many of them 3. Freedome from all temptations CHRIST himselfe was tempted 4. Lesse principall graces the common gifts of the Spirit these are distributed severally 1 Cor. 12.8 5. The measure of sanctifying graces some Saints have a greater measure of grace and some a lesse Some Promises are in divers respects both Absolute and Conditionall as that Exod. 3.17 of bringing the Israelites into the land of Canaan for in respect of the people of Israel it was absolâ—te and at length really accomplished but if we consider all the particular Israelites it had an implicite condition viz. if they were obedient to GOD. Lastly the Promises are either such as pertaine unto this life or the life to come The Promises pertaining unto this life are either Spirituall concerning the soule such are the promises of GODS graces or Temporall concerning the body as health wealth The Promises appertaining unto the life to come are eternall life the crowne of glory which concerne both soule and body These I shall handle fully afterward CHAP. III. 3. The Excellency of them THe Promises of GOD are a Rich Mine of Spirituall and Heavenly treasures they are a garden of most precious flowers of medicinable herbes they are as the Poole of Bethesda for all diseases for all sorts of persons and at all times They are called the unsearchable riches of CHRIST Ephes. 3.6 8. to assure us that hee is a very rich man that hath his heart stored with the promises of GOD well applied One stiles them pabulum fidei the food of faith As â—aith is the life of the Soule so GODS promise is the life of Faith They are the inheritance of GODS people Dauid did so account of them Thy promises have I claimed as mine heritage for ever for they are the Ioy of my heart Psal. 119.111 and all the people of GOD are Heires of all his Promises Rom. 9.8 The very keeping of the Records of these Promises was a great Prerogative to the Jewes Rom. 3.2 and it is accounted a singular happinesse for the Gentiles that they may now partake of these Promises Ephes. 3.6 The Apostle Peter saith that they are Exceeding great and precious promises 2 Pet. 1.4 which GOD hath given to us They are most great and precious for quantity Great exceeding great for quality Good exceeding good Precious 1. In respect of the Author of them GOD He is said in Scripture to be the giver of them Rom. 1.2 1 Tim. 1.1 Tit. 1.2 2. The ground of them JESUS CHRIST for whose sake we obtaine them and the price he paied to purchase them for us his precious blood 1 Pet. 1.19 3. The manner how they are given freely the fountaine from which they spring is the precious loving kindnesse of GOD Psal. 36.7 4. The meanes whereby they are apprehended that precious grace of faith 2 Pet. 1.1 5. The great and inestimable profit flowing from them and the end why they are bestowed upon us that we might be partakers of the Divine nature that is of the graces of the HOLY GHOST 6. In regard of the excellencie of the things promised life and godlinesse or glory and vertue which the Apostle Peter mentioned 3. ver of that 1. Chapter The ordinary Glosse would have life eternall to be there promised There is nothing in the world so excellent so precious so sweet and so comfortable as the promises are Psal. 119.103 Cardan saith that every precious stone hath some egregious vertue and Iosephus observeth that the splendor and brightnesse of the precious stones in the High-Priests brest-plate foreshewed victory I examine not the truth of those relations but I dare say there is more soveraigne vertue in one of GODS precious promises than in all the precious stones of the world I may say of them as Salomon saith of a vertuous woman that their price is farre above rubies or as he speakes of wisdome that they are better then rubies and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to them The bright lustre also of these precious stones observed by the quick eye of faith presageth certaine victory over all our enemies If we can behold the face of GOD to shine upon us by proving our interest in his promises we shall be in all things more then Conquerors through Him that loveth us The Promises of GOD applyed by faith will put such an undaunted courage into the heart of the weakest Christian that he will not feare the rigour of the Law 1 Tim. 1.9 the rage of Satan Ephes. 6.16 the tyranny of the world 1 Ioh. 5.4 the gastly and grimme face of Death 1 Cor. 15.55 nor the torments of Hell Ioh. 3.16 Therefore a truly humbled spirit relishing Spirituall things would not exchange any one of the Promises for the riches and sweetnesse of both the Indies In many of Davids Psalmes the beginnings are full of trouble but joy and assurance is to be found in the end so that one would imagine saith Peter du Moulin that the Psalmes had beene composed by two men of a contrary humour but he assigneth this as the cause of so sudden a change Davids soule at the last raising up it selfe from under its burden and adhering to the promises he found abundance of comfort Mr. Bolton hath three excellent Stories to this purpose The first is of a woman greatly distressed in conscience who industriously sought the destruction of her selfe but being most miraculously preserved shee afterward received comfort from that promise Esay 57.15 Thus saith the High and loftie one that inhabiteth Eternity whose Name is Holy I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones And to use his phrase she went to Heaven in the yeare of our LORD 1595. Another Godly Man in his sicknesse stedfastly fixed his heart upon that sweetest Promise Esay 26.3 Thou wilt keepe him in perfect peace whose minde is stayed on thee because hee trusteth in thee and said GOD had graciously made it fully good unto his soule A Scottish Penitent also at the place of execution when he was ready to die laid hold on that Matth. 11.28 saying I challenge thee LORD by that promise which thou hast made that thou performe and make it good unto me that call for ease and mercy at thy hands S. Paul boasteth that he is an Apostle of CHRIST according to the promise 2 Tim. 1.1 The Patriarkes hugged and embraced the promises as a chiefe stay of their lives in their pilgrimage on earth Heb. 11.13 Vrsine was comforted by that place Ioh. 10.29 and Bilney was much quieted by that saying of S. Paul This is a faithfull saying and worthy of all acceptation that CHRIST JESUS came into world to save sinners of whom I am chiefe There is a commandement of the LORD
soule and body Promises 1. Of the Glorification of our soules GOD promiseth to translate the soules of the godly into his heavenly kingdome when they die This is implyed in the Parable where the Angels carry up Lazarus soule into Heaven Luke 16.22 This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Luk. 23.43 Which Paradise the Apostle Paul expoundeth to be the third heaven 2 Cor. 12.1 2 4. He that overcomes shall inherit all things See Rev. 3.21 2. Of the last Judgement The godly have boldnesse and confidence at the day of judgement When these things begin to come to passe then shall we look up and lift up our heads because our redemption draweth nigh Luk. 21.28 Vnto them that look for CHRIST shall he appeare the second time without sin unto salvation Hebr. 9.28 When CHRIST who is our life shall appeare then shall we also appeare with him in glory Colos. 3.4 He shall say to them of his right hand Come yee blessed of my Father inherit the kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world Matth. 25.32 34. See ver 40. 3. Glorification of the whole man both soule and body Promises of the glorification of our bodies The LORD JESUS shall change our vile bodies and make them like his glorious body Phil. 3.21 The bodies of the Saints shall shine as the brightnesse of the firmament and as the stars Dan. 1 2.3 Yea as the Sun for ever and ever Promises Of eternall life in both soul and body after the day of judgement Then we shall be ever with the LORD 1 Thess. 4.17 Whosoever beleeveth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life Joh. 3.16 I give unto them eternall life John 10.28 He that beleeveth on the Sonne hath eternall life Joh. 3.36 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Mark 16.16 Act. 16.31 The gift of GOD is eternall life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD Rom. 6.23 See John 6.40 and 20.31 1 Joh. 2.23 John 5.24 1 Joh. 5.11 12 13. Joh. 17.3 1 Pet. 1.3 4. Tit. 3.7 Rom. 5.10 17. Rom. 8.13 Gal. 6.8 Matth. 