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 .../ by Edvvard Legh ...

The Table of the first booke.

• In this first booke six things concerning the promises in generall, are handled
  • 1. The na∣ture of the pro∣mises where
    • 1. The wo••d i•• op••ned according to the expres••ion•• of it in la••¦guages, and acceptions of i•• an Scripture.
    • 2. T••e thing desi••ed in generall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dist∣inguished into
      • •• C••vill.
      • 2. R••ligions.
      • ••. Divine, whic•• d••∣vine pro∣mi••e••.
        • are
          • 1 D••fined.
          • 2 Diff••∣••enc•••• from a
            • 1. Purpo•••• Thre••t∣ning.
            • ••. Com∣m••nd.
          • 3. descri∣b••d to be the
            • 1 Groūd•••• ou•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉
            • 2 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out fa••••
  • 2. The kinds of them.
    • The Promi∣••es are
      • 1. ••eg••llor ev••ngelicall.
      • 2 Generall or par••icular.
      • •• Princi••all or lesse principall.
      • 4 D••r••ct or by consequent.
      • ...•• ••bsolute o•• c••nditionall,
      • 6. Pertaining to
        • 1 Thi•• life
          • 1 Tempor••••
          • •• Spiritu••
        • •• The life to come.
          • Eternall.
  • 3. The excellency of them.
  • 4. The right use of them.
    • 1. In gene∣rall, we must la∣bour.
      • 1. To bee acquainted with them.
      • •• Faithfully to remember them.
      • ••. Wisely and fitly to apply them.
        • by
          • 1 Fixed me∣dit••tion.
            • 1 Marking the promise
            • 2 M••sing of it
            • 3 M••king i•• familiar to ••s
          • 2 F••rvent prayer, where of l••¦ving by faith.
    • 2 Speci∣all r••les dir••cting u•• now to use them.
      • 1 Generall promises are particularly, and particulars ge∣nerally appliable.
      • 2 P••omi••es are subordinated and performed with depen∣dance.
      • 3. The experience of GOD in his promises confirmeth faith and nourisheth hope.
        • 1 Experiments God hat•• given us in others.
        • •• Experience of his merc•• in our selves.
      • 4. Gods promises to us must be the rule of our prayers to him.
        • 1. The ground for what, and rule how w•• m••st pray.
        • ••. God will not perform promise•• till by prayer they be sought fo••.
  • 5 The proper∣ties of them.
    • Gods pro∣mises are
      • 1. Free.
      • 2. Full in respect of
        • 1. Persons.
        • 2. Things.
      • 3. Firm & faithfull yet
        • 1 God give•• not ••hr••ie•• the t••ing p••o∣mise•• but somtimes that which it e¦quivalent or b••tter, nor to the same parties, but to them o•• their po∣sterity.
        • 2 The time of accomplishing them is uncertaine.
  • 6. The persons to whom the promises belong.
    • 1. C••rist as the head.
    • 2 His members.

A TREATISE OF THE Divine PROMISES. The first Booke.* 1.1 (Book 1)

CHAP. 1. 1. The Nature of the Promises.

THERE are three things to be known in the Word: 1. Precepts or Com∣mandements, be∣cause, they teach obedience.

2. Threatnings, because they re∣straine disobedience. 3. Promises, because they serve to confirme us in our Obedience.* 1.2

Promise is oftentimes used in the New Testament both in the Singul••r, and Plurall number, espe∣cially in * 1.3 S. Pauls Epistles: it sig∣nifieth by an excellencie the Gospell it selfe, or the promise of giving the Messiah, and free re∣conciliation with GOD by Him. It is called by a Synecdoche (saith Polanus) the Word, Psal. 56.4, 10. In GOD will I praise his

Word, that is, his promise, saith Iunius; and sometimes it is taken by a Metonymie (as Beza and Piscator have observed) for the good things promised,* 1.4 Gal. 3.14. the promise of the Spirit, for the Spirit promised, Acts 1.4. waite for the promise of the Father, that is, the good promised, viz. the HOLY GHOST. You are sealed with the Spirit of Promise, Ephes. 1.13. that is, with the Spirit promised. So Gal. 3.22. That the promise by faith of JE∣SUS CHRIST, that is, the thing promised, remission of sinne and life everlasting. Heb. 10.36. Yee have need of patience, that yee might receive the promise, that is, eternall glory promised. Heb. 6.12. Who through faith and patience inherit the promises, that is,* 1.5 life promised by a Metonymie, 2 Tim. 1.1. It is called the Promise of Life, for life promised.

