Psal. 89.16 See Psal. 33.21 8. Indisposition Comforts against it In the thoughts of our indisposiâ—ion to any thing that is good let these places quicken us I can doe all things through CHRIST that strengthneth mee Phil. 4.13 Yee shall be unto mee a kingdome of Priests Exod. 19.6 We shall be able to offer unto GOD the sacrifice of prayer or praise In every place incense shall be offered to my name and a pure offering Mal. 1.11 which is spoken of the beleeving Gentiles 9. Distractions Comforts against them GOD promiseth in the Covenant of grace Ezek. 11.19 To give his people one heart CHRIST prayed that we might have this one heart Iohn 17.21 23. and be one with GOD. When we are troubled with distractions in prayer hearing or meditation wee should pleade the Covenant and pray with David O LORD unite my heart to thee 10. Evils of good done Promises or comforts to the godly for evils of good done GOD not onely accepteth and taketh in good part the poorest service we doe to him notwithstanding our corruptions and frailties but even delighteth and taketh great pleasure in them Cant. 2.14 as a Father delights more in the stammering of his little childe then in the eloquence of the best Orator CHRIST presenteth and perfumeth our prayers to his Father Rev. 8.3 1 Pet. 2.5 And it shall be upon Aarons fore-head that Aaron may beare the iniquity of the holy things and that they may be accepted before the LORD Exod. 28.38 Aaron was a Type of CHRIST who by his intercession perfumes our prayers and doth away the blemishes that cleave to our best actions Loving Parents doe not take notice of many blemishes in their children so GOD seeth no iniquity in Iacob nor any transgression in Israel Num. 23.21 But passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage which makes the Prophet in the beginning of the verse in admiration to cry Who is a GOD like to thee 11. Comforts against Feares of their falling from GOD who labour to work out their salvation with feare and trembling 1. In regard of GOD. 1. His Counsell on which mans salvation is founded is sure and unchangeable and his calling without repentance Rom. 11.29 2. His Love is everlasting and inviolable Ier. 31.3 Rom. 8.35 ult 3. His Mercy like his Lovâ— is â—verlasting Psal. 103.17 Psal. 100.5.106.1 107.1 Luke 1.50 It is iterated 26. times in 136. Psalme 4. His Will is for such Luke 12.32 Iohn 6.39 His Grace and that is all-sufficient 2 Cor. 12.9 5. His Power is for such and that is Almighty Ioh 10.27 28 29. Iude 24.2 Tim. 1.12 6. His faithfullnesse and truth make both for this 2 Thess. 3.3 2. In regard of CHRIST 1. Because of our union with him He is the Head we the members and he will not suffer any to perish that are ingraffed into him Ioh. 6.39 Ioh. 17.22 23 26. 2. From the perpetuall efficacie of his intercession Rom. 8.34 Heb. 7.21 Hee is a Priest for ever and alwaies intercedes for his What he said to Peter I have prayed that thy faith faile not Luke 22.32 Hee performeth for all He is the Author and finisheâ— of our faith Heb. 12.2 3. In regard of the HOLY GHOST 1. His continuall assistance Hee shall abide with us for ever John 14.16 And hee which hath begun a good work will finish it Phil. 1.6 2. His Obsignation which is irrevocable every one that beleeveth is sealed by the holy Spirit of promise Ephes. 1.13 14. sealed for ever 4.30 2 Cor. 1.22 an honest man will not break his bargaine when there is earnest and evidence for it therefore Chrysostome saith elegantly if GOD having once given this earnest should not also give the rest of the inheritance He should undergo the losse of his earnest 4. The lasting power of the Word once rooted in the good and honest heart Luke 8.15 It is called immortall seed 1 Pet. 1.23 25. The engraffed Word James 1.21 The seed remaining 1 Joh. 3.9 5. The certainty and sweetnesse of the promises to this purpose GOD hath promised that his people shall not be mooved from the state of grace Psal. 15.5 16.8 Psal. 37.24 27 28 31. Psal. 55.22 102.28 Pro. 10.30 Psal. 125.1 Hee will not cast off his people nor forsake his inheritance Psal. 94.14 1 Sam. 12.22 And hee will put his feare into their hearts that they shall not depart from him For this is his Covenant with his people Ier. 32.39 40 41. Hosea 2.19 20. Hee upholdeth them with his hand that they shall not fall away Hee will confirme them unto the end that they may be blamâ—lesse in the day of our LORD JESUS CHRIST 1 Cor. 1.8 9. the like is 1 Thess. 5.23 24 GOD hath made more promises to hold up his children then ever he made to hold up the pillars of the world 6. The prayers of the whole Church of GOD which are very prevalent and powerfull Ioh. 16.23 the daily sacrifice of beleevers is ne inducas in tentationem 7. The force and might of faith 1 Pet. 1.2 3 4 5. 8. The durable vigour of saving graces John 4.14 our Saviour hath promised Iohn 16.22 that he will give unto the faithfull such constant and permanent joy as no man shall be able to take from them He hath prayed that our faith may not faile Luke 22.32 It is a stable grace 1 Ioh. 5.4 1 Pet. 2.6 Comforts to the Godly who are troubled with many and strong corruptions and likewise want the meanes of grace either 1. Altogether 2. In the power of them 3. Or having them so yet profit not by them 1. Comforts in case of dismayednesse under many and strong corruptions I will sprinkle cleane water upon you and you shall be cleane â—rom all your filthinesse and from all your idols will I cleanse you Ezek. 36.25 Though thy sinnes were as great as Idolatry in the first Table or Whoredome in the second yet GOD will forgive and sanctifie thee He will cast all our sinnes into the depths of the sea Micah 7.19 The sea can drowne mountaines as well as mole-hills Though they were as crimson and scarlet which will take no other die yet in CHRISTS bloud they shall bee made as white as wooll and snow Esay 1.18 All manner of sinnes and blasphemies shall be forgiven unto men Matth. 12.31 CHRIST came to save sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 It matters not what the wound is so CHRIST be the Physitian Where sin that is the knowledge and feeling of sinne abounded grace over-abounded Rom. 5.20 have wee a multitude and magnitude of sinnes GOD hath a multitude and magnitude of mercies Have mercy upon mee O GOD according unto the multitude so wee translate it the Hebrew word Rob signifieth also magnitude of thy tender mercies Two things terrifie penitent sinners 1. The multitude and exceeding great number of evils whereof they are guilty he tels
them in that 26. Ezek. that he would wash them from all their filthinesse without exception 1 Joh. 1.9 therefore let us not put in conditions where GOD doth not and as it were interline his Covenant 2. That their sinnes have beene hainous and extraordinary Zach. 13.1 Hee promiseth to open a fountaine of grace to wash them from all sinnes CHRIST hath discharged our pounds as well as our pence He came to take away the sinnes of the world this is spoken indefinitely 2. Comforts to such who are troubled for want of the meanes of grace either Altogether After GOD hath given you the bread of affliction and the water of adversity hee will restore teachers and no more restraine instruction Esay 30.20 Though thou see no way of helpe yet thou knowest not how GOD can provide Hee can open rivers on the tops of mountaines and he maketh the wildernesse a standing poole when his people thirst and cry unto him Esay 41.17 18. If ordinary meanes faile GOD will then â—â—pply of his Spirit I will be unto them as a little Sanctuary in the countries where they shaâ—l come Ezâ—k 11.16 I will take you one of a cittie and two of a family and I will â—râ—ng you in Sion Jer. 3.14 The LORD giveth the Word great is the company of preachers Psal. 68.11 The ransâ—med of the LORD shall returne and come to Sion with songs and everlasting ioy upon their heads they shall obtaine ioy and gladnesse and sorrow and sighing shall flie away Eâ—ay 35.10 Or in the power of them I will give you Pastors according to mine heart which shall feede you with knowledge and understanding Ier. 3.15 Or having them so and not profiting by them I am the LORD thy GOD which teacheth thee to profit which leadeth thee by the way which thou shouldst goe Esay 48.17 For thy Maker is thine husband c. Esay 54.5 6. Hosea 2.19 In the wildernesse shall waters breake out and streames in the desert and the parched ground shall become a poole and the thirsty land-springs of water Esay 35.6 7. that is the most barren heart shall abound with grace according to that promise Out of their bellies shall flow rivers of living water Iohn 7.38 streaming out for the good of others The Kingdome of GOD shall be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof Matth. 