5.8 12. and 19.29 Matth. 25.34 35 46. 1 Tim. 6.17 18 19. The Promises of GOD assure us of everlasting happinesse and glory in the Kingdome of Heaven I know saith Job 19.25 relying upon GODS promises that my Redeemer liveth 2 Cor. 5.1 4.14 Faith apprehendeth the promise of eternall life hope expecteth it love thankfully entertaines it and all other graces are quickned and strengthned by it Promises For the glory of Heaven In thy presence is fullnesse of ioy at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Ps. â—6 11 We shall have fullnesse of ioy everlasting pleâ—sures A swift flowing river and 〈◊〉 of pleasures Psal. 36.8 We shall 〈◊〉 no more 〈…〉 Rev. 7.16 GOD will wipe away all tears from our eyâ— Rev. 21 4. We shal sit down with Abraham Isaac and Iacob in the kingdome of heaven Mat. 8.11 as at a banquet we shall then be as the Angels of GOD Matth. 22.30 Nay like CHRIST himselfe 1 John 3.2 We shall be made confirmable to the image of his Sonne Rom. 8.29 and be With CHRIST John 14.3 and behold his glory Joh. 17.24 12.26 We shall enter into our masters ioy Matth. 25.21 he saith not it shal enter into us but we into it shewing that the joyes of heaven are so many that they cannot be contained in the soule of man GOD hath promised us a kingdome Mat. 25.34 A heavenly kingdome Mat. 7 2â— 2 Tim. 4.18 An eternall kingdom 2 Pet. 1.11 A Crown a Crown of life Iam. 1.12 Rev. 2.10 A Crown of righteousnesse 2 Tim. 4.8 An immarcessible Crown of glory 1 Pet. 5.4 The word Crowne represents unto us 1. The perpetuity of that life for a crowne hath neither beginning nor ending 2. Plenty because as the crown compasseth on every side so there is nothing wanting in this life 3. Dignity eternall life is a coronation day every Saint shall be a crowned King The use of Faith in regard of these promises is to uphold us with the expectation of that heavenly happinesse which is promised yea though we be destitute of worldly things and be in many troubles and tribulations Act. 14.22 The Table of the fifth Booke Speciall Promises in regard of Others 1. The Church in generall or particular Churches as puâ—like assemblies God hath promised to them 1. His speciall protection 2. His speciall presence 3. His speciall blessing 4. To deliver the Church out of trouble 2. Against the Seductions for the destruction of Anticâ—rist 3. For calling the Iewes 4. For bringing in the Gentiles 5. To Magistrates 6. To Ministers 1. Extraordinary the Apostles 1. To worke miracles 2. To cast out Divels 3. To lead them into all truth 2. Ordinary all the faithfull Ministers 1. For competency of outward things 2. Of pâ—otectiâ—n and deliverance from trouble 3. To take their parts against their enemies 4. To give good â—uccâ—sse to their labours 5. To reward them largely 6. That tâ—ey shall agree together and joyne force against the common adversary 7. To Masters of a Family and godly servants to blesse the habitation of the godly 8. To husband wife concerning children 1. To give them 2. To blesse them every way 1. With outward things 2. In their soules 3. That mothers shall give sucke to their children 4. To parents correcting their children 5. To comfort them in the want of children 6. To children obeying their parents 9. For company that we shall reap good by the society of the godly THE FIFTH BOOKE CHAP. I. Promises in regard of others The Church in generall or particular Churches as publike Assemblies 1. GOD will defend the Church and all the faithfull THE gates of Hell shalâ— not prevaile against it Matth. 16.18 GOD is in the midâ—â— of the Church therefore it shall not fall Ps. 46.5 I the LORD doe keepe it I will water it every moment least any hurt it I will keepe it night and day Esay 27.3 As the mountaines are round about Ierusalem so the LORD is round about his people from hence forth and for ever Ps. 125.2 See Esay 4.5 6. Psalm 46. whole 124 125. Psalmes Psal. 132.13 to 17. Psal. 89.15 16 17 18. Zach. 9.16 GOD hath made promises unto the publike assemblies of his speciall protection Looke upon Sion the city of our solemne fâ—asts thine eyes shall see Ierusalem a quiet habitation a Tabernacle that cannot be removed c. Esâ—y 33.20 21. See ver 16. This was one reason why David so esteemed of GODS Tabernacâ—es Ps. 84.11 For the LORD GOD is a sunne and shield unto us 2. GOD hath promised to be present with his Church and people in a speciall manner There are promises 1. Of the presence of CHRIST Matth. 18.20 28.20 1 Cor. 5.4 Rev. 2.1 Esay 31.9 2. Of the presence of the HOLY GHOST Esa. 59.21 GOD hath
is wont to crowne with multiplied and over-flowing refreâ—hings when he comes They that wait upâ—n the LORD shall renew their strength they â—hall mâ—unt up with wâ—ngs as Eagles they shall runne and not be weary they â—hall walke and not faint Esâ— 40.31 For since the beginning of the world wâ—â— have not heard nor perceived by the eare neiâ—her hath the eye seene O GOD besides thee what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him Esay 64.4 they shall not be ashamed or disappointed that wait for him Esay 49.23 He shall save them Pro. 20.22 They shall inherit the earth Psal. 37.9 34. and Heaven too Blessed are all they that waite for him Esay 30.18 Dan. 12.12 We must stirre up our selves to receive the promises Cant. 5.2 3. The godly sometimes walk without comfort because they put it from themselvs and GOD oftentimes causeth his children to seek long before they find comfort But the ardent desire shall at length be satisfied Remission of sinnes and peace of conscience are favours worth waiting for We have not waited so many years in the meanes of grace for comfort as GOD hath waited for our conversion Promises 1. That we shall delight in God Then shalt thou have they delight in the Almighty Job 22.26 The promise of delighting our selves in the LORD is confined to the duty of delighting in holy exercises If thou call the Sabbath a delight c. then shalt thou delight in the LORD Esa. 58.13 14. A promise To delighting in GOD. Delight thy selfe in the LORD and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart Ps. 37.4 Promises to godlines or grace exercised or to godly and gracious men which act the graces and exercise themselves in the duties above specified True Godlinesse hath the promises both of this life and of that which is to come of this life Seeke ye first the kingdome of GOD and the righteousnesse therof and al these things shall be administred unto you Matth. 6.33 and of the life to come To him that orderâ—th his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of GOD Ps. 50.23 1. The godly shall be blessed 〈◊〉 â— 13 Ps. 11â— 1 Ps. 9.8 Ps. â—11 12 13. Ps. 110.1 Ps. 1.1 Ps. 128.1 4. They whom the world account above all men most miserable are truly and only happy as our Saviour prooves Matth. 5. Blessed are the poore in spirit c. from 3. ver to 12. we shall never be truly happy till wee be sincerely holy nor fully happy till wee bee perfectly holy 2. The godly shall be a blessing to the place where they live I will blesse thee and theâ— shalt be a blessing Genesis 12.2 And I will make them a blessing Ezek. 34. â—6 Iâ—rael shall be a blessing in the midst of the land Esay 19.24 3. PROMISES ETERNALL Promises Eternall 1. Against damnation 2. For Salvation 1. Passages to it 1. Death comforts against the fear of First Death 2. Vntimely death 2 Burial 3. Resurrection 2. PerformaÌ„ces of it 1. Glorification in part of our soules 2. Last judgement 3. Glorification of the whole man both soule and body Promises 1. Of eternal life both in soul body 2. For the glory of heaven THE FOVRTH BOOKE CHAP. I. Eternall Promises 1. Against Damnation The godly shall be delivered from eternall Confusion and Damnation YEe shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end Esay 45.17 Rom. 9. 33. and 10 11. 