe his promises GOD hath spoken in his holinesse saith David I will reioyce therefore in his Word I will divide Shechem and mete out the valley of Succoth Gilead is mine Manasseh is mine Ephraim also is the strength of mine head Iudah is my law-giver Moab is my washpot Psal. 60.6 7. Though then hee had little enough yet he was confident hee should have all that because he had GODS Word for it So we may beleeve what GOD hath promised since he hath said it and sealed it and sworne it One in the Covenant may lay hold on CHRIST and say CHRIST is mine on the Promise and say forgivenesse is mine on the Covenant and say grace is mine The LORD will not be unmindfull of his Covenant with us Psal. 111.5 nor unfaithfull in performance of his promise to us if wee prove not unfaithfull but keepe covenant and promise with him Psal. 103.17 18. 2 Chron. 15.2 for the Covenant consists of two parts in the one GOD bindes himselfe to be our GOD in the other we binde ourselves to be his people Hos. 2.23 His is a Covenant of mercy ours of obedience He promiseth happinesse we holinesse He glory we duty He hath tied himselfe by an oath wee have bound our selves by the vow of baptisme Hee will not forget his part let us remember ours Let it never be said of us as it was of a Pope and his Nephew that the one never spake as he thought the other never performed what he spake The Carthaginians were infamous for covenant-breaking and slipperinesse in their promises so that it grew a proverbe Punica fides Poeni foedifragi semper habiti saith Plautus and the Athenians were renowned for faithfullnesse in all their covenants agreements and promises which gave occasion to those proverbes Attica fides and Atticus testis used for one that still keepes touch Fidelity in keeping promise is a fruit of the Spirit called by the Apostle faith Gal. 5.22 and a property of him that must rest on GODS holy mountaine Therefore wee should imitate the Athenians shall I say nay rather GOD himselfe expressing faithfullnesse in all our words workes and waies wee should keepe our covenant with GOD and pay our vowes unto the most High Psal. 25.10 Psal. 103.18 we should also be constant in the performance of our promises to men for promises are due debts And non in promissione sed in consummatione virtus est vertue doth not consist in promise but in performance The manner how GOD performeth his promises is not alwaies one and the selfe-same sometimes hee gives the very particular thing promised as unto the children of Israell deliverance out of Aegypt David from Saul Iacob from Esau. Hee restored unto Hezekiah his health according to his promise and removed the host of the Assyrians which besieged Jerusalem sometime hee gives that which is equivalent or better Thus in the 5. Commandement obedient children are promised long life yet Iosiah 2 Kings 23.29 and Abiah 1 King 14.13 were taken away in their best age therefore for temporall life they had eternall so GOD promised Abraham the land of Canaan and hee had the true Canaan the Kingdome of Heaven GOD here breaketh not promise but changeth in melius So in taking away wealth from his children he giveth them more store of grace in restraining liberty of body He giveth freedome of conâ—cience with affliction He giveth patience It was promised Iosiah 2 Kings 22.20 that hee should be gathered to his grave in peace yet hee died a violent death for he was slaine by the hands of his enemies 2 King 23.29 the next words therefore doe expound it And thine eyes shall not see all the evill which I will bring upon this place He died in peace comparatively with a worse state of life for hee lived not to see the misery of succeeding ages Esay 57.1 Some interpret it thus hee was gathered to the Spirits of his Fathers who enjoyed peace GOD doth not alwaies performe his promises to the same parties and yet most truly performeth them Psal. 97.11 Light is sowne for the righteous Oftentimes the Father soweth and dieth ere the harvest and so the Sonne reapes so Abraham inherited Canaan in his posterity So GOD promised to send his Sonne this promise was made to the Fathers and GOD fulfilled it to the children Acts 13.32 33. The time of accomplishing GODS promises is uncertaine to us Acts 1.7 though it shall not be over-passed The vision is for an appointed time but at the end it shall speake and not lie All visions and words of GOD whether of promise or of threatning let them seeme to lie lea and void never so long yet shall be not onely certainely fulfilled but in the period of time which the wisedome of GOD hath impropriated to them Sometimes GODS promises have a limited time as that Gen. 17.21 18.14 and then they are fulfilled in that very time exprest as Gen. 21.1 2. Sometimes hee expresseth not the time GOD in the beginning made a promise to our first Parents concerning the seed of the Woman and deferred it almost 4000. yeares and yet at length accomplished it There have passed about 5000. yeares since the time of the glorious comming of CHRIST unto judgement was promised and it is not knowne when it shall be accomplished Abraham was childlesse till he was 70. yeares old and at those yeares the LORD promised him issue But this promise was not accomplished till a long time after when hee was an 100. yeares old David had a promise to be King of Ierusalem and Iuda but the LORD exercised him by many and grievous afflictions
