§. 100. Of inferences upon Gods swearing.
GOds swearing gives good evidence of his good respect to man, in that he con∣descends* 1.1 so low, as by oath to bind himself, to make his word good for our sakes. Herein he shewes, that he considers what is fit, rather for our infirmity, th•…•…n his glorious Majesty. Do Magistrates, Masters, Parents, other superiors ordinarily swear to make good their word to their inferiours? This useth to be exacted of in∣feriours, as Gen. 24. 3. but not so of superiors. The Romanes nor exacted, nor expected oathes of their Magistrates: nor we in Courts of justice of Nobles. Yet God, who hath no greater then himself, binds himself to us his servants by oath. Thus he addeth seales to his covenant, Rom. 4. 11. O what matter of holy admirati∣on doth this afford unto us! In this case we may say, What is man, that th•…•…u 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mindfull of him? and the Son of man that thou visitest him? Psal. 8. 4. What re∣spect ought we to testifie unto his Majesty, who thus tendreth our infirmity. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this be not sufficient to make us cast off all diffidence, what can be sufficient? If now we believe not, God may well complain and say, What could have been done 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that I have not done? Isa. 5. 4.
What matter of humiliation doth this minister unto us, in regard of the pron•…•…* 1.2 of our nature to distrustfulness? Most men make little more of Gods promise, though confirmed by oath, then of mans. Gods precious promises hardly make men to depend upon him: or to yeeld obedience to the meanes which are annexed to his promises for accomplishment of them. This sin, in regard of its self, and the •…•…∣sed fruits thereof, is a most pestiferous sin. See more hereof in the whole Arm•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God, on Eph. 6. 16. Treat. 2. Part 6. Of faith §. 34.
It becomes us then, who bear any respect to God, to lay to heart this gracio•…•…* 1.3 condescention of God, and the meanes which he thus useth to strengthen our faith the more. That therefore our faith may be the more strengthened, let us oft medi∣tate as on Gods promises, so on the bond whereby he binds himself to make them good, for our good. This is next to that incomprehensible evidence of his love in giving his Son to us. Hereby he obligeth himself, his power, his truth, his holi∣ness, his excellency, his name, his soul, and whatsoever is precious in him: He is content to be no more himself, or to retain any thing whereof he makes account, if he fail in his promise to men. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdome and g•…•…∣ness of God?
Should not this stir us up to bind our selves by promise, by vow, by oath, by all* 1.4 warrantable meanes, to keep covenant with God. There was no need on Gods part, why he should bind himself by oath: yet he did so for our sakes. But there is great need on our part to bind our selves to God: We are as prone to start from good purposes and promises, as water heated to wax cold, and heavy things to fall downwards: Therefore we should evening and morning, when we go to the house of God, or to the Lords Table, on Sabbath dayes, or Fast dayes, solemnly •…•…ind our selves to God. Promises, covenants, vowes, oathes, and such like bonds, to tye us unto God, are as Tutors to incite us unto duty, and to check us for neglect thereof. As therefore they are solemnly to be made, so oft to be renewed. This will