A Promise is a revelation of some such truth,* 1.6 as shall be be∣neficiall to mee in particular. The

truth of such a promise consists in the certainty of performance, the goodnesse of it in the quality of the thing promised.

Promise is 1. A word, passed from man to man, for perfor∣mance of some lawfull things; as in contracts, bargaines, marriages, and other aff••ires of common life. This is a civill promise: Such a one Laban made to Iacob, for giving his daughter, David to Ionathan.

2. Our word passed and given unto GOD, for some duty which we will doe unto his honour, Psal. 66.13, 14. I will pay thee my vowes which my lippes have promised Num. 30.2. He shall not breake his promise. This is a religious or holy Pro∣mise, called a vow in Scripture.

3. The Word of God given unto men, for the performance of some good, or for removing some evill, Spirituall or Bodily, Psal. 119.103. How sweet are thy promises unto my mouth? and verses 38, 49. This is a divine Promise. Of these I pur∣pose to treat: & the divine Promi∣ses are thus defined.

The Promises are declarations of GODS favour towards Man, and of his providence over him for his good.

Or thus.

The Promises are all those de∣clarations of GODS will,* 1.7 wherin he signifieth in the Gospel, what good He will freely bestow. I shal define them in this manner.

The Promises are outward declarations of GODS will concerning good to be received, and evill to be removed; I call them outward declarations, to di∣stinguish them from inward pur∣poses, concerning good, to distin∣guish them from threatnings, which are also declarations of GODS will, but for evill to be inflicted, concerning good to be received, &c. to distinguish them from commands, which declare GODS will for good, but that of duty to be done to him, not of mercy to be received from him.

The Promises of the word are as so, many Legacies bequeathed

us by our Heavenly Father, and by His Sonne JESUS CHRIST, in His last Will and Testa∣ment.

The Promises are the grounds of our Hope, and the obiects of our Faith.

1. The grounds of our Hope,* 1.8 Remember thy Word (i.e. the pro∣mise of mercy and grace) unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope, Psal. 119.49. & 81. verse, I hope in thy Word: Therefore Hope is termed the hope of the Gospell, Coloss. 1.23. that is, an hope which waiteth for those things which in the Gospell are promised. This was the ground of Simeons hope, Luke 2.25. We have no reason to hope for any thing which is not promi∣sed, or upon any other condition, then as promised.

The Apostle useth this argu∣ment, why we should not cast away our confidence or slacken our hope, because there is a Promise, Heb. 10.35, 36. which is a f••rme

foundation for our Confidence to rest upon: So Abraham is said Rom. 4.18. to have beleeved a∣gainst hope (of sence and reason) under hope (of GODS Word) for the ground of that hope is added, according to that which was spoken (to that word of promise) so shall thy seed be, and elsewhere, to Looke for a Citie that hath foundations, that is,* 1.9 (as one ex∣pounds it) a Citie which was built upon the immutable stability of GODS oath and promises.

These Promises are of all need∣full things in the world, both Spi∣rituall and Temporall; of assistance under all crosses and of deliverance from them, and at length of eter∣nall glory and happinesse in Hea∣ven, which (because it is furthest off, and includeth in it, an accom∣plishment of all other promises) is the most proper object of Hope, in which respect the Scrip∣ture doth thus intitle it, hope of sal∣vation, 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, eve∣ry true Israelite. The rest are either hopelesse, being Aliens from the Covenant of promise,* 1.10 or over-hoping, without evidence and due qualification fondly expe∣cting the promise.

