the Promiser 3. Are you taking 〈◊〉 light to entertain fellowship and commâ—â— on with the Promiser Is this true Wâ— went you to your prayers but ye wearâ—ere ye went away And have ye a hâ—â— account of the Promiser Is not that 〈◊〉 language of your hearts O when shall 〈◊〉 Sabbath be over and when shall the new 〈◊〉 be gone that I may pursue after my Idols would pose you with this if there were eye to take notice of you would you 〈◊〉 flight secret prayer would you not sliâ—â— Family Prayer We love not to serve â—â—sus Christ I know there are atheists heâ— that would love to go to heaven withâ—â— Faith Love Prayer and Repentance thâ— would love to go to heaven by a way tâ—â— never one went before them And now shall say but this one word to you that 〈◊〉 the heirs of the promise and have the bleâ—â— expectation of heaven what ever the woâ—â— do esteem ye highly of him O rememâ—â— and comfort your selves in the thoughts 〈◊〉 the blessed day which Christ after he haâ—â— past the sentence of condemnation upon 〈◊〉 wicked shall go in upon the head of 〈◊〉 Troups of the first born he shall walk before us through the Ports of the New 〈◊〉 rusalem having Crowns of Immortal Gâ—â— upon his head and then shall follow 〈◊〉 Him His Angels and then shall follow 〈◊〉 Him the blessed company of the first 〈◊〉 every one having the Harps of God in 〈◊〉 â—and and they shall be singing as they enter 〈◊〉 through the Ports of the City Hallelujah unto him that was devd and is alive and now liveth for evermore O to believe that day when first we shall all enter in through the streets of the New Jerusalem when we shall be cloathed in white robes having Crowns upon our head O such a day if it were believed might it make us often shake our glasse and streach out our necks as the word is Rom. 8.19 till once we saw that blessed day were approaching to us There is no wearying in heaven the promises are now accomplished unto them and they are inheriting the promises When shall that word be accomplished or when shall we have occasion to say it Mark 1.37 Behold all men seek after thee the word that these Disciples spake to Christ O study to love him study to believe on him for be perswaded he is upon his way And I shall say no more but this that as all the promises that are within the bounds of this everlasting Covenant they are yea and Amen in an imbraced Christ and laid hold on by faith so I say all the curses that are in Deut. 26.27 28. and all the curses that are within the volumn of the Book of this Covenant they shall be yea and Amen in a despised Christ and not laid hold upon by faith SERMON III. 2 Pet. 1.4 Whereby are given unâ—â— us exceeding great and precious prâ—mises that by these you might 〈◊〉 partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption thâ— is in the world through lust SOmetimes the soul of a Christian dotâ— move in the paths of God and in thâ— wayes towards Zion as the chariots 〈◊〉 Aminadab when they are under the souâ— enliving and quickening influences of heaven and sometimes the soul of a Christian dotâ— move in those blessed paths as Pharaohs châ—riots they drive most heavily when there 〈◊〉 a cloud between the precious face of Chriâ— and them and we conceive that sound anâ— spiritual exercise of Faith upon the Promises would make a Christians motioâ— more swift towards heaven We grant Chriâ— hath three different wayes of guiding soâ— and daughters to Glory there are some thâ— Christ carrieth to heaven in a chariot paâ—â— with love that all alongs their life they 〈◊〉 living within sight of that promised 〈◊〉 and are taken up with the refreshing 〈◊〉 tastes of the heavenly joyes such a one 〈◊〉 Henoch who spent his dayes in walking 〈◊〉 God there are some that Christ guidâ—â—â— heaven in a chariot that is drawn with speckâ—ed horses they have mixed dispensations of forrow and joy attending them in their walk they have a winter and a summer they have a night and a day and such a one was Job 3. There are some that Christ carryeth to Heaven in a fiery chariot that all alongs their life they are under distracting terrours of the most High and are living perpetually to their own apprehensions upon the borders of hell and such a one was Heman whom Christ thus did guide to heaven however if we shall go there we need not much dispute the way how we came for he doth all things well And upon the other part Satan hath three different wayes of guiding souls unto everlasting torment there are some that Satan carryeth to hell in a chariot of delusions making them believe that they are still going to heaven and such are the hypocrites in Sion and I shall say I think that chariot was never so filled as it is in those dayes O fear that anxious disappointment that many of you it is like will meet with An hypocrite he hath strong hopes he hath strong idols and he hath strong delusions these are his three attendants And there are some that Satan carryeth to hell in a chariot of profanity and ignorance of God whose judgement goeth before hand and they are known that they are going there And there are some that Satan carryeth to hell in a chariot of civility whose Religion stands in thiâ— â—â—â—cerning the letter of the Law to be blameleâ—â— And certainly believing of the promisâ— and studying to exercise faith upon them that which might prevent many of thâ— damnable soul destroying and murderâ— delusions that are within some of our breaâ—â— There are three things in Scripture that aâ— called precious Christ he is called precionâ— 1 Pet. 2.7 Faith is called precious 2 Pâ—â— 1.1 To you that are partakers of the liâ—precious faith with us and the Promises thâ— are called precious in the words that 〈◊〉 have read and Faith as it were haâ— two blessed eyes by one of these it behoâ—eth Christ and by another of these it 〈◊〉 holdeth the promises and fixeth it self upon them O Christians and expectants of heâ—ven would ye know what is the rise of 〈◊〉 the sad things that have befallen you in theâ— dayes It is this in short ye believe not thâ— promises O Christians what is the reasâ— that ye carry not your crosses with patienâ— it is because ye believe not the promises 〈◊〉 which your soul must be upholden in thâ— day of your affliction O Christian whâ— is the rise of your little mortification 〈◊〉 it not because ye believe not the promiseâ— for by them ye should be made partakers 〈◊〉 the divine nature O Christian what is thâ— ground that ye pray so little and that yâ—â— pray with so little successe It is becaâ—â— ye believe not the promises A Chrisâ— when he goeth to pray he should take thâ—â— two things
the fulness that is in Christ Faith is that noble correspondent between that weaknesse that is in us and that eâ—erlasting strength that is in him Therefore there are two noble and excellent counsels of Faith First It counsels us not to lean to our own strength And secondly to have our recourse unto him whose Name is Jehovah that everlasting strength Anâ—â— doubt if we were more taken up in impâ—â—ing Christ by faith that prophesie should accomplished I will make the feeble one David and David as the Angel of God 〈◊〉 when a Christiian is most diffident in himâ—â— then God should prove himself to be Almiâ—â—ty and All-sufficient And 4. Faiths influence may be cleaâ—â— in this that it layeth hold upon the pâ—â—mises and doth believe them and believâ—ing of the promise bringeth forth that noâ—â—â— birth conformity to God according to thâ— word upon which we were speaking 2 Pâ—â— 1.4 by believing the promises that is the advantage of it We are by them made partâ—kers of the divine nature 5. Faith also believeth the threatnings that are past in Scripture against sin and the believing them hath an undoubted and strong influence upon the attaining and growth of Sanctification Faith strengtheneth a Christian against the committing of iniquity with these two words that word Rom. 6.20 O soul saith faith commit not iniquity for the wages of sin is death and that word Rev. 21. last There shall in no way enter into that City any thing that is unclean or that committeth iniquity And be perswaded of it that the faith of the threatnings and of the promises that are in Scripture would be as a threefold cord not easily broken to restraâ—â— you from the acting of iniquity And shall I sell you briefly the ground why these cursâ— hearts of ours doth commit iniquity wiâ—â— so little fear and with so much delight it is even this because we believe not the threatnings of God which shall be accomplished in their own season for is it possible that if ye believed that word Rev. 21. last That nothing shall enter into the New Jerusalem that defileth or worketh abominations or that maketh a lie that ye durst for a world adventure upon the committing of iniquity as ye do And I shall onely say to such that do undervalue the threatnings of God the day is coming when they shall be constrained to cry out He hath spoken it and he hath done it and faithfull is he there is not one jot nor title in the Word of the Lord that shall fal to the ground And believe it God will be faithfull in the accomplishment of his threatnings as he is faithfull in the accomplishment of his promises 6. Faith discovereth unto a Christian the noble excellencies and those spiritual dignities that are in that everlasting estate that is provided for the Saints in light Faith as it were carrieth up the soul to the top of Pisgah off which it is admitted to behold the promised land and truely the seeing of these noble things that are provided for the Saints cannot but make them study holinesse since they know that there is an impossibility for one to attain to that estate without holinesse because he had said it Without holinesse no man shall see God O then if once ye saw heaven ye would be constrained to walk in that path of Sanctification since it is the glorious way by which ye must walk in through the gates of that blessed City Buâ— ye know not the excellency that is there iâ— is a fancy and notion unto you and that 〈◊〉 the ground that ye do not study to conform your selves unto that blessed image of God And I would only ask you this one question Is it possible that such a delusion as this can overtake you as to think that ye who never studied holinesse on earth shall yet enter in to heavens gates I know there are some that say in their hearts I shall have peace though I walk in the imaginations of my own heart and many more that suppose that they might fight and overcome that they may quite the estate of nature and be compleat in the estate of grace all in one day But why will ye deceive your selves Can a nation be born in one day Or is there but one step between hell and heaven O remember though nothing be impossible with God yet there was but one thief saved upon the crosse 7. Faith hath influence upon the attaining of holinesse in this respect That it believeth the exceeding great advantages that are promised unto the person that studieth holiness Faith believeth that word Matth. 