21.43 This is a promise that the Gentiles shall bring forth the fruites of the Gospell therefore every beleeving Gentile may apply it The use of Faith here is to uphold us against our manifold deâ—ects infirmities and imperfectiâ—ns For first it giveth evidence to our soules that the graces wee have are the gifts of GOD because GOD promiseth them Secondly it maketh us rest on GOD for perfecting of that good worke which hee hath so graciously begun The Godly that know they feare GOD unfainedly and yet are often perplexed because all sensible tokens of GODS favour are taken from them should 1. Acquaint themselves with the promises and comfort themselves with these words they will be as flagons of wine to all distressed spirits 2. Let them not consider too much of nor reason too much with their temptations Rom. 4.19 3. Though they feele nothing yet let them say with David Psâ—l 56.10 In GOD will I praise his Word in the LORD will I praise his Word CHAP. V. 5. In regard of GOD Desertions Comforts to GODS people in spirituall desertions 1. LEt them Consider that this hath befallen the best of GODS servants Job 6.4 13.16.9 David Psal. 6. 77. and CHRIST himselfe Mat. 27.46 CHRIST saith Greenham was forsaken for a few houres David for a few moneths and Iob for a few yeares 2. GOD doth not forsake them Heb. 13.5 Esay 49.15 16. but seemes to forsake them 3. Desertion is but short compared with the time of mercy For a small moment have I forsaken thee but with great mercies will I gather thee In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindnesse will I have mercy on thee saith the LORD thy Redeemer Esay 54.7 8. He will not alwaies chide neither will hee keepe his anger forever Psal. 103.9 The LORD will not cast off for ever but though he cause griefe yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies Lam. 3.31 32. 4. GOD waites for a fit season of shewing his favour toward them Esay 30.18 We ought to live by faith Hab. 2.4 waiting for GOD who hides his face Esay 8.17 and to stirre up our selves to lay hold on our GOD Esay 64.7 that is an excellent place Esay 50.10 CHAP. VI. SPIRITVALL PROMISES 1. In regard of Good 1. GODS 1. Love of them which hath three properties it is 1. Free 2. Infinite 3. Eternall 2. Presence with them 1. Each of the godly in particular 2. The whole Church in generall 3. Providence over them keeping them 1. Immediatly by himselfe 2. Mediatly by his Angels 1. Promises of GODS Love ANd he will love thee and blesse thee c. Deut. 7.13 Hee crowneth his people with loving kindnesse and tender mercies Psal. 103.4 There are three properties of GODS Love 1. It is a free Love he stands not upon desert Hosea 14.4 Exod 33.19 1 Ioh. 4.10 19. The LORD did not set his Love upon you nor choose you because yee wore more in number then any other people but because the LORD loved you Lo he loved you because he loved you to shew the freedome and independancy of his love unto them 2. It is an infinite transcendent Love Eph. 2.4.7 18 19. GOD so loved the world c. Iohn 3.16 that is so infinitely so transcendently so incomprehensibly 1 Ioh. 3.1 3. It is an eternall and unchangeable Love I have loved thee with an everlasting love Jer. 31.3 Behold I will betroth thee unto mee for ever Hosea 2.19 With everlasting kindnesse will I have mercy on thee Esay 54.8 2. Promises of GODS speciall and gracious presence This is the most sweete comfort wherewith GOD anciently used to sustaine his children Each in particular Isaac Gen. 26.3 24. Moses Exod. 3.12 4.12 Josh. 1.5 9. 3.7 Ezek. 3. Jer. 1.8 19. David incouraged his sonne Salomon with this 1 Chron. 28.20 And the whole Church in generall Esay 41.10 43.2 Rev. 1.13 2.1 CHRIST left this comfort for his farewell to his Disciples and their Successors Lo I am with you to the end of the world Matth. 28.20 And With you Comprehends under it not onely Pastors but people also For where two or three are gathered together in my name saith CHRIST there am I in the midst of them Mat. 18.20 3. Promises of GODS providence over his children They have an honourable guard 1. GOD himselfe keepeth his Israel who neither slumbreth nor sleepeth Psal. 121.4 5. He keepeth his under the shadow of his wings
that unvaluable promise Rom. 8.29 and that 1 Cor. 10.13 2. Fervent prayer that GOD would by his Spirit both reveale unto us what be those precious promises which he hath made unto his people in his holy Word and also give unto us wisedome rightly to judge of them and fitly to apply them unto our selves in every estate we shall be in We should beg of him to reveale this mystery of godlinesse and CHRIST to us as the Disciples said LORD increase our faith that phrase of David is most heavenly Psal. 119.49 Thy promise in which thou hast caused mee to put my trust It is the LORD that must cause the heart to put her trust in the promise If we would keepe faith in exercise we must indeavour to know GODS promises meditate on them conferre about them they should be continually in our mindes memories hearts and tongues To live by Faith is to feede upon the severall promises of GOD made in his Word and to apply them to our selves according to all our needs and so comfort and encourage our selves against temptation and unto every good duty This is that which is required by GOD of his people Hab. 2.4 GOD there having threatned judgement against the Jewes by the Babylonians doth afterwards promise deliverance againe but not suddenly the people of GOD therefore in the meane time were to live by Faith and depending upon GOD to waite for the accomplishment of his gracious promises The just shall not onely live eternally by his faith but even here also in this life He shall live by Faith Abraham served GOD wheresoever he came and rejoyced in the promise of salvation by CHRIST Gen. 17.17 Iohn 8.56 Now if he who saw the promises but afarre of Heb. 11. 13. was so cheared and quickned by them what should we be to whom the grace of GOD hath shined so clearely Tit. 2.11 Iacob when Esau met him and his heart began to faint for the Text saith Gen. 32.7 he feared exceedingly did goe and sucke consolation out of the Promises for thus he reasons with the LORD LORD thou hast said thou wilt doe mee good this promise sustained him and he got so much strength with this milke that he was able to wrestle with the LORD all night and would not let him goe without a blessing So David when the Philistines had burnt Ziklag and the souldiers that should have beene his strength were ready to stone him hee remembred GODS promise that he should be King and sit in the Throne of Saul therefore it is said Hee comforted himselfe in the LORD his GOD 1 Sam. 30.6 that is in the promise that the LORD had made to him So Nehemiah when he heard of the misery of his people fell to prayer clinging to a promise that he knew was made by GOD that he had read and markt out of Deuteronomie The same is to be seene in that honourable company of those Worthy Servants of GOD in all ages from the beginning of the world to that day mentioned Heb. 11. which are all brought in as a cloud of witnesses testifying this truth that The Iust shall live by Faith Thus S. Paul also lived by faith both for Spirituall life Rom. 7. and for Temporall life 2 Tim. 4.17 18. and for Eternall life 7 8. verses of that Chapter The Divell striketh specially at our faith in the promises and not so much at the generall faith in beleeving the truth of them in generall as at our speciall justifying