2. The Promises are the ob∣iects of our Faith,* 1.11 and also the foundation of it: whatsoever is promised, may and must be be∣leeved; and whatsoever is belee∣ved 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,* 1.12 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 everla∣sting life.

2. All inferiour Promises an∣nexed 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,* 1.13 sure and certaine to GODS chil∣dren.

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 suffi∣cient for this life, Rom. 4.18. Abraham by the same faith, wher∣by hee was justified, beleeved

GODS promise, that he should have a Sonne in his old age: and Noah beleeved GODS pro∣mise of his preservation in the Arke, by the same faith whereby He was made Heire of righteous∣nesse. First faith apprehends mer∣cy in CHRIST, and then providence for this life.

* 1.14Justifying Faith beleeves the Creation and all other holy truths, Heb. 11. besides the Pro∣mises; therefore the promises are not the onely object of Faith.

* 1.15But not imploying her selfe about them, as her speciall ob∣ject, but presupposing them as necessary Antecedents.

* 1.16Justifying Faith beleeves o∣ther promises, besides that of CHRIST and salvation by Him, as concerning strength in tentations, moderation of afflicti∣ons, comforts of this life.

* 1.17True, but as Appendants and Appurtenances to the maine and principall Promise: for in

CHRIST, that is, the Funda∣mentall Promise, concerning CHRIST, All, that is, the other depending Promises, are yea and Amen. The proper and peculiar object then of Justify∣ing faith, is the Evangelicall pro∣mise: other things are belee∣ved, some as necessary Antece∣dents, some as necessary Conse∣quents 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 Par∣ticular, Principall or lesse Princi∣pall, Direct or by Consequent, Absolute or Conditionall, Tem∣porall, Spirituall, or Eternall.

There are Promises * 1.18 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 uneffectu∣all, if CHRIST had not for us fulfilled that righteousnesse whereupon they hang, Gal. 2.16.

Evangelicall are made on con∣dition of beleeving and repen∣ting,* 1.19 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 Testa∣ment, 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 Testa∣ment, as Psal. 32.1, 2. Ier. 31.31, 32.

Both these are either Generall or indefinite, propounded to all,* 1.20 Exodus 20.6. Iohn 3.16, 17, 18.

Or Particular, directed to some kinde of persons, few or one, Ex∣od. 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 conse∣quent.

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.

* 1.21Promises are implied by conse∣quence, either in the examples or prayers of faithfull Saints.

1. In their examples, by those blessings which they have enjoy∣ed: GODS giving it to one, is a promising it to all. Thus doth S. Iames urge that end which GOD gave to Iobs troubles,* 1.22 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 writ∣ten (whether precepts, promises, threatnings, or examples) are writ∣ten for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scrip∣tures might have hope, Rom. 15.4.

2. In their prayers, by those things which they prayed for in faith and obtained. The Faith∣full 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 up∣on him. David made this a ground of his faith, Psal. 22.4, 5.

There are Promises Absolute, and Conditionall.

1. Absolute,* 1.23 which GOD hath simply determined to accomplish even as they are propounded, as before CHRIST was mani∣fested 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 cal∣ling 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 chil∣drens a 1.24 good.

Thus are promised:

1. All temporall blessings, which * 1.25 Lazarus wanted.

2. Freedome from all crosses and b 1.26 troubles, Iob and other Saints had their part in many of them.

3. Freedome from all c 1.27 temp∣tations, 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 grea∣ter measure of grace, and some a lesse.

Some Promises are in divers re∣spects both Absolute and Condi∣tionall, as that Exod. 3.17. of bringing the Israelites into the land of Canaan: for in respect of the people of Israel, it was abso∣l••te, and at length really accom∣plished; but if we consider all the particular Israelites, it had an im∣plicite 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 con∣cerning the soule, such are the promises of GODS graces; or Temporall, concerning the body, as health, wealth.

The Promises appertaining un∣to the life to come, are eternall life, the crowne of glory, which concerne both soule and body.

These I shall handle fully after∣ward.