5.8 Blessed are the poor in spirit for they shall see God Paith it layeth hold upon the truth of the excellent sayings and maketh the Christiaâ— endeavour to attain unto a likenesse and conformity with him that so he may be admitted to behold his face for all eternity and to be made like unto him 8. Faith discovereth unto Christians thâ— sinfulnesse of sin this is never done till once they be in the lively exercise of the grace of Faith And I will give you these three grounds why faith compleatly discovereth the sinfulnesse of sin 1. Faith letteth us see the Person against whom we commit this sin and that doth exceedingly aggrege sin for when the Christian is admitted to behold God and to see that matchlesse excellency that is in him then saith he what a beast was I to offend such a glorious Majesty as He What a fool was I to kick against the pricks or to enter in the lists with such an infinite God 2. Faith letteth a Christian see these excellent obligations of love that Christ hath imposed upon us Faith letteth us see the ancient and everlasting love of Christ Faith is that grace that letteth us see his sufferings Faith letteth us see all that he hath done for us and this maketh the Christian to cry out Do I thus requite the Lord O foolish one and unwise And no doubt if a Christian were more taken up in the study of this duty he would be lesse in contracting debt and were you but seriously taken up in the study of these two great Registers 1. The Register in which all the infinit acts of love are recorded And 2. That Register in which all your acts of offending precious Christ are written ye would be astonished and ashamed to see so much forgiven you and durst not sin any more there ye would see infinite â—ency desiring to rejoyce over judgement and â—here ye would see the spotlesse riches of â—hat transcendent grace that is in Christ 3. Faith letteth a Christian see the disadvâ— tages of sin and what wofull effects doth 〈◊〉 low upon it and this doth exceedingly hoâ— forth the sinfulnesse of sin The second thing that we shall speak concerning Faiths influence in the attainâ—â— Sanctification shall be to enquire a little 〈◊〉 to these things that hinder even Believâ— from attaining this blessed effect of thâ— Faith for
from this point 〈◊〉 that if the seeking after assurance be so necessary a duty then let me beseech you to poâ—der with your selves what means are fit 〈◊〉 you to use that ye may attain it and if ye 〈◊〉 quire what these means are I shall only 〈◊〉 before you some few 1. That ye would be much in the exercâ—â— of Faith I mean the direct acts of Faith 〈◊〉 whereby the sinner from his sense and feâ—â—ing of his wants layeth hold on Jesus Chrisâ— closing with him and leaning upon him 〈◊〉 a full supply out of his fulnesse for indeed there are two great faults amongst the Lord people some do seek assurance of Faith before ever they seek to have faith 2. Some 〈◊〉 much more taken up in debating their â—â—dences whether they be real or not then they are instrengthening their evidences so that most of their time is spent in questioning O! is this a real evidence of assurance where as more actual believing in Christ and gripping to the promises and lesse disputing were the shorter and surer way that word is most clear Eph. 1.13 After ye believed ye were sealed with the spirit of promise that is ye got assurance but not before ye believed and ye know it is said Matth. 9.2 And when Jesus saw their faith he said son be of good comfort thy sins are forgiven thee so then it is clear that to be much in believing is the nearest way to assurance 2. Ye would be much in believing the general truths and promises of the Gospel and frequently meditating of them all assurance is by a practical sylogisme the first proposition whereof must needs be a Scripture truth And certainly the firm assent to that truth and the souls delightfull meditation on it is often blessed of the Lord as a special mean whereby the conscience is helped to make the assumption and also to bring forth the conclusion For instance we see with what strength of affection Paul acteth his faith on that word 1 Tim. 1.15 This is a faithfull saying and worthy of all acceptation Christ Jesus came to save sinners and presently we see what followeth on it of whom I am the chief then is his assurance for doubtlesse he meaneth that he was the chief of saved sinners yea certainly a sinner thus exercising himself will often finde so much sweetnesse in the general truths 〈◊〉 cannot but put to his own name 3. diligent in the exercise of all spâ—â—tual graces and Christian duties that thâ— among the best means of attaining to 〈◊〉 rance is manifest from 2 Pet. 1. Give all 〈◊〉 â—ance to make your calling and election sure 〈◊〉 â—ndeed it is very observable that the diligâ—â— there mentioned is not a diligence in dispâ—â—ing and questioning about our election 〈◊〉 diligence in the practice of duties and graâ—â— as is clear from ver 5. Give all diligence 〈◊〉 the Apostle Whereto in adding to your 〈◊〉 vertue to your vertue knowledge and to knowledge temperance c. and then vers 8. If 〈◊〉 do these things ye shall neither be barren 〈◊〉 unfruitfull in the knowledge of our Lord Jesuâ— Christ he doth not say in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ simply but of our Loâ—â— Jesus importing that that the result of diligence in these graces shall be the knowledge of Christ as ours and of our intereâ—â— in him and then he addeth upon the other hand he that laketh these things is blind 〈◊〉 cannot see afar off this is he cannot see far 〈◊〉 any spiritual matter and so not in the mattâ—â— of his interest O therefore think not thâ— ye will get assurance by lying down with 〈◊〉 sleggard upon your bed or by your forâ—â— prayers or your anxious debates but if evâ—â— ye come to assurance ye must be striving 〈◊〉 in an agony for so the word importeth whiâ—â— is used to expresse our diligence in Christian duties 4. As ye would be diligent so if eveâ— would come to assurance ye would be tender and circumspect in your walking that is 〈◊〉 clear word Psal 50. last verse To him that â—â—dereth his conversation aright will I shew â—he salvation of God and Isa 32. The effect of righteousnesse is peace and assurance for ever â—h the untender walk that many of us have it is no wonder to see us walk in darknesse â—uch stinking grosse vapors that ariseth off our conversation cannot but engender clouds â—hat hinder us from seeing God and certainly such pearls as Assurance is not given to dogs and swine lest they tread upon them SERMON VIII 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether ye be in the faith prove your own selves know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates THere are two great ballances into which men do weight themselves there are some that weight themselves in the ballance of deceit who â—hink that in all their labours there is no iniâ—uiâ—y to be found yet God who is the weigher â—f the spirit when he shall weigh them will â—â—grave this upon their forehead Thou art â—eighed in the ballance and are found light 〈◊〉 but there are many who approve themselves whom Christ shall never approâ— There are many that call God Father 〈◊〉 he will not call Children and many thâ—â— Christ Husband whom he will not call 〈◊〉 2. There are some who weigh themselve in the ballance of the Sanctuary who 〈◊〉 so lide and most spiritual grounds do 〈◊〉 this conclusion I am my beloveds and 〈◊〉 desire is towards me who can with boldnâ—â—â— and confidence look Christ in the face 〈◊〉 say thou art mine and with much spiriâ—â—â— confidence take him in their arms and 〈◊〉 out he shall be eternally mine and 〈◊〉 there is not a more pleasant life than to 〈◊〉 taking him every day in our arms and to 〈◊〉 crying out am I not made up in him am I noâ— made up in him Before I come to the words there 〈◊〉 three great and most soul concerning errouâ— amongst the Christians of these dayes thâ—â— we desire ye may consider 1. There 〈◊〉 many that are more desirous to know whâ— they are then what they should do thâ—â— are some are more taken up to know whâ—ther they be justified and sanctified then 〈◊〉 be indeed justified and sanctified and theâ— are more desirous to know if they be 〈◊〉 Christ then indeed to be in him and therefore we finde many who do spend a greâ—â— deal more time disputing that question 〈◊〉 ther am I in Christ or not then they do 〈◊〉 using of these means by which real unâ—â— and communion with him may be attainâ—â— But oh will ye once study more to be in 〈◊〉 and that shall be the shortest way to 〈◊〉 to the knowledge of your being in him Thâ— second great errour is that some are more desirous to know what they should do theâ— they are desirous to do what they know 〈◊〉 Are there not many of us that have this question Wherewith shall
