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* 1.1WEe should labour to work upon our selves to be ho∣ly upon Consideration of GODS promises, thus: is GOD our Father, is he holy: And are wee his Sonnes and Daughters, and professe our selves to be so, and shall we be uncleane? Hath GOD promi∣sed to pardon our sinnes? and shall we therefore provoke and grieve him every day more and more by our sinnes? shall we thus requite the bounty, mercy, love and goodnesse of GOD? Hath he promised us a Crowne
and Kingdome? an immortall and eternall Inheritance, that can never be shaken nor taken from us, and shall not we la∣bour to walke worthy of the s••ne? When the LORD re∣newed the promise of the Land of Canaan to the children of Is∣rael, Deut. 10.11, 12. He doth in∣ferre this use upon the same, And now O Israel (saith hee) what doth the LORD require of thee, but to feare the LORD thy GOD, to walke in all his waies, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart and with all thy soule? As if he should say, since GOD hath made thee so large promises, there is somewhat re∣quired at thy hands to do. So Rom. 12.1. I beseech you Brethren by the mercies of GOD, since GOD hath beene so mercifull towards you, both in promises and performances (for so f••rre that may be extended) that therefore you gi••e up your bodies
a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD.
But because the right use of the Promise is a meanes to swee∣ten all our afflictions, confirme our faith, excite us to well-do∣ing, and to breede contentation of minde in all estates and condi∣tions whatsoever: something shall be premised generally, con∣cerning the use of them, and then speciall rules laid downe to di∣rect us how to use them.
For the generall, three things are to be observed:
1. We must labour to be ac∣quainted with them.
2. Faithfully to remember them.
3. Wisely and fitly to apply them.
1. We are to acquaint our selves familiarly with those Pro∣mises, which are most Gene∣rall, Precious and Fundamentall, wherein GODS power and goodnesse is principally seene. Such a speech there is in Iob,
Acquaint thy selfe with him and be at peace,* 1.2 thereby good shall come unto thee. Receive the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.
If we have an herbe in our garden that would ease our griefe, and we know it not, what are we the nearer? So if we know not the Promises, though they be in the booke, what are we the better?
2. We should strive to remem∣ber the Promises, for that which is not remembred, is not knowne. David hid GODS promises in his heart, Psal. 119.111. and those upheld him in his trouble, and he received admirable comfort by them, verse 50. The Promises of GOD are the Magna Charta of a Christian, his chiefe evidence for Heaven. Now if men do so highly prize their Charters and Priviledges, and carefully keepe the conveyances and assurances of their Lands, how should we then treasure up these promises,
which unto the Faithfull are in stead of all assurances, for his maintenance, protection, assi∣stance, deliverance, comfort, and everlasting happinesse. The Apo∣stle sheweth, that the cause of the Hebrewes fainting in their troubles,* 1.3 was this; they had for∣gotten the consolation, that is, the comfortable promises of GOD made unto them for the strengthe∣ning of their faith in the fiery triall. As a Lamp (saith Chry∣sostome) will soone be out, if oyle be not continually sup∣plied: so faith, if it be not nou∣rished with continuall meditati∣on of GODS promises, will soone faile.
3. We should beleeve the promises, and apply them par∣ticularly to our selves. Faith apprehends the promises not onely as true, and so assents, but as good and sweet,* 1.4 and so adheres and cleaves unto them. Thy lo∣ving kindnesse (apprehended by faith) is better then life, Psal.
63.3. The apprehension of Faith, is with feeling sweetnesse in CHRIST,* 1.5 and in the Pro∣mises, and therefore called The receiving of CHRIST, Iohn 1.12. The eating and drinking of his flesh, Iohn 6. Psal. 34.8. Taste and see that the LORD is good, that is, Beleeve in him, as appeares by the reason added, Blessed is the man that trusteth in him. When the understanding hath judged aright of the promi∣ses and adjudged them to our selves, that they belong to us, then the will welcomes them, claspes about them, hugges them, and as it is Heb. 11.13. kisses and embraces them, and when the heart thus kindly entertaines the promises, then with old Si∣meon, we hold CHRIST in our armes.
GOD himselfe applieth the promises outwardly in the Word, and inwardly by the testimony of his Spirit, and is wont to make good his promises unto his
children, proportionably to their * 1.6 trust in them, and dependance upon his truth and goodnesse for a seasonable performance of them, Be it unto thee according to thy saith, Matth. 9.29. All things are possible to him that be∣leeveth, Mark. 9.23.