faith applying those promises unto our selves Not so much to doubt at the generall voice of GOD in the Word Every beleever shall be saved but at the particular voice of GOD by his Spirit applying the generall to us and saying Thou beleevest Thou art my Sonne Therefore above all things we should fortifie our faith and assurance that GOD is our Father and we his sonnes and as the Apostle exhorteth Labour to make our calling and election sure and for our better applying of GODS promises let us observe two rules 1. To apply all the Word of GOD indifferently as well the Commandements for our direction and the threats for our humiliation as the promises for our comfort 2. To examine the conditions of GODS promises and to looke as well to the performance of the conditions required in the promises as to enjoy the things promised For as the Divell denies unto us the application of the promises when we are interested in them as when we walke uprightly with GOD so contrarily he applies them strongly and earnestly when they belong not unto us as he did the promise of protection by Angels unto CHRIST though he should tempt GOD. So he ordinarily applies the promise of mercy to notorious sinneâ—s though they lie wallowing in their mire and never wash themselves in the waters of repentance And wicked men doe often with great confidence or ratheâ— presumption lay hold of the promises in the meane space neither caring to apply to themselves the commandements and threatnings nor yet respecting the conditions by which the promises are limited Thus when the LORD saith Ezek. 33.11 As truly as I live I will not the death of a sinner they regard not what followeth but that hee repent and live and when they heare the Apostles speech 1 Tim. 2.4 That GOD will have all men to be saved they make a bolster of it whereon they sleepe securely in their sinnes but leave out the following condition viz. that he would have all whom he would have saved come first to the saving knowledge of his truth which is never severed from the fruits of obedience 1 Iohn 2.3 4. So when CHRIST saith That he came not to call the righteous but sinners with that they comfort themselves in their sinfull courses but observe not to what he calleth them viz. to repentance before they can have any part with him in glory Some likewise sucke poyson out of that heavenly flower Rom. 10.13 Whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved not considering that Every one that calleth upon the name of the LORD should depart from iniquity 2 Tim. 2.19 Speciall Rules directing us how to use the Promises 1. Generall Promises are particularly and Particulars generally appliable The LORD in assenting to Salomons prayer made a generall promise to any man or to all the people that what prayer or supplication soever should be made towards his Temple he would heare in heaven and forgive c. Iehosaphat being after in distresse applied this generall to his owne present condition when the children of Ammon Moab and Mount Scir came to turne Israel out of their possessions So David Psal. 119 49. and the woman of Canaan Matth. 15.22 applied the generall promises to themselves The LORD made a particular promise unto Ioshâ—a that he would be with him to blesse his enterprizes against the Cananites and to carry him through all the
keepe the Law for GOD must inable to both And true repentance saith hee is never too late GOD hath promised pardon to the penitent there is no exception of sinne times or persons but at what time soever what sinner soever repents him of what sinne soever he shall be forgiven This cannot be denied but yet though true repentance be never too late late repentance is seldome true and though GOD hath promised pardon to the penitent yet hee hath not promised repentance to the sinners Thirdly thou knowest not whether ever thou shalt have time for hee promiseth not tomorrow to the offendour who is alwaies ready to receive the penitent One saith GOD hath left man time past to repent of and time present to repent in but the time to come he hath reserved in his owne hands 3. The Promises are most firme and faithfull GOD is true in all his promises be they never so great or wonderfull heaven and earth shall sooner passe away then one piece of his promise faile Rom. 4.16 GOD cannot lie Tit. 1.2 nor denie himselfe 2 Tim. 2.13 He may as easily denie himselfe as his word David often in 119. Psalme giveth this epithite to GODS Word Iust and righteous Word 106 123 137 144 verses Paul often useth this preface This is a true saying and of all men worthy to be beleeved or this is a faithfull saying 1 Tim. 1.15 1 Tim. 4.9 2 Tim. 2.11 Tit. 3.8 Revel 21.5 22.6 it is called The Word of truth Iam. 1.18 Ephes. 1.13 Col. 1.5 The words of the LORD are pure words as silver tried in a fornace of earth purirified seven times Psal. 12.6 Psal. 18.30 Psal. 119.140 Pro. 30.5 As the gold and silver that hath beene often tried doth never deceive men so the divine promises doe not deceive those that trust in them because the truth and goodnesse of them hath beene continually tried by others and graciously performed by GOD himselfe His Covenant is called a Covenant of salt 2 Chron. 13.5 that is a stable and sure Covenant an everlasting Covenant Gen. 17.7 Esay 55.3 Ezek. 16.60 this phrase is frequently used in Scripture GOD that keepeth Covenant Deut. 7.9 Dan. 9.4 Nehem. 1.5 9.32 2 Chron. 6.14 15. Psal. 89.34 Esay 54.10 All the promises of GOD are Yea and Amen in CHRIST 2 Cor. 1.20 Not onely Yea but Yea and Amen Not onely firme and faithfull in themselves but such as shall be made good to the soules of GODS people in full perfection We may call in experience to witnesse this truth GOD hath not onely made good his Covenant to his friends but to his enemies and strangers Deut. 2. Iosh. 23.5 10 14 15. He kept touch with Iehu for the kingdome for foure generations according to his promise He is faithfull to those that deale perfidiously in the Covenant Rom. 3.3 4. He makes good his promises in the circumstances of them keepes the very houre as it were Gen. 15.13 16. compared with Exod. 12.41 therefore this phrase is often used as the LORD hath said or as the LORD hath promised Deut. 10.9 18.26 27.2 Ioel 2.32 Iosh. 23.5 10. We might instance in particulars and shew how the promises of GOD have still beene fulfilled as that first promise of CHRIST Gen. 3.15 we may see fulfilled Luke 1.68 to 73. Gal. 4.4 and that particular promise to preserve Noah in the Arke Gen. 6.18 fulfilled Gen. 8. those made to Abraham Isaac and Iacob But I leave this to the observation of Christians themselves GODS Love and mercy is the onely reason of making promises but his truth justice fidelity power and glory are the reasons of fulfilling them The LORD did not set his love upon you nor choose you saith Moses to Israel because yee were more in number then any people but because the LORD loved you that is the ground of making the promise and because hee would keepe the oath which he had sworne to your fathers that was the ground of performing his promise For thy words sake and according to thine owne heart saith David hast thou done all these great things according to thine owne heart that is ex mero motu out of pure and unexcited love thou didst give thy Word and promise and for thy Word sake thou hast performed it Thou wilt performe saith the Prophet The truth to Jacob and the mercy to Abraham which thou hast sworne unto our father from the daies of old Why truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham the promise after a sort began in Abraham therefore hee is called the Father of the faithfull and when GOD makes a promise it is onely out of mercy but the promise was continued unto Iacob who being Abrahams seed was an heire of the Promise and so the inheritance which was out of mercy given unto Abraham did out of truth and fideliâ—y descend unto Iacob the seed of Abraham and therefore we shall find Covenant Mercy and Oath joyned together in the Scripture Deut. 7.12 Luke 1.72 73. to note unto us both the ground of making the Covenant Mercy and the ground of performing