in Heaven but thee and then saith my flesh and my heart faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever God is fitly called the Saints portion for he is so one Saints portion as if no ones else and yet intirely every ones as if wholly theirs as indeed he is yet without division partition or diminution That 's a notable passage in that Gospel-Covenant at least one part of it the mercy in it we are speaking of Gen. 15.1 fear not Abram I am thy Shield and thy exceeding great reward 1. Thy reward as if it were as indeed it is reward enough to have God if we have nothing else 2. A great reward worth speaking of Christus Coelum non patiuntuâ— hyperboleâ— not an inconsiderable trifle but a great reward 3. An exceeding great reward no hyperbole can reach it much less exceed it none can express the goodness of God but those that experience it nor can they sufficiently declare it but is he mine Psal 144.15 Yes 4. By this Covenant he is thy exceeding great reward Blessed are they that are in such a case Happy is that people whose God is the Lord. Thus I have shewed what God is 2. I shall a little shew what God gives and grants to the covenanted soul there are many rich benefits and advantages which are indeed rich Covenant-mercies 1. Pardon of sin Jer. 31.34 for I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more and oh what a mercy is pardon of sin ask David when he is roaring under his broken bones and disquiet spirit whether pardon of sin be a mercy he will answer yes O yes I know it and could even envy the happiness of a pardoned sinner blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven Psal 32.1 2. yea many times blessed is he to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity this is a mercy that cost a great rate even the blood of the immaculate Lamb of God 't is a mercy that God shews for his own sake a mercy that easeth the guilty soul of an heavy burden a mercy that hath sweet and satisfying concomitants Oh the riches of this mercy 2. Gods favour love and tender compassion Jer. 32.40 41. I will make an everlasting Covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good Yea I will rejoyce over them to do them good q. d. now I am in Covenant with them I will seek and study by all means to promote their spiritual and eternal advantage yea and their temporal good also I will be a fast and faithful friend to them all my attributes shall contribute their assistance to help on the design of mercy towards them and what God doth for them is with his whole heart and with his whole soul he will in the relation of a Father take care of his Children and is not that a mercy 3. Gospel-Ordinances Ezek. 37.26 27. I will make a Covenant of peace with them and will set my Sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore my Tabernacle also shall be with them i. e. they shall have the means of Grace the visible tokens of Gods presence wayes of Communion with God and is not this a rich mercy David lookt upon it as so in his banishment from Gods house and every Child of God prizeth it at a very high rate this is one of the mercies of the Covenant 4. Seasonable afflictions with a sanctified use of them Psal 89.30 32 33. if his Children forsake my Law then will I visit their transgressions with the rod 't is infinite mercy that God will take the pains to whip the offending Children it is faithfulness to the great ends of the Covenant that God will fetch in his wandring sheep by sharpest means it is as it were a cruel mercy to let men alone in sin to hasten their ruine it is the Fathers care and kindness to chide and correct his son and it 's as needful as food and raiment a Child of God would rather be scourged to God than allured from God in the paths of honey and butter this Covenant-mercy doth change the nature of the affliction and makes every thing to work for the souls best God this bitter potion is an useful healing medicine this stinging Serpent is turned into an harmless nay helpful Rod with which the Lord works wonders of mercy upon and for the Covenanted soul But time would fail me to enumerate the large Catalogue of Covenant-mercies from this fountain stream those choice mercies of reconciliation with God filiation the spirit of adoption free admission to the Throne of Grace acceptance of their persons audience of their Prayers assurance of Gods love peace of Conscience communion of Saints the benefits of Christs Passion Resurrection Ascention Intercession an interest in all the Promises Christs purchases the spirits motions and comforts freedom from the wrath of God the curse of the Law and eternal death and lastly an interest in and at death a full possession of the inheritance of the Saints in light these and such like are the mercies of the Covenant in a word all the goodness that is in God and all the good things of the world that are communicable to the elect are to be accounted as the sure mercies of David That 's for the first general head CHAP. III. 2. IN what respects these mercies of the Covenant are made sure for this observe that there are some things absolutely and unchangeably sure as to their own nature by an intrinsecal necessity thus God immutable essence is fixed with him there is no variableness nor shadow of change thus though the Heavens perish yet God endures he is still the same and his years have no end Psal 102 24-27 thus God alone is the certain and unmoveable center of the whole Creation he is the Rocâ— of Ages originally infinitely and independently sure and so is nothing besides otheâ— things are sure jure positivo not of themselves but by vertue of Gods appointmenâ— and designation invariable irrevocable so as it shall not be altered otherwayes ordered no new way contrived to save losâ— man thus the Scriptures are sure for ever O Lord thy Word is setled in Heaven Psal 119.89 Mat. 5.18 and our Saviour saith till heaven and earth pass one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law till all be fulfilled and this way is the Covenant of Grace sure not of any intrinsecal necessity resulting from its nature but free to be or not to be as the infinite God sees good as a Covenant it depends meerly on Gods free-grace for making it God might have forborn re-entring this New Covenant but have dealt with man as with the lapsed Angels or he might have reserved to himself a power of revocation to have called in his patent and shut up his Office of mercy but now God hath fixed this as the only and everlasting way of Salvation thus this
effected this work and their faculties shall be inlarged to take in more of Gods grace and Wisdom That 's the first instruction 2. Another consequence is this if the mercies of the Covenant be made sure in Christ it lets us see the great difference betwixt Covenant-mercies and common mercies temporal and spiritual mercies Saul's mercies that God takes away and the sure Mercies of David founded upon the Covenant of Grace 1 Chron 17.13 take the difference principally in these four particulars 1. They differ in the Fountain Original and rise thereof or in the affection of the giver outward mercies proceed from common bounty these Gospel-mercies from special grace the former from general munificence the other from peculiar benevolence the former are but crumbs for dogs these are bread for Babes all things come alike to all See Eccles 9.1 2 3. so that none can know love or hatred by the want or abundance of Creature-comforts but the mercies of the Covenant are alwayes tokens of special affection Luther calls the whole Turkish Empire but a morsel east to doggs but one dram of Grace is a Childs Patrimony God hates the wicked though he give them the World he loves the Godly Deus saepedat iâ—atus quod negat propitius though he deny them worldly enjoyments he may give that to his enemies in anger that he denyes his Children in love he gives to many wicked giftless gifts as some call them but he gives his grace his heart himself to his Saints with Covenant-mercies these are always clear evidences of special love they are Bracelets and Jewels that are sent as love-tokens to the espoused Saint from his Heavenly Husband 2. They differ in the dimensions of the gifts their Natures Properties and Proportionables to the precious and immortal soul Temporal mercies may indeed supply the outward man the cloaths cover nakedness fire may warm meat may fill and drink may quench thirst but all these serve but to supply corporal necessities they do not reach the soul he was a fool that said soul Luke 12.19 20. thou hast much goods laid up for many years take thine ease eat drink and be merry and well might he be called a fool for alas what were these goods to the soul it was a sensual bruitish soul that could be satisfied with these things they bear no proportion to the nature of the immortal Heaven-born soul it is above them and when it acts it self scorns to feed on such dung or wind 't is recorded of Pasotes who called his friends to a banquet where they should see a Table furnisht with variety and plenty but when the guests went to eat it vanished away into nothing and truly so will worldly enjoyments they promise fair and perform nothing not but that these are useful mercies in their kind and do attain their end which was to accommodate the outward man but they were never designed to satisfie souls but covenant-Covenant-mercies fill and feast the soul pardon of sin sense of Gods love Jesus Christ and the benefits flowing from him these are adaequate to the nature and faculties of precious souls these satiate the souls both of Priests and people with fatness and goodness Jer. 31.14 Psal 36.8 yea they are abundantly satisefid with the fatness of his house this living Bread and Water nourisheth immortal souls to eternal life hence it is that holy David prays Psal 40.11 with-hold not thy tender mercies from me O Lord q. d. Lord my soul is a fine delicate thing it cannot down with this course fare of common mercies these Husks are for the Swine of the World I must have Bread at my Fathers Table my soul must have Angels food or it will not like nor live Lord let me have tender mercies for my tender soul otherwise I shall famish and dye therefore he prays again Let thy tender mercies come unto me that I may live Psal 119.77 and again ver 132. Look upon me and be merciful as thou usest to do to those that love thy name David will not be content with any mercies but Saints peculiar priviledges and such as accompany salvation these these only fit and fill suit and satisfie the gaping desires of the immortal soul but other things cannot for you may as soon fill a sack with wit as a soul with wealth Covenant-mercies are only proper for immortal souls that 's the second difference 3. They differ in their efficacy and operation in the effects and impressions they leave upon hearts common mercies never make any better but many worse Covenant-mercies always make the subject where they lodge abundance better common mercies can no more sanctifie than they can satisfie a large share of the World hath been a snare to many souls these things are apt to puff up with pride to steal the heart from God to beget carnal confidence and security which prove the bane of grace Difficile est esse in honore sine tumore Bern. and a bait to sin they that have tryed it find that it's â—ard to have worldly honour without vain-glory to have great estates without a covetous desire and to swim in worldly pleasures without too much sensual delight Oh the sad demonstrations we have had of the truth of this how may the souls of thousands sadly say the world hath undone them it's Syren-songs have bewitcht the credulous and unwary soul the world oftentimes proves a stumbling block of iniquity that obstructs souls in their journey to Heaven and blinds their eyes that they cannot make divine discoveries even good souls have found this sad experiment that outward enjoyments have had a malignant influence upon their spirits they were in a better frame when they are poor then they are since raised in the World according to that Distich Pellitus nunc es fueras sine vestibulante Nudus eras purus crimen amicius habes Well this is the too too common effect of common mercies but Covenant-mercies always make the soul better certainly sanctifying knowledge softening Grace the spirit of faith and holiness leave the soul in a gracious frame and the priviledges of the Covenant reconciliation with God Adoption Justification Assurance Communion with God alwayes work kindly and Evangelically upon the heart these are so many Silver and Silken Cords of Love to draw and joyn the soul to God these mercies are as Coals of fire to melt the heart and make the conscience supple and pliable to the will of God Dives qui multa possidâ—t auâ—o sordidum marsupium at qui justus est bone compositus est de orus Câ—em Alex paedag that cannot be a wicked soul that hath these Mercies and he that hath most of these mercies is the best our perfection consists in possession and participation of these Sure Mercies of David outward mercies are occasions of ripening wicked mens sins to fit them for Hell but Covenant-mercies ripen Saints for glory by filling their souls with Grace and
be the teacher he makes apt and able nimble and notable Scholars Oh Christians see and try your learning enquire who is your master 2. Another disposition like this or indeed a fruit of the former is God's writing his Law in our hearts Jer. 31.33 Heb. 8.10 10.16 he promiseth to put his Law into their inward parts and write it in their hearts so that as Talley answers to Talley Indenture to Indenture Face to Face so the heart shall eccho and answer to the Word of God and feel something within his own bosome that joynes issue with the word without so that a gracious soul can now say with Paul Rom. 7.12 16. I consent to the Law that it is good whatever I be the commandment is holy just and good a carnal heart riseth up in Rebellion against the word and secretly loaths a spiritual command and could wish it even razed out of the Bible that it might sin more freely but a gracious soul loves that word best that restrains corruption most and binds it closest in new obedience hence saith David thy word is very pure therefore thy servant loves it Psal 119.140 Praestâ—a â—i cor tuum molle tractabile custodi figuram quae te figuravit Artifex habens in semetipso humorem ne induratus amittas vestigia digitorum ejus Iraen advers Haer. lib. 4. prop. fin the stricter the Word is the better I love it I would have the Law of God restrain the exorbitancies of my heart and life it doth me good to be kept in for I have a wild and wayward heart Oh how glad am I of a word that searcheth curbeth and cutteth off my extravagant branches I willingly fall under it and bless God for it as one of the greatest mercies of my life can you say thus when there is a controversie betwixt a pinching word and a repining lust whether do you vote for which do you give your voice for and plead on the behalf of can you not take God's part and the words part against a naughty deceitful heart or do you pick quarrels with the statutes of Heaven when you should obey it Ah sirs try your selves in this and if you find that you have a counterpane of Gods Word within you a transcript of this blessed Copy in your hearts then are you within the Covenant 3. God promiseth to give his people in Covenant with him one heart and one way Jer. 32.39 this imports both an oneness of heart within it self and also an oneness of heart with other Saints before Conversion the heart was divided and distracted betwixt various objects God must have part Satan part sin part and the world another part of the heart but now the soul gives it self wholly to God