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
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
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
soule and body Promises 1. Of the Glorification of our soules GOD promiseth to translate the soules of the godly into his heavenly kingdome when they die This is implyed in the Parable where the Angels carry up Lazarus soule into Heaven Luke 16.22 This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Luk. 23.43 Which Paradise the Apostle Paul expoundeth to be the third heaven 2 Cor. 12.1 2 4. He that overcomes shall inherit all things See Rev. 3.21 2. Of the last Judgement The godly have boldnesse and confidence at the day of judgement When these things begin to come to passe then shall we look up and lift up our heads because our redemption draweth nigh Luk. 21.28 Vnto them that look for CHRIST shall he appeare the second time without sin unto salvation Hebr. 9.28 When CHRIST who is our life shall appeare then shall we also appeare with him in glory Colos. 3.4 He shall say to them of his right hand Come yee blessed of my Father inherit the kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world Matth. 25.32 34. See ver 40. 3. Glorification of the whole man both soule and body Promises of the glorification of our bodies The LORD JESUS shall change our vile bodies and make them like his glorious body Phil. 3.21 The bodies of the Saints shall shine as the brightnesse of the firmament and as the stars Dan. 1 2.3 Yea as the Sun for ever and ever Promises Of eternall life in both soul and body after the day of judgement Then we shall be ever with the LORD 1 Thess. 4.17 Whosoever beleeveth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life Joh. 3.16 I give unto them eternall life John 10.28 He that beleeveth on the Sonne hath eternall life Joh. 3.36 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Mark 16.16 Act. 16.31 The gift of GOD is eternall life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD Rom. 6.23 See John 6.40 and 20.31 1 Joh. 2.23 John 5.24 1 Joh. 5.11 12 13. Joh. 17.3 1 Pet. 1.3 4. Tit. 3.7 Rom. 5.10 17. Rom. 8.13 Gal. 6.8 Matth. 5.8 12. and 19.29 Matth. 25.34 35 46. 1 Tim. 6.17 18 19. The Promises of GOD assure us of everlasting happinesse and glory in the Kingdome of Heaven I know saith Job 19.25 relying upon GODS promises that my Redeemer liveth 2 Cor. 5.1 4.14 Faith apprehendeth the promise of eternall life hope expecteth it love thankfully entertaines it and all other graces are quickned and strengthned by it Promises For the glory of Heaven In thy presence is fullnesse of ioy at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Ps. â—6 11 We shall have fullnesse of ioy everlasting pleâ—sures A swift flowing river and 〈◊〉 of pleasures Psal. 36.8 We shall 〈◊〉 no more 〈…〉 Rev. 7.16 GOD will wipe away all tears from our eyâ— Rev. 21 4. We shal sit down with Abraham Isaac and Iacob in the kingdome of heaven Mat. 8.11 as at a banquet we shall then be as the Angels of GOD Matth. 22.30 Nay like CHRIST himselfe 1 John 3.2 We shall be made confirmable to the image of his Sonne Rom. 8.29 and be With CHRIST John 14.3 and behold his glory Joh. 17.24 12.26 We shall enter into our masters ioy Matth. 25.21 he saith not it shal enter into us but we into it shewing that the joyes of heaven are so many that they cannot be contained in the soule of man GOD hath promised us a kingdome Mat. 25.34 A heavenly kingdome Mat. 7 2â— 2 Tim. 4.18 An eternall kingdom 2 Pet. 1.11 A Crown a Crown of life Iam. 1.12 Rev. 2.10 A Crown of righteousnesse 2 Tim. 4.8 An immarcessible Crown of glory 1 Pet. 5.4 The word Crowne represents unto us 1. The perpetuity of that life for a crowne hath neither beginning nor ending 2. Plenty because as the crown compasseth on every side so there is nothing wanting in this life 3. Dignity eternall life is a coronation day every Saint shall be a crowned King The use of Faith in regard of these promises is to uphold us with the expectation of that heavenly happinesse which is promised yea though we be destitute of worldly things and be in many troubles and tribulations Act. 14.22 The Table of the fifth Booke Speciall Promises in regard of Others 1. The Church in generall or particular Churches as puâ—like assemblies God hath promised to them 1. His speciall protection 2. His speciall presence 3. His speciall blessing 4. To deliver the Church out of trouble 2. Against the Seductions for the destruction of Anticâ—rist 3. For calling the Iewes 4. For bringing in the Gentiles 5. To Magistrates 6. To Ministers 1. Extraordinary the Apostles 1. To worke miracles 2. To cast out Divels 3. To lead them into all truth 2. Ordinary all the faithfull Ministers 1. For competency of outward things 2. Of pâ—otectiâ—n and deliverance from trouble 3. To take their parts against their enemies 4. To give good â—uccâ—sse to their labours 