make the smell of Christs Garments pleasant to the soul and it will make the kisses of His Mouth pleasant to the soul O saith the assured Christian there is nothing of Châ—ist but it is most pleasant and is all desires 〈◊〉 His Threatnings are pleasant they are the wounds of a friend and His kisses are pleasant they are better then wine His Name iâ— is pleasant it is as precious ointment powred Forth His smellings are most delightsomeâ— whâ—se countenance is as Lebanon excellent 〈◊〉 the cedars O to imbrace a married Christ how pleasant is it to the soul What makeâ—â—â— you to have so low thoughts of Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this the want of assurance that He 〈◊〉 your Husband Thirdly Assurance will make the Christian patiently to submit to every crosse and sad dispensation he meeteth with this is clear Heb. 10.34 They took with joy the spoiling of their goods and what made them do so They hoped for a better inheritance and a more induring substance I tell youâ— assurance it will answer all crosses with this Christ is mine when they are afflicted assurance will lift up its face and cry out Christ it mine and when they are reproached they will comfort themselves with this Christ iâ— mine I can put on the Lord Jesus Fourthly Assurance will keep you from apostacy and defection from Christ 2 Pet. 1.10 Make your calling and election sure and if ye do this saith he ye shall never fall Heb. 3.11 12. It is there set down as a fruit of the evil heart of misbelief it maketh us depart from the living God but on the contrary assurance knitteth the soul to Christ by a threefold cord which is not easily broken Believe it the assured Christian can cry out with much confidence of faith My moutain standeth strong I shall never be moved the assured Christian 〈…〉 out with much chearfulnesse In God 〈◊〉 I praise his word in God have I put my trust I will not be afraid what flesh can do unto me yea he can sweetly sing in the very mouth of danger The Lord is my light 〈◊〉 salvation Whom shall I fear the Lord is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid Psal 27.1 Fifthly Assurance keepeth all the 〈◊〉 of the spirit green and flourishing it is 〈◊〉 refreshing dew upon our branches whiâ—â— maketh every grace sweetly to blossome 〈◊〉 its season 1. It stirreth up the exerciâ— of love O how vigorous are the actings 〈◊〉 love when a Christian can cry out My 〈◊〉 loved is mâ—ne and I am his Song 1.13 Mâ—beloved there is her assurance He is a bund 〈◊〉 of myrrhe and shall lye all night between 〈◊〉 breasts that is as long as time shall last I shall never have Christ out of my heart there is love 1 Joh 4.19 We loved him because he loved us first our hearts are naturally cold but love kindleth love the sense of his love to us putteth our hearts into a heavenly flame towards him again 2. Assurance keepeth up the exercise of prayer it is the assured Christian that can pray best and to best advantage and in these three things especially is prayer helped by assurance First It helpeth in the point of boldnesse O but the assured Christian can go boldly to the Throne of grace Crying Abba father and my Lord and my God Secondly It helpeth our diligence in prayer Psaâ— 63.1 O my God there is assurance early will I seek thee there is his diligence as the fruit thereof Thirdly It helpeth the fervency of prayer as in that same place my soul thirsteth for thee my flesh longeth for thee there is his fervency as another fruit of his assurance 3. Assurance keepeth In exercise and life the grace of mortification as is clear by comparing 2 Cor. 4. verse last with 2 Cor. 5.1 We look not after the things that are seen O Paul what aileth you may ye not take a look of the world O saith Paul and would ye know the ground of it We know if this house of this tabernacle were dissolved we have a house not made with hands eternally in the heavens my house and my treasure is in heaven I must have my heart there and my eyes also Would ye know what would stay your pursuit after the world study to have the assurance of your interest in Christ continually with you And 4. It keepeth in exercise the grace of humility there is nothing will keep a Christian so humble as assurance Gal. 2.20 I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me Eph. 3.8 there he is all in exalting grace and debasing himself It is the misbeliever and discouraged person that dwelleth nearest pride Believe it misbelief is big with childe of pride and apostacy these are the two children which that fruitful mother will bring forth And 5. it will help the grace of Repentance Would ye know what would make the Christian to repent it is even this to take Christ in our arms and call him ours Zech. 12.10 They shall look unto him that is there faith and they shall mourn as one mourneth for his only son I think it is known by experience the soul never weeps more tenderly under the conviction of sin then when he hath Christ in his arms and can say He is 〈◊〉 O how sweetly doth they 〈◊〉 complain there is not a fight of Chriâ—â— their own when they have offended bâ—â— breaketh all their heart in pieces and iâ— as a sword piercing into the bones wâ—â—â—ey cry out O what a fool was â— to offeâ—â—uch a precious One in whom I had so muâ—â—â—terest Was it not sense of interest thâ— made Mary wash the feet of Christ with hâ—â—ears Lastly It will keep in exercise thâ— grace of Joy 1 Pet. 1.8 It is faith whâ—t â—â—keth one to rejoyce with joy unspeakabâ—â—â—â—d full of glory Would ye know wâ—â—â—our graces are withered would ye knoâ—â—hy all the pleasant plants of God with◠〈◊〉 soul are decayed It is this ye live with 〈◊〉 sight of your interest in Christ believe i◠〈◊〉 so I may speak assurance will be a wâ—â— tering to your graces every morning and râ— fresh them every hour it being as a chanâ—â— through which divine influence is conveigâ—◠〈◊〉 to the increase of grace and especiall◠〈◊〉 joy â—he sixth advantage that cometh in to th◠〈◊〉 â—ian by assurance of his interest iâ— Christ is That it maketh death exceediâ—â— pleasant and comfortable to the soul whâ—â—◠〈◊〉 â—â—th douth the king of terrours and wh◠〈…〉 unto us Is it not this we 〈◊〉 〈…〉 under a cloud the assured 〈…〉 take death in his arms and cry 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 come O friend the assured Christiâ—◠〈◊〉 he seeth the chariots his father 〈◊〉 doth with old Jacob rejoyce 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 23 When I walk through the valley of â—â—e shaddâ—w of death I will fear no evil â—hat brought you that length David I tell â—on why saith he for God is with me ver 4. 〈◊〉 think I need not fear any thing when I â—ave God in my company It is the assured â—hristian that can cry out Why should I feaâ—â—eath should I not laugh at destruction I â—â—ink indeed the assured Christian needeâ—h â—ot fear death because death to him is the â—eath of all his lusts the funerall of all his â—orrows and is not the day of death his coâ—onation day his marriage day the day of â—is triumph and of his entering into rest and why then should he fear it The seventh advantage is That a Christiâ—n being in the state of assurance can put the â—ighest account upon the smallest mercy that â—e meets with from God the assured Chriâ—ian lookâ—th upon every mercy as a wonder 〈◊〉 is the assured Christian that cryeth out I 〈◊〉 lesse then the least of all thy mercies there 〈◊〉 not a mercy he meets with were it but a â—â—op of cold water but if he can read this â—n it that it came from my Husband and from â—y Father it will be better to him then the weerest wine Lastly Assurance doth exceedingly help 〈◊〉 to chearfulnesse in obedience O that is â—â—emaâ—kable connexion that Paul hath Act. â— 23 The Lord whose I am and whom I â—â—ve That passâ—ge also 2 Cor. 5.14 is veâ— observable The love of Christ constraineth â— c. Why art â—hou so painfull a Minister Paul Why Knowest thou no man after th flesh are not led by carnal interests nor at sections art so busie and diligent as all the world counteth thee mad Why saith he love will not lâ—t me rest if I would be lâ—â—e or carnal or fold my hands to sleep the love of Christ doth alwayes sound that in my ears that I was dead and he hath died for me that henceforth I should not live unto my self but to Him who died for me Now to him who is the first and the last whâ— was dead and is alive for evermore We give praise FINIS