That we may apply GODS Promises, we are to use two meanes:
If we would keepe faith in exercise, we must indeavour to know GODS promises, me∣ditate on them, conferre about them,* 1.8 they should be continu∣ally in our mindes, memories, hearts and tongues. To live by Faith, is to feede upon the se∣verall promises of GOD made in his Word, and to apply them to our selves, according to all our needs, and so comfort and encourage our selves against temptation, and unto every good duty. This is that which is
required by GOD of his peo∣ple, Hab. 2.4.* 1.9 GOD there ha∣ving threatned judgement a∣gainst the Jewes by the Baby∣lonians, doth afterwards promise deliverance againe, but not sud∣denly: the people of GOD therefore in the meane time were to live by Faith, and depending upon GOD, to waite for the accomplishment of his gracious promises. The just shall not onely live eternally by his faith, but even here also in this life, He shall live by Faith.
Abraham served GOD where∣soever he came,* 1.10 and rejoyced in the promise of salvation by CHRIST, Gen. 17.17. Iohn 8.56. Now if he who saw the promises but afarre of, Heb. 11.
13. was so cheared and quickned by them, what should we be to whom the grace of GOD hath shined so clearely, Tit. 2.11. Ia∣cob when Esau met him, and his heart began to faint (for the Text saith, Gen. 32.7. he feared excee∣dingly) did goe and sucke conso∣lation out of the Promises: for thus he reasons with the LORD, LORD thou hast said thou wilt doe mee good: this promise sustai∣ned him, and he got so much strength with this milke, that he was able to wrestle with the LORD all night, and would not let him goe without a bles∣sing. So David, when the Phi∣listines had burnt Ziklag, and the souldiers that should have beene his strength, were ready to stone him, hee remembred GODS promise that he should be King, and sit in the Throne of Saul; therefore it is said, Hee comforted himselfe in the LORD his GOD, 1 Sam. 30.6. that is, in the promise that the LORD
had made to him. So Nehemiah when he heard of the misery of his people, fell to prayer,* 1.11 clinging to a promise that he knew was made by GOD, that he had read and markt out of Deuteronomie.* 1.12 The same is to be seene in that honou∣rable company of those Worthy Servants of GOD in all ages from the beginning of the world to that day, mentioned, Heb. 11. which are all brought in as a cloud of witnesses testifying this truth, that The Iust shall live by Faith. Thus S. Paul also lived by faith, both for Spirituall life, Rom. 7. and for Temporall life, 2 Tim. 4.17, 18. and for Eternall life, 7, & 8. verses of that Chap∣ter.
The Divell striketh specially at our faith in the promises, and not so much at the generall faith, in beleeving the truth of them in generall, as at our speciall justi∣fying faith, applying those pro∣mises unto our selves. Not so much to doubt at the generall
voice of GOD in the Word, Every beleever shall be saved, but at the particular voice of GOD by his Spirit applying the generall to us, and saying, Thou beleevest, Thou art my Sonne. Therefore above all things we should fortifie our faith and assurance, that GOD is our Father and we his sonnes, and (as the Apostle ex∣horteth) Labour to make our cal∣ling and election sure: and for our better applying of GODS pro∣mises, let us observe two rules: 1. To apply all the Word of GOD indifferently, as well the Commandements for our di∣rection, and the * 1.13 threats for our humiliation, as the promises for our comfort. 2. To examine the conditions of GODS pro∣mises, and to looke as well to the performance of the conditi∣ons
required in the promises, as to enjoy the things promised. For as the Divell denies unto us the application of the promises when we are interested in them, as when we walke uprightly with GOD; so contrarily he applies them strongly and earnest∣ly, when they belong not unto us, as he did the promise of protection by Angels unto CHRIST, though he should tempt GOD. So he ordinari∣ly applies the promise of mercy, to notorious sinne••s, though they lie wallowing in their mire, and never wash themselves in the waters of repentance. And wicked men doe often with great confidence or rathe•• * 1.14 pre∣sumption lay hold of the pro∣mises; in the meane space, nei∣ther caring to apply to them∣selves the commandements and threatnings, nor yet respecting the conditions, by which the promises are limited. Thus when the LORD saith, Ezek.