1 Pet. 2.6 GOD will deliver the soule of the righteous from the pit Job 33.28 Ps. 86.13 There is no condemnation to them that are in CHRIST IESVS Rom. 8.1 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of GODS elect It is GOD that iustifieth ver 33. They are delivered from the wrath to come 1 Thes. 1.10 Blessed is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power Rev. 20.6 He that overcommeth shall not be hurt of the second death Rev. 2.11 CHAP. II. 2. For Salvation 1. Passages to it 1. Death 1. Comforts against the fear of death 2. Feare of untimely death 2. Buriall 3. Resurrection 1. Comforts against the fear of death HE that will beare with comfort the pangs of death must labour to die in faith that is he must lay hold of the promise of GOD touching forgivenesse of sins and life everlasting by CHRIST All these saith the HOLY GHOST Heb. 11.13 died in the Faith viz. Abel Enoch Noe Abraham and Sarah all laying hold of the promise of life by CHRIST So Iacob Gen. 49.18 by Faith rested on the mercy of GOD and by hope he waited for his salvation Thou shalt not be afraid of destruction when it commeth Job 5.21 Death be it never so bitter or painfull shall not be able to seperate us from the love of GOD Rom. 8.28 38. St. Stephens violent death was but a sweet sleepe Act. 7.60 Iohn 11.11 It is but a sleeping in JESUS 1 Thes. 4.14 The grave is called a bed of rest Esay 57.2 CHRIST hath pul'd the sting out of death for all the godly Esay 25.8 Hos. 13.14 1 Cor. 15.55 and tooke away the strength of it by his death Heb. 2.14 15. The righteous hath hope in his death Pro. 14.32 it is gaine unto him Phil. 1.21 for he is delivered by death from many and great evils 1. Sin Rom. 6.7 He shall never offend GOD more 2. Those miseries which follow sin Esay 57.1 2.3 The temptations of the Divell Rev. 12.8.4 The opposition and vexation of the world and flesh Rev. 14.13 Eccles. 4.1 2. It is to them obstetrix immortalitatis a passage to immortality 2 Cor. 5.1 4. a sturdy Porter that opens heaven gates unto him See 1 Cor. 3.22 15.26 Psalm 37.37 2. Comforts against the feare of untimely death Thou shalt come to thy grave in a ful age like as a shocke of corn commeth in in his season Job 5.26 The number of thy dayes will I fulfill Exod. 23.26 The Lord will preserve him and keepe him alive and he shall be blessed upon the earth Ps. 4. 1.2 With long life will I satisfie him and shew him my salvation Ps. 91.16 2. Buriall It is a kind of blessing promised by GOD to his Saints to be buried 1 King 14.13 2 King 22.20 3. Resurrection Promises of our Resurrection He which raised up the LORD JESUS shall raise up us alâ—o by JESUS The Covenant of GOD is of force with us as we lie in the dust of the Earth Mat. 22.31.32 He keepeth the very bones of his Saints Ps. 34.20 All that are in the grave shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life John 5.28 29. I will raise him up at the last day John 6.39 40 44 54. See 1 Thess. 4.14 16. Rom. 8.11 Dan. 12.2 Esay 26.19 CHAP. III. 2. Performances of it 1. Glorification in part for the soule 2. Last Judgement 3. Glorification of the whole man both
10. Iob 22 27. 33.6 Esay 58 â— David pleadeth this promise Psal. 4.1 Generall promises to prayer that God will heare and answer us Esay 30.19 Iohn 16.23 particular promises first deliverance from any trouble and affliction Ps. 50.15 of strength and patience to beare it Iam. 1.5 Secondly whatsoever spirituall grace wee stand in need of Luk. 11.13 Thirdly inward ioy peace of conscience Iob 23.26 Ioh. 16.24 We are to be familiarâ—y acquainted with these promises and meditate on some of them when we goe to pray Exod 22 23. Psal 9.9 22.24 Psal. 86.6 7. Psal. 5.24 Ier. 29 12 â—3 Luke 8.7 8 Iam 5.16 Psal. 81.10 * D. Playferâ— Non dicitur quid dabitur saith Austen Christ nameth not what shall be giveÌ„ to you to let us know that that gift is a thing suprae omne nomen above all that can bee named Matth 6.6 If every severall beleiver have a promise Mat 7.7 8 to bee heard in whatsoever he shall ask according to the will of God when he praieth apart by him self or privately in his frâ—ily or with a few much more when hee ioyns in prayer with the Minister and â—he rest of the godly iâ— the publiâ— assembly Mat 18 20. God hath promised to accompany this ordinaÌ„ce of his with the divine power efficacy of his Holy Spirit Esay 59.21 Iohn 5.25 Rev. 1.3 Pro 8 34 35. Metaphora à clientibus so res patronoruÌ„ obsidentibus sunius Esa. 5â— 1 2. Promises 1. Generall God will ever assist this ordinance and worke with it Mat. 28.10 2. â—â—ee will save the souls of his people by this ordinance Iam. 1 21. â—s 55.3 3 By this ordinance he will beginne grace and convert the soule Ps. 19.7 4 By this ordinance he will increase and perfect grace where he hath begun it Mark 4.24 Act 20.32 God hath made also partâ—cular promises to them that attend on this ordinance 1. That by it he will give them strength to overcome their strongest corruptions Psal. 119 9 2. That hee will by it worke peace in their consciences Esay 57.9 Prov â— 14. Mark 4.24 Luke 1 28. Rom. 1.16 Wee should heare so as to expect hope for life by the word which the Lord promiseth Deu. 3â— 47 Ioh. 5.39 It is a usuall thing to call the principal cause the instrument by the same name Acts 1 4 5. 1 Cor 11 24 25. â—â—k 21.19 â—0 Iohne 14 5â— Mark 1 22 â—4 The duty of Fasting is to bee performed when the accomplishment of some remarkable promise is expeâ—ted to be fulfilled to the Church Dan. 9.2 3. This promise may be also applied to the following of good examples presidents Lan. 3 4â— The Lord promâ—seth many singular graces to all that sanctifie hiâ— day of what nacion or condition soever they be â—hey shall have their hearts filled full of spirituall joy God will give them the spirit of prayer hear their prayers he will give â—hem ability to serve him hee will also accept reward their service Terque quateâ—que beati Poelices ter ampâ—ius Horat See Mat 6. Heb 13.16 Eccles. 11. â— Esay 587 8 10 11. Ps. 129. Pro. 14.21 22 * Though Alms deeds merit not at Gods hands yet they make him our debtor according to his gratious promise said King Iames Pro 1â— 17 1 Tim 6.18.19 He that hath a bountifull eve shall be blessed for he giveth of his bread to the poor Pro 2â— 9 Dicit frigidae aquae ne in calida sumptuÌ„ lignoruÌ„ causari quis posset Hieron Mark 9.4 Propecuto aquae frâ—gidae torrens voluptatis See Mal. 3.10 1â— A promise to paying of tithes Zephany 2.3 Rest on every side from enemies Book IV 2 Chro. 14.7 Esay 55.6 2 Chro 14 7 Mat. 77. 2 Chro. 31.11 Blessed are they that seeke him with their whole heart Psalm 119.2 Book III Psalmâ—9 â—9 15 16 â—7 18. 1 Tim 4 8. Book IV â—râ—mises in genâ—rall to tâ—e wâ—ys of godlinesse 〈…〉 Auâ—â—in * Some doe referre it to the day of judgement when the faithfull shall not be confounded or ashamed cum ventris in future when Christ shall come to judgemeÌ„t Glosse interlin Haymâ— But it is more generall shewing that the faithfull neither in the time present nor to come shall be ashamed Not to be confounded signâ—fieth non frustrati not to be disappointed of theâ—r hope P. Matt. And more is underâ—â—ood then said i.e. shall be confirmed comforted and establisheâ— Parus He that will kâ—epâ— my saying shall â—ot test of death Iohn 8.51 that is shall not be overwhelâ—ed by â—t Dying in the Lord. Revel â—4 13 is but a rest from labours 2 Tim. 1.10 That one happy pang which puls away the soule from the body doth also pul away sinne both from the soul and body God doth watch over the faithfull for good by his proâ—idence both in life and death Mat. 10.28 29 30 31. Psa. 72.14 2 Sam 25. In Christ shal all be made alive 1 Cor 15 â—â—punc that is shall be raised by him at the resurrection The Cermaâ—es call the Church yard Godsaker because the bodies are sowne there to bee raised again and the Grecians called their Church yards or places of sepulture 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dormitories or sleeping places wher the bodies rest expecting the resurrection The soule of tâ—e faithfull at the dissolution of the body shall go immediately to heaven Therfore there is no purgatory Christ promiseth to the Saints of God afâ—er death Life 1 Tim 4.8 Apoc. 2.10 Iohn 5.24 11.25 Rest Luke 16.25 Apoc. 14.13 Ioy Mat 3.25.23 Esay 35 10. * 1 Iohn 4 17 3.21 Acts 3 19. Heb. â— 28 There is a promise 2 Tim 4.8 to these that long for Christs secoÌ„d comming love his appearing Mat. 13.43 See 1 Cor 15 4â— 43. Heb. 9. â—5 11 16. Iam. 1 1â— 5 Iude 20 21 verse The glâ—ry of the body say the Schoole men consists first in clarity Mat â—â— 43 2 Impassibility 1 Cor. 5 53. 2 Of the soul consists in the manifest visioÌ„ of God which succeeds faith 1 Cor. 13.12 2 In the perfect fruition of God which succeeds hope Rev. 7.16 7 3 In the perfect love of God whâ—câ— succeeds of imperfect charity 1 Cor 13.8 Rev. 21.3 1 Thes 4 17. 