CHAP. III. 3. The Excellency of them.

THe Promises of GOD are a Rich Mine of Spirituall and Heaven∣ly 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 unsearch∣able riches of CHRIST,* 1.28 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 ••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 ve∣ry keeping of the Records of these Promises was a great Pre∣rogative to the * 1.29 Jewes, Rom. 3.2. and it is accounted a singu∣lar 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 pro∣mises, 2 Pet. 1.4. which GOD hath given to us. They are most great and precious: for quantity, Great, exceeding great; for qua∣lity, Good, exceeding good. Pre∣cious:

1. In respect of the Author of them, GOD; He is said in Scrip∣ture to be the giver of them, Rom. 1.2. 1 Tim. 1.1. Tit. 1.2.

2. The ground of them, JE∣SUS CHRIST, for whose sake we obtaine them, and the price he paied to purchase them

for us, his a 1.30 precious blood, 1 Pet. 1.19.

3. The manner, how they are given, freely; the fountaine from which they spring is the precious loving b 1.31 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 parta∣kers of the c 1.32 Divine nature, that is, of the graces of the HOLY GHOST.

6. d 1.33 In regard of the excel∣lencie of the things promised, life and godlinesse, or glory and vertue, which the Apostle Peter mentioned, 3. ver. of that 1. Chap∣ter.

The ordinary Glosse, would have life eternall to be there pro∣mised.

There is nothing in the world so excellent, so precious▪ so

sweet and so comfortable as the promises are, Psal. 119.103.

e 1.34 Cardan saith that every pre∣cious stone hath some egregious vertue; and Iosephus observeth, that the splendor and brightnesse of the precious stones in the High-Priests brest-plate fore∣shewed victory.

I examine not the truth of those relations: but I dare say, there is more soveraigne vertue in one of GODS precious promi∣ses, than in all the precious stones of the world. I may say of them, as Salomon saith of a vertuous woman,* 1.35 that their price is farre above rubies, or as he speakes of wisdome,* 1.36 that they are better then rubies; and all the things that may be desired, are not to be com∣pared to them. The bright lustre also of these precious stones, ob∣served by the quick eye of faith, presageth certaine victory over all our enemies. If we can be∣hold 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 wea∣kest 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 * 1.37 Psalmes, the beginnings are full of trou∣ble, 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 assig∣neth 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. M^r. Bolton hath three excellent Stories to this purpose.* 1.38 The first is of a woman greatly distressed in conscience, who in∣dustriously sought the destruction of her selfe; but being most mi∣raculously preserved, shee after∣ward received comfort from that promise, Esay 57.15. Thus saith the High and loftie one that inha∣biteth Eternity, whose Name is Ho∣ly, I dwell in the high and holy place: with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to re∣vive 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.* 1.39 Another Godly Man in his sicknesse, sted∣fastly 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,* 1.40 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 accor∣ding to the promise, 2 Tim. 1.1.

The Patriarkes hugged and embraced the promises as a chiefe stay of their lives in their pilgri∣mage 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,* 1.41 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 for the children of

Israel, Esay 66.11. That they should sucke and be satisfied with the breasts of consolation.* 1.42 A wor∣thy Divine observes well the Em∣phasis of the originall. Two Metaphors are there used, one is to milke consolation out of the Promises:* 1.43 the meaning is this, that the promises are full of comfort, as a dugge is full of milke (for he repeateth the promise presently after) now if thou be ready to faint,* 1.44 goe and milke out consolation out of the promises, and that will relieve thee, and stay thy heart. The other Metaphore is, to extort the promises, as a rich man op∣presseth a poore man, and gets out of him all that he is worth; so deale with the Promises, for they are rich, there is a price in them: now when a man is poore and needy, let him goe to the rich promises, and be an extortioner to them, that is, consider them to the utmost, see the utmost riches that is con∣tained

in them, and they will make thee rich. Againe, draw out the utmost of the milke that is in them, and it will excee∣dingly revive and comfort thee.

CHAP. IIII. 4. The right Vse of them.