the Covenant made the Truth and Fidelity of GOD. GODS very name JEHOVAH declareth that he is constant and will performe his promise because as he giveth being to all things so he makes that to be which he hath promised By my Name JEHOVAH was I not knowne to them Exod. 6.3 He meaneth that though he made many promises to them especially concerning their possession of Canaan yet he did not shew himselfe to be JEHOVAH an Accomplisher of his promises that he reserved to future generations ver 8. Therefore whensoever in any of the Prophets GOD promiseth or threatneth any great matter to assure us of the most certaine event of such his promise or threatning he addes unto it his Name JEHOVAH as Ezek. 5.17 Ier. 31.31 in which Chapter being wholy promissorie concerning the New Covenant of grace and free pardon of sinnes which the Church obtaineth thorough CHRIST it is repeated 33 times It was the end 1. Of CHRISTS Incarnation to shew that GOD would be mindfull of his promise Luke 1.72 2. Of his Ministery to assure and confirme the promises made before to the Fathers Romanes 15.8 3. They are sealed with the blood of CHRIST the Testator Heb. 9.16 and therefore are said to be all in him Yea and Amen 2 Cor. 1.20 that is sure and infallible They are sealed in his Spirit all beleevers are said to be sealed by the Spirit of promise Ephes. 1.13 and this is GODS privie Seale GOD hath sealed to all his promises in the Sacraments Rom. 4.11 which are given to us as GODS broad Seales to ratifie his Covenant and all his promises made unto his Church they are outward pledges to confirme our faith and make the promises though not more sure yet more credible to us The promises are in some places called in the singular number
give us all things Rom. 8.32 See Matth. 6.25 to the end Phil. 4.6 1 Tim. 4.8 1 Pet. 5.7 4. Promises against Scandales GOD will secure his people and save them from being ensnared by scandals Psal. 119.165 and nothing shall offend them or they shall have no stumbling block Ier. 31.9 CHAP. IIII. Infirmities are 1. Generall as sinfullnesse of nature that remaines though it raigne not 2. Speciall 1. IGnorance 2. Spirituall deafenesse 3. Slips and frailties Here Promises 1. To keepe them from falling 2. To comfort them being fallen and restore them againe 4. Spirituall lamenesse 5. Doubts and feares of losing the love of GOD. 6. Forgetfullnesse 7. Dullnesse and uncheerefullnesse 8. Indisposition to good 9. Distractions in good 10. Evils of good done 11. Feares of falling away from GOD. Comforts to the godly who likewise want the meanes of grace either altogether or in the power of them or having them doe not profit by them 1. Generall or daily Infirmities Comforts to those that do fall though Infirmity The LORD The LORD GOD mercifull and gracious long suffering and abundant in goodnesse and truth keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity transgression and sinne Exod. 34.6 7. Hee is JEHOVAH Alwaies the same unchangeable hee will not alter his love to thee and for the more assurance he repeateth that title twice then followeth his power GOD Though thou be weake he is strong Mercifull or compassionate towards repâ—ntant and beleeving sinners and though they be unworthy yet he is Gracious The Hebrew word signifieth to powre out abundance of extraordinary bounty upon a most undeserving and ill deserving partie He will shew mercy not because thou art good but because he is Good not because thou canst please him but because mercy pleaseth him Micah 7.18 though thou offerdest daily yet he is Long-suffering and Abundant in goodnesse and truth 1. In Goodnesse ready to bestow all benefits 2. In Truth ready to fulfill all promises keeping kindnesse for thousands a certaine number for an uncertaine forgiving iniquity transgression and sinne that is sinnes of all sorts kinds and degrees whatsoever It is neither the foulenesse of sinne nor the multitude of sinnes nor the long continuance in sinne that can prejudice his goodnesse GOD upon our prayer will cure our infirmities Esay 40.29 Psal. 103.3 hee pittieth his in their infirmities as an Indulgent â—ather his little ones Mal. 3.17 CHRIST himselfe is affected with the sence of our infirmities Heb. 4.15 16. Matth. 11.28 and Esay 42.3 he was a Proâ—itiation for such sinnes and comforts us concerning them before they be committed 1 Iohn 2.12 Rom. 6.14 The Spirit helpes our â—nfirmities Rom. 8.26 helpes â—ogether the Greeke word is decompound and there is a great force in it as two that carry a burden one will carry over â—gainst another and put to his â—and and helpe him so when we begin to sinke GODS Spirit puts under his hand to support â—s which is said in so many words Psal. 37.24 O but I offend daily I sinne againe and againe may some weake Christian say GOD promiseth likewise that he will multiply his pardons so the word signifieth in the Originall as thou hast multiplied thy sinnes for saith he there My thoughts are not as your thoughts nor my waies as your waies but my thoughts goe beyond your thoughts as much as the distance is betweene Heaven and earth He is mercifull and and gracious slow to anger and plenteous in mercy hee will not reward us after our iniquities for as the Heaven is high above the Earth so great is his mercy toward them that feare him Psal. 103.8 10 11. As there is a continuall spring of wickednesse in you so there is a continuall spring of mercy flowing from him both to pardon and wash away this iniquity Speciall Infirmities 1. Ignorance or blindnesse Comforts against ignorance It is a speciall promise of GOD in the new Covenant that Hee will write his lawes in thy heart and hee will make thee to know the LORD He hath promised to leade thee by a way that thou hast not knowne Esay 42.16 wee have such an High Priest as knowes how to have compassion on the ignorant Heb. 5.2 3. The eyes of the blinde shall be opened Esay 35.2 Hee shall open the eyes of the blind Esay 42.2 Luke 4.18 The annointing thou hast received shall teach thee all needfull things and leade thee into all truth 1 Ioh. 2.27 GOD hath made many promises to teach them his way that see their ignorance and mourne for it Hee will guide the meeke in iudgement and will teach the humble his way Psal. 25.9 See 12. 14. verses GOD will fill the hungry with good things Luke 1.53 To him that disposeth his way aright will I shew the salvation of the LORD Psal. 50.23 He that followeth mee shall not walke in darkenesse but shall have the light of life Joh. 8.12 I will manifest my selfe to him John 14.21 The Spirit of truth will guide them into all truth John 16.13 A high way shall be there and fooles shall not erre therein Esay 35.8 2. Spirituall deafenesse Comforts against spirituall deafenesse The cares of the deafe shall be unstopped Esay 35.5 Other sheepe I have which are not of this fold them also I must bring and they shall heare my voice Ioh. 10.16 that is the Gentiles not yet called shall understand the voice of GOD. 3. Particular falls through frailty Comforts in regard of slips and frailties 1. GOD will uphold his and keepe them from falling I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world but that thou shouldst keepe them from the evill Joh. 17.20 The LORD is faithfull who shall stablish you and keepe you from evill 2 Thess. 3.3 That your whole soule and body may be preserved blamelesse unto the comming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST Faithfull is hee that calleth you who â—lso will doe it 1 Thess. 5.23 24. GOD watcheth over his people to defend them from sinne 2 Tim. 4 17 18. Rom. 7.24 25. Psa. 73.23 24. Ier. 32.39 40. His mercy holdeth up the godly when they say their foot slippeth Psal. 94.18 He will be their confidence and shall keepe their foot from being taken Pro. 3.26 He will keepe the feete of his Saints 1 Sam. 2.9 And guide their feete into the way of peace Luke 1.79 And thine eare shall heare a word behind thee saying This is the way walke yee in it when yee turne to the right hand and when yee turne to the left Esay 30.21 The childe of GOD hath a promise of preservation from the sinne unpardonable 1 Iohn 5.18 2. Comforts to those that doe fall through infirmity But of this I have spoken already when I treated of the daily and generall Infirmities of Christians therefore I will tanquam canâ—s ad Nilum runne over it hastily GODS people after relapse into some old or fall into some new sinne when their heart is smitten