33.11. As truly as I live, I will not the death of a sinner, they regard not what followeth, but that hee repent and live; and when they heare the Apostles speech, 1 Tim. 2.4. That GOD will have all men to be saved, they make a bolster of it, where∣on they sleepe securely in their sinnes, but leave out the fol∣lowing condition: viz. that he would have all whom he would have saved, come first to the sa∣ving knowledge of his truth, which is never severed from the fruits of obedience, 1 Iohn 2.3, 4. So when CHRIST saith, That he came not to call the righteous but sinners, with that they com∣fort themselves in their sinfull courses, but observe not to what he calleth them: viz. to repen∣tance, before they can have any part with him in glory. Some likewise sucke poyson out of that heavenly flower, Rom. 10.13. Whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved:
not considering, that Every one that calleth upon the name of the LORD, should depart from ini∣quity, 2 Tim. 2.19.
Speciall Rules directing us how to use the Promises.
The LORD in assenting to Salomons prayer,* 1.15 made a gene∣rall promise to any man, or to all the people, that what prayer or supplication soever should be made towards his Temple, he would heare in heaven and forgive,* 1.16 &c. Iehosaphat being after in distresse, applied this generall to his owne present condition; when the chil∣dren of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Scir came to turne Israel out of their possessions. So Da∣vid, Psal. 119 49. and the woman of Canaan, Matth. 15.22. ap∣plied the generall promises to themselves.
The LORD made a particu∣lar promise unto Iosh••a,* 1.17 that he would be with him to blesse his enterprizes against the Ca∣nanites, and to carry him through all the difficulties and hazards of that holy warre; and S. Paul applies the promise to all the faithfull,* 1.18 in any straights or distresses of life, as the LORD himselfe had before applied it from Moses to Ioshua, Let your conversation be without covetous∣nesse,— for as GOD was with Ioshua, so will he be with thee, Hee will not faile thee nor for∣sake thee. CHRIST made a particular promise unto Peter, I have prayed for thee that thy faith faile not.* 1.19 And the same in effect he applies to all his,* 1.20 I pray that thou wouldst keepe them from the evill.
Thus may the children of GOD doe, if they finde any promise made to one godly man, and no speciall reason expressed why it should be peculiar to him,
they may take it as a promise made to them. The ground of this is taken from GODS un∣changeable and impartiall man∣ner of dealing: the same GOD that he is to one faithfull man, the same he is to all: they all are under the same Covenant, and have interest in the same pro∣mises.
Therefore we must not anti∣cipate nor perturbe the order which GOD hath put in his Promises, but waite upon him in his owne way. Grace and Glory will hee give,* 1.21 but first grace before glory: no man must snatch at this promise, till he have interest in that. Godlinesse hath the promises of this life and of that which is to come; but we must note the order which our Saviour puts,* 1.22 First seeke the Kingdome and Righteousnesse of GOD, and then all these things
shall be added unto you. The LORD promiseth to call men unto CHRIST,* 1.23 Nations that knew thee not shall runne unto thee. The Apostle tells us whereunto he calls,* 1.24 GOD hath not called us unto uncleannesse but unto holi∣nesse. Therefore in the next place he promiseth to sanctifie and cleanse his Church; I will put my law in their hearts,* 1.25 and in their inward parts. The qualifica∣tion of this holinesse is, that it be whole and constant. The ve∣ry GOD of peace sanctifie you,* 1.26 and preserve you blamelesse unto the comming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, is the Apostles prayer for the Thessa∣lonians. Therefore in the next place, GOD promiseth perseve∣rance, I will not turne away from them to doe them good, but I will put my feare into their hearts,* 1.27 that they shall not depart from mee. But this perseverance is not so certaine, but that it admits of fals, slips, and miscar∣riages;
therefore in that case, Hee promiseth healing and resto∣ring:* 1.28 I will heale their backesli∣dings, I will love them freely, I will binde up that which is broken, and will strengthen that which was sicke. And after all this comes the promise of Glory and Sal∣vation. Therefore we must take the Promises in that Connexion and dependancie which they have amongst themselves. When GOD hath called us to the knowledge of CHRIST, we must not skip over all the intermediate linkes, and looke presently for the accomplishment of GODS promise of Salvation, or perseve∣rance by GODS sole power, and in the meane time omit all care of Holinesse in our conver∣sation. For GOD doth not ful∣fill his promises in us onely, but by us too; and those things which in regard of his word are his promises, are also, in regard of his Command, our du∣ties.