1 Pet. 13.4 Sir Thomas Bodley gave for his arms three crowns with this posey Quarta perennu erit the fourth shal be eternall Book V. Esay â—3 20. The unvisible Church is the â—â—llar of tâ—uth Christ is made to her righteousnes sanctificaâ—io She hath all light and 〈◊〉 here in Heaven The â—ambe himself shall be hâ—r Sunne glory She shall be led into al truth Her faiâ—â— shal not faiâ—â— her enemies shal â—cke the dost of her sect come and worship before her she shall inherit the earth prevaile against tâ—e gates of her enemies Yea the promises made to Christ hiâ—self are applied to her compare Esay 49 â— with that in 2 Cor 6â— Promises unto the Church assemblies Christ hath promiâ—ed to be present in a more comfortable maÌ„ner in the assemblies of his people then in any of our houses or any other place Promises unto the Church-assemblies Publike places have a pâ—omise of Gods special presence in them 1 King 9.3 There is beauty Ps. 7 4 goodâ—eâ—se taâ—nesse in Gods houâ—e such as 〈◊〉 fill the soule of a man give him as much as hee can desire Esay 55.7 See 2 Thess. 2.8 See ver 8. Fâ—rbâ—s upon tâ—e place Magnas la pa sua molâ—â—uit cum ingeniâ— impetuâ— mato iâ—si pro ijciatuâ—r longe maximo protectus ab act quo valido â—ebusto BrightmaÌ„nu in locum Esay 42 2â— â—3 Ps. 68.29 31. 7â— 10 11 â—â— 19 Esa 62 2. Ps. 38 4. Esa. 60.3 5 8 Act. 10.45 Mâ—t. 19 2â— 28. â—0 It was promised Esa 6.13 that a tenth should returne 1 Tim. 4.16 Rev â—1 18. Dan. 12. â— Mat. 24.45 46. 2 Tim. 4 7 8 Secundum laboreÌ„ accipient non secund um proventam saith Bernard Esay 11.13 14. Ephes 6 5 8 He blesseth the habâ—tation of the Iust Pro 3.33 Exod. 34 24. a That very promise was after repeated to Abrahams posterity in all ages to be a staffe of comfort to them still therfore it is oft said that God is the God of AbrahaÌ„ Isaac Iacob Exod 36 15 â—6 Leâ—â— 42 Ps. 105 8. 〈◊〉 b Acts 3.25 Rom. 4.11.16 1 Cor 7.14 Esa. 619 65.23 Ps. 102 â—8 Pro. 14.26 * Hâ—on 4 of Iob 1 Cor 7 14. Rom. 11.16 See 1 Kin 11 34. 2 Kings 10.30 Obiect * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ambrose and Piscator say this is the first precept of the second Table with promise Answ. Boza Vâ—sin Râ—vet on 20. of Exo Zanchtuâ— on Eph 6. B Bahington B. Andrews D. Gouge and others Deut. 5 1â— Ier 35.18 19 Mal. 3.16 17.
A TREATISE Of the DIVINE PROMISES In five Bookes In the first A generall description of their nature kinds excellency right use properties and the persons to whom they belong In the foure last A declaration of the Covenant it selfe the bundle and Body of all the Promises and the Speciall Promises likewise which concerne a mans selfe or others both Temporall Spirituall and Eternall By EDVVARD LEGH Master of Arts of Magdalen Hall in Oxford Godlinesse hath the Promises of the life that now is and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4 8. Whereby are given unto us exceeding Great and Precious Promises that by these yee might be made partakers of the Divine nature 2 Pet. 1.4 Having therefore these Promises let us cleanse our selves from all filthinesse of flesh and Spirit perfecting Holinâ—sse in the feare of GOD 2 Cor 7.1 The second Impression corrected and inlarged by the Authour London Printed by George Miller and are to be sold by Thomas Vnderhill at the Mayden-head in the Poultry MDCXLI TO THE RELIGIOVS VERTVOVS AND Every way Accomplisht Lady â—nd his much honoured good Mother the Lady RUâ—H'â— CUDAMâ—â—E Nâ—â—le Lady and my worthy Mother THERE are two chiefe reasons why I dedicated this Treaâ—ise of the Promises unto your Ladyship First the excellency of the subject with which I know you are much affected 〈◊〉 My neare relation and engagement unto your Self I deemed none fit to patronize such a work but some noble Theophilus or Elect Lady and to have sought a remoter Friend having one so neere and proper might have bin construed folly I wish the Booke may give content unto your Selfe and others of Gods people and then I doubt not but the dedication of it unto a Christian and such a Christian will be approv'd The knowledge of the Promises is necessary for Christians who do or ought to live by faith and therfore this Treatise I conceive may be generally usefull unto them both for the right performance of holy duties the exercise of divine graces and likewise to uphold the soule in all manner of distresses 1 It will be very usefull for the right performance of any good duty What better motive to and help for prayer hearing reading meditation conference c. then to call to mind Gods gracious promises which he hath made to assist us in those services and to accept them rightly performed but because I handle this point in the Treatise it self mentioning the speciall promises made to particular duties I will here proceed after another manner and shew how there are Promises in Scripture for every Commandement For the first Commandement How many Promises are made to the true knowledge of God Psalm 91.14 to the true acknowledgement of God Pro 6.3 to the love of God Pro. 8.17 Iohn 14.23 Cor. 8.3 Iohn 16.27 to confidence in God Ps. 125.1 Ier. 177 8. Ps. 55.22 Esay 40.31 Rom. 5.5 Ps. 1â—0 5 6 7. Esay â—6 3 to the Feare of God Ps. 33.18 Ps 115.13 Ps. 111.5 Luâ—â— 50 â—ro 1.7 Pro. â—9 10 11. Pro. 14.27 15 33. Pro 22 4 Ps 111.10 Pro. 10.27 For the second there is a promise annexed unto it Exo â—0 6 Deut. 5.10 and others likewise made in Scripture to all holy duties as Iam 4.8 Isa 12.3 and specially to prayer Rom 8.16 Iam 1.5 Reading Pro 1.23 Fasting Maâ— 6.18 Conference Maâ— 3 16 17. Meditation Ps â— 2. For the 3 Commandement there are many promises made to those who glorifie Gods name Ps. 50.23 Mat 10.32 5.11 12.37 For the 4 Commandement See Lev 26.2 3 4. Esa 56.2 3 4 5 6 7. Eze â—0 12 20. Esa 58.13 14. Ier. 17.24 25 26 For the 5 Commandement there is an expresse promise in it to that speciall duty it injoyneth Exo 20.12 in other places of Scripture there are promises to such as being elders in yeers give good example to their youngers and are teachers of good things Esa 65.20 22. Iob 25.26 to good Princes Prov 20 28 29.19 1 King 2 1 2 3 4. Deu 17.19 20. to good Ministers 1 Pet. 5 2 3 4 to the husband that is loving and kind to his wife Pro. 3â— 10 1â— 12. to the wife that is loving reverend to her husband and wife and carefull in the education of her children Pro 31.28 29 31. 1 Tim 2.15 to good Masters Pro. 5.33 Deu. 5 18 Ephes. 5.8 9. to good Parents Pro. 10.1 23 24 25. to obedient children Eph 6.3 Gen 9.27 of spiriâ—uall things Col. 3.20 Ps 117 8. Ier 35.19 Pro 1.9 6 23 24. to Subjects Ier. 29.7 RoÌ„ 8 13.3 5. Pet. 2.15 to Servants Pro. 17.2 Col. 3.24 Eph. 6.8 to those which do honour the faithfull Ministers of Gods word Iohn 13 20. Mat. 10.41 to those that honor their Elders in years 1 Pet. 5.5 Luke 1â— 1 For the 6. Commandement there are many promises in Scripture made unto those who shall seek to preserve the life of their neighbour 1 Iohn 4 12. Mat. 6.14 Mat. 25.40 Pro. 25.21 22. Mat 5 7 9. Pr. 14.29 16 3â— Iam. 1.4 Psalme 25.9 Proverbes 1â— 20 Ps. 133.1 Luke 6.35 37 Pro. 29.7 22. 21.3 21. Esa 3. â— 1â— Eccl. 10.4 also to the meek Mat. 5.5 Psa. 37.11 to the gentle and such as forgive offences Mat. 6.14 15 Luke 6.27 to those that are of a peaceable and quiet spirit desirous of peace 1 Pet 3.10 11 22. Pr. 20.22 to the peace-makers Mat. 5.9 Pro 12.20 to the mercifull Mat. 5.7 2 34. to those that are kind to their enemies Luke 6.35 For the 7 Commandement Chastity is a fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 and there are promises to it 1 Cor. 6.19 Eze. 18.6 9. For the 8 Commandement See Heb. 13.16 Mat. 5.7 Deu. 5.10 24 1â— 13 19. Esay 58.8 Eze. 18. â— Pro. 11.26 19.17 Pro. 21. â— 21. 22 9. 28.27 Ps. 14.5 Ps. 116.6 Mat. 6.4 10 42. Lu. 6.38 11.41 14.14 18.22 2 Cor. 9.10 Pr. â— 10 God promiseth a temporall and eternal benediction to those that are righteous bountifull to the â—core Ps. 1â— 5 112.9 There are promises also to righteousnes or just dealing Mat. 6.33 Pro. 10. 1â— 1. Pro â—8 â—0 to the publik Magistrate â—hat dealeth justly in judgement Pro. 16.12 25.5 15.27 28.16 to the private person that dealeth justly Deut. 25.15 to him that being just useth diligence in his calling Pro. 10.4 12.24 For the 9 Commandement See 1 Pet. 3.10 Lu. 6.37 Gen 1â— 3 Pro. â—3 2 18.20 20.15.22 most ample goods are promised to those that speake the truth from the heart Ps. 15.9 Pro. 12.19 23. For the 10 Commandement See 2 Pet. 1.4 Mat. 5.8 Iam 4.5.6 2 Cor. 1â— 9 Pro. 22.5 11. Ps. 24.4 5. 3. â— Pro 14 2â— Thus graciously doth God deale with his people he might out of his absolute soveraignty over us command only and we were bound then to obey but