as I have opened hence David prays unite my heart to fear thy name Psal 86.11 or make my heart one a real Saint is fully intirely universally given up to God but of this before likewise the Covenant of Grace makes Christians unanimous hence it is that as soon as souls have given up themselves to God they essay to joyn themselves to their fraternity Act. 9.26 and unite with the Society of sincere believers hence the primitive Saints were together with one accord Act. 2.46 cap. 4.32 yea they were of one heart and of one soul as the Curtains of the Tabernacle were coupled with loops so were Christians with love hence you hear so often mention made of fellowship in the Gospel Phil. 1.5 Eph. 2.21 and Gods Children are compared to a building fitly framed together by the cement of the Spirit yea to members of the body with relation to the head Col. 2.19 from whom i.e. Christ the whole body fitly joyned together and compacted Ephes 4.16 Well then sirs are you united and become one with the rest of the Saints though you cannot attain to a oneness in judgement in every lesser truth about Discipline c. yet are you one with them in heart and affection Yea of one judgement and way with them in main material points of doctrine and practice having one Lord Eph. 4.3 4 5. one faith one Baptism endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace cannot you say to others come let us joyn our selves to the Lord in a perpetual Covenant Jer. 50.4 5. that shall not be forgotten are not your hearts glad when you see any come in and Worship the Lord how stand your â—earts affected towards such as fear God â—re you of one heart with them can you â—heerfully walk in one way with them as â—our sweetest companions is your chief â—ontent in these truly excellent ones then â—ou are in Covenant 4. The fear of God is a gracious disposition promised to new-covenant Converts Jer. 32.40 I will saith God Job 28 28. put my fear â—n their hearts that they shall not depart from â—e this fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom and 't is often put for all Religion it is a holy reverential awefulness wrought in a believers heart whereby through a serious sense of Gods glorious Majesty and tender mercy the soul is afraid â—o offend God and careful to please him as â— Child is his Father by a conscientious obedience to all Gods commands I cannot stand to open this fully but bring you to the â—est Christians doth the fear of God posâ—ess and seize upon your spirits doth it make you men of truth hating covetousness Exod. 28.21 Heb. 12.28 doth it ingage your souls to serve him with reverence and godly fear doth it make you afraid of his threatnings Prov. 3 7. Psaâ— 5.7 fearful to offend him careful to please him do you worship him in his fear Prov. 14.26 Prov. 23.17 Mat. 10 28. Phil. 2.12 Isa 66.2 Isa 50.11 doth it make you run to him as your hope and confidence are your souls in the fear of the Lord all the day long doth the fear of God cast out the slavish fear of men doth it make you work out your salvation with fear and trembling doth it make you tremble at his word and willing to obey the voice of his servants doth it keep you humble self-denying from being proud high-minded Rom. 11.20 Rev. 14.7 Act 10.35 Prov. 14.16 do you fear God and give glory to him in seeing his works in a word do you fear God and work righteousness fear God and hate wickedness is it thus with your souls lay your hand upon your heart and seriously answer these questions I know you 'l all say you have the fear of God but whether hath it these Prophecies and one word more whence springs this fear of God doth it flow not only from the apprehension of God's Majesty and strict justice but from the sence of his free-grace and goodness so God saith in Hos 3.5 they shall fear the Lord and his goodness so saith David Psal 130.4 there is mercy with thee that thou
by his counsel and afterwards receive me to glory Oh happy soul that hath the God of Jacob for his God and these Covenant-mercies his portion who can hurt such a soul But oh the woful state of one that hath not the name of God as a Tower or Chamber to run unto when evils are approaching how dreadful was Sauls state when the Philistines were upon him and God had forsaken him just such will be the condition of a soul destitute of covenant-Covenant-mercies in the day of publick or personal calamity alas all they bore up their carnal hearts with is gone and God is gone and now they must either burst with grief or through despair make away themselves as Judas and Achitophel See Psal 52.7 Oh forlorn state of such as took not God for their God sirs think seriously of these things 6. These covenant-Covenant-mercies will have mighty influence upon your spirits in Gods service and in your conversation an interest in the mercies of the Covenant will make you fear God and tremble to offend so good a God there is forgiveness with thee that thou maist be feared Psal 130.4 nay fear to offend God is one great mercy of the Covenant these will melt your hearts into tears of Evangelical repentance for offending God as you may gather from Zech. 12.10 nay brokenness of heart is one of the mercies of the Covenant sence of these mercies will make your souls love God clearly Luk. 7.47 nay love to God is one of the mercies of the Covenant and so for the rest of the Graces there 's not an useful disposition requisite to qualifie us for Gods service but 't is contained in the Covenant hereby we shall know Gods will be willing to obey it delight our selves in Gods service as David Psal 5.7 I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy and in thy fear will I worship towards thy holy Temple we shall then sing in the ways of the Lord and in the height of Zion and flow together for the goodness of the Lord Jerem. 31.12 i. e. the goodness of the Lord will engage the Saints to come with chearfulness into Gods presence and thank God for an opportunity of waiting on so good a God holy hearts delight in holy works grace fits the soul for God covenant-Covenant-mercies render a soul capable of and suitable to Covenant-duties and the more you partake of these mercies the more delight will you take in duty the more like you are to God the more delight will you take in God and God will delight more in you and so there will be sweet fellowship betwixt God and your souls on the contrary carnal spirits cannot endure spiritual exercises they come to duties as a Bear to the stake and when they are therein they are upon a Rack Lord be merciful to such a soul 7. These Covenant-mercies will not leave the soul till they have brought it to Heaven Gods mercies are in the Heavens that 's their proper Element and they never cease moving and mounting the soul upwards till they have raised him up into the highest Heavens where they shall drink of the River of his pleasures Psal 36.5 8. now Covenanted souls do but taste that the Lord is gracious but then they shall eat and drink abundantly and shall be satisfied with marrow and fatness yea bathe their souls in that fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore Psal 16.11 these mercies will make you rich towards God and rich with God to all Eternity if you dye with Covenant-mercies in your hearts you depart like Old Simeon with Christ in your arms and dye in peace and rest with God these sure mercies lead the van to eternal glory which comes in the rear of a temporal life and spiritual graces yea eternal life is begun here as Scripture testifies how is that why no otherwise than by the possession of these spiritual mercies and Communion with God thereby this is eternal life to know the only true God and Jesus Christ Joh. 17.3 You lay hold on eternal life here by laying hold on these best blessings and Covenant-mercies 1 Tim. 6.12 19. he that hath the Son hath life and by believing on the name of the Son of God he may know that he hath eternal life for he hath the record in himself See 1 John 5 10-13 what is this witness it is contained in some of these sure mercies of David Oh therefore for a share and interest therein on the other hand he that hath nothing to do with these sure mercies hath nothing to do with eternal glory such as are strangers from the Covenants of promise Eph. 2.12 have no hope of a better life as the Tree falls so shall it lye and such as are found without mercies in their hearts at death shall be found destitute of mercy at the great day There is one sort of persons I would more particularly press to look after their share in these sure mercies of David and those are the Children of Godly Parents and hence Solomon prays Remember the mercies of David thy Servant 2 Chron. 6.42 so you that are the posterity of godly predecessours cry out for and apply the mercies of your Fathers and there are two cogent arguments in the quality of these mercies the Text mentioneth for here they are said to be sure consider 1. Your Parents found them sure to them 2. The Promise will make them sure to you 1. Consider your Religious Ancestours found these covenant-Covenant-mercies sure to their own souls our Fathers trusted in thee cryed to thee they were delivered were not ashamed Psal 22.4 5. Heathens did pertinaciously adhere to the Religion of their Predecessors and shall Children of Godly Parents forsake their Fathers God and such a God as never failed them Moses in his Song saith he is my God and I will prepare him an habitation my Fathers God and I will exalt him Exod. 15.2 enquire and search you that are the seed of his servants had your fathers ever cause to complain of God was he not as good as his word to them did he not punctually keep touch with them and make good all his promises to them did not your Godly Parents breath their last with good speeches of God did they not affectionately commend his service to you upon their death-bed reflect upon their dying words did they not proclaim to all the World that God was a faithful Covenant-keeping God to them and did they not assure you he would be as good to you if you embrace him and keep his ways yea cannot you bear witness for them that their last words were speaking well of God as Jacob and Joseph both did upon their death-bed did not they in the faith and sense thereof commend you into the hands of their gracious God as Jacob Gen. 48.15 16. the God which fed me all my life long unto this day the Angel which Redeemed me from all evil bless the lads did they not
in the way for a staff or bait but not good as a Center or end to terminate your thoughts upon Remember the worst of men may have the best of these blessings yet have them with a curse and may perish with them therefore say as David Psal 119.132 look thou upon me and be merciful unto me as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name Psal 106.4 and elsewhere he desires to be remembred with the favour of Gods people as if David should say Lord there are common mercies which fill the belly cloath the back supply outward wants but these thou givest to the bad as well as good and though these are more than I deserve yet more than these I desire these will only serve me the day and date of my temporal life and will take their leave of me at death but Lord thou hast better mercies to bestow than these even such as will stick by me in life and death mercies that concern the soul such as thou bestowest on Children and on heirs of promise Oh let me come in for my Childs part of those and put me not off with any else none besides will fit or fill my precious soul or serve my turn Josh 17.14 I must say as once the Children of Joseph said to Joshua why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit seeing I am a great people so must I say if I were a bruit Creature one lot of provender for this Carcass would serve my turn but seeing 〈◊〉 am blessed with a noble never-dying soul that hath large capacious faculties 〈◊〉 must have a double portion a single share â—s not enough something that will live â—hen this body is laid in the grave and â—ing is so fit for this immortal soul as 〈◊〉 sure mercies of David Oh that I had my share thereof more than these I cannot reasonably desire expect enjoy and less than these my soul is not content withal 4. Cast out and Cashier all sin break ofâ— thy sinful league with filthy lusts these sure mercies will not lodge in a foul breast where Christ takes up his habitation sin hath not Dominion God and sin go contrary ways mercies mount the soul upwards corruption pulls the soul downwards you must be separate and touch no unclean thing if you would be received embraced as Children and have God for your Father 2 Cor. 6.17 18. be you sure the Throne of iniquity hath no fellowship with God Psal 94.20 and God will challenge such as hate instruction and wilfully run into sin and say Psal 50.16 17 18. what hast thou to do to take my Covenant in thy mouth do not think to yoke Christ and Belial God will not be merciful to any wicked Transgressour do not think to divide mercies and faithfulness make account to enjoy mercies only in the way of truth that you may be able to say as David Psal 119 41. let thy mercies come also unto me O Lord even thy salvation according to thy word q. d. O Lord thou hast mercies to bestow and thou hast told me how and to whom thou wilt distribute these mercies it is to such as fear and love and obey thee and devote themselves to thee why here I am I have served sin and Satan too long now I abhorr the ways in which my soul hath walked I abandon works of darkness I cut off a right-hand sin and pluck out a right-eye lust and now I am in the road of mercy not as though this merited thy favour but as a condition absolutely necessary in the souls of such as obtain mercy Isa 1.16 18. Isa 55.7 according to the precepts and promises of the Word and now though I cannot challenge mercy yet I humbly plead thy promise for mercy even covenant-Covenant-mercies I have forsaken my sinful ways and wicked thoughts Psal 119.58 oh be merciful to me according to thy word oh entertain me and then â— shall not lose but change my pleasures â—he sensual pleasures of the flesh for soâ—id sacred and soul-satisfying delights in Christ and Grace thus renounce sin and you shall have what 's infinitely better but that 's not all 5. Renounce your own Righteousness and look after these sure mercies only for mercy sake the wise merchant sold all Mat. 13.46 not only his worldly enjoyments but self-conceited thoughts of his own Righteousness for this pearl of price deny your selves then enjoy God mercy is flighted when you dream of merit the poor Jews that sought to establish their own righteousness would not submit to the Righteousness of God Rom. 10.3 they had something of their own to lean to they â—corned Gods way of saving sinners they would not be beholding to Gods mercy and so went without the poor Publican was justified but the proud Pharisee condemned come as craving Beggars not as rich Purchasers say as David save me for thy mercies sake Psal 6.4 q. d. Lord I am a weak worthless wicked Creature if thou mark iniquity who can stand I am not worthy of one crumb of kindness most worthy of thy fiercest displeasure if thou condemn me thou art righteous if thou save me thou art infinitely gracious Lord when thy wrath is ready to wax hot and justice lifts up thy hand to strike the fatal blow then reflect upon thy working bowels of tender mercy and stop thy hand from a righteous executing of thy justly deserved sentence of condemnation Remember thy tender mercies and thy loving-kindnesses for they have been ever of old Remember not the sins of my youth nor my transgressions according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness sake O Lord thus that good man pleads with God Psal 25.6 7. and thus do thou come empty handed buy wine and milk without money and without price mercy were not mercy if it were bought at valuable rates but as that 's not possible so that soul that comes to purchase shall be dealt without for all the good things of the Gospel are of free and undeserved gift 6. Close with Jesus Christ the root and spring of these Covenant-mercies I told you in the doctrinal part these mercies are made sure in and by Christ to all the heirs of promise would you then enjoy the benefit of these mercies accept of Jesus Christ by a sound and lively faith you can expect no mercy but through a Mediator grace and truth comes by Jesus Christ Joh. 1.16 all mercy is laid up in Christ as the great Store-house and is to be fetcht out by faith those souls are under a dangerous and soul-damning mistake that imagine God to be any other ways merciful than in Christ it 's even horrible saith Luther to think of God out of Christ this is the only Gospel-way of obtaining mercy Eph. 13.6 God blesseth us with these spiritual blessings in Christ and we are accepted in the beloved Well then how have poor souls interest in Christ this