* 1.29 The faithfull are confirmed in the truth of GODS promi∣ses, by the experience of his dealing with others of his ser∣vants, Psal. 22.4. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them: Psal. 34.5. They shall looke unto him, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to him, and their faces shall not be ashamed: What made them so confident in GODS mercies? verse 6. This poore man cryed, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Experience of GODS dea∣ling with others, doth also nourish and uphold hope. There∣fore Iames brings to the memo∣ries of the Christian Jewes,* 1.30 GODS dealing with Iob, to strengthen their hope.
* 1.31But especially the experience a man hath had in himselfe, of the performance of GODS pro∣mises,
will marvellously confirme him.
This incouraged David, when he was to encounter with Go∣li••h.* 1.32 The LORD (saith he) did deliver mee from a Lion and a Beare, therefore he will deliver mee from this Philistine, 1 Sam. 17 35, 37. Paul concluded Gods favour, for the time future, by his proceedings past. The LORD (s••ith he) hath delivered mee from a sentence of death, and doth deli∣ver, therefore I trust that he will deliver, 2 Cor. 1.9, 10. See 2 Tim. 4.17, 18.
This we may see also in Salo∣mon,* 1.33 1 King. 8.24. and in other places, Deut. 1.29, 31. Deut. 3.21. Esay 51.9, 11. But we have a notable example for this in Ia∣cob. Gen. 32.9. Thou saidst unto mee, remove into thy countrey, and to thy kindred, and I will doe thee good. There is GODS Word and promise: then followeth the experience, he had already of the performance of this promise,
verse 10. I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies which thou hast shewed unto thy servant: for with my staffe came I over this Iordan, and now I have gotten two bands. Then followes the confirmation, he received in his faith by this experience, verse 11. I pray thee deliver mee from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau.
Experience likewise bringeth forth Hope, Rom. 5.4.
Three things concurre to make up experience:
1. Knowledge: the better knowledge, the better affiance, Psal. 9.10. They that know thy Name, will put their trust in thee.* 1.34
2. Observation of the waies of GOD.
3. Memory, remembrance of such workes of GOD, as wee have knowne and observed.
We should observe how GOD hath made good and confirmed his promises, even in our owne
experience, by blessing us, while we have walked carefully and conscionably before him, how often he hath granted our re∣quests. To this purpose is that exhortation, Psal. 34.8. O tast and see that the LORD is good. Labour to be able to say with Da∣vid, Psal. 119.56. This I had be∣cause I kept thy precepts: thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy Word, 6••. verse, or as it is 140. verse, Thy Word is prooved most pure (by good experience) therefore thy ser∣vant loveth it, or as he saith else∣where, Marvellous are thy works,* 1.35 and that my soule knoweth right well.
manner as they are promised. We must see the things we aske, made ours in some promise and en∣gagement•• before we presume to aske them.* 1.38 This incouraged Ia∣cob, Gen. 32.9, 12. David, 2 Sam. 7.27, 28, 29. Daniel 9.2, 3. and Ie∣hosaphat, 2 Chron. 20.8, 12. to pray unto GOD, because he had made promises of the things they de∣sired, and therefore they were certaine, that they prayed accor∣ding to his will. This was * 1.39 Ne∣hemiahs ground in his prayer for the reparation of Ieru••alem. Re∣member, I beseech th••e, the word which thou comm••n••est thy ser∣vant Moses, saying if yee trans∣gresse, I will scatter you abroad: But if yee turne unto mee, and keepe my Commandements, and doe them, though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from th••nce, &c. Now these are thy servants, and thy people whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. O LORD,
beseech thee, let now thine care be attentive to the prayer of thy servants who desire to seare thy Name. An excellent example also we have of this in Iacob, Gen. 28. GOD promised to be with him, ver. 15. his vow or prayer respe••teth that, ver. 20. GOD promised to keepe him in his way, ver. 15. his vow or prayer respe∣cteth that, ver. 20. GOD pro∣miseth not to leave him, he saith and will give mee bread and rai∣ment, GOD ••romised to bring him againe to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 land, his prayer ans••••••ed th••t, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 21.
Otherwise 〈◊〉〈◊〉 can have no hope to be heard,* 1.40 if our petitions be not fram••d according to GODS promises. If wee will have GOD heare us, wee must pray a••c••rding to h••s will, 1 Ioh. 5.14. Wee must aske in faith; Both CHRIST and his Apo∣stles require faith in GODS promises in prayer, Mar. 11.24. Iames 1.6.