5. To reward them largely 6. That tâ—ey shall agree together and joyne force against the common adversary 7. To Masters of a Family and godly servants to blesse the habitation of the godly 8. To husband wife concerning children 1. To give them 2. To blesse them every way 1. With outward things 2. In their soules 3. That mothers shall give sucke to their children 4. To parents correcting their children 5. To comfort them in the want of children 6. To children obeying their parents 9. For company that we shall reap good by the society of the godly THE FIFTH BOOKE CHAP. I. Promises in regard of others The Church in generall or particular Churches as publike Assemblies 1. GOD will defend the Church and all the faithfull THE gates of Hell shalâ— not prevaile against it Matth. 16.18 GOD is in the midâ—â— of the Church therefore it shall not fall Ps. 46.5 I the LORD doe keepe it I will water it every moment least any hurt it I will keepe it night and day Esay 27.3 As the mountaines are round about Ierusalem so the LORD is round about his people from hence forth and for ever Ps. 125.2 See Esay 4.5 6. Psalm 46. whole 124 125. Psalmes Psal. 132.13 to 17. Psal. 89.15 16 17 18. Zach. 9.16 GOD hath made promises unto the publike assemblies of his speciall protection Looke upon Sion the city of our solemne fâ—asts thine eyes shall see Ierusalem a quiet habitation a Tabernacle that cannot be removed c. Esâ—y 33.20 21. See ver 16. This was one reason why David so esteemed of GODS Tabernacâ—es Ps. 84.11 For the LORD GOD is a sunne and shield unto us 2. GOD hath promised to be present with his Church and people in a speciall manner There are promises 1. Of the presence of CHRIST Matth. 18.20 28.20 1 Cor. 5.4 Rev. 2.1 Esay 31.9 2. Of the presence of the HOLY GHOST Esa. 59.21 GOD hath
for the children of Israel Esay 66.11 That they should sucke and be satisfied with the breasts of consolation A worthy Divine observes well the Emphasis of the originall Two Metaphors are there used one is to milke consolation out of the Promises the meaning is this that the promises are full of comfort as a dugge is full of milke for he repeateth the promise presently after now if thou be ready to faint goe and milke out consolation out of the promises and that will relieve thee and stay thy heart The other Metaphore is to extort the promises as a rich man oppresseth a poore man and gets out of him all that he is worth so deale with the Promises for they are rich there is a price in them now when a man is poore and needy let him goe to the rich promises and be an extortioner to them that is consider them to the utmost see the utmost riches that is contained in them and they will make thee rich Againe draw out the utmost of the milke that is in them and it will exceedingly revive and comfort thee CHAP. IIII. 4. The right Vse of them WEe should labour to work upon our selves to be holy upon Consideration of GODS promises thus is GOD our Father is he holy And are wee his Sonnes and Daughters and professe our selves to be so and shall we be uncleane Hath GOD promised to pardon our sinnes and shall we therefore provoke and grieve him every day more and more by our sinnes shall we thus requite the bounty mercy love and goodnesse of GOD Hath he promised us a Crowne and Kingdome an immortall and eternall Inheritance that can never be shaken nor taken from us and shall not we labour to walke worthy of the sâ—ne When the LORD renewed the promise of the Land of Canaan to the children of Israel Deut. 10.11 12. He doth inferre this use upon the same And now O Israel saith hee what doth the LORD require of thee but to feare the LORD thy GOD to walke in all his waies and to love him and to serve the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart and with all thy soule As if he should say since GOD hath made thee so large promises there is somewhat required at thy hands to do So Rom. 12.1 I beseech you Brethren by the mercies of GOD since GOD hath beene so mercifull towards you both in promises and performances for so fâ—rre that may be extended that therefore you giâ—e up your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto GOD. But because the right use of the Promise is a meanes to sweeten all our afflictions confirme our faith excite us to well-doing and to breede contentation of minde in all estates and conditions whatsoever something shall be premised generally concerning the use of them and then speciall rules laid downe to direct us how to use them For the generall three things are to be observed 1. We must labour to be acquainted with them 2. Faithfully to remember them 3. Wisely and fitly to apply them 1. We are to acquaint our selves familiarly with those Promises which are most Generall Precious and Fundamentall wherein GODS power and goodnesse is principally seene Such a speech there is in Iob Acquaint thy selfe with him and be