So it is oft said Riches and honour are with her Pro. 3.16 and verse 35. The wise shall inherit glory So Chap. 13.18 Hee that regardeth reproofe shall be honoured This is meant by all those speeches where it is said that hearkning to instruction will adorne and bring into estimation as costly ornaments of bracelets jewels and the like will doe so it is Pro. 1.9 They shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head and chaines about thy neck See Chap. 3.22 4.9 The gracious woman receiveth honour Pro. 11.16 Righteousnesse exalteth a naâ—ion Prov. 14.34 GOD doth highly esteeme of the godly himselfe Since thou wast precious in my sight thou hast beene honourable and I have loved thee Esay 43.4 and he will make the wicked to honour them The evill bow before the good and the wicked at the gates of the righteous Pro. 14.19 Behold I will make them of the Synagogue of Satan to come and worship before thy feet and to know that I have loved thee Rev. 3.9 2. Good name A good name is better then precious ointment Eccles. 7.1 and rather to be chosen then great riches Pro. 22.1 GOD hath made many promises concerning this The memory of the Iust is blessed Pro. 10.7 I will make you a name and praise among all the people of the earth saith the LORD Zeph. 3.20 I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off Esay 56.5 The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance Psal. 112.6 Promises to GODS children in respect of the Body 1. Long life The LORD that hee may stirre up his people to obedience doth make many promises of long life and many daies as in the fift Commandement which the Apostle saith is the first Commandement with Promise Ephes. 6.2 every child is there commanded to Honour his Father and Mother upon this promise that his daies may be long in the land So Deut. 5.33 Deut. 25.15 30.20 In the Proverbes this is very oft repeated Chap. 3.1 2. My sonne forget not my law but let thine heart keepe my commandements for length of daies and long life and peace shall they add to thee And 16. and 18. verses of the same Chapter and Chap. 4. from the 5. verse to 14. Chap. 8.35 Chap. 9.11 Chap. 10.25 27. Chap. 11.19 30. 14.30 This GOD promised to Salomon 1 King 3.14 and the like is spoken more generally that the Prince that hateth covetousnesse shall prolong his daies Prov. 28.16 and also Deut. 17.19 20. Long life is promised to the observers of the whole law Deut. 6.2 and other particular branches of it Psalm 34.12 13 14. In all the perills of this life by sickenesse warre famine theeves or any wicked enemy whatsoever we may call to minde some of these promises and so rest quiet thereupon that none of these nor any thing else shall shorten our daies more then shall turne to our good 2. Health GOD hath promised bodily health and strength unto his people that they may enjoy and make use of these earthly comforts Salomon Pro. 3.7 exhorting us to feare the LORD and depart from evill adds this as a promise verse 8. It shall be health to thy navill and marrow to thy bones that is soundnesse of health to thy whole body and Chap. 4.22 He saith That the true receiving of instructions is life to those that finde them and health to all their flesh Bodily strength is often promised The LORD will give strength unto his people Psal. 29.11 See Psal. 103.5 3. Safety Then shalt thou walke in thy way safely and thy foot shall not stumble Pro. 3.23 See verse 26. 1 Sam. 2.9 The Name of the LORD is a strong tower the righteous runneth unto it and is safe Pro. 18.10 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely Pro. 10.9 Who so hearkeneth unto mee shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from feare of evill Prov. 1.33 Thou shalt be secure because there is hope yea thou shalt digge about thee and thou shalt take thy rest in safety Job 11.18 See Psal. 91.1 3 4 5 9 10. 1 Pet. 3.13 14. When a man is in Covenant with GOD he is in league with the creatures and therefore they shall never doe him hurt Gen. 9.2 Hos. 2.18 Thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee Job 5.23 4. Peace Peace in regard of outward troubles is a speciall blessing of GOD and hath beene in all ages promised by GOD to his Church 1 Chron. 