No f••culty can or ought to ex∣tend
it selfe beyond its adequate and proper object;* 1.41 for the object is the rule and the limit of the ha∣bit, but the promise is the object of faith, as hath beene shewed, therefore he that prayeth without a promise, denieth his owne re∣quest.
If I pray for the salvation of another,* 1.42 I have no promise, how then can I pray in faith?* 1.43 So likewise when a man prayes to be guided in such a businesse, to have such an enterprize to be brought to passe to have deli∣verance from such a trouble, such a sicknesse or calamity that hee lies under, he finds no particular promise, and for ought hee knowes, it shall never be gran∣ted: How can he be said to pray in faith? For to pray in faith, is to beleeve that the thing shall be done.
* 1.44To pray in faith, is to goe as farre as the promise goes. Now no particular man hath any par∣ticular promise, that hee shall
have such a deliverance, that he shall have such a particular mer∣cy granted him;* 1.45 and therefore it is not required to beleeve, that that particular thing should be done, but that GOD is ready to d••e that which is best for mee, in such a particular, that which shall be most for his owne glory and my good. In∣deed if we had a particular pro∣mise, as Elias had, that it should not raine, in that case we were bound to beleeve in particular; but not having that, we are not tyed unto it.
David saith, Psal. 35.13. that he prayed for his enemies, but his prayer returned into his owne bo∣some: no benefit came to them in their amendment, yet hee was no looser by it, his prayer was not lost. The like may be said of others of GODS chil∣dren: when they seeke to GOD in sincerity, and pray in the be∣halfe of others, though the par∣ticular suite be not granted,
yet they discharging their du∣tie, shall receive a reward.
The Promises also are the rule how we must pray:* 1.46 as things are promised, so must they be prayed for; things absolutely promised, may be absolutely as∣ked; but where GOD hath put conditions and exceptions to his promise, there our prayers also must be conditionall, and we must expresse or reserve in our mindes some such secret limi∣tations, as these, If GOD see it to be good, if his good plea∣sure be such, if it may stand with his glory.
* 1.47Moses, Ex••d. 32.10, 11. wo••ld not l••t GOD done till he had spa••••d his people, but desired to be razed out of GODS Booke, rather th••n his people should be destroyed; because GOD had made an absolute promise to bring them into Ca∣naan, verse 13. which promise Moses plead••th unto GOD in prayer.
GOD hath made an Abso∣lute promise of the perpetuall continuance of the Church, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a continuall outward flou∣ri••hing state thereof: for he can turne the persecution of his Church to the incre••se thereof, and so ••aine honour unto him∣selfe, and bring good unto his people thereby.
In this point (because some things are controverted) I will not interpose my owne judge∣ment, it shall suffice me to de∣clare, how the question is stated by many Divines.* 1.48
1. Spirituall things, as they are necessary to salvation, ought absolutely to be asked, because they are absolutely promised to the Faithfull, and those that seeke them, Luke 11.13.
2. Those spirituall goods which admit degrees, cannot in every degree be absolutely begg'd, because the things themselves, not the degrees of them, are absolute∣ly necessary, and of GOD ab∣solutely
promised, 2 Cor. 12.8, 9.
3. Yet we ought absolutely to ask that measure of grace which is necessary for us to avoid crimes or scandals, and keepe a good con∣science, Iames 1.5, 6. 1 Cor. 10.13. Psal. 19.14.
* 1.49Spirituall things are promi∣sed:
1. Rather quoad essentiam, then gradum perfectionis.
2. In competencie for finall vi∣ctory, not in perfection.
3. With power reserved to withdraw the exercise;* 1.50 leave to our selves, abate the fer∣vour.
There must be submission to GODS will and wisedome in our prayers for spirituall things,* 1.51 in regard of circumstances of time, meanes, measure; for these the LORD hath reserved in his owne power. We must not in our prayers prescribe GOD the particular time, when he should give his blessings or helpe us out
of misery, yet we may lawfully pray, that he would heare us spee∣dily, Psal. 102.3. because He hath promised to doe it.