at peace thereby good shall come unto thee Receive the law from his mouth and lay up his words in thine heart If we have an herbe in our garden that would ease our griefe and we know it not what are we the nearer So if we know not the Promises though they be in the booke what are we the better 2. We should strive to remember the Promises for that which is not remembred is not knowne David hid GODS promises in his heart Psal. 119.111 and those upheld him in his trouble and he received admirable comfort by them verse 50. The Promises of GOD are the Magna Charta of a Christian his chiefe evidence for Heaven Now if men do so highly prize their Charters and Priviledges and carefully keepe the conveyances and assurances of their Lands how should we then treasure up these promises which unto the Faithfull are in stead of all assurances for his maintenance protection assistance deliverance comfort and everlasting happinesse The Apostle sheweth that the cause of the Hebrewes fainting in their troubles was this they had forgotten the consolation that is the comfortable promises of GOD made unto them for the strengthening of their faith in the fiery triall As a Lamp saith Chrysostome will soone be out if oyle be not continually supplied so faith if it be not nourished with continuall meditation of GODS promises will soone faile 3. We should beleeve the promises and apply them particularly to our selves Faith apprehends the promises not onely as true and so assents but as good and sweet and so adheres and cleaves unto them Thy loving kindnesse apprehended by faith is better then life Psal. 63.3 The apprehension of Faith is with feeling sweetnesse in CHRIST and in the Promises and therefore called The receiving of CHRIST Iohn 1.12 The eating and drinking of his flesh Iohn 6. Psal. 34.8 Taste and see that the LORD is good that is Beleeve in him as appeares by the reason added Blessed is the man that trusteth in him When the understanding hath judged aright of the promises and adjudged them to our selves that they belong to us then the will welcomes them claspes about them hugges them and as it is Heb. 11.13 kisses and embraces them and when the heart thus kindly entertaines the promises then with old Simeon we hold CHRIST in our armes GOD himselfe applieth the promises outwardly in the Word and inwardly by the testimony of his Spirit and is wont to make good his promises unto his children proportionably to their trust in them and dependance upon his truth and goodnesse for a seasonable performance of them Be it unto thee according to thy saith Matth. 9.29 All things are possible to him that beleeveth Mark 9.23 That we may apply GODS Promises we are to use two meanes 1. Fixed Meditation we should ponder well and muse upon the promise Pondering is when a man lifts any thing to see what weight it beares so ought faith to doe with the promise sound the sweetnesse of it to the bottome and that 1. By marking it wee should set a starre upon the Margin of a speciall promise and by the book that culs out promises of note in this kinde 2. Musing of it we should dwell upon it Mary pondered the Angels words in her heart 3. Making the word of promise familiar by frequency we should get it by heart till it be easie so did David make the promise his Counsellor and Companion Psal. 119.24 When we go to prayer we should chew of those promises Rom. 8.26 Iam. 1.5 When we go about our callings we should thinke seriously of that promise Psal 121.8 When any crosse befalleth us we should remember
our distresses whatsoever throughout the whole course of our life Iacob confesseth himselfe unworthy of the least of all GODS mercies Gen. 32.10 yet in the 9. verse he entitleth himselfe unto the promises He that commeth to mee I cast not away Ioh. 6.37 As if the LORD should say feare not though base sinfull poore and of no account in the eye either of thy selfe or others For if thou commest to me thou art welcome notwithstanding these and I never cast him away that commeth The wicked abuse the promises of GOD to loosenesse they say GOD is gracious and mercifull CHRIST dyed for us the LORD will forgive us and so stuffe themselves with promises till they have made them a pillow for sinne It is true there is mercy with GOD Psal. 130.4 not to make us bold to sinne but to feare him The Apostle urgeth the promise to spurre us to obedience and as a motive to the feare of GOD we should take heed of sinning because GOD is gracious Rom. 6.1 14. Heb. 10.29 Ioel 2.13 who would spend to try a liberall friend GODS mercy is regulated by his truth and justice He hath promised no mercy to such Deut. 29.20 they have neither part nor portion in this matter Acts 8.21 2. GODS Promises are full and of large extent in respect of 1. Persons 2. Things In respect of persons They are propounded generally with such termes as these every one or whosoever Ioh. 3.15 16. Matth. 