thou forsaken me saith Christ and David his Type yet my God still Psal 51.8 Christians you are not to trust to present feelings David doth not say make me to feel but hear joy and gladness saith one because sense and feeling is of no worth of it self except first we hear it in a promise that 's a fancy that 's felt and not heard from God and we are to build upon a word of promise even when we want the feeling of comfort and 't is not safealtoger the to lean upon former experiences only though these are good secondary helps yet our primary and Principal foundation is God in a Promise as our God in Covenant let a dark and troubled spirit read study and practise that choice instruction Isa 50.10 trust in the name of the Lord there 's enough in Gods name to answer allâ—d ubts read it Exod. 34.5 6 mercy there answers to our misery grace to our undeserving long-suffering to our continued apostacy goodness answers our vileness truth and faithfulness answers to our Covenant-breach and falshood God keeps Covenant though we break it yea God keeps Covenant with us though we are apt to think he breaks it David thought Gods mercy was clean gone and that his Promise failed for evermore but he is convinced at last that that apprehension was his infirmity Psal 77.8 9 10. therefore let a clouded soul in its blackest desertions lift up his eyes and heart to these sure mercies and ponder thus 't is true my soul is dark and God withdraws it is a night of great affliction but was it never day with thee O my soul hath not the blessed day-star of grace risen in thy heart hath not God united thee to Jesus Christ did he never give thee the earnest of his Spirit didst thou never feel the stirrings of its graces or the stealing of its comforts reflect upon thy former state or rather study the freeness and the fulness of Gospel-grace what though I be without any sensible feelings of Gods grace or shinings of his face is not my life sometimes hid with Christ in God even from mine own eyes as well as from others may not the Sun be under a Cloud shall I say my Father doth not love me because he doth not always dandle me upon his knee and evidence his love to me in sweet embraces I am resolved to cleave unto him though he kill me and to believe in him though I cannot see him I will venture my weary soul upon his free-grace in Christ the Covenant is firm its mercies are sure there 's hope in the God of Israel it may be he will cast a propitious aspect on a weary â—oul however I am resolved to lye at his â—eet and act affiance and dependance on his â—mmutable promise whether he ever shine upon my soul or no this will bring a good issue 7. The last case wherein a Christian is to improve these sure mercies of David is in the hour and power of death when that grim Serjeant looks upon us with its ghastly face and arrests us with its cold hand then mercy will stand us in stead and sure mercies will be our sweetest Cordial these mercies pluck out the sting of death perfume the grave make way for the gracious soul to take its flight to glory so that death is now become the Christians friend and servant rest and interest conquest and Crown the Apostle doth therefore reckon up death as one part of the Saints Inventory 1 Cor. 3.21 22. all things are yours whether Paul or Apollo or Cephâ—s or the World or life or death or things present or things to come all are yours this is the fullest longest surest title here 's a sufficient enumeration nothing can be wanting either in the mercies ensured or manner of ensuring or the duration it 's to all Eternity and it 's the best and clearest Tenure in capite in the head Christ and 't is both by Purchase and by Conquest nothing is wanting to make these mercies sure for ever for death which dissolves all other bonds of relation doth more firmly and closely joyn God and the gracious soul 't is as a Porter to let them into their Fathers house a divine Limbeck to purifie and prepare them for glory and that voice which calls to the believer saying come up hither in this life souls are but espoused to Christ 2 Cor. 11.2 after death they are presented to him and the marriage is consummated 2 Cor. 5.6 8. ver 1 2. Phil. 1.21 here we are absent from our husband while present in the body but 't is more desirable to be absent from the body and present with the Lord and this is done by a dissolving of the earthly house of this Tabernacle so that hereby death becomes a gain and brings believers to their proper home and why should we be afraid of a stingless Serpent or helpful servant that doth us the greatest kindness why are believers afraid to dye why do they not rather say with that good man egredere anima egredere go forth my soul go forth and meet thy dearly beloved But we need go no further to prove either the immortality of the soul or the commodities of death than the subject we are upon even these sure mercies of David for they continue to David even when he is laid in the grave therefore our Saviour proves the Resurrection from the Covenant with Abraham Numb 18.19 Mat. 32.31 Isaac and Jacob because it is a perpetual Covenant a Covenant of Salt and thus runs the argument God is the God of the living and not of the dead therefore these Patriarchs are living and have an existence because he hath made a Covenant with them otherwise if these arise not then must the Covenant of necessity cease but the Covenant endures for ever therefore those with whom he makes the Covenant must live for ever since God calls himself their God Exod. 3.6 even after they are laid in their graves therefore let Christians rest in hope when they are laying down their heads in the grave for the Scripture saith the righteous have hope in their death the Covenant abides firm still the mercies thereof dye not when the body dyes the Heathens themselves saw this Socrates saith the Swan was Dedicated to Apollo because she sung sweetly before her death and the Romans when their great men dyed and when their bodies were burnt to ashes they caused an Eagle to fly and mount on high to signifie that the soul was immortal and shall not the Children of Promise sing chearfully when their souls are ready to mount up to eternal mansions I confess I am really ashamed when I read Cicero Cicero Tusc Quest lib. 1. De contemnâ—adâ morte Maximum argumentum est naturam ipfam de immo talite animorum tacitam judicare quod omnibus curae sâ—nt maxime quidem quae post mortem futura sâ—nt Serit arbores
THE SURE MERCIES OF DAVID Or a Second Part of HEART-TREASURE Wherein is contained the supream and substance of Gospel-mercies purchased by Christ and Promised in the Covenant of Grace together with the several ways how they are made sure to all the Heirs of Promise and how they are to be improved for the Saints Fort and Defence Settlement and Incouragement in shaking and back-sliding times Being the fruit of some Meditations upon Isa 55.3 By O. Heywood an unprofitable Minister of the Gospel Zech. 9.11 As for thee also by the blood of thy Covenant I have sent forth thy Prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water Evangelium est ceu vehiculum quoddam per quod ad nos defertur Christus cum justitia suâ omnibus donis Luth. tom 3. f. 428. a. LONDON Printed by R. W. for Tho. Parkhurst and are to be sold at his Shop at the Bible and three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers Chappel To all the Heirs of Promise the Saints of the most high God the Sons and Daughters of Abraham whom God hath betrothed to himself in the sweet Gospel-Covenant and who live in hopes of their nuptial day preparing in grace to enter into the chambers of glory at death and the general Resurrection grace mercy and peace TWo things my Dearly beloved in the Lord are absolutely necessary to make souls happy 1. That the â—hing possessed be fully adaequate to the nature of the soul 2. That â—t be made over to it legally and everlastingly for if either any thing be defective at present to give content or there be danger of losing it it is not commensurate to the souls state or need for as this immortal spark infused into man whereby he is a rational creature is vast and capacious in its desires and dimensions so it is very lasting yea everlasting in its continuance and duration therefore its riches that must make it happy must be both suitable and durable But all the creatures fall short in both the soul of man travelling through this spacious universe upon the feet of its affections and following the guidance of the intellectual faculties the souls ear and eye can get no satisfying sight or report in answer to that curious inquest who will shew me any good to fix upon the creature is to set our eyes upon that which is not for its vanity yea to place our hopes on that which hath a lye in its right hand and so becomes vexation of spirit in an astonishing disappointment woe were to man if there were no hopes for him but in this life and great were his infelicity if what Atheists say and think that there is no God were true how poorly should this Princely thing in man be served with the sordid husks of creatures how base and bruitish would its life be how well becoming man would that Epitaph be of the Epicure which Cicero saith was fitter to be writ on an Oxes grave than mans Haec habeo quae edi quaeque exsaturata libido hausit the things my greedy appetite hath devoured are mine as they cry But let such Brutified Sots that understand nothing of the worth or proper food of immortal souls feed on husks let the Heaven-born Saints aspire to other nourishment if the mixed multitude of common professors linger after the Aegyptian food of Cucumbers Numb 11.4 5. Qui mundo adhaeserunt ut marinis petris alga contemnunt immortalitatem sicut Senex Ithacensts qui non veritatem coel stem patriam eam quae vere est lucem sed fumum optabat Clem. Alexand. adm ad gen Melons Leeks Onions and Garlick the real Saints feed on Heavenly Manna the flesh and blood of Christ is the proper pabulum animae or nourishment of the soul the soul hath a more tender appetite which requires answerable food it cannot feed on such course stuffe as worldly delights hear David begging as for an alms but what alms begs he mercies but what mercies tender mercies Psal 40.11 withhold not thy tender mercies from me O Lord q. d. there are common mercies that fill the bellies and cloath the bodies of good and bad but these will not serve my turn nor save my soul the mercies that will do me good for ever are tender things of another stamp that come streaming through the blood of a Mediator that are dipt in Covenant love and such as can fill and feed and feast my soul for ever These are the mercies that God hath dropt into your bosoms oh the heirs of promise and these are the mercies described and deciphered in this Treatise I have gone out to measure the Land of Promise and according to grace received I have viewed it in the length and breadth thereof and I have no reason to bring up an evil report on it it 's a Land flowing with Milk and Honey a blessed and beautiful Land which God careth for and if the Lord delight in you he will bring you into it what though there be Giants and Anakims of opposition in Heavens way fear them not for they are bread for us shall turn to the Saints nourishment and their defence is departed from them the Lord is with us Let not our hearts faint God will carry us as upon Eagles Wings he will give us a pillar of Cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night sure mercies in the way and everlasting mercies in the end this is the true Arabia felix yet far beyond that which though it abounded with spices and gold profits and pleasures yet stupifies the senses of the inhabitants with its suffocating sweetness but there 's no nauseous disgusting of heavenly delights by those that partake thereof the longer you enjoy them the more you long after them and the fuller draught you take the sweeter rellish they have Oh the pleasure a soul may have in divine things other things will stink in comparison of these ravishing delights no pleasures like those that come from above but that which adds an Emphasis to these is that they are sure as well as sweet abiding as well as abounding pleasures God the Author and object of them is immutable the spring of them the love of God the meritorious cause Christs blood the way of conveyance precious promises all these are settled and the same as long as the soul needs mercies it enjoys them for we have grace to help in time of need God will not men cannot pluck away these mercies from you you that have a well-grounded title thereunto God will not for the gifts and callings of God are without repentance and whom he loves once he loves to the end men cannot for they are above and beyond their reach Sole sale omnia conservantur these mercies are made sure to you by a Covenant of Salt which is a symbole of incorruption they wear not away with length of time nor are they snatcht away by humane violence the Tyrants rage cannot pluck sure mercies