for it may comfort themselves with such precious places as these 1 Ioh. 2.1 Luke 17.4 1 Sam. 12.20 22. 1 Iohn 1.9 From this last place a reverend Divine collects this comfort If wee see our unworthinesse and with broken hearts acknowledge it GOD is faithfull and iust to forgive it be it never so great Thou hast played the harlot with many lovers yet returne againe to mee saith the LORD Ier. 3.1 3. The LORD will restore them and raise them up againe by repentance The LORD will heale thy backesliding if thou take unto thee words to confesse thy falling away Hosea 14.2 3 4. There is healing in the wings of the Sonne of righteousnesse and you shall grow up as the calves of the stall Mal. 4.2 The LORD upholdeth all that fall and raiseth up all those that are bowed downe Psal. 145.14 Behold I will bring it health and cure and I will cure them and will reveale unto them the abundance of peace and truth Ier. 32.6 Hee speakes Ezek. 34.16 of the time of the Gospell when CHRIST should bee the Shepheard and shewes the Covenant that he will make with those that are his if any thing be lost saith he if a Sheepe lose it selfe this is my Covenant I will finde it If it be driven away by any violence of temptation I will bring it backe againe If there be a breach made into their hearts by any occasion through sinne and lust I will heale them and binde them up GODS Covenant is to make us faithfull in his Covenant the actions of faith and repentance are ours but the power of doing them GODS 4. Spirituall Lamenesse Comforts against Spirituall Lamenesse or weaknesses of graces Then shall the lame man leape as an Hart Esay 35.6 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and yee shall keepe my iudgements and doe them Ezek. 36.27 They shall runne and not be wearie they shall walke and not be saint Esay 40.31 See ver 29. The LORD will be the hope of his people and the strength of the children of Israel Joel 3 16. In our Spirituall infancie we may comfort our selves by those cordiâ—ll refreshing promises I will give unto him that is a thirst of the fountaine of the water of life freely Rev. 21.6 A bruised reede shall he not breake and the smoaking flaxe shall he not quench Esay 42.3 though grace be in us but like the heate in the weeke of the candle when the light is out yet GOD hath taken order that it shall not be extinguished Hee shall feede his flocke like a shepheard he shall gather the lambes with his arme and carry them in his bosome and shall gently leade those that are with young Esay 40.11 Hee will use all compassion with a tender respect of our weakenesse In love in care in pittie he will redeeme us and carry us as in the daies of old Esay 63.9 As he hath borne us from the wombe so will he be the same still unto old age even unto the gray haires hee will carry us in the armes of his compassion hee hath made us hee will beare even hee will carry and deliver us Esay 46.3 4. Since thou art a branch of his planting he may glorifie himselfe in thee so as thy little one may be as a thousand and thy small one as a strong nation GOD can performe it in his due time Esay 60.21 22. CHRIST graciously receiveth and tenderly cherisheth weake Christians Zach. 13.7 Matth. 18.5 Hee giveth charge against the contempt of them verse 10. and will not have the day of small things despised Zach. 4.10 The obedience oâ— the faithfull is weake and imperfect but pleasing and acceptable unto GOD. The Psalmist saith Psal. 147.11 149.4 The LORD taketh pleasure in his people the prayers of the upright are his delight GOD will reckon of so much good done by us as wee desired and endeavoured to doe the preparations of our hearts are reckoned with GOD as great things Esay 55.1 This is a great comfort to GODS children that doe their best indeavour to keepe all his Commandements for though they faile in that obedience which they ought to performe yet GOD promiseth to shew mercy to them Exod. 26.6 so long as their heart is true he will beare with their infirmities Wee are not under the law saith the Apostle but under grace Rom. 6.14 We are delivered from the rigour of the Law GOD hath received us to the benefit of that Covenant in which perfection is onely required in CHRIST uprightnesse in us GOD accepts of the will for the deed 2 Cor. 8.12 and the will above the deed as appeareth by the 10. verse Who hath not onely begunne to doe but also to be forward a yeare agoe making it a greater grace to be willing and desirous to doe well then it is to doe a good thing 5. Doubts and Feares of losing the love of GOD. Comforts against doubts and feares of loosing the love of GOD. In the affliction of thy minde and losse of the feeling of GODS favour acquaint thy selfe with those promises Iohn 13.1 Having loved his owne which were in the world he loved them unto the end and without end The gifts and calling of GOD are without repentance that is such gifts as accompany an effectuall calling are such as GOD never repenteth of or taketh away I will not forsake my people 1 King 6.13 Heb. 13.5 Behold GOD will not cast away a perfect man Iob 8.20 The love of GOD unto his childe in respect of tendernesse is infinitely dearer then that of a most loving mother to her little one Esay 49.15 stronger then the stony mountaines and rockes of flint Esay 54.10 as constant as the waters of Noah ver 9. as the ordinances of Heaven Ier. 33.20 and ver 25. nay as sure as GOD himselfe Psal. 89.33 34 35. 6. Forgetfullnesse A promise against forgetfullnesse But the Comforter which is the HOLY GHOST whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you Iohn 14.26 7. Vncheerefullnesse Comforts against dullnesse and uncheerefullnesse The wildernesse and solitary place shall be glad for them and the desart shall reioyce and blossome as the rose it shall blossome abundantly and reioyce even with ioy and singing Esay 35.1 2. Then shall yee sucke yee shall be borne upon her sides and be dandled upon her knees As one whom his mother comforteth so will I comfort you and yee shall be comforted in Ierusalem And when yee see this your heart shall reioyce and your bones shall flourish like an herbe Jer. 66.12 13 14. Thou shalt reioyce in the LORD Esay 41.16 Thou shalt have thy delight in the Almighty Iob 22.26 The godly have a spring of joy within them Iohn 4.14 In thy name shall they reioyce all the day
life from the stock so we have all our life from him 3. GOD is well pleased in CHRIST Mat. 3.17 In whom not with by or through whom but a larger preposition then them all which signifieth two things 1. That GOD is well pleased with CHRIST 2. In and through him with others therefore it is said Ephes. 1.3 GOD hath blessed us with all spirituall blessings in CHRIST verse 4. GOD hath chosen us in him ver 6. accepted us in the beloved ver 7. In him wee have redemption through his blood the forgivenesse of sinnes according to the riches of his grace It is said Acts 13.34 I will give you the sure mercies of David that is all those good things which were promised in CHRIST who was of the seed of David 2. Blessings by CHRIST to the Godly 1. Redemption Who gave himselfe for us that hee might redeeme us from all iniquity Tit. 2.14 We have redemption through his blood Ephes. 