All the Petitions of the LORDS Prayer (saith Dr. Gouge) are ab∣solutely promised,* 1.52 saving the fourth. For hallowing GODS Name, He himselfe hath said, I have both glorified it, and will glorifie it againe, Iohn 12.28.2. For the comming of his king∣dome, CHRIST hath said, that the gates of Hell shall not prevaile against his Church, Mat. 16.18.3. For doing his will, this is a branch of the new Co∣venant, which by CHRISTS death is made absolute, Ier. 31.33. Ezek. 36.27.4. For pardo∣ning sinne, this is another branch of the foresaid new Co∣venant, 34. verse of Ieremy. For not leading into temptation,* 1.53 but delivering from evill, the Apo∣stle saith, 1 Cor. 10.13. GOD will not suffer you to be tempted above that yee are able, but will
with the temptation, make away to escape. For daily bread, GOD can instruct us, both to be full, and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need, Phil. 4 12.
* 1.54Temporall things, are not pro∣mised absolutely, but
1. With limitation to expe∣diencie.
2. They are conveied in the Covenant disjunctively, either the particulars or the equivalent, Mark. 10.30. by way of com∣mutation, and compensation with spirituall; if not peace, yet pa∣tience, if not wealth, yet content∣ment.
3. With exception of the crosse, and reservation of power to the promiser, to chasten our misdemeanour, Psal. 89.28, 31, 32.
a 1.55 When we crave temporall benefits, which GOD hath pro∣mised conditionally, so farre forth as will stand with his glory, and our spirituall good, and everlasting salvation, wee
must beleeve that we shall ob∣taine them, so farre forth, as they will stand with these con∣ditions.
b 1.56 Earthly and outward things are lawfully prayed for, but ever ••um Conditione voluntatis, with Condition of GODS good plea∣sure and liking.
c 1.57 Things Temporall which are promised with condition, we are to pray for with condition of GODS will.
d 1.58 All outward things must be asked with this exception, if it seeme good unto his Majesty; which exception is proper to the fourth Petition.
We must aske these outward things (not absolutely) no fur∣ther then they may stand with GODS glory.* 1.59
Those things which belong to the kingdome of GOD are sim∣ply and primarily to be asked, other things onely secundum quid and secondarily.* 1.60
GODS promises of temporal
blessings are Hypotheticae and goe with condition sometimes ex∣pressed,* 1.61 sometimes suppressed, which condition is as a sterne of a ship, and turnes the pro∣mise another way. * 1.62 Of the same opinion are Vrsin in his Catech. on the fourth Petition. Piscator on 8. Mat. 2. Cameron Myrothee. Evangel. in Luke 5.12. Master Harris on the Beati∣tudes and Covenant. Barlow on 2. of Tim. D. Preston in Saints daily Exercise and M. Goodwin in his returne of Prayer.
This is an undoubted truth, that we must pray for heavenly things with a more ardent affe∣ction then for earthly,* 1.63 Matth. 6.33. 1. They comply with GODS nature and hee had ra∣ther be giving them. 2. They are best for us, and will doe us most good.
2. GOD will not performe pro∣mises till by prayer they be sought for from him;* 1.64 till in our humble desires wee declare, that wee
account his promises exceeding great and precious things. The LORD had promised delive∣rance unto Israel, yet saith the LORD,* 1.65 For this I will be en∣quired of by the house of Israel to doe it for them: Thus saith the LORD, After seventy yeeres be accomplished at Babylon,* 1.66 I will visit you and performe my good word towards you, in causing you to returne to this place; for I know the thoughts that I thinke to∣wards you, thoughts of peace, and not of evill to give to you an ex∣pected end. But how shall this ex∣cellent promise of GOD be effected? It followes,* 1.67 Then shall yee call upon me, and yee shall goe, and pray unto me, and I will hear∣ken unto you, &c. Godlinesse hath the promises of this life and that which is to come, 1 Tim. 4.6. yet we doe not forbeare daily to say the LORDS Prayer, that we may speede of both. The Lord makes a promise of forgivenesse of sinnes, I, even I, am hee that
blotteth out thy transgression for mine owne ••ake,* 1.68 and will not remember thy sinnes. But for the execution of this promise▪ GOD will be so••ght unto. Put me in remembrance (s••••th he) and set us plea••e tog••••her, E••ay 43.25, 26. 〈…〉〈…〉 GOD to fu••fill his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, we testifie f••rst, that they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••o••ises of mer∣cy and not of ••ury or d••••t: se∣condly, wee d••clare our ••eed, and by consequence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of them, and de••endance upon them: As Promi••••s are the Rule of what we may pray ••or in ••ai••h; so Prayer is the ground of what wee may expect with com∣fort.