he is pleased the better to quicken us to obedience to annex these gracious promises to his righteous Commandements and those that truly performe the duty which he commands shall undoubtedly receive the mercy which he promiseth Secondly this Treatise of the Promises may be useful I suppose for the quickning and exercising al holy graces How doth the sound knowledge and frequent meditation of Gods sweet and precious Promises strengthen Faith quicken hope in flame zeal confirm patience and foster al the graces of Gods Spirit When we stagger through unbelif and are tempted to doubt of any thing if we would have recourse to the promises they would uphold us as for example if this cogitation should arise in me certainly if I doe not as the world doth I shall loose my credit and never come to any wealth or estate like others by by I should remâ—mber what is written touching this matter Sam. 3. â—0 Mat. 6.33 and then consider the genâ—rality â—nd certainty of these other promises and that would settle the soul. Lastly against all troubles â—nward outward painful sinfull of soul body good name state Faith in Gods promises is a soveraigne Antidote this is my comfort in my affliction saiâ—h David thy word that is thy promise made unto me in thy Word hath quickned me Ps. 119.50 He telleth not what kind of trouble he was in in any trouble whatsoever he received singular comfort by meditation in the Promises by Gods promises adversity sicknes poverty death of Friends are sweetned we are upholden by them in time of temptation and in the pangs of death receive consolation Against all Evill that may assaile us 3 thingâ— there are that we may with joy behold in the promise 1 Protection 2 Restitution 3 Deliverance Doth the Lord permit us to temptation his grace is sufficient to support us 2 Cor. 12 9. doth he suffer us to be overcome in temptation yet promiseth he restitution by a new act of grace raising us and at length to set us out of the reach of all temptations In the defects of good things and the small measures therof we may draw comfort likewise from the promises God promiseth â— Preservation 2 Growth 3 Perfection of â—â—ace and glory If we enjoy aâ—y good grace of God though â—â—never so weak measure first â—e assures us that little is a â—ledge of more 2 Cor. 1.22 â—econdly even that little he â—ill enable to get finall victoâ—y Rev. 3.8 and will perfect â—t to the day of the Lord Ieâ—us Phil. 1.6 and after this â—ife make us pure as he is â—ure perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect Thus we see what Balmeâ—her â—her is in Gilead what sweetâ—es in Gods promises they are â—he Christians aqua vitae to â—evive him when he is ready â—o swound in al or in any estate be may extract abundance of comfort from that thrice precious promise Ps. 84.11 and those three heavenly conduits of sweetest consolation Rom 8.18 28 32. and if one or a few verses afford so much comfort what cordiall sweetnesse and refreshing may a Christian sucke out of all those wells and brests of consolation and Salvation Indeed the Faithfull can never want grounds of comfort First GOD the Father is the GOD of all consolation comforting them in all their troubles 2 Cor. 3.4 Secondly CHRIST is the Fountaine of comfort ver 5 Thirdly the HOLY GHOST 〈◊〉 the Comforter of all the â—aithfull â—oh 14.16 20. 15 â—6 7 1 Fourthly al the Scripâ—ure makes for their comfort â—o 1â— 4 The whole Gospel is a plentifull Store-house of Comfort called 1 Good or gladsom tydings Esay 9.3 â—2 â— and a good word Heb. 6.5 because it cheareth the heart as good newes doth him that is in heavines 2 The Gospel of Peace RoÌ„ 10.15 Eph 6.15 because it pacifieth a troubled conscience but the very pith marrow and quintessence of all true consolation is contained in the Evangelicall promises Psal 119.92 Thus assuring my Self that your Lady ship wil often peruse this booke wishing thaâ— your Soule may daily prospeâ— by it and that the LORD woulâ— now fill you with all joy anâ— peace in beleeving these promises and hereafteâ— crowne you with all happines in the full fruition of the things promised I rest Your obliged Son and Servant EDWARD LEGH To the Christian Reader REader as I desire thy Good by this Treatise so let me crave thy favourable acceptance of â—y honest intentions This Golden Mine and Rich Treasure of the â—romises hath not yet bin fully oâ—ened and displaied unto the world Some that have written of Faith have handled some of the Divine Promises and other little Treatises there are I confesse alâ—eady extant concerning this very â—rgument Farre be it from me who have made use of them all and many other worthy Writers for the compiling of this Treatise to disparage the meanest of them who have written any thing of so excellent a Subject But I dare appeale to those who are judicious and have read the Treatises out in that kind whether any or all of them have either yet methodically ranged or fully handled all the speciall Promises both of which I have at least indeavoured to accomplish I speak not this as I said afore to derogate froâ— them nor yet to arrogate anâ— thing to my self but rather to giâ—â— satisfaction unto such who will bâ— ready to pretend that others haâ—â— written of this Subject and therefore this worke of mine is needlesse The Proverbe saith Store 〈◊〉 no sore and I thinke there is nâ— great cause to complain of satieâ—ty in this kinde Besides I handlâ— both the Covenant and Specialâ— Promises together whereas those who write professedly of the Covenant say but little of the Promises and those who expresly treaâ— of the Promises say but little or nothing of the Covenant Furthermore my method diâ—fers much from theirs that have laboured in this kind for they commonly in handling the Promises alleadge such and such Scriptures generally in the lump But I have in many of the graces and most of the duties set down Promises both of and to as Promises 1. Of the grace 2. Vnto it Promises 1. To enable to the duty 2. Also to accept and reward it and I have often particuâ—ariz'd the things promised by â—anking and marshalling them inâ—o their severall Heads and shewâ—ng distinctly the special Rewards whither Temporall Spirituall or Eternall of such or such a grace or duty My chiefest motive and inducement to publish this Worke next unto the promoting of Gods glory was the benefit of Christians which fruit of my labours I have already promised to my self having both read Exhortations in books to the performance of such a work heard complaints from Christians of the want of such a work If any should demand cui bono for what use may such a Treatise serve or what profit can redouÌ„d to ChristiaÌ„s by it I may answer with the Apostle and