* 1.45WEe 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,* 1.46 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,* 1.47 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,* 1.48 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,* 1.49 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 * 1.50 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:

• 1. Fixed Meditation, we should ponder well and muse upon the promise. Pondering is, when a man lifts any thing to see what weight it beares, so ought faith to doe with the promise, sound the sweet∣nesse of it to the bottome, and that,
  • 1. By marking it, wee should set a starre upon the Margin of a speciall pro∣mise, and by the book that culs out promises of note in this kinde.
  • 2. Musing of it, we should dwell upon it: Mary pon∣dered

• ...
  • the Angels words in her heart.
  • 3. Making the word of pro∣mise, familiar by frequen∣cy, we should get it by heart till it be easie, so did David make the promise his Counsellor and Companion, Psal. 119.24. When we go to prayer, we should chew of those pro∣mises, Rom. 8.26. Iam. 1.5. When we go about our cal∣lings, we should thinke se∣riously of that promise, Psal, 121.8. When any crosse befalleth us, we should re∣member that unvaluable pro∣mise, Rom. 8.29. and that 1 Cor. 10.13.
• 2. Fervent prayer, that GOD would by his Spirit both re∣veale unto us, what be those precious promises which he hath made unto his people in his holy Word, and also give un∣to us wisedome rightly to judge of them, and fitly to apply

• them unto our selves, in eve∣ry estate we shall be in. We should beg of him to reveale this mystery of godlinesse and CHRIST to us,* 1.51 as the Dis∣ciples said, LORD increase our faith, that phrase of David is most heavenly, Psal. 119.49. Thy promise in which thou hast caused mee to put my trust. It is the LORD that must cause the heart to put her trust in the promise.

If we would keepe faith in exercise, we must indeavour to know GODS promises, me∣ditate on them, conferre about them,* 1.52 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.* 1.53 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,* 1.54 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,* 1.55 clinging to a promise that he knew was made by GOD, that he had read and markt out of Deuteronomie.* 1.56 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 * 1.57 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•• * 1.58 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.

1. Generall Promises are particularly, and Particu∣lars generally appliable.

The LORD in assenting to Salomons prayer,* 1.59 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,* 1.60 &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,* 1.61 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,* 1.62 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.* 1.63 And the same in effect he applies to all his,* 1.64 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.

2. Promises are subordina∣ted and performed with de∣pendance.

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,* 1.65 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,* 1.66 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,* 1.67 Nations that knew thee not shall runne unto thee. The Apostle tells us whereunto he calls,* 1.68 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,* 1.69 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,* 1.70 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,* 1.71 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:* 1.72 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.

3. Experience of GOD in his Promises, confirmeth Faith and nourisheth Hope.

* 1.73 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,* 1.74 GODS dealing with Iob, to strengthen their hope.

* 1.75But 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.* 1.76 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,* 1.77 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.* 1.78

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,* 1.79 and that my soule knoweth right well.

4. GODS Promises to us must be the ground and rule of our prayers to him.* 1.80

There are two things in this rule to be observed:

1. That we can make no prayer in boldnesse, faith or comfort,* 1.81 but for things promised, and in that

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.* 1.82 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 * 1.83 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,* 1.84 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;* 1.85 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,* 1.86 I have no promise, how then can I pray in faith?* 1.87 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.

* 1.88To 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;* 1.89 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:* 1.90 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.

* 1.91Moses, 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.* 1.92

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.

* 1.93Spirituall 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;* 1.94 leave to our selves, abate the fer∣vour.

There must be submission to GODS will and wisedome in our prayers for spirituall things,* 1.95 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 D^r. Gouge) are ab∣solutely promised,* 1.96 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,* 1.97 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.