infinit justice of God 〈◊〉 of mercies we have received 〈◊〉 〈…〉 enter into eternity of joy weâ—â— â—e the greatest debtors unto the 〈…〉 grace of Christ in regard of mercy we 〈◊〉 â—bused There shall be none in heavâ—◠〈…〉 â—o us and if we shall go to hell there shall â—e few there that may be compared unto us And let me but adde thus further before I â—ome to the words go where we will we shall be out of doubt with our condition Within a short time a real Christian shall be exalted above the reach of his misbelieving 〈◊〉 hypocrite shall be depressed below the â—each of his faith and one that is grosly in â—ature he shall be abased beyond the reach of his presumption A Christian ere long shall misbelieve no more a hypocrite ere â—ong shall believe no more and one that is grosly in nature shall ere long presume no more there is no misbelief in heaven and 〈◊〉 here is no faith nor presumption of well â—eing in hell But to come to that which we intend to speak to we told you when first we began our discourse upon that pretious and exalting grace of Faith under a â—wofold notion and consideration First As it is justifying And secondly as it is sanctifying For the first we resolved to speak to it in a twofold consideration First As it closeth with Christ simply as the obâ—ect upon which it resteth and of this we have spoken from that place 1 Joh. 1.3 23 Secondly As it closeth with Christ as heldâ—â—orth in the Promises And now being 〈◊〉 speak of it in this consideration we 〈◊〉 made choise of this place in which 〈…〉 â—â—ings concerning the Promises 〈…〉 2. In a Christians believing of spiritual pâ—â—mises there is often some sense and reaâ—â— that helpeth him to the exercise of Faiâ—â— at least they presse not the contrary bâ— to believe a temporal Promise when a Châ—â—stian is redacted unto a strait and that 〈◊〉 can see no outgate present sense and reâ—son stands upon the top of his Faith aâ— presseth him to dispair As for instance when a Christian is living upon the top of mountain and knoweth not where to sâ— at night to believe that there is a promâ—â— upon which he may rest that he shall 〈◊〉 want his food but if that the Lord had â—â—vice for him he will provide Here 〈◊〉 hath not only reason to dispute against bâ— the strong pinching sense of hunger boâ—â— crying out How can bread be given in 〈◊〉 wildernesse 3 The tentations that assaâ— a Christian to misbelieve upon temporal prâ—mises they are more subtile and more coâ— naturall to a Christian then his rentatioâ— that assault him in resting upon spirituâ—â— promises When a Christian is in straits 〈◊〉 the world the tentations that hinder 〈◊〉 exercise of Faith they are more consonaâ— to flesh and blood we are ready to yeâ— to misbelief then because we think it is â—â—tional and speaketh the truth 4 A Châ—â—stian is often so affrighted by his daily â—â—ings or some particular more grosse oâ— breakings in his life that howbeit he 〈◊〉 through grace be helped to belive 〈◊〉 the Lord shall make out these promâ— which concern his eternall salvation anâ— â—o him good in the latter end yet may he be sadly perplexed and distrestfull in making â—use of any particular temporary promise for drawing forth any comfort or encouragement therefrom as to his present exigont because he knoweth that although the Lord doth forgive his peoples iniquities yet may he take vengeance on their inventions Psal 99.8 and therefore may punish his present failing with the like calamities as he hath lone others 5. There is also much of a â—atural and carnal self love to a present life â—emaining in the best that we are many times worse to satisfie in our securities for the â—hings of this life then of that which is to â—ome and can more easily trust the Lord or our souls then for our bodies so that â—hough his naked word will sometimes satisâ—e us for the one yet it will not for the â—ther And the last ground of it may be a â—hristians unacquaintednesse with that lo◠〈◊〉 exercising Faith upon temporal promises â—ere being many who think not that there 〈◊〉 use for Faith except for Salvation and â—e things above which maketh his Faith â—â—on these more difficult then upon proâ—â—ses that are spiritual And this may apâ—ar most clearly in that we find men more â—sily bear their spirituall wants even a â—â—ristian that is most exercised then they â—â—r their temporal want and more corâ—â—ption and impatience doth arise from temâ—â—al want then from spiritual want 2. Consider That all a Christians duâ—◠〈◊〉 turned over into promises there is 〈◊〉 a duty that is required of a Christian buâ— is converted into a Promise Is not Faith duty 1 Joh. 3.23 This is his Commandmâ—â—â— that ye should believe And is not that tâ—â— ned over in a promise Jer. 3.19 Thou shâ—â— call me thy Father The word importeâ— not only an act of necessity but of violenâ— thou shalt do it And in the thirteenth 〈◊〉 Zechary at the close Thou shalt call me 〈◊〉 Father and so in Ezek. 11.19 Is not mâ—tification a Christians duty Colos 3.5 Mâ—tifie therefore your members and it is turn over in a promise Jer. 32.28 and Ezâ— 36.25 29. where he promiseth that 〈◊〉 will purge away all their uncleannesses aâ— it is clear from Micah 7.19 I will subâ— said he all thine iniquities it is not saâ— thou must subdue them but I will do it 〈◊〉 not also the knowledge of God a commâ—ded duty and yet it is turned over in a pâ—â—mise in the Covenant of Grace They shâ—â— know me from the highest to the lowest neiâ—â— shall there be need any more that one shâ—â— say know the Lord for they shall be all taâ— of me Is not the commandement of 〈◊〉 your duty as is clear from Eccles 12. 〈◊〉 and yet that is likewise turned over in a â—â—â—mise I will put my fear in their inâ—â— parts that they shall not depart away from So tendernesse is a Christians duty and that is turned over in a promise I will away their heart of stone and give them a 〈◊〉 of flesh And that I may say no more of 〈◊〉 but to these four places and ther◠〈…〉 see almost all duties turned over in mises there is Jer. 31. Jer. 32. Ezek. 11. â—nd Ezek. 36. ye will see all the duties of â—â—e Covenant converted into promises But â—ay not some say what advantage is there â—f this much certainly every way That â—he duties are turned over into promises it â—ay give a Christian hope that he shall once â—erform these duties Will ye not once â—e tender Yes certainly because your tenâ—ernesse lieth within a promise Will ye not â—nce be much in the exercise of fear No â—oubt ye will and the ground of it is this â—ecause your fear lieth within a promise and â—o of the rest And 2. there
aâ—â— saying hold upon it 4. Lastly A Christ in would study the suitablnesse that is in 〈◊〉 promise to answer their necessities that they be under need there is aprecioâ— way of remedy manifested unto them 〈◊〉 â—hese The second rule that we would prescrâ—◠〈◊〉 the application of the promises is Tâ—â— ye do not expect sensible comforts immediately after ye have believed the promise a Christian may apply the promises and yet want the joy and sweetnesse that is in them This is clear Psal 119.25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust There he is under much unxiety and much sorrow and yet he is a believer of the promises in the mean time â—s the words following doth clear Quicken one according to thy word he layeth claim to the promise and this is clear in the 81 vers of that Psalm My soul doth faint within me There is much exercise of sorrow and yet he is a beleever in the promise But I hope in â—hy word A Christian after he hath believed the promise he would put a blank in Christs hand concerning the sweetnesse of the promises to be made out in its own time What â—s sense Is it the precious indulgence of Christ that he giveth to his own I would presse this upon you prophesie nothing before your believing of the promise but having believed ye may surely prophesie that the promise shall be accomplished in its own time and the word that he hath spoken shall certainly come to passe but as for sense is for quickening as for comforting as for receiving ye must put a blank in the hand of Christ to dispense these things to you as he seeth fit The third rule in the application of the promises is That ye do not build your faith upon this that the promises shall be accoâ—â—â— plished because probability and reason 〈◊〉 to say the thing I would say this 〈◊〉 Christian that ye may oftentimes suspect 〈◊〉 promise is not near to be accomplisheâ— when reason saith Behold the word of the Lâ—â— cometh and that of times the Lord is neaâ—â— when we begin to passe a conclusion 〈◊〉 Word is not at hand and the time of the 〈◊〉 complishment of the promise is not neaâ— Certainly many times before Christ accoâ—plish the promises he will learn us to be â—â—ing above sense and reason and he will hâ— reason to submit to faith and he will haâ— probabilities to contradict the accompliâ—ment of the promise and when probabâ—ties are furthest away that is His time 〈◊〉 work this is clear in these two signal dâ—verances of the people of Israel from Egâ— and Babylon Exod. 3.4 5. and Ezech. 