in reading the Word of God Oh of what use would this be there you may find what God commands how Saints have obeyed by what means they have cleared up their integrity and interest in Christ here you may find what are the conditions of the Covenant and upon what terms the mercies thereof may be enjoyed and what are the infallible Characters of such as have received benefit thereby here you may find Christ the main and choicest mercy of the Covenant yea for this end was the Scripture written that we might have comfort in God and by consequence also assurance of our interest in him Rom. 15.4 for this cause did both Christ speak Joh. 15.11.1 Joh. 1.4 and John write Divine truths that are upon record that his joy might be in us yea that our joy might be full an express Text you have in 1 Joh. 5.13 these things have I written unto you that believe in the name of the Son of God that ye may know ye have eternal life the more you study the Scriptures the more clearly you may read your names in the Book of Life your hearts if sincere will eccho to the word you read because the Law of God is written in your hearts therefore read and study this blessed Book these words are Charters of your heavenly inheritance food for your hungry appetites glasses in which you may discern the face of your souls Oh Christians neglect not the Scriptures look up for a right understanding and due application of every passage therein and then comfort your selves and one another with these words 1 Thes 4. ult 2. Attend upon a quickning Ministry here the terms of the Gospel are propounded the mercies of the Covenant are displayed true believers discovered and characterized here you may meet with a Barnabas as well as with a Boanerges yea it may be the hand that wounded may heal you God usually makes the fruit of the lips to be peace Isa 57.19 and many times sends some choice Interpreter to declare unto a man his righteousness and clear up his integrity Job 33.23 and therefore is it that God directs all such as walk in darkness to obey the voice of his servants Isa 50 10. or rather gives this as their character that they do so Isa 40.1 2.2 Cor. 1.4 and God gives Ministers a charge to comfort his people and lays up comforts in their Breasts to this end that they may comfort such as are cast down Oh the reviving words you may hear in the Ministry of the Word here you may hear doubts resolved cases of Conscience propounded answered and hearts opened anatomized here the spirit of God is often conveyed which seals up the believing soul to the day of redemption Isa 59.21 Gal. 3.2 3. Mat. 28. â—0 the presence of God accompanies his institution so that what the Minister declares in the name and by the Authority of Christ Isa 44 26. Mat. 18.18 according to the word he will ratifie back and confirm it in Heaven and how many drooping heirs of promise hath God erected satisfied encouraged about their title to Covenant-mercies by this Ordinance Oh the advantage that many have got thereby therefore wait on God in this Ordinance Oh look not upon it as weak and beggarly Elements as some ignorantly and blasphemously call all Ordinances make them not a matter of Ceremony and Formality but prepare for them and use them conscientiously and you shall see the sweet effect thereof 3. Improve the seals of the Covenant both Baptism and the Lords Supper Rom 4.11 Circumcision is called the seal of the righteousness of faith because that sweet Evangelical priviledge or marrow of the Gospel-covenant is signified sealed and exhibited in that Ordinance Oh Christians understand and improve that sweet Ordinance of Baptism it would be a spring of sweetness and satisfaction to your doubting fainting spirits 1 Cor. 10.16 c. 11.24 and then for the Lords Supper herein Christs Body and Blood are particularly applyed to us to become our own yea verily and really though not corporally but spiritually exhibited to every worthy receiver and hence resulteth spiritual joy solace and satisfaction as in the Passeover in Hezekiahs days 2 Chron. 30.21 26. they kept the feast with gladness and there was joy in Jerusalem But be sure you examine your selves prepare your hearts excite your Graces understand the Covenant apply these blessed mysteries to your own souls open your hearts by Meditation that the King of glory may come in stir up your souls to draw near to God and he will draw near to you Gal. 3.1 you 'l see Christ Crucified before you you 'l enjoy a blessed feast of fat things that will nourish and comfort your pining souls here you 'l feel pleasant Apples and sweet flagons of the Wine of his special love to stay you up and support your hearts in the day of your affliction and sad desertion and if you cannot enjoy that refreshing Ordinance yet reflect upon your former enjoyments and meditate upon your Crucified Redeemer and represent his bruised body and effused blood to your selves and in due time you 'l cry out with Thomas my Lord and my God 4. Ply the Throne of Grace in Prayer say as David Psal 35.3 O Lord say unto my soul I am thy salvation Isa 56.7 God hath promised to make his people joyful in the house or duty of Prayer Saints have found by experience the sweet and satisfying fruit of a serious wrestling with God thus David Psal 31.16 make thy face to shine upon thy servant and ver 21. he breaks out in thankfulness for an answer Blessed be the Lord for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong City Yea Christ himself commands us to ask that we may receive that our joy may be full Joh. 16.24 and is not a clear evidence of our interest in the Covenant and the mercies of it worth asking therefore plead with God tell him thou preferrest covenant-Covenant-mercies above worldly enjoyments and that thou wouldst rather have these mercies made sure to thee than to have a lease of thy life for his loving-kindness is better than life Psal 63.3 tell him the joy of the Lord is thy strength and how much it will tend to thy furtherance in his service if he will lift up the light of his Countenance on thy soul tell him he hath granted comfortable assurance to many souls and thou needest it as well as they thou art an humble suitor at the Gates of mercy and art resolved not to let him go except he bless thee yet once again tell him it is no more then he hath promised in his word and Christ hath purchased by his blood and therefore it is no arrogancy for thee to crave or expect and when thou hast been pleading conclude with that poor man Mark 9 24. Mat. 9.29 Lord I believe help thou my unbelief and he will say according
to thy faith be it unto thee 5. Walk close with God as that is one of the mercies of the Covenant so 't is an evidence of our interest in the Covenant and 't is a notable means of obtaining and maintaining assurance Psal 50.23 to him â—hat ordereth his conversation aright will I â—hew the salvation of God close-walkers have many choice discoveries Psal 119.165 Oh the peace â—hat such have as keep Gods commandments Oh the sweet refreshment which results from a lively obedience the work of righteousness is peace the effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance for ever Isa 32.17 Psal 25 14. Mat. 4.2 Joh. 14.15 16. v. 21. if you keep constantly in the â—ear of God he will discover to you the secrets of his Covenant he will cause the Sun of righteousness to arise upon you if you keep his Commandments you shall have a comforter and he will manifest himself to you But if you grow careless and remiss in your walking and step aside to any gross sin no wonder if you have little assurance of these Covenant-mercies for these do separate betwixt you and your God you and comfort this obscured Davids interest in God and his unsuitable Acts cost him many a tear and sad thoughts of heart which made him cry out of broken bones and bitterly groan out his sad complaints for the want of the joy of Gods salvation yea for one act of sloth and security the Church lost the sweet sense of divine love Cant. 5.26 Oh take heed of sin it is like a filthy vapour rising out of the soul that causeth a mist and a thick mist between God and us as will keep the light of his countenance from shining upon us it begets jealousies suspicioâ— and uncomfortable fears in the soul whether God be ours or no and therefore take heed of sin and walk humbly witâ— God 6. Be much in self-observation somâ— have an interest in the Covenant but know it not for want of self-discovery therefore it were a good work to consider boâ— your hearts and ways indeed the heart 〈◊〉 deceitful but you should take the candle 〈◊〉 the Word in the hand of Conscience anâ— deal impartially with your hearts seek into the obscure corners thereof and it 's possible in some nook or other you 'l find a Covenant-mercy canst thou not say as Peter iâ— sincerity Joh 21 17. Isa 38.3 thou knowest that I love thee oâ— with Hezekiah that you have walkt before God in uprighteness dost thou not find iâ— thy heart a care to please God fear to offenâ— him desire to enjoy him hatred of sin love tâ— the saints poverty of spirit despising thâ— World and low thoughts of thy best duty well now a sound search and clear discovery of the frame of your spirits will be 〈◊〉 notable way to assure to your selves youâ— interest in these Covenant-mercies and sâ— proving your selves Gal. 6.4 Prov. 14.14 your rejoycing and satisfaction shall be from your selves if thou canst but find one saving Grace in thy heart in truth thou maist gather some evidence thence and Gods Children have taken comfort in their sincere love to the Brethren when they have have scarce discerned any other grace and so have assured their hearts before God that they were of â—he truth see 1 John 3.18 19. there 's neâ—er a good work done if it be right for principle rule and end but it will help us â—o a discovery of our state that our work â—s wrought in God Joh. 3.21 therefore â—et's be willing to come to the light and try our hearts and acts so may we attain assurance of our interest 7. Reflect upon and recollect your former experiences this was Davids usual method â—o assure his heart of the truth of Grace Psal 77.6 Psal 143.5 6. Job 23.11 12. and his interest in God Psal 77.10 I will remember the years of the right hand of the most high days of old his songs in the night this course took Job and many other saints and the Apostle bids the believing Hebrews call to remembrance the former days in which after they were illuminated they endured a great fight of afflictions Heb. 10.32 and this was in order to the recovery of Gods smiles and the sence of his love you 'l say what am I better for remembring what goodness was in me in time past which I am now fallen from and have lost I answer much every way chiefly because these mercies of the Covenant are sure mercies and though they may be obscured yet never abolished where God loves once he loves to the end Joh. 13.1 Job 19.28 1 Pet. 1.23 the bud and blossom of comfort may be nipt but the root of the matter and incorruptible seed remains in the heart a man in a swoun hath life though possibly 't is not discernable to himself or others grace may be hid yet alive as the sap returns into the root in Winter want of comfortable sense and feeling is not a loss of Grace in this case search your records and see if you cannot find some manifestations of God to your souls in former times I have heard of a godly Woman who was wont to write down how God dealt with her heart and time place manner of her communion with God a time of destruction came the comforts and counsels of Ministers friends were in vain 〈◊〉 a good man gets her Book shews it under her own hand which she could noâ— deny clears the immutable love of God plyes her with it drives the nail home and thereby she recovered her assurance thus may you therefore recollect experiences 8. Strengthen every grace the greateâ— any thing is the more is is discernable little Grace is not so soon discovered aâ— much Grace a greater measure of thâ— Graces of the spirit carryes a beauty and lustre along with it and hath a self-evidencing testimony of the souls sincerity Christians do you add to your faith vertue knowledge temperance patience Godliness brotherly-kindness charity foâ— if these things be in you and abound yoâ— shall both be fruitful and they will help you to clear up your calling and election 2 Pet. 1 5-10 these resemble the soul to God and the more God-like a Chrstian grows the more clear will he be in point of state Saints of the greatest magnitude are usually more free from doubtings whiles sincere yet weak believers are much pestered with jealousies and misgivings the more you get of these sure mercies into your hearts the more sure you are of your interest in them the faster hold you have of God the surer you 'l be you have indeed hold of him every step towards Zion will add new strength stability and satisfaction to the holy Pilgrim encrease Repentance and you increase assurance of the remission of sins increase faith and that brings on assurance of faith strengthen hope and you settle your Anchor grow in love to God and his way courage and zeal
for God humility and self-denyal and hereby shall you clear up your own souls and others that these mercies of the Covenant belong to you for so saith the Apostle the Lord make you to increase and abound in love to the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God 1 Thes 3.12 13. if you have more Grace you may probably have more comfort 9. Lay the stress of your souls upon free-grace the more you mix any conceits of your own righteousness the more you 'l stagger and be disconsolate let free-grace be your foundation and build upon nothing in your selves for your best graces duties excellencies are imperfect and can afford you little solid satisfaction Let Jesus Christ be all in all to you be you nothing at all in your selves Oh God loves to see a poor trembling soul despairing o◠any thing in it self accounting the World as loss and dross flying into the out-stretched arms of free-grace casting it self down a◠his feet and resolving to venture all upon an all-sufficient Saviour and though at present it walk in darkness yet it will cas◠Anchor in the dark Isa 50.10 and trust in the name of the Lord you shall see in due time the mists shall be dispelled and the souls state cleared and the troubled heart fully satisfied 〈◊〉 thus David made account to recover the light of Gods countenance See Psal 33.20 22. and banish disquieting thoughts even by trusting in God Psal 45.5 12. mercy will answer all your doubts and scruples mercy will suit your necessity mercy will revive and rejoyce troubled spirits therefore poor doubting soul though thou canst find no goodness in thy self therefore lookest on thy self as utterly unworthy yea uncapable of interest in covenant-Covenant-mercies yet hope in Gods mercy let no mud of thy duties mix with the pure stream of free undeserved mercy and as that will carry thy soul apace to the Ocean of glory so it will bring many sweet refreshing streams of joy and peace into thy heart we have instances of many in the word that judged themselves most unworthy of good as in themselves yet expected and received Mat. 8.8.15.27 both mercy and assurance thereof for mercies sake as Centurion Woman of Canaan and others because as mercy is free so these Covenant-mercies are purchased and ensured by Jesus Christ the Mediator of the Covenant and therefore though there be no goodness in the poor soul to procure these mercies yet there is enough in their surety and as their sins are made over to him so what good is in Christ is made over to the believing soul 1 Cor. 1.30 here is the marrow of the Gospel Yea farther the less goodness an humbled sinner finds in himself the greater evidence hath he that these mercies belong to him Isa 55.1 Mat. 5.3 Rom. 4.5 because he finds even such very persons invited and received yea humility self-denyal and poverty of spirit are mercies of the Covenant and do evidence interest 10. Be much in the duties of thankfulness and chearfulness give God praise and God will give you more grounds of praise bury not his mercies in the grave of forgetfulness especially bless him for Covenant-mercies Alas saith the soul if I were sure I had an interest in these Covenant-mercies then I could sing to Gods praise and be very thankful but how can I praise God for that which I question whether it belong to me yea or no I Answer thou must bless God that there are such mercies in store for poor sinners and that any poor souls have obtained an interest therein and are carryed to Heaven thereby bless God that you are under a call and capacity to enjoy these Covenant-mercies that God hath not excluded but included you in the universal tender of it yea consider if you have not cause to bless God that he hath been dealing with your hearts in such a manner as he is wont to do with such souls as he brings into Covenant with himself hath he not humbled broken brought your souls off your own bottoms let you see a vanity in the World the excellency and necessity of Christ caused longings and pantings in your souls after these mercies and doth not all this deserve your thankfulness but know further that thankfulness for what you have is a most effectual way to clear up your title and to beget assurance praise raiseth the souls faculties to an high pitch of joy and comfort it is like David's harp to banish away the evil spirit of disquietness or discouragement your praise should wait for God Psal 65.1 Isa 30.18 and you 'l find God waiting to be gracious to you usually a thankful heart is a chearful heart you may sing your selves out of your sorrows as David did frequently he made a song of these mercies of the Covenant even then when he could find little comfort in or benefit by these covenant-Covenant-mercies in many regards See Psal 89.1 with ver 38. ad finem thus do you Christians sing your selves into this blessed sleep and soul tranquility 't is the fault of doubting souls that they pore all upon their sins and forget their mercies they think they can never be sufficiently bathed in the tears of repentance and torment their hearts with doubtful thoughts but consider not that a thankful commemoration of mercies is as well their duty as mourning and humiliation yea 't is a sweet heart-chearing God-pleasing duty therefore let Christians be much in this duty as a means of assurance I shall add a word or two to all of us to press after a particular assurance of our interest in these mercies of the Covenant 1. Christians may be assured of their interest we are commanded to make it sure many good souls have arrived to a Plerophory or full assurance 2 Pet. 1.10 experience proves the truth of this Joh. 16.24 Eph. 1.13 Rom. 15 4. 