oath and promises These Promises are of all needfull things in the world both Spirituall and Temporall of assistance under all crosses and of deliverance from them and at length of eternall glory and happinesse in Heaven which because it is furthest off and includeth in it an accomplishment of all other promises is the most proper object of Hope in which respect the Scripture doth thus intitle it hope of salvation 1 Thess. 5.8 hope of eternall life Tit. 3.7 hope of glory Rom. 5.2 At this Cape of good hope arrives every good Christian every true Israelite The rest are either hopelesse being Aliens from the Covenant of promise or over-hoping without evidence and due qualification fondly expecting the promise 2. The Promises are the obiects of our Faith and also the foundation of it whatsoever is promised may and must be beleeved and whatsoever is beleeved without a promise is rather presumed The Gospell is called the Word of Faith Rom. 10.18 the Ephesians beleeved after that they heard the Gospell Ephes. 1.13 The object of true faith is 1. Principall the promise of salvation by CHRIST this is the maine promise So GOD loved the world that hee gave his onely begotten Sonne to the end that whosoever beleeveth in him should not perish but have everlasting life 2. All inferiour Promises annexed thereunto of Temporall blessings as food raiment health peace liberty deliverance in temptations safety in dangers c. these depend upon the maine promise of CHRIST so farre forth as they are for our good for in CHRIST all the promises of GOD whether they concerne life eternall or this temporall life are yea and Amen that is sure and certaine to GODS children True Faith first of all directly and plainely fasteneth it selfe on the maine promise of GOD in CHRIST but after and with this on all other promises that concerne soule or body The Heart that saith by faith GOD will pardon my sinne and save my soule will say also by the same faith GOD will give me foode and raiment and all things sufficient for this life Rom. 4.18 Abraham by the same faith wherby hee was justified beleeved GODS promise that he should have a Sonne in his old age and Noah beleeved GODS promise of his preservation in the Arke by the same faith whereby He was made Heire of righteousnesse First faith apprehends mercy in CHRIST and then providence for this life Justifying Faith beleeves the Creation and all other holy truths Heb. 11. besides the Promises therefore the promises are not the onely object of Faith But not imploying her selfe about them as her speciall object but presupposing them as necessary Antecedents Justifying Faith beleeves other promises besides that of CHRIST and salvation by Him as concerning strength in tentations moderation of afflictions comforts of this life True but as Appendants and Appurtenances to the maine and principall Promise for in CHRIST that is the Fundamentall Promise concerning CHRIST All that is the other depending Promises are yea and Amen The proper and peculiar object then of Justifying faith is the Evangelicall promise other things are beleeved some as necessary Antecedents some as necessary Consequents of this But Faith findes life and salvation neither in the histories of the Creation nor in the Legall Commandements threatnings promises but onely in the Covenant of Grace CHAP. 11. 2. The Kinds of them SOme divide them thus The Promises are either Generall or Particular Reall or Personall Conditionall or Free Temporall or Eternall Others thus They are either Spirituall or Temporall concerning this life or the life to come of things simply necessary to salvation or of things good in themselves but not alwaies good for us The Promises are either Legall or Evangelicall Generall or Particular Principall or lesse Principall Direct or by Consequent Absolute or Conditionall Temporall Spirituall or Eternall There are Promises Legall and Evangelicall Legall are made on condition of workes as the perfect keeping of the Law which none since Adam save CHRIST can lay claime to Deut. 7.12 Ier. 7.3 23. These should be uneffectuall if CHRIST had not for us fulfilled that righteousnesse whereupon they hang Gal. 2.16 Evangelicall are made on condition of beleeving and repenting 2 Cor. 7.10 Iohn 3.15 These are made to the worker not for the merit of his worke but for CHRISTS merit in which both his person and worke are accepted Legall Promises or sentences may be found in the New Testament as Rom. 2.8 9. to the 13 Rom. 10.5 Gal. 3.10 12. and Evangelicall promises of grace may be found in the Old Testament as Psal. 32.1 2. Ier. 31.31 32. Both these are either Generall or indefinite propounded to all Exodus 20.6 Iohn 3.16 17 18. Or Particular directed to some kinde of persons few or one Exod 20.12 Matth. 9.2 Numb 25.12 13. There are Promises Principall and lesse Principall 1. Principall as righteousnesse remission of sins 2. Lesse Principall deliverance in afflictions safety in dangers health wealth There are direct or expresse Promises and Promises by consequent Direct as that which was made to Abraham of a Sonne Gen. 18. to Paul that not one in the ship should lose his life Acts 27. Promises are implied by consequence either in the examples or prayers of faithfull Saints 1. In their examples by those blessings which they have enjoyed GODS giving it to one is a promising it to all Thus doth S. Iames urge that end which GOD gave to Iobs troubles as a ground of our faith to make us waite for a like deliverance in troubles S. Paul assures us that for this cause GOD comforted him in his tribulation that hee might be able to comfort them which were in any trouble by the comfort wherewith hee was comforted of GOD 2 Cor. 1.4 Whatsoever things were written whether precepts promises threatnings or examples are written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Rom. 15.4 2. In their prayers by those things which they prayed for in faith and obtained The Faithfull calling upon GOD and GODS gracious hearing of them are as much as a promise that GOD in such and such things will heare us calling upon him David made this a ground of his faith Psal. 22.4 5. There are Promises Absolute and Conditionall 1. Absolute which GOD hath simply determined to accomplish even as they are propounded as before CHRIST was manifested in the flesh the promise of the Messiah Esay 7.14 and of calling the Gentiles Esay 42.1 since that time the promise of calling the Jewes Rom. 11.26 and of CHRISTS second comming in glory Matth. 24.30 2. Conditionall which are no further promised then GOD in wisedome seeth to be most meete for his owne glory and his childrens good Thus are promised 1. All temporall blessings which Lazarus wanted 2. Freedome from all crosses and troubles Iob and other Saints had their part in
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
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
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
challenge GOD with his promise and in a holy reverence and humble boldnesse charge him with that Covenant mentioned in Ezekiel Promises 2. To Godly sorrow 1. Comfort Blessed are they that mourne for they shall be comforted Mat 5.4 The words import an exceeding measure of griefe such as is expressed by crying and weeping therefore Luke saith Blessed are yee that now weepe Piscator and others expound it of sorrow for sinne They that so mourne are already blessed and shall be comforted You shall be sorrowfull but your sorrow shall be turned into ioy Iohn 16.20 See verse 24. Psal. 126.5.6 They that sow in teares shall reape in ioy Hee that goeth forth and weepeth shall come againe with reioycing bringing his sheaves with him GOD hath undertaken to comfort them In the prophesie of Esay every where almost wee finde it promised The ransomed of the LORD shall returne and come to Zion with songs and everlasting ioy upon their heads they shall obtaine ioy and gladnesse and sorrow and sighing shall fly away Esay 35.10 They shall have both outward and inward comfoâ—t for so some distinguish betweene ioy and gladnesse that â—oy is outward of the body and gladnesse inward of the soule Psal. 118.24 arise saith GOD â—alling on his Church and shine â—nd put on brightnesse and glory â—he LORD shall be a light unto â—hee in darkenesse CHRIST was â—ent for this very end to comfort such as mourne for their sinnes The LORD hath sent mee to binde up the broken hearted to give unto them that mourne in Zion beauty for ashes the oyle of ioy for mourning the garment of praise for the spirit of heavinesse Esay 61.1 3. Luke 4.18 I am not sent but unto the lost sheepe of the house of Israel Mat. 15.24 that is saith M. Perkins to those which in their owne sence and feeling are lost in themselves The fruit of the Spirit is ioy Gal. 5.22 The LORD who is the Father of mercies and GOD of all consolation is cald a GOD that Comforteth all those that are cast downe 2 Cor. 7.6 Comfort yee comfort yee my people saith our GOD. Speake yee comfortably to Hierusalem and cry unto her that her warfare is accomplished that her iniquity is pardoned Esay 40.1 2. Behold how freely and how fully the LORD speakes how he doubles his comforts Comfort yee comfort yee and iterates his words speake comfortably cry unto her The LORD will comfort Zion and her mourners Esay 57.18 All Sion the Church of GOD shall be comforted and all the friends of the Church that mourne in her mourning and that take to heart her sorrowes and desolation shall be comforted too GOD shall wipe away all teares from their eyes Rev. 7.17 Thus saith the High and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity