§. 39. Of gaining by following Gods call.
THE place whither Abraham was to go, is thus described, which he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after receive for an inheritance. The Land here meant was the Land of Canaan, the fertilest Land in all the World, and every way fittest for habi∣tation.
It is said, that he should a 1.1 receive. This hath reference to the giving of a* 1.2 thing: for receiving and giving are relates. See Chap. 4. v. 16. §. 96. In general, it implyeth, that such as yield to Gods call, shall lose nothing thereby. Moses, who refused the honors of Egypt, was made Ruler of the People of God, Act. 7. 35. Christ expresly saith, that he that forsaketh any thing for his sake, shall re∣ceive an hundred fold in this world, and in the world to come everlasting life, Mar. 10. 29, 30.
This is sufficient to move us to trust to the Divine Providence in every 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whereunto we shall thereby be called. This is more to be trusted unto than all the treasures of the world, or all that men can do. Earthly treasures may be ex∣hausted, mens purposes may be frustrated, but Gods counsel and will shall stand.
That which he was to receive, was not a present possession: for here is a word* 1.3 that sets out the time future thus, b 1.4 he should after. This is the interpre∣tation of one Greek word, and intendeth the time to come: so as Faith believes things future. Things to come are to Faith as present. Hereby is confirmed that part of the description of Faith, that saith, Faith is the substance of things hoped for: Which are things to come, v. 1. §. 3.