22.9 And I will give peace in the land and yee shall lye downe and none shall make you afraid Levit. 26.6 The LORD will blesse his people with peace Psal. 29.11 The meeke shall delight themselves in abundance of peace Psal. 37.11 He maketh peace in thy borders Psal. 147.14 LORD thou wilt ordaine peace for us Esay 26.12 Thou shalt know that thy Tabernacle shall be in peace Job 5.29 See Jam. 3.18 Esay 48.18 When a mans waies please the LORD hee will make his enemies at peace with him Prov. 16.6 5. Sleepe Promises for quiet rest and safety in the night When thou liest downe thou shalt not be afraid yea thou shalt lie downe and thy sleepe shall be sweet Pro. 3.24 Also thou shalt lie downe and none shall make thee afraid Job 11.19 Zeph. 3.13 Hee giveth his beloved sleepe Psal. 127.2 6. Food and raiment GOD hath promised to give his children food unto content Yee shall eate in plenty and be satisfied and praise the Name of the LORD Joel 2.26 Trust in the LORD and doe good so shalt thou dwell in the land and verily thou shalt be fed Psal. 37.3 He giveth meate unto them that feare him Psal. 111.5 He will satisfie the poore with bread Psal. 102.15 He loveth the stranger in giving him food and raiment Deut. 10.18 To such as want meate drinke or apparell CHRIST saith Matth. 6.25 Is not the life more then meate and the body then raiment It is an argument as we say à maiori aâ—minus from the greater to the lesser The LORD which gave the life it selfe will not suffer us to want those things that appertaine to the sustaining of the same and ver 32. Your heavenly Father saith hee knoweth that yee have neede of these things that is foode and raiment A man may know our wants and yet say as it is Iames 2.16 another may desire to supply our wants and yet not know them but GOD 1. Knowes our wants 2. Will supply them for hee is a Father 3. Can supply them for he is a heavenly Father Promises to GODS children for their outward Estate 1. Wealth GOD hath promised his people such a portion of earthly goods as shall be needfull for their more comfortable living in this world Riches and honour are with mee yea durable riches and righteousnesse My fruit is better then gold yea then fine gold and my revenue then choice silver
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
appointing the fittest times and seasons for all things so as may most make for his owne glory and his childrens good Let us therefore imitate David Iob and Simeon spoken of before in waiting for the accomplishment of GODS promises and hoping in him even against hope as Abraham did though sence reason and experience should be against us yet let us cleave to the Promises and waite upon GOD who never faileth those that trust in him 1 Pet. 1.13 5. Joy Promises of it This is notably set out unto us in the booke of Psalmes Psal. 19.8 The Statutes of the LORD are right reioycing the heart Psal. 23.4 Thy rod and thy staffe they comfort mee Psal. 36.8 9. Thou shalt make them drinke of the river of thy pleasures for with thee is the fountaine of life and in thy light shall we see light Psal. 89.15 16. Blessed is the people that know the ioyfull sound they shall walke O LORD in the light of thy countenance In thy name shall they reioyce all the day and in thy righteousnesse shall they be exalted Psal. 45.15 With gladnesse and reioycing shall they be brought Psal. 64.10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD Psal. 68.3 Let the righteous be glad let them reioyce before GOD yea let them exceedingly reioyce Psal. 97.11 12. Light is sowen for the righteous and gladnesse for the upright in heart Reioyce in the LORD yee righteous Psal. 118.15 The voice of reioycing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous Psal. 132.16 Her Saints shall shout aloud for ioy The bookes of the Prophets are full of these Promises Notable is that sweet song of Esay GOD is my Salvation I will trust and not be afraid for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song hee also is become my salvation Therefore with ioy shall yee draw water out of the wells of Salvation or Consolation The whole 35. Chapter of Esay is full of heavenly consolation to as Gentiles verse 1. The wildernesse and thâ— solitary place shall be glad for thâ—m and the desert shall reioyce and blossome as the rose See ver 10. Esay 56.7 I will make them ioyfull in my house of prayer In the 66. of Esâ—y are many sweet consolations vâ—rse 10. to 14. our Saviour likewise said to his Disciples that their hearts should reioyce and their ioy should no man take away from them Joh. 16.22 Paul saith The kingdome of GOD is in righteousnesse peace and ioy in the