whose name is holy I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones Esay 57.15 The day of humiliation when GODS people afflict their soules before him is called a day of aâ—tonement Levit 23.27 For so is GODS promise In that day there â—hall be a Fountaine opened for sinne Zach. 13.1 2. Grace This benefit is pressed as a motive unto godly sorrow 1 Pet. 5.5 6. GOD giveth grace to the humble Humble your selves therefore saith the Apostle under the mighty hand of GOD. Iam. 4.6 7 9. GOD giveth grace to the humble Submit your selves therefore to GOD Be afflicted and mourne and weepe 1. Knowledge The humble he will teach his way Psal. 25.9 2. Repentance Godly sorrow bringeth repentance to salvation 2 Cor. 7.10 3. Speciall protection assistance and mercy in the evill day Those that mourne for the sinnes of other men have a great promise of speciall protection in the daies of common calamity Goe through the midst of the City through the midst of Ierusalem and set a marke upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abhominations that be done in the midst thereof Ezek. 9.4 GOD marked them for his owne signo salutari saith Iunius with a saving marke such as that Exod. 12. Thou wilt save the afflicted people Psal. 18.27 Hee saveth such as be of a contrite spirit Psal. 34.18 When men are cast downe then thou shalt say there is a lifting up he shall save the humble person Iob 22.29 4. Audience in prayer The LORD hath promised that the prayers of such shall prevaile mightily with him both for themselves and others It is said of Iacob Hosea 12.4 Hee had power over the Angell and prevailed hee wept and made supplications unto him And of Hezekiah Esay 38.5 I have heard thy prayers I have seene thy teares behold I will add unto thy daies fifteene yeares LORD thou hast heard the desire of the humble thou wilt prepare their heart thou wilt cause thine eare to heare Psal. 10.17 When the Prophet had said Psal. 34.17 The righteous cry and the LORD heareth them he giveth this reason verse 18. The LORD is nigh to them that are of a broken heart 2 Chron. 7.14 If my people that are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray then will I heare from Heaven Yea GOD will heare them also for others Iob 42.8 My servant Job shall pray for you for him will I accept 3. Mortification or killing of sinne Promises 1. Of Mortification A Child of GOD shall be able to mortifie his corruptions and overcome his speciall sinnes which most prevaile over him For sinne shall not have dominion over you Rom. 6 14. that is shall never any more reigne as in times past it did and so have the full victory over you For yee are not under the Law but under grace that is Yee are not still under the condemnation and tyranny of the Law but by true receiving of CHRIST by faith are now delivered from that bondage and so brought into the liberty of GODS children See ver 18 22. and Rom. 7.24 25. He will subdue our iniquities Micah 7.19 Hee will tread them under our feete as it were This grace of Mortification is expressely promised Gal. 5.16 Walke in the spirit and yee shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh Tit. 2.11 14. The members of CHRIST shall be cleansed from the guiltinesse of sinne it shall not be imputed and from the filthinesse of sinne it shall not prevaile over them 1 Iohn 17.9 Mat. 1.21 Iohn 1.29 Rev. 1.5 Acts 3.26 Psal. 103.3 The Prophets foretold in their time That GOD would purge and cleanse his Church Esay 1.25 That GOD will purely purge their drosse and take away all their tinne that is their sinnes I will cleanse you or wash you that is with the imputation or sprinkling of the blood of CHRIST from all your Idols that is from all the sinnes that you have committed When wee feele our
147.6 3. Instruction The meeke will hee guide in iudgement and the meeke will he teach his way Psal. 25.9 4. The inheritance of the whole earth this appeares both in the Old and New Testament Psal. 37.11 Mat 5.5 Such a man shall have the earth as an heyre he shall hold it by right of adoption as the word in the Originall signifieth 5. Blessednesse Mat. 5.5 Blessed are the meeke 12. Patience Promise 1. Of it Patience is a gift which GOD hath promised freely and liberally without grudging or upbraiding Iam. 1.5 If any of you lacke wisedome that is to beare the crosse let him aske it of GOD that giveth to all men liberally and up braideth not and it shal be given him Promises 2. To it The patient abiding of the righteous shall be gladnesse Prov. 10.28 Humble your selves under the mighty hand of GOD that is bow and buckle under it with meekenesse and silence that hee may exalt you in due time 1 Pet. 5.6 Yee have need of patience that after yee have done the will of GOD yee might receive the promise Heb. 10.36 Behold we count them happy which endure Jam. 5.11 To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seeke for glory and honour and immortality eternall life Rom. 2.7 13. Righteousnesse Promises To Righteousnesse 1. Generally Psal. 11.7 Pro. 11.3 4 5 6 18 19. 2. Particularly for the righteous person 1. Himselfe 2. His posterity Psal. 37.25 Psal. 112.2 Prov. 11.21 Himselfe 1. In this life He shall have 1. Peace and protection in time of danger Esay 32.17 Psal. 5.12 Prov. 12.21 deliverance out of danger Psal. 34.19 Psal. 125.3 Pro. 11.8 2. Provision in time of want Psal. 34.15 1 Pet. 3.12 Psal. 37.25 29. 3. Joy Psal. 68.3 Let the righteous be glad let them rejoyce before GOD yea let them exceedingly rejoyce 2. For his death the righteous hath hope in his death Pro. 14.32 3. After death the memory of the just is blessed Pro. 10.7 the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance Psal. 112.6 4. At the resurrection the righteous shall goe into life eternall Mat. 25.46 See 14. Chap. 43. 14. Vprightnesse Promises 1. Of Vprightnesse Hee shall put his law in thy minde and write it in thine heart Jer. 31.33 The truth dwelleth in us and shall be with us for ever 2 Epist. of Iohn 2. Promises 2. To Vprightnesse GOD rewards it with the blessines of this life and that which is to come hee will give them grace in this life and glory in the life to come Psal. 84.11 No good thing will bee withhoâ—d from them In this life GOD multiplieth his favours upon those who sâ—rve him in sincerity Psal. 73.1 Psal. 125.4 GOD hath promised to be good to them 1. In their habitations and families Pro. 14.11 2. In their children and posterity Psal. 112.2 3. In all the comforts of this life Psal. 84.11 4. In times of common calamity and combustion Psal. 37.19 Prov. 2.7 Psal. 112.4 11. 5. Peace joy and security are promised to it Hee that walketh uprightly walketh surely Pro. 10.9 2 Chron. 16.9 Psal. 97.11 Prov. 11.28 GOD performeth all his gracious promises upon this condition onely so hee promiseth unto the Kings of Israel and Iudah 1 King 2.4 9.4.5 that hee will confirme their Kingdome unto them and their posterity after them If they would walke before him in truth with all their heart and with all their soule therefore Hezekiah intreateth GOD to performe his promise unto him and his posterity grounding his faith on this seeing hee had walked c. Esay 38. 3. Psal. 145.18 He will save and deliver them from all perils and out of the hands of all their enemies Psal. 7.10 Prov. 11.6 which makes them bold and confident as Lions in peâ—illous times Pro. 28.1 6. Promotion Pro. 22.11 Hee that loveth purenesse of heart for the grace of his lips the King shall be his friend 7. GOD is delighted with it 1 Chron. 29.17 Pro. 12.22 Psal. 51.6 Psal. 11.7 By sincerity and truth wee come to be in league with GOD hee smites a covenant with us Gen. 17.1 2. 8. A peaceable end marke the perfect man and behold the upright for the end of that man is peace Psal. 37.37 Three speciall blessings are promised them 1. Such shall never fall away nor loose GODS favour and grace Psal. 36.10 a Propheticall prayer hath the nature of a promise Psal. 112.6.2 Such shall have strength given them of GOD to endure any triall hee shall be pleased to bring them unto 2 Chron. 16.9.3 Such shall be sure to have a comfortable issue and a joyfull deliverance â—ut of all their tentations Psal. 37. 