§. 110. Of waiting for Gods promises.
THe points before noted of Abraham, are written not for his sake alon•…•…, but for us also, (Rom. 4. 23, 24.) even for our learning, Rom. 15. 4. S•…•… as from Abra∣hams example we may well infer these three points.
- 1. Gods promises are to be waited for.
- 2. Waiting for Gods promises must be with patience.
- 3. Fruition of the good things promised will be obtained by a patient waiting for them.
1. That Gods promises are to be waited for, is manifest, not only by Abrahams ap∣proved example, but also by the example of other Patriarchs. Iacob on his death bed, maketh this profession, I have waited for thy salvation O Lord, G•…•…. 49. 18. I waited patiently for the Lord, saith the Psalmist Psal. 40. 1. In the He∣brew, the word is doubled thus a 1.1 waiting I have waited: of the emphisis hereof, see v. 14. §. 103. As this duty is commended by sundry approved examples, so it is expresly commanded. Waite on the Lord, Psal. 37. 3•…•…. Prov. 20. 22.
- 1. God in his wisdome oft setteth a long date for the accomplishment of his pro∣mises. All which time we must waite, lest we fail of obtaining the benefit of the promise.
- 2. God waiteth that he may be gracious to us, Isa. 30. 18. Should not we then wait his good pleasure?
- 3. The time which God appointeth, is the fittest season for effecting a thing. That time therefore is to be waited for. It is a great fault to prescribe a time to God: and if i•…•… that time God accomplish not his promise, to distrust the truth thereof; and thereupon either to faint, or to use indirect means; as S•…•… did, 1 Sam. 28. 7. It was an atheisticall speech of a profane King to say, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 should I wait for the Lord any longer, •…•… Kings 6. 33.