HOLY GHOST Rom. 14.17 The HOLY GHOST workes it in the heart one of his fruites is joy Gal. 5.22 The LORD makes so many promises of this one thing to make us see 1. That there can be no holding out in a Christian course without this joy 2. By reason of the many evills that befall us in this life it is very hard to get much more to keepe this joy 6. Love of 1. GOD. 2. CHRIST 3. Our Brethren 4. Our Enemies A Promise 1. Of the Love of GOD. And the LORD thy GOD will circumcise thine heart and the heart of thy seed to love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart and with all thy soule that thou maist live Deut. 30.6 As if the LORD had said I will ingraft the true love of my selfe in your hearts which you will increase in and constantly proceed in the same and then I will account and accept of it for the full measure of love that my law requireth Promises 2. To the Love of GOD. Many things are promised to those that love GOD. 1. Preservation The LORD preserveth all them that love him Psal. 145.20 2. Plenty GOD will cause them to inherit substance and will fill their treasures Proverbs 8.21 3. Deliverance Because hee hath set his love upon mee therefore will I deliver him Psal. 91.14 4. Joy unspeakeable and glorious 1 Cor. 2.9 10. That Text is chiefly meant of the Gospels joy of the wine and fatlings revealed to the Beleever by the Spirit 5. GOD knowes them loves them will keepe his Covenant with them sheweth mercy to them and their posterity and hath promised them a crowne of life If any man love GOD the same is knowne of him 1 Cor. 8.3 I love them that love mee Pro. 8.17 Hee is the faithfull GOD which keepeth Covenant and mercy with them that love him Deut. 7.9 Which sentence is repeated twice in the very same words Nehem. 1.5 Dan. 9.4 He sheweth mercy to them and thousands of their generations that love him Exod. 20.6 Hee shall receive the crowne of life which the LORD hath promised to them that love him James 1.12 2.5 6. All things shall worke together for their good Rom. 8.28 Promises To the Love of CHRIST If any man serve mee him will my Father honour John 12.26 He that loveth mee shall be loved of my Father and I will love him and will manifest my selfe unto him Iohn 14.21 23. Promises to the love of our Brethren It is the cognizance of a Disciple and a signe of spirituall life By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if yee love one another John 13.35 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light 1 John 2.10 And is translated from death to life 1 John 3.14 If we love one another GOD dwelleth in us 1 Iohn 4.12 Promises to the love of our Enemies It is a matter of great credit to forgive for thereby we are declared to be The children of our heavenly Father Matth. 5.44 45. Love your enemies and doe good and your reward shall be great Luke 6.35 If thine enemy be hungry give him bread to eate and if he be thirsty give him water to drinke For thou shalt heape coales of fire upon his head and the LORD shall reward thee Pro. 25.21 22. Thine enemy that is hee that hates thee not hee whom thou hatest for thou must hate none give him bread that is all things necessary in time of his neede if occasion bee offered for by thy beneficence thou shalt overcome his evill and provoke him to love or if not GOD will certainely reward thee It is also matter of Comfort for us for if wee forgive so shall we also be forgiven If yee forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you Matth. 6.14 the same is Marke 11.25 and Luke 6.37 7. Feare Promises of Feare GOD promiseth to make us feare him Hee saith in his New Covenant that he will put his feare into our hearts as Ier. 32.39 40. and that wee shall feare him for ever The LORD doth oft repeate this promise as Deut 4.10 where one speciall meanes whereby this feare is wrought is set downe Gather mee the people together and I will make them heare my words that they may learne to feare mee all the daies that they shall live upon the earth and that they may teach their children So Pro. 2.5 They who seeke for wisedome shall understand the feare