11.28 Revel 22.17 Esay 55.1 2. Acts 10.43 Ioh. 7.37 Iohn 6.37 40. 5.24 11.26 Ezek. 33.11 1 Iohn 2.1 They are offered to all none excepted the Angell brought glad tidings for all people Luke 2.10 no sort of men are excluded but in CHRIST they may have their part in these promises as the Apostle sheweth Gal. 3.27 28 29. Hee will blesse them that feare the LORD both small and great Psal. 115.13 The LORD is rich unto all that call upon him Rom. 10.12 In every nation hee that feareth him and worketh righteousnesse is accepted with him Acts 10.35 The Promises are propounded promiscuously to all together with the commandement of beleeving but they are not performed to all because they faile in performing the condition but power is given to the Elect to performe the condition Ephes. 2.8 Act. 5.31 11.18 There is therefore a twofold offering of CHRIST 1. Externall in the preaching and publishing of the Gospell or the promises of CHRIST Act. 9.15 2. Internall a certaine spirituall Illumination whereby those promises are proâ—ounded to the hearts of men as it were by an inward word The promises are indefinite in regard of all and every man and to beleevers onely they are univeâ—sall Iohn 3.16 Mark 16.16 Râ—m 1.16 10.4 GOD undertakes with them not for themselves onely but for their seed aftâ—r them I am thy GOD and the GOD of thy seed hee sheweth mercy to a thousand generatâ—â—ns of them that feare him and keepe his Commandements He maintaines not onely such is serve him but all their houâ—hould yea and all thâ—â—r posterity too for the promises are made to you and to your seede and to as many as GOD shall call 2. In respect of things His Promises are likewise large for things No good thing will he withhold all that is in heaven in eaâ—th will GOD bestow on his In Deut. 28. Psal. 37. 128. whatsoever is good for the soule the body the estate the name the posterity of mâ—n is promised to them that feare GOD and obey his Commandements The Promises in the Word extend themselves to all estates to all conditions and to all kind of distresses whatsoever they are a Christians Catholicâ—n being a helpe to all duties a quickner of all graces and a Comfort in all Troubles The people of GOD streiten promises and enlarge precepts but the generality of the promises may comfort any gracious person Whosoever beleeveth shall bee saved none is excluded but such as exclude themselves This is singular comfort in temptation no matter for thy sinnes whosoever beleeveth in CHRIST shall be saved though his sinnes be never so great This may comfort the godly also in their meane estate in the world whosoever beleeves the hainous sinner as well as the lesser the poore begger as well as the mightiest Monarch shall not perish but have life eternall The indefinite promises are to be appropriated by particular application Gal. 2.20 1 Tim. 1.15 The Articles of the Creed concerning remission of sinnes and life everlasting doe include and we in them acknowledge our speciall faith concerning our owne salvation Hee that hath not this particularity of applying hath nothing of faith more then a Divell as two of our worthy Divines have well observed The Divels hold generalls of CHRISTS death remission of sinnes thereby purchased unto the Church herein only they faile that they apply not these to themselves nor can beleeve that they are sharers in these benefits and let it be thought no presumption for GODS child to out-strip the Divell one step at least in beliefe of the Articles of his Creed The Apostles applied the promises to them whom either they did instruct or confirme in the faith 1 Cor. 1.4 9 30. Chap. 12.27 Ephes. 1.13 Chap. 2.5 Acts 2.39 13.38 Col. 2.10 1 Pet. 1.18 19. 1 Iohn 2.12 The faithfull also apply them to themselves 2 Cor. 3.18 5.1 Ephes. 1.4 2.5 Col. 1.12 1 Pet. 1.3 1 Iohn 3.1 2. 3.24 The Papists scoffe at this particular assurance and say there must be a particular word for a particular faith Where is it said by name say they to any man Thou Peter or Iohn shalt be saved Wee may retort this argument upon themselves for where is it said to any by name Sanctifie the Sabbath sweare not and yet the commandements belong to us why not then the Promises though not spoken to us by name The word of promise is as particular as the word of threatning command or prohibition The Generals include their particulars When a Prince gives a pardon to all theeves every one can apply the same unto himselfe though his name be not set downe in the pardon To mee saith D. Sâ—latâ—r it sounds as particular in case of my faith and repentance as if our Saviour himselfe should say unto mee as to him in the Gospell Sonne thy sinnes be forgiven thee The wicked enlarge the promises and streighten the precepts they take liberty to sinne presuming on pardon from those two generall maine promises Hee that beleeveth shall be saved Mark 16.16 At what time soever a sinner repents him of his sinnes I will have mercy on him saith the LORD Ezek. 18.21 22. Here are two sweet promises the one annexed to Faith the other to Repentance but out of these fragrant flowers the wicked sucke poyson It is an easie matter to beleeve saith the worldling though indeed it be as hard as to