37. Psal. 97.11 Psal. 126.5 In the life to come GOD also crowneth the sincere and upright services of the faithfull with joy and happinesse Salomon saith Hee who walketh uprightly shall be saved Pro. 28.18 and David affirmeth that the upright is blâ—ssed and shall dwell in GODS presence Psal. 32.2 119.1 Psal. 15.2 our Saviour affirmeth that he shall be blessed in the vision and fruition of GOD Mat. 5.8 15. Peace Promises Of Peace of conscience Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you Iohn 14.27 Our Saviour 1. Challengeth peace to be his owne having dearely purchased it 2. His owne to give men may wish the peace of GOD or CHRIST but hee gives it as his owne 3. He sheweth that this peace cannot be else-where had not as the world giveth plainely distinguishing his peace from the worlds both in the gift and manner of giving The peace of GOD which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and mindes through CHRIST JESUS Phil. 4.7 It is called the Peace of GOD 1. Because it hath GOD for its Object it is a peace with GOD. 2. Because GOD by his Spirit is the Author of it it is peace from GOD and therefore said to be a fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 It is said to passe all understanding because 1. The understanding of maâ— cannot sufficiently conceive it 2. Mans understanding cannoâ— sufficiently esteeme or prize 〈◊〉 according to its worth shall keeâ— your hearts keepe as with guard or strong garrison thâ— same greeke word is used 2 Cor. 11.32 your hearts that is your will and affections and minds your intellectuall faculties your whole soules shall be kept in the knowledge and faith of CHRIST JESUS As many as walke according to this rule peace shall be upon them and mercy Gal. 6.16 By peace we are to understand outward peace as prosperity and good successe in all things wee goe about and peace with the creatures but the peace which is principally meant in this place is peace of conscience which is peace with GOD and our selves 16. Zeale The care of being Zealous 1. Hath a singular promise of the presence and communion of GOD in CHRIST Rev. 3.19 20. 2. Zeale makes all our
to be conveyed wheresoever they are Prayer is profitable to obtaine every thing as is evident by the promise of CHRIST Iohn 16.23 Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever yee shall aske the Father iâ— my name hee will give it you Note the certainty of the promise in CHRISTS vehement asseveration note the generality of it whatsoever Our Saviour oft repeated such promises in those heavenly and last speeches which he uttered to his Disciples Iohn 14.13 Ioh. 15.7 16 See Mar. 11.24 Iohn 9.31 1 Iohn 3.22 5.14 15. I may say of prayer as the Apostle saith of Godlinesse it hath the promises of this life and that which is to come 1. For this life Temporall and Spirituall things are promised to prayer 1. Temporall 1. The prayer of faith shall save the sicke and the LORD shall raise him up Iam. 5.15 2. Spirituall 1. It obtaineth remission of sins and if hee have committed sinnes they shall be forgiven him the same verse of 5. of Iâ—mes 2. The Spirit How much more shall your heavenly Father give good things to them that aske him Matth. 7.11 Give the holy Spirit to them that aske him So it is Luke 11 13. 2. For the life to come Prayer obtaineth eternall life and salvation For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved Rom. 10.13 That Promise that is made to our prayers runs thus If thou prepare thine heart and stretch out thine hands towards him c. Iob 11.13 The stretching out of our hands or of our voice either is to little purpose if our heart be not prepared first Promises To fervent prayer Then yee shall call upon me and ye shall goe and pray unto me and I will hearken unto you And ye shall seeke me and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart that is truly and fervently saith Greenham The effectuall prayer of a righteous man availeth much both for the helping of the body and healing of the soule but with this proviso if it be fervent open thy mouth wide that is earnestly confidently call upon me and I will fill it that is I will satisfie thy desire to the full Aske and it shall be given you seeke and yee shall find knocke and it shall be opened unto you Matth. 7.7 Aske seeke knocke It is not a simple repetition of the same thing but a gradation It shews instantissimam neâ—essitatem saith Austen Aske â—s a begger seeke as with a candle knocke as one that hath powâ—r with importunity One thus descants upon the place Aske with the mouth seek with the heart knock with the hand and it shall be given you that is for Temporall things and yee shall find that is for Spirituall things and it shall be opened unto you that is for Eternall things Promises 1. To Secret Prayer When thou prayest enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut thy dore pray to thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly 2. To Private or Family prayer Where two or three are gathered together in my name there aâ— I in the midst of them Matth 18.20 3. To publike prayer Publike for 1. Matter 2. Place 1. A promise to those that pray for the Church Remember Sion they shall prosper that love thee Psalme 122.6 7. 2. Promises to the prayers of the Congregation made in the Church Hierusalem had singular promises made unto it such as had no particular Church in the world besides Psalm 132.14 There is a speciall promise made to the prayers made in the Temple 2 Chron. 7.15 Mine eyes shall be open and mine eares attent unto the prayer tâ—at is made in this place 1 Kings 9.3 The LORD hath promised that he will cause his servants to rejoyce in the granting of their suites which they shall make unto him in his owne house Esay 56.7 upon the like promise made by GOD Salomon at the consecration of the Temple 1 King 8.30 33. groundeth his Prayer that the LORD would in speciall manner heare the suites and supplications of his servants publikely assembled in his Temple to call upon him See the 5. Book cap 1. A promise To Preaching GOD hath made a speciall promise to this that he will be with it to assist and blesse it Matth. 28.20 I am with you alwaies even unto the end of the world Promises To Reading In Reading of the Word if we understand not we should apply these Promises Prov. 1.23 I will powre out my Spirit unto you I will make knowne my Words unto you Prov. 1.4 It gives subtilty to thâ— simple to the young men knowledge and discretion The Commandement of the LORD is pure inlightningâ— the eyes Ps. 19.8 GOD hath promised to teach and instruct such by his Spirit that bring good and honest hearts to the reading and hearing of the Word Psal. 25.12 What man is he that fearth the LORD him will he teach in the way that he shall choose The promise of finding is made to those who seeke as for gold and search as for treasure Pro. 2.3 4 5. Promises to sâ—ch as love the Word of GOD. Great peace have they which love thy Law and nothing shall offend them Ps. 119.165 Blessed is the man that delighteth greatly in his commandements Ps. 112.1 A promise to those that waite for the Word There is a blessing promised to such hearers as wait for the Word Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doores For who so findeth me findeth life and obtaineth favour of the LORD Promises that GODS children shall hearken to the Word The eares of them that heare shall hearken Psa. 32 3. See Esaias 50.4 Acts 16.14 Promises to such as conscionably hearken to the Word Hoe every one that thirsteth come yee to the water and he that hath no mony come yee buy and eat yea come buy wine and milke without mony and without price Hearken diligently unto me and eat ye that which is good and let your soule delight it selfe in fatnesse Encline your eare and come unto me heare and your soule shall live c. There the LORD freely offereth saving grace to such as have none and nothing whereby they might purchase it 2. He setteth out a way wherby they might injoy it viz. a diligent hearing and beleiving GODS Word 3. He makes most sweet promises that their soule shall live that is they shall be quickned in CHRIST and in him the seed of David be made partakers of those mercies which shall never decay If thou warne the righteous man that the righteous sinne not and he doth not sin he shall surely live because he is warned Ezek. 3.21 The conscionable hearing of GODS Word quickens the soule and makes it to live both the life of grace and of glory He that heareth my word and beleeveth on him that sent