is wont to crowne with multiplied and over-flowing refreâ—hings when he comes They that wait upâ—n the LORD shall renew their strength they â—hall mâ—unt up with wâ—ngs as Eagles they shall runne and not be weary they â—hall walke and not faint Esâ— 40.31 For since the beginning of the world wâ—â— have not heard nor perceived by the eare neiâ—her hath the eye seene O GOD besides thee what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him Esay 64.4 they shall not be ashamed or disappointed that wait for him Esay 49.23 He shall save them Pro. 20.22 They shall inherit the earth Psal. 37.9 34. and Heaven too Blessed are all they that waite for him Esay 30.18 Dan. 12.12 We must stirre up our selves to receive the promises Cant. 5.2 3. The godly sometimes walk without comfort because they put it from themselvs and GOD oftentimes causeth his children to seek long before they find comfort But the ardent desire shall at length be satisfied Remission of sinnes and peace of conscience are favours worth waiting for We have not waited so many years in the meanes of grace for comfort as GOD hath waited for our conversion Promises 1. That we shall delight in God Then shalt thou have they delight in the Almighty Job 22.26 The promise of delighting our selves in the LORD is confined to the duty of delighting in holy exercises If thou call the Sabbath a delight c. then shalt thou delight in the LORD Esa. 58.13 14. A promise To delighting in GOD. Delight thy selfe in the LORD and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart Ps. 37.4 Promises to godlines or grace exercised or to godly and gracious men which act the graces and exercise themselves in the duties above specified True Godlinesse hath the promises both of this life and of that which is to come of this life Seeke ye first the kingdome of GOD and the righteousnesse therof and al these things shall be administred unto you Matth. 6.33 and of the life to come To him that orderâ—th his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of GOD Ps. 50.23 1. The godly shall be blessed 〈◊〉 â— 13 Ps. 11â— 1 Ps. 9.8 Ps. â—11 12 13. Ps. 110.1 Ps. 1.1 Ps. 128.1 4. They whom the world account above all men most miserable are truly and only happy as our Saviour prooves Matth. 5. Blessed are the poore in spirit c. from 3. ver to 12. we shall never be truly happy till wee be sincerely holy nor fully happy till wee bee perfectly holy 2. The godly shall be a blessing to the place where they live I will blesse thee and theâ— shalt be a blessing Genesis 12.2 And I will make them a blessing Ezek. 34. â—6 Iâ—rael shall be a blessing in the midst of the land Esay 19.24 3. PROMISES ETERNALL Promises Eternall 1. Against damnation 2. For Salvation 1. Passages to it 1. Death comforts against the fear of First Death 2. Vntimely death 2 Burial 3. Resurrection 2. PerformaÌ„ces of it 1. Glorification in part of our soules 2. Last judgement 3. Glorification of the whole man both soule and body Promises 1. Of eternal life both in soul body 2. For the glory of heaven THE FOVRTH BOOKE CHAP. I. Eternall Promises 1. Against Damnation The godly shall be delivered from eternall Confusion and Damnation YEe shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end Esay 45.17 Rom. 9. 33. and 10 11. 1 Pet. 2.6 GOD will deliver the soule of the righteous from the pit Job 33.28 Ps. 86.13 There is no condemnation to them that are in CHRIST IESVS Rom. 8.1 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of GODS elect It is GOD that iustifieth ver 33. They are delivered from the wrath to come 1 Thes. 1.10 Blessed is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power Rev. 20.6 He that overcommeth shall not be hurt of the second death Rev. 2.11 CHAP. II. 2. For Salvation 1. Passages to it 1. Death 1. Comforts against the fear of death 2. Feare of untimely death 2. Buriall 3. Resurrection 1. Comforts against the fear of death HE that will beare with comfort the pangs of death must labour to die in faith that is he must lay hold of the promise of GOD touching forgivenesse of sins and life everlasting by CHRIST All these saith the HOLY GHOST Heb. 11.13 died in the Faith viz. Abel Enoch Noe Abraham and Sarah all laying hold of the promise of life by CHRIST So Iacob Gen. 49.18 by Faith rested on the mercy of GOD and by hope he waited for his salvation Thou shalt not be afraid of destruction when it commeth Job 5.21 Death be it never so bitter or painfull shall not be able to seperate us from the love of GOD Rom. 8.28 38. St. Stephens violent death was but a sweet sleepe Act. 7.60 Iohn 11.11 It is but a sleeping in JESUS 1 Thes. 4.14 The grave is called a bed of rest Esay 57.2 CHRIST hath pul'd the sting out of death for all the godly Esay 25.8 Hos. 13.14 1 Cor. 15.55 and tooke away the strength of it by his death Heb. 2.14 15. The righteous hath hope in his death Pro. 14.32 it is gaine unto him Phil. 1.21 for he is delivered by death from many and great evils 1. Sin Rom. 6.7 He shall never offend GOD more 2. Those miseries which follow sin Esay 57.1 2.3 The temptations of the Divell Rev. 12.8.4 The opposition and vexation of the world and flesh Rev. 14.13 Eccles. 4.1 2. It is to them obstetrix immortalitatis a passage to immortality 2 Cor. 5.1 4. a sturdy Porter that opens heaven gates unto him See 1 Cor. 3.22 15.26 Psalm 37.37 2. Comforts against the feare of untimely death Thou shalt come to thy grave in a ful age like as a shocke of corn commeth in in his season Job 5.26 The number of thy dayes will I fulfill Exod. 23.26 The Lord will preserve him and keepe him alive and he shall be blessed upon the earth Ps. 4. 