me hath everlasting life the houre is comming and now is when the dead shall heare the voyce of the Sonne of GOD and they that heare shall live John 5.24 25. not such a voyce as shall call them out of their graves as in the 28. verse for he saith now is but the meaning of the place is that those which were dead in sinne should be quickned either by CHRIST in his own person or by his Word in his Ministers The titles given to the Word expresse this It is called the Word of life Acts 5.20 Phil. 2.16 John 6 68. The Word of grace Acts 20.32 The word of Salvation Acts 13. â—6 Salvation it selfe and life eâ—erlasting Heb. 2.3 Acts 28.28 John 12.50 The word is able to save our soules Jam. 1.21 1 Tim. 4.16 1 Cor. 1.21 To this purpose there are so many commendations of the Word specially in the Psâ—lmes and Proâ—erbes Psal. 19. â— The lâ—w of the LORD is perfect c. the whole 119. Psalm was written to set out the excellency of the Word The nine first Chapters of the Proverbes Take fâ—â—st hold of instruction let her not goe keepe her for she is thy life Pro. 4.13 Instruction is our life therby we attain all things pertaining to the comfort of this life and of that to come See Pro. 1.9 23. Pro. 2. from 1. to 13. Prov. 3.3 to 4. 13. ver to 24. Prov. 4.5 to 14. 20. to 23. Prov. 6.20 to 24. Pro. 7.1 to 5. and the whole eighth Chapter Sanctifie them through thy truth thy word is truth John 17.17 Doe not my words doe good to him that walketh uprightly Micah 2.7 As new born babes desire the sincere milke of the word that yee may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2.2 The comparisons which are used to set forth the profit of the Word confirme this it is resembled to The light Esay 9.2 Raine Deut. 32.2 Deaâ— there also living water Zach. 14.8 Wine and milke Esay 55.1 2. It is able 1. To inlighten with saving knowledge the simplest that shall heare and read it with an honest heart Psalme 119.130 2. To reform the heart and life of him that hath the strongest corruptions Psal. 119.9 3. To comfort and revive the heart that is most cast down either with inward or outward afflictions Esay 57.19 4. To preserve and adde knowledge and grace to them that have best profited Mar. 4.24 Whensoever we goe to the Word we should meditate on some of these precious promises to incourage us to attend unto GODS Word with expectation of his blessing on our labours Promises For the Sacraments 1. In generall They are the Seales of the righteousnesse of faith Rom. 4.11 or of the Covenant of grace The Apostle speaks of both Sacraments 1 Cor. 12.13 2. The specialâ— Sacraments Baptisme LORDS Supper 1. Baptisme Promises to it It is called The laver of regeneration Tit. 3.5 The Baptisme of repentance for remission of sinnes Mar 1.4 Act. 2.38 Our sins are said to be washed away Act. 22.16 Heb. 10.22 and Baptisme saveth 1 Pet. 3.21 all which belong to the blood of CHRIST Rev. 1.5 1 John 1.7 our Saviour saith we must be borne of water John 3.5 that is be made GODS children by receiving CHRIST as John 1.12 GOD hath promised that he will baptise us with the HOLY GHOST and with fire Mat. 3.11 2. LORDS Supper Promâ—ses to it When our LORD JESUS did ordaine it he speaking of the Bread said This is my body and of the Wine This is my blood of the New Testament Mat. â—6 26 28. that is these outward signes and seales were most sure and certain pledges of his body and blood which he did as truly give to be spirituall food as he gave the bread and wine to be bodily food to every believer 1 Cor. 10.16 There is a full meale 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 14.17 Bread and Wine comprehend entire food for humidum siccum are all that are required unto food this is promised Esay 25.6 In this mountaine shall the LORD of Hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things a feast of wines on the lees c. that is he would make for his Church compleat provision So Pro 9.5 A Lawfull Oath Promises to it God hath promised to reward it 1. In this life Jer. 12.16 If they will learne the wayes of my people to sweare the LORD liveth c. then shall they be built in the midst of my people 2. In the life to come with eternall happinesse for he that sweareth and chargeth not though it be to his owne hinderance he shall dwell in GODS holy Mountaine Psal. 15 4. Fasting Promises to it Be afflicted and mourne and weepe let your laughter be turned to mourning and your ioy to heavinesse Humble your selves in the sight of the LORD and he shall lift you up Jâ—m 4.9 10. If thou fast in secâ—â—t thy Father which seeth in secreâ— will reward thee openly Mat. 6.18 Joel 2.12 13 14 15 18 19. first a fast is prescribed then a blessing promised Praising GOD. Promises of it They shall praise the LORD that seeke him Ps. 22.26 They shall shew forth my praise Esay 43.21 Yee shall eat in plenty and be satisfied and praise the name of the LORD Joel 2.26 where GOD promiseth temporall blessings and a thankfull heart it is an evident signe of the continuance of them as there in Joel And Deuter. 