1.7 And he shall redeeme Israel from all his iniquitie Psal. 130.8 He hath redeemed them from the curse of the law by being made a curse for them Gal. 3.13 CHRIST JESUS by his owne bloud entred into the holy place having obtained eternall redemption for us Heb. 9.12 CHRIST is made unto us Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 2. Effectuall Calling our particular calling doth interest us in the promises of GOD Acts 2.39 For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are a farre of even to as many as the LORD our GOD shall call there is the condition 3. Justification By his knowledge shall my righteous servant iustifie many Esay 53.11 By him all that beleeve are iustified Acts 13.39 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be iustified Esay 45.25 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of GODS Elect it is GOD that iustifieth Rom. 8.33 He iustifieth the ungodly Rom. 4.5 that is saith Beza he makes him righteous in CHRIST who is unrighteous in himselfe 1. Justification consists of two parts 1. Not imputing sinne 2 Cor. 5.19 2. Imputing righteousnes Gal. 3.6 Promises of forgivenesse of sinnes This great benefit of forgivenesse of sinne by CHRIST is plentifully proclaimed unto us miserable sinners Behold the Lambe of GOD which taketh away the sinnes of the world John 1.29 Hee shall beare their iniquities Esay 53.11 Once in the end of the world hath hee appeared to put away sinne by the sacrifice of himselfe Heb. 9.26 He was manifested to take away our sinnes 1 Joh. 3.5 The blood of JESUS CHRIST cleanseth us from all sinne 1 Joh. 1.7 He hath by himselfe purged our sins Heb. 1.3 He bare our sinnes on the tree 1 Pet. 2.24 He loved us and washed us from our sinnes in his owne blood Rev. 1.5 He is the propitiation for our sinnes 1 John 2.2 Hereunto agreeth that invitation of our Saviour Come unto mee all yee that are weary and heavie laden and I will ease you Mat. 11.28 GOD of his rich grace and mercy in JESUS CHRIST doth make offer of free and full forgivenesse of sinnes to every burdened thirstie and penitent soule Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him returne unto the LORD and hee will have mercy upon him and to our GOD for hee will abundantly pardon Esay 55.7 Returne thou backesliding Israel saith the LORD and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you for I am mercifull saith the LORD and I will not keepe mine anger for ever Jer. 3.22 I will cleanse them from all their iniquity whereby they have sinned against me and I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they have sinned and whereby they have transgressed against mee Jer. 33.8 GOD when he forgiveth us so fully acquitteth us of our sins as if we had committed no sinne at all This appeareth by many Metaphors used in the Scripture I am hee that blotteth out thy transgressions saith the LORD Esay 43.25 It is a Metaphore taken from Creditors who when they purpose never to exact a debt will blot it out of their bookes I have put away thy transgressions as a cloud and thy sinnes as a mist saith the same LORD Esay 44.22 The clouds which are driven away by the windes appeare no more nor the mist which is dried up by the Sunne so the sinnes which GOD forgiveth returne not againe thou hast cast all my sins behind thy backe saith Hezekiah to GOD Esay 38.17 that which a man would not look on or regard that he casteth behind his backe Thou wilt cast all their sinnes into the depths of the Sea saith Micah to the LORD When a man would have a thing utterly forgotten hee will cast it into the bottome of the Sea from whence there is no fetching it againe The Psalmist pronounceth him blessed whose sinne is covered Psal. 32.1 A thing covered is not seene hee hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob nor seene perversenesse in Israel Numb 23.21 The same Psalmist pronounceth him blessed to whom the LORD imputeth not sinne Psal. 32.2 a sinne not imputed is as not committed as Merchants when they will forgive a debt put it not into the reckoning and so do not impute it GOD himselfe saith I will forgive their iniquities and I will remember their sinne no more Ier. 31.34 the latter clause expounds the former to forgive is to remember no more that is never to call that to account which was once remitted Thus GOD blotteth out our sinnes that they condemne us not Putteth them away that they hurt us not Casteth them behind his backe as though he regarded them not And into the Sea that they drowne us not Covers them that they appeare not Doth not impute them as though they were not Forgetteth them so that he punisheth them not All the blessings in the new Covenant are given with remission of sinnes When GOD forgives a mans sinnes then hee gives him all other things Sanctification and whatsoever else as we see at large Ezek. 36.26 The LORD there after he had promised to forgive all their sins hee saith hee will give them a new heart hee will cause them to walke in his waies and then hee comes with outward mercies too hee promiseth them deliverance from their enemies and other good things in the rest of the Chapter but all other things come in with remission of sinnes Acts 10.43 To him give all the Prophets witnesse that through his name we have remission of sinnes The Prophets gave witnesse concerning CHRIST of many other things besides remissâ—on of sins that we have in his name which wee have by him but all other things come with this GOD was in CHRIST reconciling the world to himselfe 2 Cor. 5.19 a marvellous great mercy it consists in this that their sinnes were not imputed The priviledges of the new Covenant are chained together Whom hee hath predestinated them also hee called and whom he called them
of GOD. David Psal. 40.3 shewes another meanes whereby GOD doth stirre up this grace in his people viz. the beholding of GODS mercy on others saying And he hath put a new song in my mouth even praise unto our GOD many shall see it and feare and shall trust in the LORD They shall feare thee as long as the Sunne and Moone endure throughout all generations Psal. 72.5 They shall feare the GOD of Israel Esay 29.23 They shall feare the LORD and his goodnesse in the latter daies Hos. 3.5 GOD hath made promises to free his people from servile feares Iob 11.15 Psal. 112.7 8. Prov. 1.33 Promises to Feare 1. Great and everlasting mercy is promised to those that feare GOD. As the heaven is high above the earth so great is his mercy toward them that feare him Psal. 103.11 The mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that feare him verse 17. O how great is thy goodnesse which thou hast laid up for them that feare thee Psal. 31.19 2. Such as feare GOD are accepted of him Act. 10.35 He taketh pleasure in them Psal. 147.11 Mal 3.16 17. The Sunne of righteousnesse shall rise up to such Mal. 4.2 GOD will teach them in the way that they should choose Psal. 25.12 13 14. Hee will fulfill their desire Psal. 145.19 3. They shall not want There is no want to them that feare the LORD Psal. 34 9 Psal. 111.5 4. The Angell of the LORD encâ—mpeth round about them and delivereth them Psal. 34.7 5. Their daies shall be prolonged Pro. 10.27 Pro. 19.23 Pro. 22.4 and they shall be rewarded Pro. 13.13 6. Those that feare the LORD are pronounced blessed Blessed is the man that feareth GOD Psal. 112.1 2. Hee will blesse them that feare the LORD both small and great Psal. 115.13 Happy is the man that feareth alway Pro. 28.14 He that feareth the LORD is and shall be every way blessed Psal. 128.1 4. The reward of eternall life shall be given them Rev. 11.18 8. Obedience Promises 1. Of Obedience GOD will make us able to obey GOD doth promise in the New Covenant to enable us to walke in his statutes and keepe his Ordinances and doe them Ezek. 11.19 20. the like is repeated Ezek. 36.27 37.24 And thou shalt returne and obey the voice of the LORD and doe all his Commandements which I command thee this day Deut. 30.8 The like promise is Hos. 14.9 The waies of the LORD are right and the iust shall walkâ— in them GOD hath sworne that wee shall serve him Luke 1.72 74. Promises 2. To Obedience The Scriptures are full of promises to Obedience True and faithfull obedience bringeth all manner of blessings for body and soule for name and estate yea and for seede and posterity also All these blessings shall come on thee and overtake thee if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy GOD Deut. 28.1 2. to 14. 1. All in generall all these blessings shall overtake thee 2. Every one in particular as is shewed in the verses following Particular promises made to Obedience 1. Holy and Christian security Levit. 25.18 19. 26.3 5 6. Pro. 1.33 Iob 11.13 15 19. 