1.2 With long life will I satisfie him and shew him my salvation Ps. 91.16 2. Buriall It is a kind of blessing promised by GOD to his Saints to be buried 1 King 14.13 2 King 22.20 3. Resurrection Promises of our Resurrection He which raised up the LORD JESUS shall raise up us alâ—o by JESUS The Covenant of GOD is of force with us as we lie in the dust of the Earth Mat. 22.31.32 He keepeth the very bones of his Saints Ps. 34.20 All that are in the grave shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life John 5.28 29. I will raise him up at the last day John 6.39 40 44 54. See 1 Thess. 4.14 16. Rom. 8.11 Dan. 12.2 Esay 26.19 CHAP. III. 2. Performances of it 1. Glorification in part for the soule 2. Last Judgement 3. Glorification of the whole man both
thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD Thou shalt see thy childrens children Ps. 128.3 4 6. See Esay 48.19 Ps. 115.14 127.3 Ps. 113.9 These promises may aboundantly suffice to settle the minds and hearts of any true beleever under this tentation of griefe for want of children that assuredly GOD will fulfill their desire if it be good for them 2. To blesse their children every way 1. With outward things 2. In their soules GOD hath made a free and gracious Covenant with the beleeving Parents and their posterity Gen. 17.7 9. Act. 2.39 Ier. 32.39 He hath promised to blesse their children every way He will blesse the fruit of thy wombe Deut. 7.13 This is intended in all those places where it is said I will be the GOD of thy seed which was said to Abraham the father of the faithfull Gen. 17. and belongeth to all beleevers The just man walketh in his integrity his children are blessed after him Pro. 20.7 1. GOD will blesse them with outward things Personall goodnesse is a good means to bring safety honour wealth and many comfortable blessings upon posterity Exod. 20.6 Their children and childrens children to many generations shall be blessed Ps. 37.25 26. Pro. 11.21 His seed shall be mighty upon the earth the generation of the upright shall be blessed Ps. 112.2 His seed shall inherit the earth Ps. 25 13. Ps. 37.29 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his childrens children Pro. 13.22 2. GOD will blesse them in their soules I will powre my Spirit upon thy seed Esa. 44.3 4. Thy children shall be taught of the LORD and great shall be the peace of thy children Esay 54.13 If we know our selves to be GODS children we may be assured saith one that some of our posterity shall be so likewise They are foederati in GODS Covenant by meanes of their Parents whom when GOD received into the Church he received them with this promise I will be thy GOD and the GOD of thy seed Good Parents though they be poore leave their children a good patrimony for they have laid up many prayers for them in heaven and they leave them GODS favour for their possession this is urged therefore as a motive by the HOLY GHOST to provoke Parents unto all righteousnesse Deut. 5.29 It is promised as a blessing that mothers shall give sucke to the children that they beare GOD shall blesse thee with the blessings of the breasts and of the wombe Gen. 49.25 Promises To Parents correcting their children The rod and reproofe give wisdome correct thy son and he shall give thee rest yea he shall give delight to thy soule Proverbs 29.15 17. Hold not correction from thy childe for if thou beatest him with the rod he shall not die Thou shalt beate him with the rod and shalt deliver his soule from Hell Pro. 23.13 â—4 Foolishnesse is bound in the heart of a childe but the rod of correction shall drive it farre from him Pro. 22.15 Promises to comfort them in the want of children To them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better then of sonnes and of daughters I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off Esa. 56.5 Promises To children obeying their Parents Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy dayes may be long upon the Land which the LORD thy GOD giveth thee Exod 20.12 The Apostle Ephes. 