8.10 Esay 62.8 9. Promises to it Them that honour me I will honour 1 Sam. 2.30 He that offereth praise glorifieth me Psal. 50.23 Praise is one of the Sacrifices with which GOD is well-pleased Heb. 13.15 16. Psal. 69.30 31. Let all the people praise thee O GOD let all the people praise thee Then shall the Earth yeeld her increase and GOD even our owne GOD shall blesse us Psal. 67.5 6. Promises To Meditation Mercy and truth shall be to them which devise good Pro 14 22. Thinke of these things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me and the GOD of peace shall be with you Phil. 4.8 9. Let not the booke of the Law depart out of thy mouth but meditate therin day and night that thou maist observe to doe according to all that is written therin for then shalt thou make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good successe Josh. 1.8 Blessed is the man that meditates on the Word day and night Psal. 1.2 Promises To Self-examination If we would iudge our selves we should not be iudged 1 Cor. 11.31 Let every man proove his owne work and then he shall have reioycing in himselfe alone and not in another Gal. 6.4 Promises To those that conscionably sanctifie the LORDS day The sanctifying of the LORDS â—ay will bring comfort and hapâ—inesse to soule and body 1. Blessings Spirituall 13. v. â—â—d Temporall 14. of 58. of Esay If thou turn away thy foot from the â—abbath from doing thy
if not peace yet patience if not wealth yet contentment 3. With exception of the crosse and reservation of power to the promiser to chasten our misdemeanour Psal. 89.28 31 32. When we crave temporall benefits which GOD hath promised conditionally so farre forth as will stand with his glory and our spirituall good and everlasting salvation wee must beleeve that we shall obtaine them so farre forth as they will stand with these conditions Earthly and outward things are lawfully prayed for but ever â—um Conditione voluntatis with Condition of GODS good pleasure and liking Things Temporall which are promised with condition we are to pray for with condition of GODS will All outward things must be asked with this exception if it seeme good unto his Majesty which exception is proper to the fourth Petition We must aske these outward things not absolutely no further then they may stand with GODS glory Those things which belong to the kingdome of GOD are simply and primarily to be asked other things onely secundum quid and secondarily GODS promises of temporal blessings are Hypotheticae and goe with condition sometimes expressed sometimes suppressed which condition is as a sterne of a ship and turnes the promise another way Of the same opinion are Vrsin in his Catech. on the fourth Petition Piscator on 8. Mat. 2. Cameron Myrothee Evangel in Luke 5.12 Master Harris on the Beatitudes and Covenant Barlow on 2. of Tim. D. Preston in Saints daily Exercise and M. Goodwin in his returne of Prayer This is an undoubted truth that we must pray for heavenly things with a more ardent affection then for earthly Matth. 6.33 1. They comply with GODS nature and hee had rather be giving them 2. They are best for us and will doe us most good 2. GOD will not performe promises till by prayer they be sought for from him till in our humble desires wee declare that wee account his promises exceeding great and precious things The LORD had promised deliverance unto Israel yet saith the LORD For this I will be enquired of by the house of Israel to doe it for them Thus saith the LORD After seventy yeeres be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you and performe my good word towards you in causing you to returne to this place for I know the thoughts that I thinke towards you thoughts of peace and not of evill to give to you an expected end But how shall this excellent promise of GOD be effected It followes Then shall yee call upon me and yee shall goe and pray unto me and I will hearken unto you c. Godlinesse hath the promises of this life and that which is to come 1 Tim. 4.6 yet we doe not forbeare daily to say the LORDS Prayer that we may speede of both The Lord makes a promise of forgivenesse of sinnes I even I am hee that blotteth out thy transgression for mine owne â—ake and will not remember thy sinnes But for the execution of this promise GOD will be soâ—ght unto Put me in remembrance sâ—â—th he and set us pleaâ—e togâ—â—her Eâ—ay 43.25 26. 