'T is promised See Isa 60.16 Saints have attained to it Job 19.25 Psal 63.1 Gal. 2.20 1 Joh. 3.14 5.19 Cant. 2.16 Isa 45.24 25. God himself hath promised joy and comfort to such as ask it 't is the great office of the spirit to seal up souls to the day of redemption Yea the Scriptures were written to promote our comfort and assurance seals of the Covenant instituted Ordinances and Ministers appointed for this very end and shall we slight this infinite Condescention of God who is so forward to help us shall we use no means or endeavours to ensure these mercies to our souls Oh ingrateful wretches if it were a thing unattainable we might be daunted but how many gracious souls do we see 〈◊〉 hear of that do walk in the light of Gods Countenance and triumph over all opposition in the sense of Gods love and one great Reason why many of us are so full of doubts is our neglect of Gods appointed means for the obtaining of assurance for if it be attainable in the use of ordinary means we
they are dear to Jesus Christ but free to us they are purchased with the warmest blood in the veins of the Son of God yea he thought his dearest heart-blood well bestowed to purchase these sure mercies he sees of the Travel of his soul and is well satisfied the fruits of his purchase are the joy of his heart he thinks these worth all his pains pain and dolours God the father is well pleased and accounts these mercies a valuable fruit of his Sons purchase and shall not we be thankful 3. They are Deep mercies Aquae quo sunt profundiores eo sunt puriores quoniam crassa terrea materia in profundum depressa est hinc profunditatem a quarum bibea Ezek. 34.18 high and broad and have all the dimensions of greatness Psal 36.5 6. these mercies can fetch up a drooping despairing soul out of the grave yea out of Hell be the soul sunk as low as sin can make it in this World these mercies can fetch it up and raise it out of the grave and pit of silence and save to the uttermost Oh what a long arm of mercy hath been reached forth unto your troubled hearts in your low estate and doth not this deserve thankfulness 4. They are Designed mercies purposely designed aimed and intended to set forth riches of grace the infinite contrivance of the blessed God to magnifie riches of love to sinners 't is true God intended to set off his power wisdom justice truth but he hath magnified his mercy above all the rest of his name it 's beyond the rest of his works the attributes of God are set very high but mercy sits in the chiefest Throne he declares to Angels and Saints what he can do for sorry man oh advance free-grace 5. They are Dignifying mercies such honour have all his Saints oh what an height doth God raise his Covenant-Children to he deals bountifully with them by these Covenant-mercies was David raised up on high 2 Sam. 23.1 and therefore confesseth that God regarded him according to the estate of a man of high degree 1 Chron. 17.17 and truly it is the highest preferment in the World to partake of these sure mercies and therefore we have great cause of thankfulness 6. They are Sanctifying mercies they season all other mercies and make common mercies to become Covenant-mercies yea they make crosses mercies they perfume the most offensive griefs and are like Moses's Tree that sweetens the Waters of Marah if you poure a paile of Water on the floor it seems a little Sea but pour it into the Ocean it 's swallowed up and seems nothing so afflictions out of the Covenant are intollerable but as in Covenant-love they are inconsiderable the depth of mercies drowns the depth of miseries and is not this ground of thankfulness 7. They are Separating mercies hereby are Gods Children distinguished from all the people that are upon the face of the Earth Exod. 33.16 19. even in their finding grace in Gods sight and his presence with them and making his goodness pass before them if there be any discriminating mercies for any of the Children of men as protection provision direction these Covenant-mercies usher them in and sort them out to the heirs of Promise and if they be good for them they shall partake thereof then bless God 8. They are Sealing mercies they signifie exhibit and represent Gods love to the soul where-ever these mercies are laid up in the breast of a sinner that soul is the Jedidiah or beloved of Gods soul they testifie such a souls relation to God and Gods affection to it wicked men are strangers to Covenant-love Gods people are the proper subjects of these endeared thoughts of Gods heart and are you of that number oh give God the glory of this mercy 9. They are Extensive mercies they are exceeding broad they have wide arms and embrace all the heirs of Promise not a gracious soul though never so poor is left out yea they are largely extended to every Christians state case exigency and necessity let doubts be what they will let â—ears falls faults be sad and soul-astonishing yet these sure mercies will answer all they are commensurate and proportionated to all conditions of soul body estate relations oh bless God for them 10. They are Comprehensive mercies they contain all the good that God promiseth or a soul needeth grace and glory holiness and happiness peace and pardon all our fresh springs are herein the good things of this life and of a better and there are many precious things put forth by this Sun of righteousness in a Covenant-way Oh what cause have we to bless God and admire free-grace that hath not only given us the spiritual good things of his Kingdom righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Ghost but temporal good things by a sure and sweet tenure so that these sure mercies of the Covenant insure unto us the corporal mercies that are good for us and and after another and better manner than any uncovenanted persons though never so great can enjoy them for in a Covenant-way believers do enjoy common-common-mercies 1. More refinedly taken off the dregs oâ— cares and sorrows Prov. 10.22 a Saints bread Psal 81.16 though never so course is of the finest of the wheat and he is satisfied with honey out of the rock Luk. 8.18 Psal 39. yea they come 2. More really other comforts are but seeming comforts as man walketh in a vain shew so what he enjoys is but a dream but outward comforts coming through the blood of Christ are solid substantial refreshments again they come more 3. Sweetly have not those prickles and stings that worldly things have to natural men Oh the peace and quietness that a Christian enjoys with outward comforts and further comforts come to a Child of God more 4. Serviceably the creature doth homage to its Maker and Masters Children so that what they have is for their good and doth them good and comforts also come more 5. Satisfyingly a Godly man is more contented with his little than the men of the world can be with abundance a little that the righteous hath is better than the riches of many wicked Psal 37.16 and then a Child of God enjoys his comforts in a Covenant-way more safely he needs not fear want bread shall be given him his waters shall be sure Isai 33.16 God is the Christians purse-bearer and it 's in safer hands than in his own and they are here more 7. Lastingly we shall have corporal mercies as long as we need them and when we need them not they shall be swallowed in eternal enjoyments O therefore let the Saints of God be truly thankful let the high praises of God be in their mouths this is the chief rent and reasonable Tribute that God expects for these sure mercies sacrifice these sacrifices of thanksgiving take this Cup of salvation and give God the praise that 's due unto his name Begin that work here in time which shall be fully managed by the ransomed of the Lord to all Eternity this this shall be the burden of the Saints triumphant Song in Heavenly Mansions that glorious pallace shall ring and eccho with the blessed note of mercy mercy free-grace laid the foundation and grace grace only lays the top-stone of Saints glory Oh how will God be admired by and in all that believe at that day well sirs begin those Hosanna's here that will be seconded with Hallelujahs hereafter speak well of your gracious God admire this new-Covenant design and let him have all the glory of this blessed contrivance so shall you accomplish Gods end and evidence your Covenant-interest in these sure mercies of David Thus though these Divine graces which adorn the Temple of a Christians breast do sometimes disappear and sin costs the soul some tears yet the gracious soul hath abundant ground of thankfulness for the whole transaction take it in Divine Herbert's Poem of Church-floor Mark you the floor that square and speckled ston which looks so firm and strong is Patience And th' other black and grave wherewith eacâ— on is checker'd all along Humility The gentle rising which on either hand leads to the Quire above is Confidence But the sweet Cement which in one sure band tyes the whole frame is Love and Charity Hither sometimes sin steals and stains the Marbles neat and curious veins But all is cleansed when the Marble weeps Sometimes death puffing at the door blows all the dust about the floor But while he thinks to spoil the room he sweeps Blest be the Architect whose art could build so strong in a weak heart FINIS
common mercies 188 4. Cast out and cashier all sin 190 5. Renounce your own righteousness 191 6. Close in with Jesus Christ 192 7. Enter into a solemn Covenant with God 194 CHAP. XII 2. Head How a doubtful soul may be assured of its title to these sure mercies 197 1. Study Sciptures and promises 198 2. Attend on a quickning ministry 199 3. Improve the states of the Covenant 200 4. Ply the throne of grace 201 5. Walk close with God 202 6. Be much in self-observation 204 7. Recollect former experiences 205 8. Strengthen every grace of the spirit 206 9. Lay all the stress on Gods free-grace 207 10. Exercise your selves in thank fulness 209 Four Motives to labour for assurance 211 CHAP. XIII 3 Head In what cases may a Covenanted soul make use of these sure mercies 1. In case of dissetiling suggestions to Atheism 218 2. In case of guilt upon the conscience 220 3. In case of afflictions persecutions 223 4. In case of spiritual famine 224 5. In back slidings and fears of apostacy 227 6. In desertions as to quickning comfort 229 7. In the hour and power of death 234 CHAP. XIV Head How a Covenanted soul must behave himself with reference to these mercies 1. Believe and receive them readily 239 2. Improve them in particular needs 240 3. Be content with these mercies ib. 4. Walk worthy of them 241 5. Be active and passive for them 242 6. Plead these mercies for posterity ib. 7. Breath after a full possession of them 243 CHAP. XV. Vse of thank fulness for these Covenant-mercies 1. Free 246 2. Dear 247 3. Deep ib. 4. Designed ib. 5. Dignifying 248 6. Sanctifying ib. 7. Separating 249 8. Sealing ib. 9. Extensive ib. 10. Comprehensive 250 ERRATA PAge 25. line 16. read good p. 93. l. 21. add which p. 112. marg r. discitur p. 132. l. 8 add in p. 135. l. 11. add are p. 141. l. 30. r. himself p. 151. l. 26. add him p. 182. l. 8. r. Children of the Kingdom p. 231. l. 30 r. necessary blot out un THE SURE MERCIES OF DAVID Isaiah 55.3 Even the sure mercies of David CHAP. I. THis Evangelical Prophet acts the part of an Apostolical Preacher deciphering our dear Saviour as lively as if he Writ an History not a Prophecy as if he saw him in the Flesh and â—ot in the Type only This Chapter contains 〈◊〉 sweet relation or revelation of the Mysteâ—ies of Gospel-Grace an high-sounding â—roclamation and pathetical Exhortation to the sons of men to embrace the saving benefits purchased by our Lord Jesus Christ This Exhortation is pressed upon consciences with four Arguments which are as it were a satisfying Answer to as many tacit Objections which may be made by unbelieving soulâ— these arguments are drawn from the 1. Freeness ver 1. of Gospel-grace 2. Fulness ver 2. of Gospel-grace 3. Firmness ver 3. of Gospel-grace 4. Largness ver 5. of Gospel-grace 1. A soul may say Alas I am an unworthy wretch I have nothing that can commend me to God I have neither penny nor penny-worth money nor price to give neither grace nor good work to bring to God may I have a share in itâ— Yes it s free come buy for just nothing ver 1. 2. But may the soul say if it be so cheap it may be its of as little worth too dear of taking gratis things of light price are often of as light use and answer their rate by being unprofitable will it do me any good O yes it s of vast advantage if you take pains for any thing else you do but spend money for that which is no Bread but if you obtain Gospel-Grace you eat that which is good and your soul shall delight it self in fatness ver 2. 3. But may I have a share in these Mercies shall I not miss of them and when I once have them shall I not lose them again I am but tantalized if I see such sweet morsels and cannot reach them and I shall be more miserable if I taste such pleasant dainties and have them snatcht away he answers to the first all shall be made over to you by a Covenant and to the second they are the sure mercies of David ver 3. 4. But alas may a poor soul say this is Childrens meat what have doggs to do with these dainties I am a sinner of the Gentiles salvation is of the Jews and for the Jews is there any hope for such strangers to the Common-wealth of Israel Yes Jesus Christ is given for a witness to the people to all people i. e. Gentiles Isa 49.6 a Nation that thou knowest not and Nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee ver 4 5. The Text falls under the third Argument and contains 1. A double duty hear come i. e. believe obey 2. A double promise of life and Covenant 1. Your soul shall live life is the flower and foundation of all outward mercies but spiritual life transcends a corporal temporal life which is but a dying life or living death Grace is the life of the soul Spiritual life is the seed-plot of eternal life in Glory mankind lost life by hearing the charming temptations of the subtle Serpent life is recovered by hearing the gracious words of life from Jesus Christ Hear and your souls shall live 2. I will make an everlasting Covenant with you the words are in Hebrew I will cut a Covenant with you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Percutiam vobiscum foedus q.d. dividantur ejus meâ—bra qui juramentum violaverit the expression hath allusion to the ancient practice of entring Covenants which was by cutting a Beast in two parts and the parties Covenanting going betwixt those parts to note that after that manner shall that mans members be divided that shall violate that solemn Covenant See the practice in Gen. 15.17 18. Jer. 34.18 Now the great Contents of this Covenant are expressed in these words which I have pickt out and pitcht upon to speak fully to Even the sure mercies of David which contain 1. The summ of the Covenant i. e. mercies 2. The nature of those mercies i. e. sure 3. The subject of the mercies David There is not much difficulty in the words only 't is disputed what is meant by David here Now in Scripture David is taken 1. For literal David 2. For mystical David Jesus Christ it may be applicable very properly both wayes here 1. It may be taken for the person of David the Son of Jesse King of Israel and then the mercies of David are the choice promises that God made with his servant David described in 2 Sam. 7 13-17 and in Psal 89. Some make the first words of that Psalm to be the title of it and render it thus I will sing of the mercies of David because Gods Covenant with David is abundantly held forth in that Psalm But this phrase doth rather allude to 2 Chron. 6.42 where Solomon thus prayes