6.2 saith this is the first Commandement with promise The second Commandement hath a Promise annexed unto it and a large one of shewing mercy unto thousands to them that love GOD Exod. 20.6 The Greeke word used by the Apostle properly signifieth an affirmative precept as our English word Commandement doth of the affirmative precepts it is the first with promise Secondly the promise in the second Commandement is only a generall promise made to observers of the whole Law and therfore he useth the plurall number Commandements and saith in the generall shewing mercy to thousands but this is a speciall promise made to them that keep this particular Commandement that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live this answer is given by many Learned Divines It followeth ver 3. That it may be well with thee and thou maist live long on the Earth The promise mentioned before in generall is particularly set down Whatsoever belongeth to a mans well-fare and wel-being in this life is here promised saith D. Willet All manner of blessings Spirituall and Temporall belonging to soule and body concerning this life and the life to come make to a mans well-being but temporall prosperity is here principally intended saith Doctor Gouge And Ieremiah saith unto the house of the Rechabites Thus saith the LORD of Hosts the GOD of Israel because yee have obeyed the commandement of Ionadab your father and kept all his precepts and done according unto all that he hath commanded you Therfore thus saith the LORD of Hoasts the GOD of Israel Ionadab the sonne of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever My sonne heare the instruction of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head and chains about thy neck Prov. 1.8 9. See 6.20 CHAP. VIII Promises For Company That we shall reap good by the society of the godly HE that walketh with wise men shall be wise Prov. 13.20 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another and the LORD hearkened and heard it and a booke of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD and that thought upon his name And they shall be mine saith the LORD of Hosts in that day when I make up my Iewels and I will spare them as a man spareth his owne sonne that serveth him Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them Mat. 18.20 FINIS An Alphabeticall Table of the principall things contained in this Treatise A. ABsolute promises pag. 12. Adoption promises of it 289. 2. To it 291. Afflictions promises to prevent them 155 156. Or qualifie them if they do come 157 158. Affliction is momentary 159. GOD afflictâ— his children for their good 161 162. Afflictions are tryals 163. Afflictions purge sin 165 166. and quicken graces faith hope patience 168. GOD promiseth to help his to bear afflictions and in due time to remove them 169 170. The use of faith in respect of Gods promises concerning afflictions 173. to 176. Alms-giving promises to it 402 403. Angels guard the godly 272. Antichrist promises against him 434 435. Apostles promises to them 441. Application of the promises 30 72. Means to apply them 32 33. Rules to be observed in applying them 41. Examples of such as have applied them 35 74. The divel would hinder the faithfull from a right applying of them 37. The wicked misapply them
makes expresly this promise unto a godly King that if he decline not from the commandement to the right hand or to the left he shall prolong his dayes in the kingdome he and his sonnes in the midst of Israel Deut. 17.19.20 His enemies will I cloath with shame but upon himselfe shall his crowne flourish Psalme 132.18 Promises to Ministers 1. Extraordinary the Apostles 2. Ordinary all faithfull Ministers Promises to the Apostles 1. To worke miracles Mar. 6.17 That promise was made by CHRIST unto his Church to be fullfilled immediately after his ascension It extended only to the times of the Primitive Church and to such as then lived Perkins 2. To cast out Divels Mat. 10.1 3. The Spirit promised to leâ—de them into all truth Iohn 16.13 so that they were free from errour in doctrine Promises to faithfull Ministers 1. For sufficiency and a competent measure of the blessings of this life GOD promiseth this as a blessing to his Church that in the plenty and aboundance he would give to his people his Ministers also should be plentifully provided for And I will satiate the soule of the Priests with fatnesse and my people shall be satisfied with goodnesse saith the Lord Ier. 31.14 Levi hath no part nor iâ—heritance with his brethren the LORD is his inheritance according as the LORD thy GOD promised him Deut. 10.9 2. Of protection and deliverance from trouble I will cloath her Priests with salvation Ps. 132.16 I am with thee saith the LORD to Ieremy to deliver thee Ier. 1.18 19. See 7. 8. verses Jer. 15.19 20. 