1 Chron. 28.7 2. Sufficiencie of outward things nay plenty Deut. 28. Levit 25.18 19 21. 26.3 4 5 10. GODS blessing on the creatures Exod. 23.25 3. Prosperity and a blessing also on their seed Iob 36.11 Esay 48.17 Deut. 6.17 18 24. This is often iterated almost in every Chapter in Deuteronomie and in divers verses of some one Take heede and doe according to all that I command you that it may be well with you and with your children for ever Deut. 4.40 Deut. 5.29 33. Deut. 6.2 3 18 24. Deut. 12.28 GOD will shew mercy unto thousands of them that love him and keepe his Commandements Deut. 5.10 Exod. 20.6 4. Freedome from diseases Exod. 15.26 and deliverance out of trouble Deut. 4.30 31. 5. GODS love and presence If yee will obey my voice indeed and keepe my Covenant then yee shall be a peculiar treasure unto mee above all people Exod. 19.5 And I will set my Tabernacle amongst you and I will walke among you Levit. 26.11 12. 6. Victory over enemies Deut. 6.19 Deut. 11.22 23. Deut. 28.7 Levit. 26.7 8. 7. Audience of their suites and acceptance of their persons If my words abide in you yee shall aske what yee will and it shall be done unto you Iohn 15.7 Our obedience is an acceptable sacrifice to GOD offered up in CHRIST Gen. 4.7 Levit. 26.9 Acts 10.35 8. Perseverance If you keepe my Commandements yee shall abide in my love Iohn 15.10 9. Blessednesse and eternall salvation Blessed are they that keepe iudgement and hee that doth righteousnesse at all times Psal. 106.3 See Pro. 8.32 29.18 Luke 11.28 Iohn 13.17 Rom. 2.10 Iames 1.25 Rev. 22.14 He became the Author of eternall salvation unto all them that obey him Heb. 5.9 A promise 1. To willing obedience If yee be willing and obedient yee shall eate the good of the Land Esay 1.19 2. Promisâ—s to generall obedience Then shall I not be ashamed when I have respect unto all thy Commandements Psal. 119.6 Yee are my Friends if yee doe whatsoever I command you Iohn 15.14 9. Repentance Promises 1 of it Acts 5.31.2 to it Acts 2.31 2 Cor. 3.16 Ier. 4.1 Ezek. 33.15 16. In it are handled 1. Confession of sin 2. Mourning for it 3. Killing of it 4. Turning from it 1. Confession of sinne To true Confession of sinne are promised Remitting of it purging from it and mercy If wee confesse our sinnes hee is faithfull and iust see the certainty of this promise to forgive us our sinnes and to cleanse us from all unrighteousnesse See the extent and largenesse of this promise 1 Ioh. 1.9 Cum homo agnoscit Deus ignoscit saith Austin Hee that confesseth and forsaketh his sinnes shall have mercy Pro. 28.13 If we would iudge our selves we should not be iudged 1 Cor. 11.31 Jer. 3.12 13. Hee looketh upon men and if any say I have sinned and perverted that which was right and it profited mee not He will deliver his soule from going downe into the pit and his life shall see the light Iob 33.27 28. 2. Mourning for sinne Promises 1. Of godly sorrow GOD promiseth in the New Covenant to take away the stony heart out of their flesh that is the stony hardnesse which was in their heart before and to give them a heart of flesh that is a soft and tender heart to tremble at GODS judgements beleeve his promises and obey his Commandements You shall looke on him whom you have pierced and you shall mourne for him as one mourneth for his onely Sonne and be in bitternesse for him as one that is in bitternesse for his first-borne Zach. 12.10 See Ezek. 20.43 36.31 If thou complainest of a hard heart
the streets of Ierusalem Zach 85. and that they should have liberty to invite and enteâ—taine eitâ—er other Zach. 3 10. Ier. 31.20 1 Tim. 4.8 Let us resolve to be Gods and enter into Covenant with him Iosh 24.14 Nehem. 5.13 Nehem 9. 2 King 23.3 2 Chron 3â— 31 2 Chron. 15.12 is a speciall place there was a Covenant yea an oath upon the Covenant a Bond upon a Bond Psal. 119.106 1 Ioh. 4.19 God bestowes himselfe on that man that in true desire would have God for his God M. Harris * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 garbage and filth that is throwne out to dogges Ignatius that holy Martyr called Christ his love my Love saith he was Crucified 2 Sam. 7.18.19 Abbot his Geography and Grimston Gods covenant with his people is a covenant of mercy therefore these two are often joyned together in Scripture 1 King 8.23 Dan. 94. and elsewhere 1. Mercy induced God to make it 2 He administers this Covenant with a great deale of mercy 1 accepting a little 2 giving that little 3 passing by many provocations Psal. 31.1 9. Psal. 36.7 8 9. Psal. 74.20 94.14 Phil. 4.6 Psal. 119.125.176 Amos 3.2 Rom. 2.9 In the preface to the Commandements this is premised to provoke their subjection to the whole Law I am the LORD thy GOD Exod. 20. and againe Levit 18.1 5. I am the LORD your GOD yee shall therefore doe my iudgements and keepe my ordinances and this was the reason of the peoples resolution in Ioshua's time 24 17 8. For the LORD is our GOD c. therfore will we also serve the LORD for he is our GOD. Psal. 32.10 Iob 1.10 * He saith not saith Theoâ—lores a wall of stone or of brasse but of fire that it may both fray a faiâ—e of and keepe of toe at hand that it may not onely protect them but destroy their enemies Non saxeâ— non aheneus sed igneus qui comminus arecat eminus terreat Ezra 8.22 31 Gen. 32. God will be with his in the fire as he was with the three children and in the water as he was with Moses and Ionah * By floods of waters the Scriptures metaphorically expresse great dangers and violent troubles Psal. 42.7 Rev. 1â— 15 Esay 59.19 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nocumenta documenta Schola crucis schola lucis Detrimenta Corporum incrementa virtutum Gregory Psal 119.75 Esay 10.25 26 20. Ch. 54.7 8. Chap 57.16 Hos. 6.2 Heb 10.37 1 Pet. 1.6 5.10 God hath the wisdome of a Father and the bowels of a Mother Ier. 31.21 A child never sits so much on his mothers lap and in her bosome as when sick so the Spouse being sick of love that is in some misery Christ stayeth her with flâ—gons comforts her with apples his left hand is under her head and his right hand doth embrace her Cant. 2.5 6. Afflictions are sanctified to the godly Qui excipitur à numero flagellaâ—oruÌ„ exelpitur à numero siliorum He that â—scapes his aâ—fliction may suspect his adoptioÌ„ Deus unicum habet silium sine peccato nullum sine stagello Rev. 3.19 * 2 Cor. 4.17 Who can shew a richer and fuller expression in Tully or Demosthenes then is in the Greeke where there is both an elegant Antithesis and double hyperbole beyond englishing Iam. 1.2 Deut. 8.2 3 16. That one v. 35. of 11. of Daniel And some of them of understanding shall fall to try them and to purge and to make them white sheweth that these were the three chiefe ends of their afflictions 1. To try what drosse of corruption what sound mettall of grace was in them 2. To purge out the corruption which was yet found remaining in them 3. To make them more beautifull and shining in grace God afflicts his people that they might trust in Him Zeph. 3.12 Hos. 5 15. Psal. 107.6 13 19. Esay 26.16 Psal. 73.23 2 Cor 7.3 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed a refuge in time of trouble Psal. 9.9 See v. 18 Psal. 46.1 2 3 Vnto the upright there ariseth light in darknesse Psal. 11â— 4 that is comfort in afflictions Heb. 12.5 Psal. 37.39 40. Mal 3.3 Esay 30.18 Numeri definiti pro indefinitis Faith looketh unto God and acknowledgeth his hand in all afflictions Amos 3.6 and this will caâ—se patience 1 Sam. 3.18 Psal. 39 19. Iob 1.21 Hos. 6.1 God hath made a sweeâ—e promise of giving liberally even wisdome to behave our selves under the crosse if we aske it Iam. 1.4 5. See Ier. 33 2. Lam. 3.39 40. Iob 11.14 * It may be understood either as a precept Leâ— him not make hast or as a promise He shall not make haste * Prayer of the Saints in time of afflictions can doe more then all the witches in the world can doe to whom divellish minded people seeke in their troubles for they can but set the Divels awork but prayer will set God aworke S Ierome saith it was a proverbe among the Hebrews God will help us in the Mount Gen 2â— 14 and it is an english proverbe mans extremity is Gods opportunity Ibi incipit auxilium divinum ubi deficiâ— humanum Psal. 61.2 3. Psal. 27.10 1. To prevent sicknesse Pro 3.25 2. To helpe in sicknesse 3. To take it away Iob 5 18. Mat. 6.33 * The good that comes by the promise is a more sure compleate and comfortable good Iob 21.7 8. Ier. 12.1 2. Psal. 73.12 God will either supply the wants of his children or inable them to beare them as he taught Paul how to want Phil. 4.12 Gen. 15 1. Hab. 3 17 18 At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh Iob. 5 22. God will not leave his in famine but will then relieve them as he did the widdow of Zarâ—phâ—ah Esay 41.17 18. Levit. 