that God is hath or doth is now imployed for the souls good all his attributes and the good of them are laid out for the Covenanted soul this word my Lord and my God ecchoing to the other relative I will be thy God are wonderful sweet as they use to say of the pronoun my Relativa sant minimae eatitatis maximae verò essicaciae or mine that though it be of the least entity yet it is of the greatest efficacy suppose a man could with one cast of his eye take a view of the perfections of the whole Creation what were all these things to him if he have no interest in them a clear title to a good thing compleats the comfort we have therein if God were not our God we could have no comfort from thoughts of him Quid est Deus si non sit meus what is God saith one if he be not my God if he be not our friend he will be our enemy and we had better have the whole Creation against us than one God against us and if God be for us who can be against us Now in the Covenant of Grace God undertakes to be our God and this is properly that which this Text intends called the sure mercies of David not in the singular but the plural number as I conceive for these two reasons 1. Because God is the fountain spring and original of all mercies Psal 86.5 15. all my springs are in thee saith David hence God is said to be plenteous in mercy and he is the Father of mercies all mercies are vertually eminently and transcendently in God Habet omnia qui habet habentem omnia and he that hath him that hath all things hath all things himself 2. Because the Covenant is big-bellyed it contains all mercies in it when any one is entred into Covenant behold a Gad a Troop a Train of Mercies wait upon him the Covenant is a blessed constellation and all the Starrs of Gospel-promises do lend their aid to beautifie the Covenanted soul Take a taste of the mercies of the Covenant in both these respects as 1. What God is to the soul and so what mercies are bound up in the Covenant in that respect this take in four particulars 1. God is all sweet relations to the soul interested in Psal 103.13 Mat. 3.17 he is a Father to them 2 Cor. 6.18 an Husband thy maker is thine Husband Isa 54.5 a near and bosome friend Jam. 2.23 Abraham was called the friend of God so consequently God was his friend for this Covenant begets and contracts the most endeared bond of intimate friendship betwixt God and the soul and if there can be any relation yet that holdeth forth more tenderness of affection that and much more is God to the gracious soul Coâ—sult Isa 49.15 16. Jer. 31.20 as one whom his mother comforteth so will I comfort you Isa 66.13 nay the Scripture doth testifie more affectionate workings in Gods heart towards his people than can be found in the most indulgent Parents to their Natural off-spring the sweetness of all relations proceed from God therefore to be found in God our relative affection is but a drop to this Fountain and our content in relations is no otherwise sweet than as flowing from him or with relation to him that 's the first God in Covenant is the quintescence of all relations 2. God is all things pleasant desireable and honourable hence we are bidden to taste and see how good the Lord is Psal 34.8 Psal 37.4 Psal 16.11 and to delight our selves in the Lord and at his right hand there are everlasting pleasures he he alone is the center and settlement of our desires he alone is the rock and rest of the fluctuating soul Psal 116.7 therefore David doth charge his soul to return to God as his rest God only is the Sabbath and solace of the Christians soul the Heaven of that Heaven of Heavens is Communion with God no desires so insatiable but may be satisfied with anâ— infinite God if regularly carryed out towards him Oh what a blessed thing is it to have God to be the object of our delight and he alone is our glory and honour Psal 3.3 Psal 24.10 the God of Heaven is the King of Glory and he alone is the Glory of a people or person the only Ornament to have a God in Covenant Isa 28.5 when the glorious beauty shall be as a fading flower then shall the Lord of Hosts be for a Crown of Glory instead of their Crown of pride ver 3. and for a Diadem of beauty to the residue of his people Oh blessed and beautiful Ornament 3. God is all things for safety and defence to his covenanted people Psal 84.9 11. he is a Sun and a Shield a Sun to direct in times of darkness a Shield to protect in times of danger there are seven words in Psal 18.2 that set forth this self-same thing what a Protection God is to his Children 1. A Rock 2. A Fortress 3. A Deliverer 4. A Strength 5. A Buckler 6. The Horn of his Salvation 7. His High_Tower every one of these hath its peculiar Emphasis and Significancy I cannot take notice of them all only hint at the first and last a Rock you know is a natural defence a Tower is an artificial defence God is both in a sort by way of Covenant in the first respect as our God and Creator in the second as God-man Mediator appointed to be the only succour and shelter of fallen mankind here we may be safe and free from the roaring Lyon the ravening Bear and uncircumcised Philistin he alone is an hiding place from the wind a covert from the tempest and as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land Isa 32.2 An admirable place you have in Jer. 17.2 a throne a glorious Throne and a glorious high Throne and this from the beginning is the place not only of our defence but of our sanctuary every word hath its proper weight who dare presume to meddle with a Throne or to surprize a Sanctuary the Glory whereof will affright and appal them it 's an high Throne how can they reach it it is from the beginning the ancient of dayes and so to everlasting and what mortal man can lay siege to this so impregnable a Tower Deut. 33.27 the eternal God is the Saints refuge and underneath them are everlasting armes therefore are they safe from total falling and fear of desperate evils that 's the third 4. God is all things for profit advantage and usefulness to the Saints 't is said money answers all things but God is better than money and answers all things as a precious Saint used to say God's good when gold 's gone no gain in the world like that that God is to the soul God is our riches treasure portion inheritance and our all in all David saith Psal 73.25 26. whom have I
can easily wink all the bravery of this lower World into blackness and deformity and pitty the sottish sensless sons of men that take up their rest below and neglect the main concernments of Eternity Ah thinks the gracious soul what fools are these that chase these guilded vanities and pant after the dust of the Earth would to God they did but see with these enlightned eyes that Gods spirit hath helpt me to Oh that they did but taste the sweetness of that Grace that my soul is enamoured with they would thirst after the World no more but long for God yea this living loving God and never be content till they come to appear before God How blessed are they that have their sins pardoned hearts purged souls reconciled that have God for their portion and Heaven for their inheritance and eternal mansion 4. The mercies of the Covenant are enlarging and encreasing mercies the Christian that hath them is like the house of David that grows stronger and stronger these are tending to perfection and make the soul strive and thrive in holiness Prov. 4.18 going from step to step from strength to strength pressing towards the mark rising as the Sun unto Noon-day or as the water to the spring yea this water shall still be springing up to eternal life Joh. 4.14 Grace makes the soul long after means of growth and so increase with all increase of God till it be a perfect man in Christ the soul is insatiable and never saith it hath enough till it have arrived to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Ephes 4.13 yea till it have attained to the resurrection of the dead Phil. 3.11 Oh sirs examine your hearts herein how do you come on and increase in Religion do you grow in grace in knowledge faith love humility repentance self-denyal and heavenly-mindedness where 's your proficiency have you found grace like a grain of Mustard-seed have these mercies ripened into the blade and full ear of deliberate and proportionable fruit-bearing a right Christian will never say he is good enough while he sojourns in this lower Region nor yet happy enough till he be with God in Heaven Thus much for the third Use which was an Use of Examination CHAP. IX IV. THE fourth Use is of Conviction Redargation and Reprehension and this falls heavy on the heads 1. Of Sinners 2. Of Saints 1. If the mercies of the Covenant be sure mercies as we have cleared fully Oh what folly are those souls guilty of that are Christless graceless careless souls that have no interest in these mercies and never trouble themselves about ensuring these Covenant-mercies to their own souls how many in the World are destitute of these mercies there is a Generation of Men and Women that live within the pale of the visible Church that may be called Lo-Ruhamah for they have not yet obtained mercy nay in the state they are in there is no mercy for them because they are not yet in Christ through whom these Covenant-mercies flow unconverted souls are unconcerned persons in these mercies these dogs have nothing to do with this Childrens Bread and yet who so apt to catch and snatch these precious dainties they love to hear the glorious priviledges of believers laid open as Justification Reconciliation Adoption and eternal life and yet we must sadly say they have nothing to do with these if they hear Discourses of Gods mercy how are they pleased tickled and even ravished and they make no question but they shall be saved as well as others and they think surely God that made them will not damn them but ask these poor souls whether they be savingly converted renewed ingrafted into Christ by faith alas they know not what this means they never asked their own souls the question nay they are ready to think that is a very needless enquiry or impossible to know however this never lay upon their Hearts and Consciences as necessary in order to clearing up this great case whether they have obtained mercy But let all ignorant sots know that he that made them will not have mercy on them Isa 27.11 let all prophane Rebels against the King of Heaven know that God will not be merciful to any wicked Transgressor Psal 59.5 Gods Attributes are all Analogal and Correspondent he will not cease to be just and holy that he may be merciful he will be merciful in his own way Mercy and Covenant shall go hand in hand 't is a ridiculous folly for men to conceit they shall have the Mercies of the Covenant that are not within the Covenant this is that fallacy that Logicians call fallacia dividendi conjungenda of dividing things to be conjoyned 't is most dangerous and damnable in Divinity when souls dream of having peace without grace happiness without holiness but let men know there 's no mercy but in the Covenant where no ark of the Covenant no seat of mercy where there 's no work of Grace there 's no Covenant of Grace where Christ is a Saviour he will be a Soveraign Act. 5.31 Act. 3.26 where he gives remission of sins he will give repentance his way of blessing is a turning persons from their iniquities God will not shew mercy to any but in his own way such must obtain mercy in converting Grace as obtain mercy in the enjoyment of pardoning Grace sanctification goeth along with Justification Paul obtained mercy by forsaking his own old courses 1 Tim. 1.13 God saveth us according to his mercy how why by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost Titus 3.5 they are saved from sin that are saved from wrath and Hell 't is a self-deceiving soul-damning contradiction to dream of pardoning without purging grace thousands in the World fancy a God to themselves made up all of mercy and let them do what they please they can bolster up themselves with this conceit God is merciful and so as God himself saith Psal 50.21 these things hast thou done and I kept silence thou thoughtst that I was altogether such a one as thy self but I will reprove thee and set thy sins in order before thee q. d. think not to make me a Patron of thy wickedness 't is true I spare thee and suffer thee to live quietly but forbearance is no acquittance think not I love thee because I afford thee outward mercies which thou abusest to licentiousness but I am resolved to take vengeance on thee I have justice as well as mercy and I have a season wherein I shall pour out the Vials of â—ny wrath upon Vessels of wrath that are â—itted to destruction a time is coming when â— shall tear you in pieces and there shall be â—one to deliver Oh sirs the condition of graceless unconverted souls is sad for 1. They are under a sure and sad sentence of condemnation for as the mercies â—f the new Covenant are sure to believers â—o the curses of the old Covenant are as