20.11 Ezek. 2.6 3.9 He holdeth the starrs in his right hand Rev. 2.1 by which is signified his power in protecting and governing his Ministers 2. GOD will take their part against their enemies and revenge their wrongs He suffered no man to doe them wrong yea he reproved Kings for their sakes saying Touch not mine Annoynted and do my Prophets no harme Ps. 105.14 15. Hitherto belongeth that benediction and propheticall prayer that Moses made for Levi Blesse LORD his substance and accept the worke of his hands smite thorow the loynes of them that rise against him and of them that hate him that they rise not again Deut. 33.11 4. GOD hath promised to give good successe to their labours He walketh in the middest of the seven golden candlesticks Rev. 2.1 by which action is noted his presence in the middst of his Church guiding and blessing his Ministers with all the members therof Loe I am with you alwayes even unto the end of the world Matth. 28.20 CHRIST was present with his Apostles and now is with their Successours by his protection of their persons and co-operation in their worke But if they had stood in my counsell and had caused my people to heare my words then thâ—y shoulâ— have turned them from their evill way and from the evill of their doings Jeremy 23.22 5. Their reward shall bee great They shal receive a crowne of glory that fadeth not away 1 Pet. 5.2 4. Their reward is with God Esa. 49.4 6. They shall agree together and joyne force against the common Adversary It is promised as a blessed fruite of the Gospell That Ephraim shall not envy Iudah and Iudah shall not vexe Ephraim But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines towards the West CHAP. VI. Promises To Masters of families and godly Servants IN ordering and guiding the affairs of our family wee should depend by faith upon GODS blessing See Ps. 127. Promises to godly servants 1. They have a generall promise 1 Tim. 4.8 2. More speciall ones Servants be obedient unto them that are your masters c. Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doth the same shall he receive of the LORD whither he be bond or free whatsoever yee doe doe it heartily as to the LORD and not to men knowing that of the LORD yee shall receivâ— the reward of inheritance for yee serve the LORD CHRIST Col 3.23 24. The Apostle Peter shews that a poore servant when he suffers hard words and ill usage from his master doth herein find acceptation from GOD â— Pet. 2.19 GOD hath promised to the faithfull to keepe their houses and blesse them in their going out and comming in It is a speciall blessing oft promised to the godly that their habitation and dwelling shall prosper Pro. 3.33 that GOD will make the habitation of their righteousnes prosperous Job 8.6 yea that they shall know and feel that peace shall be in their tabernacles Job 5.24 There shall no evill befall thee neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling Pro. 14.11 The tabernacle of the upright shall flourish the house of the righteous shall stand Pro. 12.7 GOD keepes such a fence about them and their houses and all that they have as Satan cannot hurt them Iob 1.10 Blessed shalt thou be when thou commest in and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out Deut. 28.6 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy comming in from this time forth and even for evermore Ps. 121.8 It is the protection of GOD that keeps our houses from the calamities of fire within and lightening from Heaven and from the annoyance and molestation of evill spirits and other judgements governours of families should therfore put sinne farre from their Tabernacles Job 22.23 CHAP. VII Promises To Husband and Wife IF the Husband or wife be godly they have a promise from the Lord for their comfort David bestowes a whole Psalme upon them to this purpose viz. 128. the summe whereof was this that he should eat the labours of his hands that he is well and should be happy that his wife should be as the fruitfull vine upon the walls of his house comfortable as well as fruitfull that his children should be like the olive branches round about his Table profitable and beneficiall as well as many those are of the best fruits the one for chearing the heart the other for clearing the face Psal. 104.15 the one for sweetnesse the other for fatnesse Iudg. 9.13 that he should see Hierusalem in prosperity all his life long that he should see his childrens children as Iob 42.16 and peace upon Israel See also Prov. 31.28 and 30. verses promises made to the vertuous woman and Proverbes 11.16 Promises Concerning children GOD promiseth the godly 1. To give them the fruit of the wombe It is promised as a blessing and favour of GOD to his people to multiply their seed and to make them fruitfull I will make you fruitfull and multiply you Lev. 26.9 He will blesse thee and multiply thee There shall neither be male nor female barren among you Deu. 7.13 14. The like is Deu. 6.3.8 â— 28.11 Thy seed shall be great and thine off-spring as the grasse of the earth Job 5.25 Thy wife shall be as a fruitfull vine by the sides of thine house thy children like olive plants round about the table Lo