37 the beginning And therefore as a Chrisâ— would not quite his grip of the promises 〈◊〉 cause dispensations seem to contradict 〈◊〉 accomplishment of the promise and soâ— time cryeth out Why art thou become unto as a liar and waters that fail So on 〈◊〉 other hand ye are to build your faith upâ— the promises and not upon dispensation even when favourable seeing that we knoâ— the way that Christ taketh many times accomplish the promises is by contraâ— means to our apprehension His paths 〈◊〉 in the whilewind and his footsteps are 〈◊〉 known And may we not cry out Who 〈◊〉 take up the wayes of God whose ways more subtil than the way of an eagle in the 〈◊〉 the way of a serpent upon the rock or the 〈◊〉 of a ship upon the sea c. The fourth rule that we would prescribe into you in the application of the promises 〈◊〉 That ye would close absolutely with the promises I mean without limiting the only â—ne There is a limitted closing with the promise which is the frequent exercise of â—ur hearts we will close with the promise â—ur with this restraint laid upon Christ â—hat whensoever we begin to believe the promises all things might go as we desire â—nd this is the great occasion that we do so â—equently reject our confidence and do reâ—se our hope when God doth not answer â—ur peremptory expectations Fifthly We give you this rule that ye â—ould eye Christ much in the application of â—e promises There is a threefold sight of â—hrist that a Christian should have when he â—pplyeth the promises a Christian should â—ave a sight of the boundlesse and condeâ—ending love of Christ that so he may be â—onstrained to hope and may be constrained 〈◊〉 love 2. A Christian should eye the â—ithfulnesse and unchangeablenesse of Christ â—hat what his blessed lips have spoken he â—ill also do and what he hath said he will â—ikewise bring to passe And 3. in the apâ—lication of promises he must eye the omâ—ipotency of Christ that what he hath said â—e is able to bring to passe And O when â—hall we have occasion to sing that song What hath God wrought for us which was the â—ong that Balaam sung who yet was but 〈◊〉 â—rofane wretch 6. There is this rule that we would prescribe unto you in the application of the promises that a Christian after he hath applyed them he would be much in the exercise of Prayer for the accomplishment of these promises this was the practice of David 2 Sam. 7.27 When God in passing many precious promises David doth subjoyn that word Therefore have I found in my heart to pray this prayer And we see in Ezek. 36.37 all alongs that Chapter God is passing most excellent promises and yet in vers 37. this is subjoyned For all these things I will be enquired of the house of Israel And in Jer. 29.10 and 12. where the time is coming when God would accomplish his good word as he speaketh that is subjoyned in vers 12. Then shall ye call upon me and seek after me And Daniel 9.2 3. when Daniel knew that the promise was near the time of its accomplishment then he set himself by prayer and supplication to seek the face of God I would say these three words unto a Christian The smallest mercy that a Christian meeteth with if he can call it Samuel that is The son of prayer and if ye can call it Isaac that is The childe of promise he may then and doth ordinarily receive much consolation in that mercy O but a mercy flowing to a Christian through a promise if it were but a drink of cold water and a piece of brown bread it will be more excellent chear then all the dainâ—â—es of the Kings of the earth O but to eat and drink taking these things as the accomplishment of the promises this would make us eat our bread with singlnesse of heart and much chearfulnesse And there is this secondly I would say unto you When a promise is accomplished and a Christian is not much in the exercise of Prayer in the accomplishment of it one to a hundred if he lose not the sanctified use of the accomplishment of that promise Ah know ye not that a promise when it is accomplished may be a curse to a Christian That word is most terrible
is like unto thee he 〈◊〉 came matchlesse unto them through the pâ—formance of the promises And so we conceâ—â— that these who are much in spiritual obserâ—tion of the performance of the promises thâ— will see precious draughts of the Majesty God engraven upon them so that they 〈◊〉 be constrained to cry out that he above mighty that his Name is Jehovah and in 〈◊〉 is everlasting strength upon which we oughâ— to rely in our greatest straits The fourth advantage is The observiâ— of the accomplishment of the promises wâ— help a Christian when he is redacted uâ—â— new straits to be much in the exercise of faâ—â— upon God his former experience will pâ—duce hope in his soul for there is not â—â—discovery of the faithfulnesse of God but haâ—â— a voice and cryeth out O believe him whâ—â— able to give a clear being unto his word Tâ—â— is clear from Psal 56 at the close Thou 〈◊〉 delivered my soul from death saith David then he subioyneth Wilt thou not deliveâ— feet from falling that is I am certainly 〈◊〉 swaded thou wilt likewise perform that wâ— unto me And from Psal 37.2 3. he givâ— that tittle unto God vers 2. that he persoâ—meth all things for him and then he doth sâ—joyn He shal send from heaven and save me and by the way the soul that can give God that tittle and stile That he performeth all things for them that soul must of necessity be in a choise and excellent state And the point is likewise clear from 2 Cor. 1.10 where Paul saith God hath delivered me and he doth deliver me and from hence he draweth that conclusion of Faith And he will yet deliver me We confess sometimes our former experiences of the faithfulnesse of God they do not support our faith when we are redacted unto new difficulties which is either occasioned through the greatnesse of the strait that we are now put to in our apprehensions above that which we were put to before so that though God did deliver us when we were running with footmen yet we have no faith to believe that he shall deliver us when we are about to contend with horses or else it is through the unfaithfulnesse of our walk in not answering the precious dispensations of Christ in accomplishment of his promises for this maketh us that we cannot with boldnesse make use of his Word when we are brought into a new strait a guilty conscience is the mother of misbelief The fifth advantage is That the accomplishment of the promises doth occasion much spiritual joy and rejoycing unto his own We told you the giving of the promises occasioneth joy and when the promises travelleth in birth and bringeth forth that occasioneth much more spiritual joy this is clear from Psal 28.7 The Lord is my strength and my shield my heart trusted in him and I was help And he draweth this excellent conclusiâ—â— from it Therefore my heart greatly rejoycetâ— and with my soul will I praise him And 〈◊〉 conceive that sometimes that God trysteâ—â— the accomplishment of the promises wiâ—â— some precious manifestation of himself to thâ— soul which maketh them to rejoyce with jâ— unspeakable and full of glory but howeveâ— this is the matter of a spiritual song Thâ— mercy and truth have met together and rightâ— ousnesse and peace are kissing one another Is not a pleasant matter of a song to behoâ—â— love making promises and to behold faithfulnesse accomplishing them And the last advantage is That the obsâ—vation of the accomplishment of promiseâ— doth strengthen a Christians faith in his innâ— rest in God so that now many disputings aâ— silenced and many questions now are out 〈◊〉 the way this is clear Psal 31.21 22. Davâ— confesseth his quarrelling before but whâ—â— once the Lord had shewed his marvellous lovinâ— kindnesse in a strong city then all his quarrâ— was against himself because he had quarrelle and did say in his hast I am cut off from befâ— thine eyes And now we shall only speak a little 〈◊〉 to some duties that we would presse upâ—â— you from that which we have spokâ— And the first duty is That Christians woâ—â— be much in waiting for the accomplishmeâ—â— of the promises and standing upon thâ— watch tower untill the vision shall speaâ—â— And we shall only give you these to enforâ—â— it 1. It is commanded that you should so do this is clear from Psal 27. at the close where David presseth that duty very much Wait on the Lord saith he and if that be not enough he will repeat that command in that same verse Wait I say on the Lord and no doubt the doubling of it speaketh not only advantage that is in it but our difficulty to obey it and the great necessity that we have to go about it and that same word is repeated by David Psal 31.24 Be of good courage which is that same to wait upon the Lord. 2. These that wait patiently for the accomplishment of the promises God will strengthen them to wait this is clear from Psal 27. at the close Wait on the Lord and when we are Hagar like casting away the childe of hope he will open our eyes and give us resreshment by which we may be supported under our disquietment and he shall strengthen thine heart And there is this 3. There shall be a speedy accomplishment of the promises it is not long before all the mercies that eves the Lord hath promised and thou hast believed shall be told down to you as it were in one sum principall and interest as is clear from Hab. 2.3 where he positively asserteth That the vision will come and will not tarry There is indeed a pleasant seeming contradiction in that verse he had said before that the vision would tarry and yet here he saith The vision will not tarry but will surely come in which ye may see the divinity both of sense and faith and that noble contradiction that is between their asseâ—â—ons Sense asserting that the promise doâ—â— tarry too long and Faith crying out it wâ—â— surely come it will not tarry which 〈◊〉 set down 2 Pet. 3.9 The Lord is not slâ—â— concerning his promise 4. Promises thâ—â— come unto us through the most strong 〈◊〉 lively exercise of Faith and that are eâ—â—pected and longed for by us before the come they are most relishing and sweet anâ— these mercies come unto us with a bindiâ—â— tye of love this is somewhat pointed 〈◊〉 in Isa 25.9 where the Church cryeth forth Lo this is our God we have waited for him we will be glad and rejoyce in his salvation their waiting and expecting of the promisâ— to be accomplished in its time is there thâ— fountain of their song and of their spiritual joy I think sometimes a Christian is likâ— that misbelieving Lord 2 King 7.2 thâ—â— though they meet with the accomplishment of a promise yet they do not taste of thâ—â— sweetnesse that is in it because they did noâ—â— believe the Word of the Lord.