We are to praise God for his pro∣mises:
1. Tey are good things.
2. They shall be accom∣plished in a conve••ient season, and this duty have the Saints pra∣ctised, Luke 1.46.
Heb. 11.13. 2 Cor. 6.17, ••8 & 7. Chap. v. 1.
Iob 22.21, 2••.
Heb. 12, 3, 5.
Faith ap∣plies and app••o••riates Ch••ist in 〈…〉〈…〉 to ••nes selfe.
He loved me and gave hims••lfe for me, Gal. 2.20 sai••h S. Paul in the person of all belee∣vers. When Thomas said, My Lord, and My God, Chr••st answe∣red that he beleeved. Ioh. 20. Gal. 3.2••.
Promises are never beleeved, unlesse they be trusted upon, as a captive can∣not be said to beleeve him that promiseth to ransome him upon a day, unles he trust and de∣pend upon him.
Ephes 1.17, 18.
Living by Faith is a re∣lying upon the Word of God, with full purpose to be guided by it, either by resting upon his promises, or obeying his Com∣mande∣men••s. Baynes di∣rections.
These words Hab. 2.4. are interpreted two waies according to the severall readings: the first is thus, The iust by faith shall live. The words [••y faith] being referred to the subiect of this pro¦position [Th•• Ius••:] and then the sense is, he that is iust by faith, shall li••e and have eternall life Iuniu•• in his parallels, Weemse, Willet, Fai••••, and Wilson, sa•••• this is the r••g••t reading. The second rea¦d••ng is thus, The Iust shall live by Faith; The words [by faith] being referred to the predicate [shall li••e] then the sense is this, the just while hee lives in this world shall live by his Faith.
Piscator on 1 Rom. and Perkins on Hab. 24. approve this latter construction for the best.
That wee may live by f••••••h wee sh••••ld 1 Sto••e up good promi∣ses seasona¦bly when our parts and ••bilities are strong. 2. Abundant∣ly of al kinds Esa. 42.••3. as if hee had said, you must not onely lay in promises just for the pre∣sent, but store them for after∣wards 3. We must so lay them up, that we may have them at hand, Col. 3.16. Verse 12.
1. Chap. 5. & 10. verses.
Verse 8, 9.
The threa••••nings declare the great pure∣nesse of God, the promises do shew ••is great love to righteous∣nesse and his wonderfull goodnesse toward men: Hee that doth these th••ngs shall live it them, is the promi••e, Levit 185. The threatning that answers it, The soule that sinneth it shall die, Ezek. 18.4, 20. The tar••nesse of t••e threatning make•• us best tast the sweetnesse of the promise Sowre and swee•• make the best sauce, promises and threatnings mingled, serve t•• keepe the heart in the best temper.
Faith re∣ceives Christ, pre∣sumption snatches at him, Dike. Faith having promise of a blessing, useth with precisest care meanes ordained to obtaine it, Act ••7.25, 3•• Presumpti¦on so builds on the pro∣mise, that it regards not meanes of accomplish∣ment.
1 King. 8.37.40.
2 Chron. 20.8 10.
Iosh. 1.5, 6.
Heb. 13.5.
Luk. 2••.32.
Iohn 17.15 See ••1. & 20. verses.
Psal. 84.11. Master Rey∣nolds in his Treatise of the Sinfull∣nesse of Sin
Mat 6.33.
Esay 55.5.
1 Thess. 4.7.
Ier. 31.33.
1 Thess. 5 23
Ier. 32.40.
Hos 11.3. Hos. 14.4. Ezek. 34.16 Gods Pro∣mises signifie what he will do, his pre∣cepts what we must do, that this pro∣mises may be to us ful∣filled. Hee promiseth to hi•• Church to forgive thei•• sinnes withall give•• us command to repent & beleeve, that our sins may be blot∣ted out when the times of refreshing shall come, Acts 3.19 His promise is to save his children, their duty yet to save the••selves, Acts ••.40.
Experi∣ments God hath given us in others.
Iam. 5.11
2 Experi∣ence ••f his mercy in our selves
See Pal. 4.1. ••sal. 2▪ & 7.5 77.5.11 1.3 5. Psa. 1••9.52.
That faith may be pre∣served, wee must often meditate up¦on the sweet∣nesse, Ps. 1••9 103. & 139.11. constan∣cie, Rev. 1.5. 2 Cor. 1.20. & perpetulty of the most precious and free promi∣ses which are th•• grounds of faith, Hos. 14.5 Ezek. 36.22. as a Revered Di∣vine•• ob∣serves in his Exposition of his Ca∣techisme.