25.44 This promise Deut. 30. â— was performed by Christ Luke 4 18. Ephes. 4.8 Psal. 22.24 Psal. 140.12 Exod. 22.23 Deut. 10.8 14.29 24.20 Thou arâ— good and dost good Psal 119.68 Ier. 32 41. The Lord undertakes not only by single promise but by Covenant to furnish his people with all needfull blessings pertaining to this life Râ— good Mat. 6.33 Exod. 19 5. Psal. 91.14 Deut 28 1. Esay 58.14 Psal. 14â— 18 Iob 36.7 If any man serve mee him will my Father honour Ioh. 12 26. His borne shall be exalted with honâ—ur Psal. 113.9 He raiseth up the poore out of the dust and liftâ—th the needy out of the dunghill thâ—s he may 〈◊〉 him with Princes Psal 113.7 8 Deut. 28.13 Many shall make store unto thee Iobâ—1 â—1 19. Exod. 20 1â— He that followeth afteâ— righteousnes as a man followeth a trade shall finde honour and life true honour and eternall life Pro. 21.21 See Esay 65.20 22. Psal 91 16. Psal. 1â—8 6 Iob 5.26 Psal. 121.3 An example hereof we have in David 1 Sam 306. Psal. 8 2. Ier 46.27 Micah 4.4 Promises to peaceable men or peace-makers Mat. 5 9. Iam 3 16. 1 Cor. 9.6
Pro. â—1 23 Esay 60 17 * Pestican Osiaâ—der Iuniâ—a Vatabluâ— Lorinus Cornelius a Lap. doe understand this promise touching the generall blessing of 〈◊〉 and plenty to this people in this land whilest they walked in obedience to Gods Commandements so Amos 9.13 * Ps. 135.11 12. 136 21 22. We have excellent examples of this in Iacob Gen. 30 17 Ioseph Gen. 39 2 5. Hezekiah 2 ChroÌ„â—1 â—1 21. David Psal. 23 See Ier. 33. â— Hosea 14.5 Deut. 29.9 Deut. 28.8 12. Deut. 30.9 Two Promises to tillage Heb. 13.5 Thou shall eate the labour of thy hand Psal. 1.8.2 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked Psal. 37.16 Book III Rev. 3. â— Et quam sortem patiuntur omnes ferre nemo recusat 1 Pet. 5.9 God will make his grace sufficient for us 2 Cor. 12.9 Heb 2 14.1â— a Idem hortatur ut pugnemus adiuvat ut vincamus deficientes sublevat vincentes ceronat b If GOD leade them inâ—o temptation he will deliver them from evill Mat. 6.13 c The Divel is a Lyon so is Christ and that of the Tribe of Iudah there is a Lyon for a Lyon courage for courage the Divell is a Serpent so Christ called himselfe the brazen Serpent theâ—e is a Serpent for a Serpent wisdome for wisedome d Psal â—0 12 1 Pet. 1.5 kept with all care as a garrison is kept e Mat. 16 1â— Portarum appellatime urbes con silio pro pugnaâ—uâ—â— munitas intelligimus iâ— quicquid vel consilio vel viribus potest Satan Beza in locum An example of which promise we have in S. Stephen Act. 6.9 10. Ex 4 11 12 Psal. 8.2 The Apostles were persecuted for preaching the Gospell Act. 4.3 3. others for beleeving and professing the Gospell Act 9.2 Daniel was cast into the Lyons den for praying unto God Dan 6.10 and Christ was persecuted for doing works of mercy Mat. 3. â— * Occidi possumus vinci non possamus 2 Thess. 1.6 The very kind and cause of the aâ—fliction should be an argument of great consolation Iam. 1.2 Psal. 69 7 9 10. Act. 5 41. Scurtilities and odious nick-names in this kinde are so many honourable badges of thy Christian magnanimity and at the throne of Christ will be certainely reputed as characters of speciall honour and remembrances of thy worthy service Bolton Esay 16 1â— Esay 43. c. 2. Esay 44.2 Luk. 12.32 Rev. 2.10 Act. 16.25 An excellent example of this we have in Iob 46 10 1â— * Which is termed by S. Augustine the best and greatest usury Ioh 12 25 Rev. 14 13 Qâ—i moriuntur Domini ciusa id est propter Dominum Beza 1 Pet. 4 16. 2 Pet. 1.4 * There are five negatives together in the Originall that strongly affirme as if hee should say tell thee I will never forsake thee I tell thee I will never forsake thee and so five times We are to pray that every thing which causeth offence in the Church may be removed for which we have an expresse promise Mat. 13 41. * El the strong God Deuâ— fortâ— a. Trâ—melliuâ— renders it * As â—03 Psal. 8 the same Hebrew word is used and should be so translated iniquity that is originall corruption transgression that is actuall rebellion sin that is sin of custome God will passe by our meere frailties There is no god like unto him for passiâ—g by transgressions Micah 7.18 Dan. 9.9 Psal. 1â—0 3 4. 1 Ioh. 2 1 2. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the same word iâ— used Luk. 10 40. Est metaphora ab oneribus sumpta quae utrinque admotis manibus sublevantur Beza Esay 55 7 8 9 * Thou canst not commit more then God can remit Thy sins are but the sins of men his mercies are the mercies of an Infinite God In Christs Kingdome the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the eares of the deafe shall be unstopped 2 Cor. 3.16 Ioh. 9 39. 12.46 Returne yee 〈…〉 and I will heale youâ— bâ—ckeslâ—dinâ—s Ier. 3 2â— See 12 13 1â— verses Psal. 103 3. Ier. 31.9 Psal. 29.11 * Mark the gradation they shall walke they shall run they shall flie yea as an Eagle Esay 57 15. Mat. 5.6 Rev. 3 8 9 10 * God acceâ—â—s affecting for aâ—â—eâ—ting willing for working desires for deedâ— purposes for performances pence for pounds Dyke Examples are many in Scripture Geâ— 2â— 16 17 Reb. 11.17 1 Chron. 17 10 11 12 Luke 21.3 * Pro 15.8 The best gold must have his allowance of such graines so the best Christian must have some allowance imperfection cleaâ—eâ— to him he can not do all perfectly for then what needâ— the Covenant of grace Col. 3.24 Ier 31.12 25 Rom 11.29 Accipit suum remittituum God accepts that which is his and forgives that which is thine Micah 7 18 Rom. 9 11. Mat. 25 23 24. 2 Tim 2 19. Singula veâ—ba poâ—duâ— habem certitudo haec nititur â— sundamento 2 non quocunque sed sirmo 3 non hominu sed Dei 4 non vacillanâ—e sâ—d stante iâ—lque oâ—signato â—dque notitia Dei non siâ—plâ—â—u satum inspectionâ— sed disceâ—nenâ—e sum a non sun O. Prideaux 1 Pet. 1.5 Kept by the guard of Gods power untâ— salvation Phil. 4.7 Keepe with a guard as Kings are kept Ps. 132.11 Our assurance is not in oâ—r selâ—e bâ—t in Chriâ—t as we laâ— hold of Man so he faâ—â— holdeâ—h uâ— and as he hath prayed that our faith faile not us so neither will he let go his hold Ioh 10 27 28 29 Heb 7 25 Phil â— 7. S. Austen saith A mighty man will not loose that which hee hath bought for his money and will Chriâ—â— loose â—hâ—t which He hath bought with his blood Esay 59.21 1 Cor 3.16 The nature of a seale is to make things sure Dan 6.8 Mat 27.66 a writing in firme amongst men when the seale is put to it Zach 10.12 Iohn 8.12 2 Sam. 7 14 15. The booke of Psalmes is full of â—heâ—e comfortable promises Psal. 1 3. 9.10.18 Ps 112.6.19 73.24 â—6 Ps. 103.17 145.14 Ps. 8â— 33 Ioh. 6.35 37 51 53. 5.24 Act 3 26. The faithfull that they may have comfort against their corruptions must by beholding the promiseâ— flie unto Christ and cleaâ—e the faster to Him Rom. 7 25. Phil. 3.9 Psal. 51.1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 See 2 Sam. 24.4 His mercies are greater many Spare me O God according to the greatnes or multitude of thy mercy Neh. 13 22. * Psal. 130 8 Comforts to those that want or have lost the meanes of knowledge their teachers are taken from them In our spirituall barrennesse lamenâ—ed See 1 2. verses Luther confesseth of himselfe that after his conversion he lay three yeares in desparation Non deserit etiamsi deserere videatur non deserit etiamsi deserat Austen Esay 57.18 19. Blessed are all they that waite for him Esay 30.18 For spirituall blessings in Generall Ephes. 13. he hath blessed