be content to dig throughâ— earth to get a promise and till we 〈◊〉 at that that our souls would pursue a them from the one end of the world to other And for the grounds of this aâ—â—tion that sensible necessity giveth a righâ— the promises if ye will look to these gâ— promises of the everlasting Covenant they not given to that Christian that is det a need Isa 55.1 2. and Matth. 〈◊〉 where the great promise of the Gospâ—â— given out and the invitation of 〈◊〉 Christ is unto these that are weary and â—Iaden Christ would account it an exceâ— courtesie that ye would not dispute believe and that ye would look upon yâ— necessities as his call to believe the promâ— 2. A person that hath a high account oâ— Promises he hath a right to apply theâ— mises Let once your soul close with 〈◊〉 by Faith and Love and then you may 〈◊〉 holdnesse close with the Promises 〈◊〉 sesse if we were more in believing the â—ises we would have a higher and 〈◊〉 〈…〉 of the Promiser Would 〈…〉 the reason that Christ is not accoâ—â— matchlesse it is because of this our necessiâ—ties of the promises is not alwayes within our sight and our exercising of Faith upon the promises is not our daily work 3. This looketh like a right to the promise that which is born in upon a Christians spirit when he is near God in prayer and is under most sensible exercise under his own infirmities he hath readily a right to apply thaâ— promise As for instance when a Christian is debating himself out of Christ which is but an unpleasant exercise to meet with a promise born in upon their spirit that giveth them some ground of hope that they may apply and rest upon Christ of when a Christian is fainting under affliction and is like to give over to meet with 〈◊〉 word of promise born in upon his spirit 〈◊〉 that doth uphold him in the day of his triall he may probably conclude he hath a right tâ— believe that promise 4. There is that evâ—â—dence persons that have an high account 〈◊〉 the promises they have a right to apply 〈◊〉 promises it is an excellent and most conceâ—â— ning work for a Christian to believe the excellency of the promises when he cannot have the actual application of the Promiseâ— For when once a Christian cometh to this 〈◊〉 that the great things of the everlasting Covenant are matchlesse in his eyes then thaâ— is the valey of Achor and a door of hope that ere long Christ will apply theâ— 5. When a Christian hath great delight 〈◊〉 â—he promises when they are sweet 〈…〉 â—aste and are the refreshing and rejoy 〈◊〉 his heart that is an undeniable sign that 〈◊〉 hath a right to make use of such promises 〈◊〉 Were your souls never refreshed by reading of the boundlesse Covenant of love anâ— the sweet promises that are in it I would have Christians marking these promises thaâ— have upholden them in their straits I would have them marking the promises that haâ—â— been lievely to their souls and say Thâ— once was my goodly meat and made me 〈◊〉 rejoyce in the house of my affliction and 〈◊〉 would have a Christian marking the time 〈◊〉 the accomplishment of the Promises 〈◊〉 which he will see infinite wisdom shining 〈◊〉 ordering the accomplishment of the prâ— nises to such a time And I would have 〈◊〉 Christian marking the frame of his own spirit when the promises are accomplished as ye will find often in Scripture and 〈◊〉 â—ll this ye should find such a reviving anâ— profitable delight in the promises thâ—â—ould give a very full evidence of your righ unto them 6. Lastly when a Christiâ—â— under straits can receive consolation from 〈◊〉 â—ther thing but all prove Physicians of 〈◊〉 â—â—lue and miserable comforters when 〈◊〉 Christian is convinced there is no joy 〈◊〉 â—e had under such a crosse but in the faithâ—â—â—e promises that is an evidence that thâ— person hath a right to the promises 〈◊〉 would only say this O beloved in the Loâ—â—â—not this your guilt your undervaluing â—â—e promises and your little exercise â—ith I would pose you with this wâ—â—â—â—st studied ye to apply any promise of 〈◊〉 Covenant of Grace When last did ye exâ—ercise faith upon any of them Shall I tell you what is the practise of the most part of us we study perhaps to apply one promise but for the rest of the promises we lay them aside and do totally neglect them we study to apply the promises of salvation and of having redemption through Christ but for the promises of Sactification for the promises to help us to perform duties for the promises to support us under the crosse for the promises to comfort us in our way to heaven for promises in reference to all ordinary things we are not much in application of these O but if a Christian were believing the promises he might sit down even while he is here and sing one of the songs of Zion though yet but in a strange land The second thing that I shall speak to upon the application of the promise shall be to propose unto you some rules that ye would mare use of in the application of them and shal name unto you these Frst Study these four things one is the faithâ—ninesse and truth of the promises that such thing is the saying of him that is the faithful witnesse and Amen This was theâ— practie of Paul 1 Tim. 1.15 the way howâ— he was ought to make application of the promise was 1. by laying down that conclusion this is a faithfull saying and Ren. 22. frot the beginning to the 6. verse whose there â—n great promises made and much spoken tâ— the commendation of heaven this is subjoyned in the 6. verse These are 〈◊〉 faithfull and true sayings of God As if Joâ— had said all that I have spoken concerniâ—â— heaven will be to no purpose except ye believe the truth of the promises and this wâ— the practice of David 2 Sam. 7.28 Tâ— words are truth O Lord he subjoyneth thâ— unto the actual application of the promise 2. Study the sweetnesse and excellency 〈◊〉 the promises this was the practice of Paâ—â— 1 Tim. 1.15 This is a faithfull saying 〈◊〉 then he subjoyneth and worthy of all acctation And this was the practice of David Psal 119.72 I have esteemed the laws of 〈◊〉 mouth better then thousands of gold and silâ—â— O such an opinion to esteem the promiâ—â— better then thousands of gold It is heâ—â— rodox amongst the most part of you thâ—â— prefer the world before the promises of 〈◊〉 Covenant and it was his practice vers 10 and ver 162. I rejoyce at thy word as one thâ— findeth great spoil he had a higher accoâ—â— of the promises then to divide the spoâ—â—â—â—er war 3. Let the Christian study 〈◊〉 necessity that he hath of the promise thâ— there is no way of winning above that necesity but the closing with the promise
clear from Psal 94.18 when I said my foot slippeth there is the conclusion of misbelief and dispair yet thy mercy O Lord did hold me up there is the gate at which faith doth bring in consolation not from by gone experiences only but certainly from that which he found in some precious promises that was born in upon his spirit Many excellent cords of love hath Christ let down unto a soul when they have been going down into the depths and the weeds have been wrapt upon their heads It is clear likewise from Psal 119.81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation as if David had said I am in hazard to give over my hope and to break my confidence And would ye know what was it that supported me under such an estate I hoped in thy word Hath not this oftentimes been the song of a Christian in their darkest night In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts do delight my soul Faith will see a morning approaching in the time of the greatest trouble and no doubt that promise that upholdeth a Christian in their doubting and most misbelieving condition the lively impressions of that promise will remain a long time with him and when first it is born in upon their spirits they will see no small love shining forth in carving out such a promise to suit with such a providence as they are it may be meeting with for the time The fourth advantage in believing the promise is that thereby we have an excellent help to patience and divine submission under our saddest outward afflictions this is clear from Psal 27.13 I had fainted unlesse I had believed to see the goodnesse of the Lord in the land of the living and from Psal 119 49 50. where David telling his exercise in the 49. I hope saith he in thy word Immediately he subjoyneth This is my comfort in mine affliction as if he had said if I had not had the promises to be my comforters I had sit alone and kept silence and should have remained without comfort in the day of my adversity and verse 92. Vnlesse thy law had been my delight I should have perished in my afflictions and we conceive in short the influence which faith upon the promises hath upon the patient bearing of the crosse may be shown to you in these two particulars First Faith it is an excellent Prophet that alwayes prophesieth unto us good things Would ye enquire at Faith at your midnight of affliction what is its opinion of God and of your own estate Faith would swâ—etly reâ—olve you thus Wait on God for I shall yet praise him for the health of his â—ounterance Faith knoweth nor what it is to have wrong â—oâ—structions of God and therefore it is the noble interpreter of a Christians crosse If sense reason and misbelief interpret your crosse they will make you cry out unto God Why art thou become unto me as an enemie or as a liar and waters that fail but if Faith that noble Interpreter do interpret your crosses it will make you cry out I know the thoughts of his heart that they are thoughts of peace and not of evil to give me an expected end Faith letteth a Christian see a blessed outgate and issue of all the sad dispensations that he meeteth with Faith that is its divinity I sow in tears but I shall reap in joy weeping may be at evening saith Faith but joy shall come in the morning Secondly It affordeth unto a Christian such soul-refreshing consolation in the midst of their afflictions that in a manner they forget their sorrows as waters that passe away this David doth divinely assert in Psal 119.50 This is my comfort in mine affliction The faith of the promises are indeed that tree which if they be cast into our waters of Marah they will make them immediately become sweet The fifth advantage is that the faith of the promises doth help a Christian to a greater distance with the world and to live as a pilgrime as is clear from Heb. 11.13 where these two are sweetly linked together their imbracing of the promises by Faith and confessing that they were strangers and pilgrims here on earth And we shall show the influence that faith hath upon this in these three 1. It maketh a Christian see the end of all perfection here and that there is nothing within this Glob of the World that is not vanity and vexation of spirit Faith is that prospect through which a Christian hath most clear discoveries of the vanity of all things and this