〈…〉 GOD to fuâ—fill his 〈◊〉 we testifie fâ—rst that they 〈◊〉 â—â—oâ—ises of mercy and not of â—ury or dâ—â—t secondly wee dâ—clare our â—eed and by consequence 〈◊〉 of them and deâ—endance upon them As Promiâ—â—s are the Rule of what we may pray â—or in â—aiâ—h so Prayer is the ground of what wee may expect with comfort CHAP. V. 5. The properties of them GODS Promises are 1. Free 2. Full. 3. Firme 1. GODS Promises are free and tranâ—ferred THey are not mâ—de for any 〈◊〉 that is in us buâ— proceed â—rom Gods freâ—â—om and benevolence â—orking mooâ—ed God out of himsâ—â—â—â— 1. Not 〈◊〉 Thâ— LORD did not â—et hâ—â— lovâ— upon you nor choose you because we were more in number then any other people or for any such like respects but because the LORD loved you That at first might seeme to be Idem per idem as we say a womans reason that the LORD should set his love on them because hee loved them but it excellently sets forth the ground of GODS love to rest altogether in himselfe and in his owne good pleasure 2. Not our beauty we were in our bloud when GOD set his love upon us and entred into Covenant with us 3. Not our righteousnesse Tit. 3.5 Not by workes of righteousnâ—sse which we have done but according to his mercy hee saved us There is nothing at all in us to move the LORD to promise any good to us as that first and great promise after Adam had sinned was from GODS free grace so are all other Evangelicall promises GOD never set the promises on sale or will ever sell his Sonne to any He gives him freely He stands not of desert We may buy of Him freely Esa. 55.1 2 3. Rev. 21.6 22.17 Ezek. 36.32 He loveth freely Hos. 14.7 and pardoneth sin freely Esay 43.25 1 Iohn 2.12 Election is of grace Rom. 11.5 Vocation is of grace 2 Tim. 1.9 Justification is freely by grace Rom. 3.24 Faith is of grace Ephes. 2.8 Eternall life and salvation is of grace Rom. 6.23 Luke 12.32 The Promises are free in ficri made onely out of grace but conditionall in facto esse performed and accomplished with dependance upon duties in us GOD is faithfull saith the Apostle who shall stablish you and keepe you from evill there is the promise and wee are confident that you will doe the things that wee command you there is the duty which the promise calls for When wee pray give us our daily bread by saying give us wee acknowledge that it is from GOD but when we call it ours we shew how GOD gives it namely in the use of the meanes For bread is ours not onely in the right of the promise I will not faile thee nor forsake thee but service and quiet working in an orderly calling The freenesse of GODS promises marvellously lifts up the head above water as the beggar saith the dole is free and why may not I get it as well as another O may some say but if I could pray and humble my selfe there were hope of mercy GOD gives his mercy freely he keepes open house he requires nothing of thee to procure it but he shewes mercy because hee will shew mercy See what he saith Esâ—y 43 24 25. Thou hast wearied mee saith he with thine iniquities and in the next verse I even I am he that blottâ—th out thy transâ—ressions for my owne sake even I excluding all mâ—anes for my owne names sake excluding all motive No unworâ—hinesse then should hinder us from beleeving the promises but rather they that have the most sense of their owne unworâ—hinesse have most incouragement to beleeve for that voice of CHRIST Come unto mee all yee that are weary c. serves not onely for our first conversion but in all
to be conveyed wheresoever they are Prayer is profitable to obtaine every thing as is evident by the promise of CHRIST Iohn 16.23 Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever yee shall aske the Father iâ— my name hee will give it you Note the certainty of the promise in CHRISTS vehement asseveration note the generality of it whatsoever Our Saviour oft repeated such promises in those heavenly and last speeches which he uttered to his Disciples Iohn 14.13 Ioh. 15.7 16 See Mar. 11.24 Iohn 9.31 1 Iohn 3.22 5.14 15. I may say of prayer as the Apostle saith of Godlinesse it hath the promises of this life and that which is to come 1. For this life Temporall and Spirituall things are promised to prayer 1. Temporall 1. The prayer of faith shall save the sicke and the LORD shall raise him up Iam. 5.15 2. Spirituall 1. It obtaineth remission of sins and if hee have committed sinnes they shall be forgiven him the same verse of 5. of Iâ—mes 2. The Spirit How much more shall your heavenly Father give good things to them that aske him Matth. 7.11 Give the holy Spirit to them that aske him So it is Luke 11 13. 