The Philo∣sopher saith, that experi∣ence is mul∣tiplex memo∣ria, a multi∣plied me∣mory, be∣cause of the memory of the same thing often done ariseth experience.
Psal. 139.14.
The ground for what, and the rule how wee must pray.
All our prayers are to be groun∣ded on Gods promises.
David often chargeth God with his promise, Psal. 119.
Q••••cken me according to thy word, v. 2••. that is, thy promise in thy word. So 10••, 149, 154.
Rem••mber thy Wor•• 〈…〉〈…〉 thy Wo••d, 38. still he ha••ps upon this st••ing, 28••, 1.••5, 75.
Neh. 1.8, 1•• In the wa••t of other Rhetorick & Oratory, let Christians in their pray•••••• ••rge this with re∣petition, Lord ••hou hast ••romi∣sed, thou hast promised.
〈…〉〈…〉 2 Chron. ••9 & •••• 15, 17. 1 King ••2.
The thing asked must first be war¦ranted under some pre∣cept or pro∣mise in ge∣nerall, though not expresly. M. Harris.
Obiect.
How wee may pray in faith, when we want a particular promise, that the thing we aske shall be granted.
Sol.
Gods pro∣mises of things tem¦porall and to heare us for others, are but indefi∣ni••e not uni∣versall. The faith there∣fore requited toward them is but an in∣definite act of recum∣bency and submissi••n not of assu∣rance. M. Go••hei•• in his returne of Prayers. Yet God of∣ten grants prayers made for o••her••, since promises are made to such prayers, as, that they shal be healed in their bodies, Iam 5 15. healed of their lust••, v. 16. conver¦ted to li••e, 1 Ioh 5 16. Id. ib.
Eo modo cui∣nia sunt pe∣tenda, quo modo sunt promissa.
Verse 3••. We may pray agains•• temptations, (as against sicknesse and poverty) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 simply, bu•• with submis∣sion to Gods will; only we must pray ab••olu••ely to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from 〈…〉〈…〉 of temp¦tation: for those latter words in the I.P doe re∣straine or correct the former.
D. Am. That wee should have grace is ab∣solutely ne∣cessary, and therefore we may pray absolutely for it.
We may not absolutely pray for li¦mited & set mea••ure•• of grace, but in what mea∣sure God shall thinke good.
D. Sclater upon 2. to the Thess. pag. 18.210 & 233.
2 Chro. 32 31
D. S••lat. on 1. of Rom. We must re∣ferre the time, manner and measure of granting our petiti∣ons to the Lord.
See Schudder key of hea∣ven, last Doct.
Mat. 26.39. D. Sclat. on 2.10 Thess pages before quoted.
There is no temporall thing of this life doth Ca¦d••re in pro¦miss••on Dei, but onely so fa••re forth as it sha••l helpe and further the next life.
This life is but via ad citam, and whatsoever God promi∣se•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the wa•• is but to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 us ••n the end o•• ••he 〈◊〉〈◊〉
〈…〉〈…〉 guide to godlinesse.
B Babing∣ton on L.P.
A Reve∣rend Divine on the L.P.
A Worthy Writer in his Cate∣chisme.
Smith grounds of religion.
Tylen. Syn∣tag.
Barker on the 5. Com∣mandement.
Illa sola sunt absolutē petenda, quae necessaria sunt ad Dei gloriam & n••stram salu∣tem: caetera vero cum ta∣cita subiecti¦one ad Dei sapientissimā dispositionē. D Ames me∣dul. To l. 2. c. 9.
Therefore in the Lords Prayer there are 5. Peti∣tions for Spi∣rituall, and but one for Temporall things
God must be sought to for the performāce of his pro¦mises.
Ezek. 36, ••7.
Ier. 29 10, 13
God doth not give his promises to make us idle, but to exercise our faith in im∣portuning him for per∣formance.
Gods pro∣mises then are as dire∣ctions in, not as dispensa¦tions from the devoti∣on we owe unto God. Bish. Lake. ••hen God promised thing•• in par••icular, yet ••••ll ••hey prayed, and prayed ear¦nestl••, as E••••th when God promi∣se•• that it should raine, 1 Ki••g 18.41, 42. and David when God promi∣sed to make him an house, 2 Sam. 7.11.