doth exceedingly help him to live as a pilgrime 2. It letteth a Christian see the endlesse perfections of heaven and bringeth it within sight of that Immense and everlasting hope and this maketh him to live as a pilgrime and to declare plainly that he seeketh a Countrey And 3. It doth exceedingly help him forward in that blessed work of weaning of affections from all things that are here would you know where a Believers heart is It is in Heaven would you know where his thoughts are They are in Heaven Would ye know where his conversation is It is in Heaven Would ye know where his hope is It is in Heaven his treasure is in heaven and therefore his heart and his conversation is there And Christ in him is the hope of glory and indeed more faith of the promises would constrain us all to subscribe that Confession of Faith that is in Heb. 11.13 The sixth advantage that attendeth the believing of the promises is That it is the mother of much spirituall joy and divine consolation and maketh a Christian to be much in the exercise of praise this is clear from Psal 71.14 But I will hope continually and then immediately is subjoyned And will yet praise him more and more As likewise from Rom. 15.13 and from 1 Pet. 1.8 If a man would have his way to heaven made pleasant and while they are sitting by the livers of Babel would be admitted to sing one of the songs of Zion then ought they to believe the promises and to choose them as their heritage for ever and then he may sing in hope and praise in expectation though he have but little in hand for the present indeed when he looketh to his possession there will not be so much matter of rejoycing but when he looketh upon his hopes and his expectations he may be constrained to cry sorth Awake up O my glory I my self will awake early The seventh advantage is That the faith of the promises is a notable mean to attain unto spiritual life This is clear from Isai 38.16 By these things saith Hezekiah do men live speaking of the promises and in all these things is the life of my spirit As likewise from Psal 119.50 Thy word saith David hath quickned me O what spirituall and divine life doth attend that Christian that is much in the exercise of Faith upon the promises And what is the great occasion that our
under sad persecution and affliction then the Lord give a word from heaven to coâ—â— him and assure him of his fatherly love mercy When was it that Christ left that 〈◊〉 Legacy to his Disciples Joh. 14. ver 27. peace I leave with you my peace I give you it not when he himself was to leave theâ— troublesome and sorrowful dayes in a 〈◊〉 secuting world The eighth time is at some solemn Oâ—nances and approaches to God the dayeâ— a Communion to a tender Christian 〈◊〉 been sweet dayes when Christ hath come the soul and said Behold me behold me 〈◊〉 think the eleven Apostles met with 〈◊〉 assurance of their interest in Christ at 〈◊〉 Communion they were at with him O wâ— sweet intimations were these This is 〈◊〉 body which is broken for you and this 〈◊〉 the New Testament in my blood shed for 〈◊〉 and a little after you are they which have 〈◊〉 tinued with me in my tentation and I appoâ— unto you a kingdom We come now to the second point whâ—â— we proposed from the words viz. That 〈◊〉 assurance is a thing which may be attain 〈◊〉 so to seek after it is a necessary duty 〈◊〉 me not be mistaken as if I said the havâ— of assurance were simply necessary to Salâ—tion no that were a Doctrine as comâ—â— lesse upon the other hand as the Poâ—â— doctrine of the impossibility of assurancâ— upon the other But the thing I say is â—hat the Christians seeking after assurance â—nd his real endeavouring to attain unto it â—s a necessary command of God which he â—ath bound upon the consciences of his children amongst other Gospel duties And certainly we need go no further for the clearing of this then the Text it self what â—â—eaneth these peremptory injunctions Examine your selves whether ye be in the faith 〈◊〉 not Prove your own selves Know ye not c. but if you will you may add that word 〈◊〉 Pet. 1. vers 5. and 10. compared what â—an be more expresly commanded and more strongly pressed then that Christians should â—end their utmost endeavours for attaining unto this blessed condition of assurance Give diligence yea give all diligence yea the â—ather give all diligence to make your calling â—nd election sure From this we shall only lay before you these Considerations 1. If the seeking after â—ssurance be a necessary duety then these three things are most lamentable First That there are so many in this Generation who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not washed from their iniquity they flatter themselves with a rotten assurance that hath no other foundation but their own imagination they never knew since the first day they were Baptized and did begin to professe Christ what it was to mortifie one lust nor â—eriously to wrestle against one temptation â—nd yet they want not a strong perswasion of â—heir interest in Christ But ah will ye stand in awe lest ye meet with such a dâ—â— fâ—ll disappointment as when ye thiâ—â— are in the very gate of heaven even thâ—â— fall backwards to the very bottome of 〈◊〉 and when ye expect a kindly welcome 〈◊〉 the Lord of Glory as one who thinks 〈◊〉 have been in Covenant with him this 〈◊〉 years ye meet with that dreadfull summâ—â— Depart from me ye cursed I know you not 2. How sad may we be upon this accouâ—â— that howbeit assurance be an attainable thâ—â— and a great many dare not say they have â—â—â—tained it yet so little diligence is used pursuing after it Is it not very lamentabâ—â— that many of you to whom I am speakâ—â— since first ye gave up your names to Chrisâ— a visible way and were reputed amongst generation of the seekers of his face sâ—â—â— ever set a day or an hour a part to exaâ—â— whether ever indeed ye were in Christ or 〈◊〉 Alas is heaven of so little moment is the â—â—ving or wanting all the enjoyments which there of so small concernment to you thaâ— will not be at the pains as once to enquire â—â—ter your interest in the matter What if 〈◊〉 of you were but possessors of a thousâ— pound and your interest or right unto it 〈◊〉 certain and questionable would not your 〈◊〉 depart from you and your rest be unquie 〈◊〉 you had made it more secure What thâ— you shall the men of this generation anâ— in the day of the Lord for neglecting thâ—â— thing necessary when they have been so â—â—ing themselves about many things and 〈◊〉 been so serious in so many consultation 〈◊〉 make sure a worm eaten portion in a perishing world that the whole wit of Men and Angels cannot secure for one moment It is certain the root of all this slothfulnesse is Atheism It is not possible that we believe â—s really there is a heaven as we believe there 〈◊〉 an earth or that the world to come is as â—eal as that which is present or else it must be a strange power in these lusts that keeps us captive that we are never suffered to think upon Eternity nor to ask where we must â—â—dge when this cottage we carry about shall fall about our ears O will ye think upon it how serious and pressing that command is 〈◊〉 Pet. 1.10 Give all diligence to make your calling and election sure when the Lord saith Give all diligence will ye give no diligence and when he saith make your calling and election sure will ye leave upon uncertainty I said to the foolish deal not so foolishly 3. It is most lamentable that since assurance is attainable yet men live so contentedly under the want thereof how strange is it that many are so seldom on their knees complaining of their uncertainty if Christ were precious unto you would it be so I am sure there are some of us here that have had the name of Christians I know not how long that never had one sad thought about the want of assurance when we look upon the desolations vastations and plunderings in the world how many of us can cry out They have taken away my gods and what have I more but when we speak of heaven we care not who deprive us of our portion there I will not limite the Lord noâ— termine what he may do but believe it 〈◊〉 one to a thousand if many Christians of 〈◊〉 age have a pleasant night and comfortable 〈◊〉 sing of their eyes they are such undervaâ—â— of assurance I may fear that lamentaâ—â— shall be heard upon the death-beds of 〈◊〉 O poor wretched wandering soul where art 〈◊〉 going and it is no wonder it come to thâ— when we are so long in beginning to ask 〈◊〉 question And now I close with this 〈◊〉 thing that I think beyond all question 〈◊〉 souls that live contentedly under the want 〈◊〉 assurance are the carelesse daughters that dâ—â—â—leth at ease Christ and they are at a remaâ—â—able distance it must be a cold winter and dark night at best as to their present 〈◊〉 lowship with God A second consideration
The second consideration is That as 〈◊〉 is a most universal so also it is a most iâ—â— coverable mistake if ye mistake about thâ— your being in Christ there is no making 〈◊〉 of that mistake if once ye passe the bordâ—â— of Time with this lie in your right hand 〈◊〉 am in Christ there is no hope of recover eternity will cut off accesse to make up thâ— mistake I intreat you go not down to yoâ— grave with this I am in Christ when 〈◊〉 Christ may say I know you not I belieâ— it if ye could have a testimonial subscribâ— by the hands of all the most eminent aâ—â— tender Christians that ye have known 〈◊〉 ye are indeed a Saint and if all the Ministâ—â— â—hat ever you spoke to should praise you in â—he gate and declare you to be a son daughter of Abraham yet when you shall bring up â—our testimoniall to Heaven and the Father â—hall read it and shall ask you where is my Sons Name if that be nor there it will certainly be rejected and cast over the bar Thirdly It is a soul destroying delusion this mistake about ones interest in Christ is the very ruine of their immortal â—oul according to that word Isa 44.20 〈◊〉 deceived heart hath led him aside and what â—s the fruits of it so that he cannot deliver his soul and by consequence it may be said that they destroy their soul I believe it there â—re many that go to hell in a chariot of deâ—usion we know some Christ guideth to Heaven by the gates of hell and letteth them â—ot see life till they be in sight of hell but 〈◊〉 is true also there are others whom the â—evil guideth to hell by the very borders of Heaven he maketh them believe they are welling in the gate of Heaven all their days â—nd yet at last they are thrust down to these abitations that are prepared for the devil and is angels Fourthly If once a person be mistaken â—bout their interest in Christ they will have â—hese three notable disadvantanges attending â—pon them 1. As long as he is under this â—istake he is without all reach of profiting â—y the Ordinances for when he heareth reaching he will apply promises when 〈◊〉 should apply threatenings and upon the other hand apply threatnings whâ—â— should apply promises and so that 〈◊〉 should be his medicine becometh poisâ—â— him 2. As long as he is under this misâ—â— it maketh him that he cannot pity not 〈◊〉 compassion upon himself that though 〈◊〉 the most suitable object of compassion 〈◊〉 he knows not what it is to weep over own ruine 3 Readily all his graces are delusions all his good motions are but flâ—â— and all his mortification counterfeit and his tendernesse is but the mother of stupid and therefore guard against mistakes aâ—â— your interest in Christ I intreat you Fifthly Consider that mistakes abâ—◠〈◊〉 interest is a most abiding and constâ—◠〈◊〉 believe it if once we mistakeâ— this it is one to a hundred if ever we 〈◊〉 right again this is clear Jer. 8 5. 