turn her away but in her month they shall find her So there 's no dealing with wicked men in their jollity and frolick fits but their month of sorrow is approaching either here or hereafter and oh the bitter pangs and travels that shall then possess them in this World they would not consider but hereafter they shall have an Eternity to consider of these Covenant-mercies though in a hopeless way as 1. They shall think of the nature of these mercies they have lost Oh how free how sweet how suitable how satisfying were they how sure would God have made them to them and the better these mercies the bitterer their sorrow in the loss of them 2. They shall think that once they might have enjoyed them and have been happy in that enjoyment once they had a day of grace means of grace ministers perswaded spirit moved mercies afflictions word rod every thing spoke this language Oh embrace these mercies but I refused and now they are out of my reach 3. They shall think and think again how near they were to the embracing of these mercies Oh what convictions did God fasten on my heart by such and such a Sermon I was once half-perswaded to embrace them how near was I to a full closure I went home with strong resolutions to be another man but this deceitful heart beguiled me and so I put off repentance till now it be too late 4. They shall think what these mercies would have done for them these mercies would have infolded their souls in the arms of Gods love these would have filled their souls with Grace fitted them for Gods use and furnished them for glory these mercies would have rendred them profitable in life comfortable in death and happy for ever the possessours of these mercies are gracious Saints Yet again 5. They shall think with sadness what they have exchanged these mercies for they have passed off these sweet and sure mercies for trash and trifles for dung and dirt for a little stinking pleasure or stinging profit which now they have left behind them in the World and only carry the guilt and shame along with them which must abide them when sensual delights are vanisht away Oh what gnashing of teeth and indignation at themselves will this beget for their former madness 6. They must think how many thousands of souls were made happy by a gracious closure with and full enjoyment of these mercies persons whom they despised in the World and thought not worthy to come in their company shall sit down with the Patriarchs Prophets Apostles in Heaven but these wretched souls are thrust out Oh will a damned wretch think I might have been happy as well as yonder shining Saint he was a suffering Creature I was a rejoycing miscreant now he is comforted and I am tormented Yet once more 7. The damned in Hell shall bethink themselves who was in the fault and whence it comes to pass that these mercies were not made sure to their souls and they can charge none herewith but themselves they will then see that none was to be blamed but their own wilful wills whatever they may object here and boast that they are willing yet God lays the blame there and so shall they will they nill they they must be speechless and only charge themselves as making faggots to burn them in for ever Oh will the soul think I may thank my self for this I wilfully forsook my own mercies by observing lying vanities this is the fruit of mine own doings I would needs be damned Ministers and Godly friends perswaded God stopt my way by his Providences Ordinances but I would run into the pit and here I am shut up in eternal darkness wo be to me that ever I was born Oh that I had either never heard of or embraced those mercies that I have rejected and that will follow my soul with horrour for ever Ah sirs I beseech you consider such a day will come and then you 'l remember these things and they will lye heavy upon you then you 'l feel what an evil and bitter thing it is that you have forsaken God then you 'l vomit up your sweet morsels and remember these sweet words that here you despised Psal 141.6 then you 'l remember the possibility and probability you were once in of obtaining these sweet mercies now they are attainable but if once you have set a step upon the shore of Eternity You are past hopes and remedy for the dead and damned do only hear the sound of wisdom with their ears Job 28.22 but are never likely to enjoy the benefit thereof Oh put not off these things with some slight and transient thoughts but shame yourselves to an holy diligence 2. Another sort to be reproved are Gods own children that are guilty of four foule faults 1. They are apt to indent 2. Compound about these mercies 3. They do not live upon Or 4. Not up to these mercies 1. Gods Children would have the mercies of the Covenant but then they have a mind to indent with God to be secured from the crosses attending these mercies the flesh shrinks and is loath to suffer we are like Orpah we would follow Christ a little way but fain would we make our bargain so as not to follow him in foul way But sirs consider would you have the sweets and not the bitter of Godliness did you not take Christ in a marriage-covenant for better and worse will you pick and chuse with him do not right virgin-souls follow the Lamb whither-soever he goeth Ah sirs this Covenant-relation is an express voluntary universal unreserved self-resignation the bearing of the Cross was always supposed and implyed Mat. 10.37 38. Mark 10.30 and if you will not have him with it you are to be without it for the Cross is Evangelii genius the very inseparable property complexion and companion of the Gospel and Christ would not have any cheated with imaginary hopes of immunity from sufferings Luk. 14.28 but tells them the worst and bids them sit down and count the cost and if you did not so at first you are not yet sincere and if you did and still would have Christ why do you now grumble at bearing of that which you freely chose Besides know it Crosses for Christ are special gospel-Gospel-mercies for afflictions are adopted to be real mercies of the Covenant and therefore they are promised as well as any other mercies in Psal 89.31 32. and David ownes afflictions as an act and fruit of Covenant-faithfulness Psal 119.75 ver 67.71 because it fetcheth him from his wandrings instructs him in Gods statutes and therefore was good for him Crosses for Christ never did any hurt but have been usually means of good many Christians have blessed God for them God sees we cannot live or like well without them Paul gloried in the Cross of Christ took pleasure in distresses for Christ and why then are we afraid of them or would
acceptable to God to see souls attracted to him by silken cords of love than scourged to him by severe flashes of wrath Christs souldiers are not so much prest for his service by compulsion as they are volunteers by a spontaneous motion all our duties should be free-will offerings But alas sirs how unwilling and forced are many of our performances how grumbling are we in our actings for God we go to God as though it were our burden not with that delight and chearfulness we ought consider sirs how readily God offers us mercy how freely Christ laid down his life for us how acceptable a work it is to the blessed spirit to apply these mercies to us and be ashamed to be so sour and dull in your performance yea consider the dispensation you are under a Gospel-Covenant made up of mercy and this should ripen our fruits to more sweetness and maturity than the old Testament-dispensation as you know Apricocks and other fruit that are upon a Wall under the direct influence or powerful reflection of the Sun-beams are sooner ripe and sweeter when ripe than such as are in the shadow so our fruits in Gospel-times should be better than theirs under the Law but alas how far do we fall short of Davids warm spirit for God or the holy acts put forth by the Saints of God under types and shadows when these sweet mercies were not so clearly revealed to them and the Sun of Righteousness beat not so hot upon them Ah Christians if you would study mercies more your spirits would be in a better frame for duty David saith I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy Temple Psal 5.7 observe it the sense of Gods mercy is an excellent ingredient in the Worship of God yea it begets an holy awe of God for these two are very consistent and indeed nothing is so prevalent a motive to duty and disswasive from iniquity and perswasive to the exercise of repentance as sense of mercy is this truth Scripture and experience will abundantly confirm But I have been too large on this subject only let Gods Children be humbled for their too too legal spirits and breath after a more Evangelical Spirit by the studying of these mercies rather than poring upon guilt and wrath So much for the fourth Use CHAP. X. V. THE fifth Use of Exhortation is to all sorts of persons to look after their share in these sure mercies of David and oh that I had a Tongue and Pen to drive this nail home Oh what a mercy now would it be if by these sure mercies of David and Discourses about them some soul were enamoured therewith and set in good earnest to make them its own But shall I need to use many arguments to perswade any poor soul to accept of mercy Yes certainly the most part of the World forsake their own mercies by observing lying vanities and they that can experimentally distinguish betwixt a gracious and graceless heart find that 't is the hardest thing in the World to close in with mercies in Gods way 't is an easie thing for a secure sinner to presume upon mercy to make mercy a pillow to sleep upon with ease to build Castles in the Aire and feed our selves with groundless conceits of the mercy of God this any one can do but to be got of our own bottoms to despair in our selves to accept of Jesus Christ give up our selves to God in Covevant venture a troubled heart upon the promises of Free-grace this is an high and hard work an arduous and difficult undertaking but this is done by every converted sinner and a soul never obtains mercy till it be indeed savingly converted 1 Tim. 1.13 if you be Lo-ammi Hos 1.6 9 not Gods people by way of Covenant you are Lo-ruhamah i. e. persons that have not obtained mercy Oh look after an interest in these sure mercies of David Consider 1. Nothing else in the World can be made sure we live in an inconstant World every thing is upon the wheel of change sublunary comforts are like the Moon sometimes at the full and sometimes in the wane nothing continues in a fixed station a man may be rich to day and poor to morrow therefore the Apostle calls them uncertain riches or uncertainty of riches in the abstract now then saith the Apostle Christians must lay up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come Bavyer Emp. of Germany said Hujusmodi comâ—arandâ—e sunt opâ—s quae cum naâ—fragio simul enatent Non est Paupertas pâ—curiae paucitas sed insatiabilitas quae si reâ—â—sserit qui bonus est dives quogâ—e fuâ—rit Clem. Alexand. Strom. lib. 2. 1 Tim. 6.17 18. Alas riches were never true to any that trusted to them the things of the World are like smoak or sand with which you cannot fill your hand who would be so fond of that which a man knows he cannot keep 't is the part of a wise man to purchase such an estate as he may enjoy friends goods honours health pleasures have their periods but these mercies are sure and everlasting Oh the vast difference it 's very considerable that the things that make us happy can only be made sure but the things of this World which cannot make us happy cannot be made sure and indeed whatever may be lost is not capable of making any truly happy now Heavenly things are durable as well as suitable to the soul therefore let us all take the counsel of our Lord Jesus in Mat. 6.19.20 Lay not up for your selves treasures upon earth where moth and rust doth corrupt and where Thieves break through and steal But lay up for your selves treasures in Heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break through nor steal 2. Except you have an interest in these sure mercies common mercies are accursed to you nor indeed have you any real Covenant-title to any thing you enjoy whatever interest you have before men in foro humano yet in foro Dei you are in the Court of Heaven in a sort usurpers however you have forfeited all by actual rebellion and have but what you enjoy as condemned Prisoners or Malefactors to keep you alive till execution of the righteous sentence of condemnation Oh the woful condition of Unconverted sinners they are accursed with a Gospel-curse 1 Cor. 16.22 Prov. 3.33 and under a dreadful sentence of excommunication there 's a curse in their houses on their actions on their relations as to them there 's a curse upon their very blessings Mal. 2.2 there 's a plague in their apparel poison in their meat and we may say death is in the Pot as to all their enjoyments my meaning is nothing is truly sanctified or perfumed with Covenant-mercy and if God give it a commission whatever they enjoy may be their bane whithersoever they go a curse goes
with them whatever they partake of a curse meets them in it whoever they are with a curse attends them Oh fearful state it was sad to be under the curse of a mortal man C ham found his Father Noah's curse heavy but oh how heavy is the curse of Almighty God who with a word can send the soul into Hell and follow his stroke into another World dear friends who would live in this cursed state another hour on the contrary whosoever hath these mercies of the Covenant hath all blessings blessed yea and also crosses and in a sort curses are turned into blessings who would not be covetous of such a state But to hasten 3. Without these Covenant-mercies the soul is not accepted in its choicest duties neither person nor performance is owned by God it is only upon a Covenant-account that any are accepted indeed in the Covenant of works the person was accepted for the works sake but in the Covenant of Grace God accepts the person first then the work if the man be in Christ then the offering is taken in good part though it be but a Turtle-dove or young Pigeon though but a sigh or groan God takes a Posie of Flowers of sweet-smelling Graces though mixed with stinking Weeds and pricking Bryars of vanity and corruption gathered by a Child and perfumed by Christs Mediation and is better pleased therewith than with the most odoriferous gifts of uncoverted souls where the heart is destitute of Covenant graces Prov. 15.8 alas the prayer of the wicked is abomination to God the great and jealous God challengeth the wicked man that hath not covenant-Covenant-mercies in his heart for taking Covenant-promises into his mouth Psal 50.16 17. What hast thou to do saith God q. d. thou poor graceless sinner thou profanest my holy name and provokest the eyes of my glory in the works and worship by which thou thinkest thou dost most honour and pleasest me in the state wherein thou art I cannot endure to look towards thee I abhorr thy person and performance thy costly incense is a smoak in my nose I can see through thy painted beauty at thy rotten inside thy guilded Eloquence and Rhetorical Flourishes are no more to me than the roaring of Bears or howling of Doggs get out of my sight thou sorry whining hypocrite all thy duties are as Cyphers and signifie nothing except the Mediatour as the principal and only figure be set before them and the spirit of God write and indite them which are two of the greatest mercies of the new Covenant Ah sirs God doth despise the most melodious Tunes of wicked men Psal 51.17 but a broken and contrite heart he despiseth not that 's sweet Musick in his blessed â—ears for a broaken heart is a Covenant-mercy these mercies are brave Ornaments â—o believing souls and render them lovely and amiable in the sight of God every penitent Tear is a rich Pearl every Prayer pierceth Heaven and fetcheth down abundant incomes from the Throne of Grace Oh what a difference do these mercies make â—n persons performances and acceptance with God 4. Without these mercies you have no solid ground of peace comfort or satisfaction for without these you are not only under the sentence of condemnation but â—ou have no real ground to hope that the sentence shall not be executed this very â—our 't is a wonder to think that graceless â—ouls should be so merry that are hanging over the pit of Hell but by the rotten â—read of a mortal life Oh how suddenly â—ay this brittle glass be broken and they â—e gone for ever for ought they know â—hen they go to bed God may say as â—ce he did to one as rich and secure as â—ese sensual sots this night shall thy soul 〈◊〉 required from thee 't is a wonder to me â—ow souls can rest quietly that are conscious to themselves or groundedly suspect they are not in Covenant with God and so know not that they shall be another moment out of Everlasting torments Redâ—e praevaricatores ad cor inhaerete ei qui sacit vos state cum to stabâ—tis requiescite in eo qâ—ieâ—i eritis Quo itis in aspectu qâ—o itis bonum quod amatis ab illo est sed quantum est