2. For the life to come Prayer obtaineth eternall life and salvation For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved Rom. 10.13 That Promise that is made to our prayers runs thus If thou prepare thine heart and stretch out thine hands towards him c. Iob 11.13 The stretching out of our hands or of our voice either is to little purpose if our heart be not prepared first Promises To fervent prayer Then yee shall call upon me and ye shall goe and pray unto me and I will hearken unto you And ye shall seeke me and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart that is truly and fervently saith Greenham The effectuall prayer of a righteous man availeth much both for the helping of the body and healing of the soule but with this proviso if it be fervent open thy mouth wide that is earnestly confidently call upon me and I will fill it that is I will satisfie thy desire to the full Aske and it shall be given you seeke and yee shall find knocke and it shall be opened unto you Matth. 7.7 Aske seeke knocke It is not a simple repetition of the same thing but a gradation It shews instantissimam neâ—essitatem saith Austen Aske â—s a begger seeke as with a candle knocke as one that hath powâ—r with importunity One thus descants upon the place Aske with the mouth seek with the heart knock with the hand and it shall be given you that is for Temporall things and yee shall find that is for Spirituall things and it shall be opened unto you that is for Eternall things Promises 1. To Secret Prayer When thou prayest enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut thy dore pray to thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly 2. To Private or Family prayer Where two or three are gathered together in my name there aâ— I in the midst of them Matth 18.20 3. To publike prayer Publike for 1. Matter 2. Place 1. A promise to those that pray for the Church Remember Sion they shall prosper that love thee Psalme 122.6 7. 2. Promises to the prayers of the Congregation made in the Church Hierusalem had singular promises made unto it such as had no particular Church in the world besides Psalm 132.14 There is a speciall promise made to the prayers made in the Temple 2 Chron. 7.15 Mine eyes shall be open and mine eares attent unto the prayer tâ—at is made in this place 1 Kings 9.3 The LORD hath promised that he will cause his servants to rejoyce in the granting of their suites which they shall make unto him in his owne house Esay 56.7 upon the like promise made by GOD Salomon at the consecration of the Temple 1 King 8.30 33. groundeth his Prayer that the LORD would in speciall manner heare the suites and supplications of his servants publikely assembled in his Temple to call upon him See the 5. Book cap 1. A promise To Preaching GOD hath made a speciall promise to this that he will be with it to assist and blesse it Matth. 28.20 I am with you alwaies even unto the end of the world Promises To Reading In Reading of the Word if we understand not we should apply these Promises Prov. 1.23 I will powre out my Spirit unto you I will make knowne my Words unto you Prov. 1.4 It gives subtilty to thâ— simple to the young men knowledge and discretion The Commandement of the LORD is pure inlightningâ— the eyes Ps. 19.8 GOD hath promised to teach and instruct such by his Spirit that bring good and honest hearts to the reading and hearing of the Word Psal. 25.12 What man is he that fearth the LORD him will he teach in the way that he shall choose The promise of finding is made to those who seeke as for gold and search as for treasure Pro. 2.3 4 5. Promises to sâ—ch as love the Word of GOD. Great peace have they which love thy Law and nothing shall offend them Ps. 119.165 Blessed is the man that delighteth greatly in his commandements Ps. 112.1 A promise to those that waite for the Word There is a blessing promised to such hearers as wait for the Word Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doores For who so findeth me findeth life and obtaineth favour of the LORD Promises that GODS children shall hearken to the Word The eares of them that heare shall hearken Psa. 32 3. See Esaias 50.4 Acts 16.14 Promises to such as conscionably hearken to the Word Hoe every one that thirsteth come yee to the water and he that hath no mony come yee buy and eat yea come buy wine and milke without mony and without price Hearken diligently unto me and eat ye that which is good and let your soule delight it selfe in fatnesse Encline your eare and come unto me heare and your soule shall live c. There the LORD freely offereth saving grace to such as have none and nothing whereby they might purchase it 2. He setteth out a way wherby they might injoy it viz. a diligent hearing and beleiving GODS Word 3. He makes most sweet promises that their soule shall live that is they shall be quickned in CHRIST and in him the seed of David be made partakers of those mercies which shall never decay If thou warne the righteous man that the righteous sinne not and he doth not sin he shall surely live because he is warned Ezek. 3.21 The conscionable hearing of GODS Word quickens the soule and makes it to live both the life of grace and of glory He that heareth my word and beleeveth on him that sent