〈◊〉 hold fast deceit they keep it with both 〈◊〉 hands And Isa 44.20 There is a lie in 〈◊〉 right hand that is they hold the lie 〈◊〉 they keep it with all their power I 〈◊〉 if once one be mistaken concerning their terest in Christ it is hard to put them 〈◊〉 it yea delusion it is such an abiding thâ—â—hat we find Christ speaketh of it as 〈◊〉 would wait upon one before the judgâ—â—â—â— seat of Christ and as if some would 〈◊〉 quite their hope of heaven till Christ 〈◊〉 â—nounce that word Depart from me I know not delusion may carry us over the boâ—â— of Time and lead us in to Eternity Sixthly There is much counterfeâ—â— â—â—igion that is in those dayes their is a painted â—â—ith there is a painted love there is a painâ—ed mortification and there is a painted tendernesse some they love shaddows and pistures and yet they do not love the very shaddow of Christ and are there nor 〈◊〉 who think they are imbracing Christ and yet 〈◊〉 imbracing a delusion and a fancy That which thirdly we would speak to from this point is to give you some evidences by which ye may know if the assurance ye have of your being in Christ be right or no Believe it there are many that draw that conclusion I am in Christ which the devil and their own deceitfull heart hath drawn and Christ never gave consent to it And I shall propose these seven or eighth evidences of real assurance by which ye may discern First A real assurance is a purifying and sanctifying assurance this is clear 1 Joh. 〈◊〉 3. Every man that hath this hope in him that is perswaded of this that he shall come â—o heaven He will purifie himself as he is â—ure And 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthinesse of the flesh and of the spirit O! When a Christian getteth Christ in his arms he cannot but cry forth What have I to do any more with idole Whâ—â— he hath once gotten Christ in his arms he will answer every tentation that he meeteth with this I am not mine own I am bought with a price I cannot now dispose of my self and if your assurance of going to â—â—ven be not a purifying assurance be persâ—â—ed of it it is but the devils pillow soweâ—der your arm holes Is it possible a pâ—â— can be assured of heaven and not study linesse can such a delufion as this oâ— take you Secondly A real assurance putteth 〈◊〉 Christian to a pressing and earnest purâ—â— after communion and fellowship with Gâ—â— it is possible for one to be assured and 〈◊〉 to be saying he is sick of love this is câ—â— Song 2.16 17. My beloved is mine and I 〈◊〉 his and immediately followeth Turn thâ— O my beloved and be like a roe or a young hâ—â— upon the mountains of Bether And it is cleâ—â— Song 7.10 11. I am my beloveds and 〈◊〉 desire is towards me and what follower upon that She cometh and inviteth Chrâ—â— O come down with me to the fields let 〈◊〉 lodge in the villages O when gave 〈◊〉 Christ such an invitation as this O precioâ— Christ let us lodge in the villages and 〈◊〉 down to the secret places of the field aâ— Psal 63.1 My God there is his assurance and immediately followeth upon that Eaâ—â— will I seek thee my soul thirsteth after thâ— as in a dry parched land where no water 〈◊〉 There is a pressing desire after communiâ—â— But I would ask you Are there not mâ—â— here who have the hope of heaven to thâ— apprehension and yet the desire of câ—â—munion with Christ was never with thâ—â— I desire to say to thee be who thou 〈◊〉 Be not deceived God is not mocked that which thou sowest thou shall also reap I think there are some of us we would let Christ leave in heaven many dayes without giving him
we spake upon them â—at there were these things concerning the â—omises holden forth in them 1. The rise 〈◊〉 the promises is holden forth in these words â—hereby or as we cleared the words may be â—us rendered by whom which relateth unâ—â— Jesus Christ The second thing concerning the promises â—lden forth in the verse is the property of â—e promise and they are these four 1. That â—e promises are free holden forth in that â—rd Whereby are given unto us all the promises of the everlasting Covenant are 〈◊〉 and not debt There is that second proâ—â—y of the promises that they are unchable holden forth in that word Given gifts and calling of God being without retance And the third property of the 〈◊〉 mises was That they were exceeding grâ— And the fourth That they were exceâ—â— precious The third thing concerning the promâ—holden forth in the words is the advanâ—â— that floweth to a Christian by the proâ— that by them they might be made partake the divine nature And the last thing concerning them 〈◊〉 that time when the promises were espeâ—â—â—y accomplished it was then when we escaped the pollutions of the world thâ—â— lust Now as for the first thing to wit fountain original and rise of the promâ— which is Jesus Christ By whom In speâ— unto this we shall speak a little unto 〈◊〉 two 1. In what respects Christ maâ—â— said to be the fountain and original of promises and we conceive he may be to be so First Because he purchased promises unto us by his own preâ— bloud There is not a promise in all everlasting Covenant but it is the priâ—â— the bloud of the Son of God this is clâ— Eph. 2.12 13. where speaking of the tiles that they were strangers unto the venant of promise he setteth down 〈◊〉 13. verse the way by which they 〈◊〉 brought near unto the Covenant and had â—ight unto it it was through the bloud of hit rosse and it is clear in Eph. 3.6 that the â—romises of the Gospel were given unto us in â—im that is through the purchase of him â—nd his merits and 1 Pet. 1.19 where â—e are said to be bought by his bloud for the â—romise of Redemption was the price of â—oud Secondly Christ may be said to be â—e fountain of the Promises in this respect â—at he is the Person unto whom the proâ—ises of the Covenant are first made and â—rough him are made over unto us this is â—ear in Gal. 3.16 the promises were given â—â—to Abraham not unto many seeds but as to one that is Christ and it is clear from Tim. 1.9 where the promises of Grace â—â—d Salvation are said to be given unto us in 〈◊〉 before the world was made It is true â—t the promises are not given to Christ â—nsidered only as the Son of God for so 〈◊〉 had no other relation to us then the Faâ—â—er of the holy Ghost but yet they are â—â—st made to him as the Mediator and head 〈◊〉 his Church and as that blessed Dayes man 〈◊〉 King of Saints and the Great Lord â—â—per of all the Rights of the young heirs Glory And we all receive of his fulnesse 〈◊〉 grace for grace Thirdly There is this â—pect in which Christ may be said to be 〈◊〉 fountain of the promises that he it is whom we have a right unto all the proses this is clear 1 Cor. 3 12 13. whereâ—â—se two are conjoyned ye are Christs and â—n all things are yours If once a soul close with Christ in the Covenant of pâ—mise there is not one promise in Scriptuâ—â— but he may write this superscription abâ—â— it This is mine this is mine Fourthâ— Christ may be said to be the fountain of 〈◊〉 promises in regard that he is the Person 〈◊〉 applyeth the promises and maketh uâ— rest upon them and to believe them 〈◊〉 David did acknowledge Psal 119.49 〈◊〉 member thy word unto thy servant upon wâ— thou hast caused me to hope as if David sâ—â—â— I had never believed a promise except 〈◊〉 hadest caused me and it is clear Eph. 2â— where faith is called the gift of God 〈◊〉 faith to believe the promises it is the râ— donation and gift of Christ Fifthly may be said to be the fountain of the 〈◊〉 mises in that he qualifieth us for the acâ—â—plishment of them Christ giveth us streâ—â— to obey the condition that is annexed to promise and Christ he infuseth habiâ—â— grace in us by which we may be helpeâ— exercise faith upon the promises so grant all the Scripture were promises if Christ did not help us we would never lieve a promise and there would never a mise be accomplished unto us Sixâ— The last respect in which Christ may bâ— to be the fountain of the promises is 〈◊〉 all the promises of the everlasting Coveâ— they have their accomplishment throughâ— according to that word 2 Cor. 1.20 A promises of God are in him yea and iâ— Amen so that ye are to blesse Christ â—â—ly for the giving of the promises but 〈◊〉 accomplishment of them also That which secondly we shall speak to â—â—om this that Christ is the fountain of the â—romises shall be to presse upon Christians â—â—ese three excellent and soul-concerning â—â—ties The first That they would not have light account of the promises since they are â—â—olets and streams that flow from that â—â—essed Ocean O but if a Christian did beâ—â—eve that the promise that he hath for his â—â—ily bread it was bought with the blood 〈◊〉 the second Person of the blessed Trinity â—ould he not have an high account of that â—â—omise And let me tell you it is imposâ—â—le for the promises to be in high account â—ith you till once ye reduce them unto their â—â—e and to their fountain but once know at all the promises are sweet streams of we that have run through the heart of preâ—â—â—us Christ and from thence they have â—wed unto you and then when this is beâ—â—â—ved how shall ye sit down and comfort â—â—ur selves in the promises and rejoyce exâ—â—â—dingly in them The second duty that we presse upon you â—â—â—m this is That since Christ is the founâ—â—â—â—â—n and original of the Promises be much 〈◊〉 the application of the Promises And â—â—â—e I shall speak a little upon these three â—â—ings 1. A little unto the evidences and â—â—ks of those that have a right to apply 〈◊〉 promises and shall only name unto you â—â—â—se few The first is to be a person under â—â—victions of sensible need and necessity of 〈◊〉 a promise have ye convictions of 〈◊〉 â—ecessity Then from that ye may 〈…〉 have a right to the promises and are not 〈◊〉 glad tidings I know there are some are under such convictions of their sin they think it boldness to apply the promâ— But I would say this unto you that iâ— were under sensible convictions of your â—nesse ye would give a world for an haâ—â— a promise whereby to hang believe it exercise of misbelief is never at its heiâ—â—â—ill we would