illum bonom est ad suave Vid Aug. conf lib. 4. c. 12. but God leaves them to seared Consciences and Satan and the World joyn with their deceitful lusts to lull them asleep till God awake them by true repentance or eternal vengeance but God hath â— time to shake the foundations of this bastard-peace and set the soul upon the sure bottom of Covenant-relation and interest in Jesus Christ which only brings true content and comfort peace that passeth understanding joy in the Holy Ghost and a sweet Sabbath of refreshment to the tossed soul here the noble soul may as iâ— were terminate its desires and expatiate its largest faculties upon its only portion God in Covenant and thence will resulâ— continual ground of triumph and exaltation for these mercies are suitable and adaequate to the immortal soul and will support iâ— under greatest outward pressures and iâ— the hour of death therefore I may conclude this Exhortation with ver 2. of this Chapter Wherefore do you spend your money for that which is not bread and your labour for that which satisfieth not hearken diligently unto me and cat ye that which is good anâ— let your soul delight it self in fatness 5. These mercies of the Covenant will render your condition safe whatever befalls you we little know what may befall us betwixt this and the grave who knows what a day may bring forth man is born to trouble a Saint is born again to more bad news may come as Jobs Messengers treading in each others steps losses and crosses may put us on sad discouragements Oh but now to have a Covenanted God a Christ and all the fore-mentioned Covenant-mercies to solace the soul what mercy will this be when the true Christian can say I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine my flesh and heart fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever let the Sea roare Men rage Heavens look black and Earth tremble I lye at Anchor in a sure Port I trust in God Psal 112.7 Psal 46.1 2. and fear no evil tidings from below God is my refuge and help yea my present help in time of trouble evils shall either miss me or mend me all winds blow my soul nearer my Haven all dispensations hitch me a step nearer Heaven for all things work together for my good my Covenanted God will teach me to profit by Word Rod by Mercys Crosses Ordinances Providences God is my Sun and Shield to enlighten me in times of darkness to protect me in times of danger he will command a guard of Angels to attend me yea his wings shall cover me his comforts shall refresh my soul he will guide me here
Lord hath taken to assure thee of these mercies so that unbelief is the most unreasonable sin in the World Joh. 3.19 this is the great damning sin say not with Cain thy sins are greater than can be forgiven for thou lyest in saying so is not the mercy of an infinite God beyond the demerits of a finite creature nay further thou givest God the lye who is truth it self he saith there 's life for dead condemned sinners in his Son 1 Joh. 5.10 11. thou saist no but I have been to seek and I want life but there 's none for me yes yes soul there 's life enough for thee grace abounds and you may have this life in abundance only shut not out your selves by unbelief but come to him and he will in no wise cast you off for he is ready to forgive your iniquities and give you these sure mercies 3. In case of persecutions afflictions temptation from Satan the World or any other ways you may then improve these covenant-Covenant-mercies and find abundance of sweetness solace and satisfaction therein were it not for these the soul of a child of God would sink under his pressures how often doth David profess that he had perished in his affliction Psal 119. did not Gods word of promise support him a Covenant-word will lift up the soul from the lowest depth a Covenanted God will incourage a Saint in the greatest straits there is a Divine art in a Christians improving this â—tock to his best advantage and affliction â—s a proper season to make use thereof as suppose a man be in poverty there 's enough â—n the Covenant to make him rich if in disgrace Covenant-mercies make him honourable if sick one Covenant-mercy even pardon of sin will make him sound Isa 33. Dei hominem cultoâ—em Dei subnixum spei veritate fidei stabilitate fundatum â—gat mandi buâ—us seâ—uli in testatioâ—ibus commoveri vid. Cypr. tractaâ— cont Demetr p. 273. 〈◊〉 in Prison Covenant-mercies set him at â—iberty if hungry or thirsty why Covenant-mercies are meat and drink to him if derived of relations still Covenant-mercy makes up that loss and lets the soul see â—etter relations in Heaven Oh Christians our case can never be forlorn as long as â—u have such rich mercies of the Covenant to support and supply you let all the â—en of earth set themselves against you â—ey can but storm the out-works they can â—ver surprize your main Fort or rob you 〈◊〉 your best goods these mercies of the Covenant which are made sure to you by a Covenant of salt oh hug and embrace these mercies in such a time as this when trade decays your stock is safe in a plundering time none can pluck away your treasure and estate you have something that all the Devils in Hell and Men on Earth cannot deprive you of troubles will but knock these mercies into your breasts more firmly and feelingly then deprive you of them or render you suspicious of your interest in them for these are seasons wherein God communicates most of himself to the soul Gen. 28.13 Jacob's sad and solitary journey was attended with the choicest heart-reviving discoveries Heaven was opened and God shined upon blessed Stephen's soul through a showr of Stones Act. 7.55 Oh Christians 't is worth a World to have interest in God in the day of affliction and 't is your great work in such a day to bear up your hearts with what you have in the Covenant of grace take heed of discontented murmurings under any tryals since you have a God that can and will be all in all to your souls in the want of all comforts and over-flowing of sorrows 4. You may improve these Covenant mercies in a day of spiritual dearth in thâ— famine of the Word which is the sad desâ— judgement when Means Ordinances failâ— and the soul is in great danger of pining then 't is both safe and sweet to suck growtâ— and strength from the spring-head eveâ— from God in a Covenant-way these mercies nourish the languishing soul in a famishing season Isa 41.17 18. when the poor and needy seek water and there is none and their tongue faileth for thirst I the Lord will hear them I the God of Israel will not forsake them I will open Rivers in high places and Fountains in the midst of the Valleys I will make the Wilderness a Pool of water and streams in the Desart and dry Land springs of Water Oh blessed are Covenanted souls they have meat to eat others know not of hidden Manna God hath ways to convey Marrow and Fatness into their souls when their ordinary provision is kept from them I Read of a man that was condemned to starve to death in Prison his Daughter getting leave to visit him once a day yet not permitted to bring food notwithstanding preserved his life a long time by the Milk which he sucked out of her Breasts Oh how doth God preserve the souls of his Children in Prisons by that good nourishment they suck from God in the breasts of the Promises he keeps them alive in famine bread shall be given them their waters shall be sure Isa 33.16 yea he makes affliction and adversity both bread and water wholesome food therefore called in Scripture Isa 30.20 the bread of adversity and water of affliction because souls are bravely nourished thereby Ordinances may for a season be removed but influences of grace are still conveyed grace is supported the soul supplyed as long as the spring remains free for a Christians access he shall be provided for though the Chanel be stopt streams cut off and outward means much obstructed therefore Christians when the word of the Lord is precious and there is little open vision make your addresses immediately to God see what he will speak to your souls own him in Covenant-relation lay your souls at his feet and tell him that you are cast in a thirsty Wilderness your graces are withering and hearts failing tell him you can scarce meet with an instrument to receive a word of council or comfort from but ask him if he cannot supply without as well as by the means tell him he sometimes stops the Conduit that he may convince us where our refreshment lyes and whither we must have recourse for fresh supplys tell him when you enjoyed the means they could not work without him and now you want them he can work without them though he hath tyed us to the means yet he hath not tyed himself to them tell him once again that the more immediate his Conveyances are the more evidential they are and the sweeter emblems of Heaven 5. In your backslidings and fears of apostacy then oh then improve these mercies of the new Covenant you fall and miscarry and lose your hold of God but God hath hold of you you dare not venture to approach to him again Jer. 3.12 13. but he calls and tells you he will
heal your backsliding will not cause his anger to fall upon you because he is marryed to you and he hates putting away the mercies of the Covenant depend not on your mutable wills but upon everlasting love your souls are carryed to Heaven in the Chariot of the Covenant which moves upon the solid Axle-tree of free-grace which as it was not procured so is it not continued by your merits or goodness 't is true if you had carryed the matter so towards men as you have done to God you might expect an heavy sentence but these are the sure mercies of an infinite God the Covenant is made in Christ and made good by Christ the Alpha and Omega the Amen the faithful and true witness is the Surety and Mediator of this blessed Covenant Oh Christians lay your stress here there 's help laid upon one that is mighty to save he can save to the uttermost pinch he is good at this soul-saving work do not fear he that begun this good work in your hearts will perfect it you may be confident of it 1 Pet. 1.5 Rom. 14 4. Jer. 32. you shall be kept by the power of God through faith to salvation though you be very weak yet he is able to make you stand you shall not depart from him omnipotency is engaged for you act faith therefore upon the numerous and gracious promises of perseverance though you have many fightings without and fears within though you feel averseness to good and a tendency to sin wants and weaknesses burdens and breaches snares and sadness yet lift up your hearts you stand upon better terms with God than Adam in innocency or the Angels in glory who were not confirmed in their integrity but are fallen by a dreadful apostacy it were sad for poor believers if their happiness did depend upon their mutable nature or strongest resolutions or if God should revoke his mercies as often as they provoke his justice but blessed be God for Jesus Christ and the rest of the sure mercies of David triumph in this O ye Children of the promise the Covenant wherein your souls are wrapped is ordered in all things and sure Heaven it self is engaged for you the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against you none can pluck you out of his hands who is the rock of Ages in whom is everlasting strength you may confidently make bold and blessed Paul's victorious challenge who shall separate us from the Love of God Rom. 8.35 ad finem though your internal motions be often like Ezekiel's wheel 〈◊〉 16 〈◊〉 intricate confused and perplexed as a wheel in a wheel grace sweying one way and flesh another yet if you be joyned to the living Creatures and united to Christ in the bond of the Covenant you shall go streight on with constancy and uniformity till your souls arrive at glory these mercies are not for a day or week or month or year but they run parallel with the life of God and line of eternity for with everlasting mercies he will have compassion on thee Isa 54.7 8. 6. In case of desertions and Gods withdrawings from him the soul may and must improve these sure mercies of David now desertions are ordinarily distinguisht into Gods withdrawing 1. His quickning 2. His comforting presence from the soul in both these cases the soul may improve them 1. In case God suspend the gracious influences of his spirit and the heart be shut up under deadness hardness unbelief distractions and the poor Christian cannot feel those lively springings of the graces of the Covenant in his heart then let him have recourse to the promise wherein God hath engaged himself to give a soft heart a new spirit faith love repentance the spirit of prayer c. all habits of grace the lively exercise of grace assisting grace quickning enlarging moving melting manifestations are bound up in this Gospel-covenant hence it is that when David â—inds his heart dull and out of frame he runs to God and cryes out my soul cleaveth to the dust ver 107. quicken me according to thy word Psal 119.25 and he goes often over with that phrase which imports that David lay under the sense of some promise that God had made for the quickning of his heart when it was out of frame and accordingly he recounts the gracious influences of Gods spirit and professeth that he will never forget his precepts because by them he had quickned him ver 93. thus let dead hearts lay themselves at Christs feet and plead in this manner Lord my heart is exceeding dull and distracted I feel not those enlarging melting influences which thy Saints have met with but are they not main material mercies of the Covenant dost thou not promise a spirit of illumination conviction humiliation is not holiness of heart and life a main branch of it dost thou not promise therein to write thy Law in my heart to give me oneness of heart to put thy fear within me to subdue my corruptions to help my infirmities in prayer now Lord these are the mercies my soul wants and waits for fill my soul with these warming influences revive thy work of grace in my soul draw out my heart towards thee inlarge my affections to thee repair thine image draw out grace into lively exercise doth not that sweet word intend such a mercy when thou saist Ezek. 36.26 thou wilt not only give a new heart but put a new spirit within me to make my soul lively active and spiritual in duties and motions dear Lord am not I a Covenanted soul and are not these Covenant-mercies why then my God dost thou thus harden my heart from thy fear why dost thou leave me in all this deadness and distraction remember thy word unto thy servant in which thou hast caused me to hope and in which thou hast helped me to plead oh quicken my dull heart according to thy word thus improve these mercies in case of deadness 2. In case of sadness and disconsolateness and the hidings of Gods face from a troubled drooping spirit Oh then make much use of these Covenant-mercies both as they are mercies and as they are sure mercies they are as free and as firm as ever if you see nothing but wickedness and wretchedness in your selves remember mercy prevents you if you see nothing but justice and frowns in Gods face remember his faithfulness ingageth him he is faithful he cannot deny himself would he love thee so as to make thee his and will he not now love thee as his Child consider the Covenant is certain though there be a present suspension thy union to Christ is secured though actual Communion be intercepted yea real unnecessary Communion is continued though sensible manifestations be obscured for observe it the soul holds Communion with Christ by that which desertions cannot hinder salvation may be there though the joy of that salvation be gone Covenant-relation may continue without comfortable satisfaction why bast