* 1.98Temporall 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 1.99 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 1.100 Earthly and outward things are lawfully prayed for, but ever ••um Conditione voluntatis, with Condition of GODS good plea∣sure and liking.

c 1.101 Things Temporall which are promised with condition, we are to pray for with condition of GODS will.

d 1.102 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.* 1.103

Those things which belong to the kingdome of GOD are sim∣ply and primarily to be asked, other things onely secundum quid and secondarily.* 1.104

GODS promises of temporal

blessings are Hypotheticae and goe with condition sometimes ex∣pressed,* 1.105 sometimes suppressed, which condition is as a sterne of a ship, and turnes the pro∣mise another way. * 1.106 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,* 1.107 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;* 1.108 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,* 1.109 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,* 1.110 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,* 1.111 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,* 1.112 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.

CHAP. V. 5. The properties of them. GODS Promises are

• 1. Free.
• 2. Full.
• 3. Firme.

1. GODS Promises are free and tran••ferred.

THey are not m••de for any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that is in us,* 1.113 bu•• proceed ••rom Gods fre••••om and bene∣volence: ••orking moo••ed God out of hims••••••••.

• 1. Not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Th•• LORD did not ••et h•••• lov•• upon you nor choose you: because we were more in number then any other people (or for any such like respects) but because the LORD loved you. That at first might seeme to be Idem per idem, (as we say) a womans reason, that the LORD should set his love

• on them, because hee loved them: but it excellently sets forth the ground of GODS love to rest altogether in him∣selfe, and in his owne good pleasure.
• * 1.1142. Not our beauty: we were in our bloud when GOD set his love upon us, and entred into Covenant with us.
• 3. Not our righteousnesse, Tit. 3.5. Not by workes of righ∣teousn••sse which we have done, but according to his mercy hee saved us.

There is nothing at all in us to move the LORD to pro∣mise any good to us: as that first and great promise after Adam had sinned, was from GODS free grace, so are all other Evangelicall promises.

GOD never set the promi∣ses on sale, or will ever sell his Sonne to any, He gives him free∣ly, He stands not of desert, We may buy of Him a 1.115 freely, Esa. 55.1, 2, 3. Rev. 21.6. & 22.17. Ezek.

36.32. He loveth freely, Hos. 14.7. and pardoneth sin freely, Esay 43.25. 1 Iohn 2.12. Election is of grace, Rom. 11.5. Vocation is of grace, 2 Tim. 1.9. Justificati∣on is freely by grace, Rom. 3.24. Faith is of grace, Ephes. 2.8. Eternall life and salvation is of grace, Rom. 6.23. Luke 12.32.

b 1.116 The Promises are (free in ficri) made onely out of grace, but (conditionall in facto esse) per∣formed and accomplished with dependance upon duties in us. GOD is faithfull (saith the Apo∣stle) who shall stablish you and keepe you from evill, there is the promise; and wee are confident, that you will doe the things that wee command you; there is the duty which the pro∣mise calls for. When wee pray give us our daily bread; by saying give us, wee ac∣knowledge that it is from GOD, but when we call it ours, we shew how GOD gives it, namely

in the use of the meanes. For bread is ours, not onely in the right of the promise, I will not faile thee nor forsake thee,* 1.117 but service and quiet working in an orderly calling.

The freenesse of GODS pro∣mises marvellously lifts up the head above water; as the beggar saith, the dole is free, and why may not I get it as well as ano∣ther? O (may some say) but if I could pray and humble my selfe, there were hope of mer∣cy.

* 1.118GOD gives his mercy free∣ly, he keepes open house, he re∣quires nothing of thee to pro∣cure it, but he shewes mercy, be∣cause hee will shew mercy. See what he saith, Es••y 43 24, 25. Thou hast wearied mee (saith he) with thine iniquities; and in the next verse, I, even I am he that blott••th out thy trans••ressions, for my owne sake, even I] excluding all m••anes: for my owne names sake] excluding all motive.

No unwor••hinesse then should hinder us from beleeving the promises: but rather they that have the most sense of their owne * 1.119 unwor••hinesse, have most incouragement to beleeve; for that voice of CHRIST, Come unto mee all yee that are weary, &c. serves not onely for our first conversion, but in all our distresses whatsoever, throughout the whole course of our life. Ia∣cob confesseth himselfe unwor∣thy of the least of all GODS mercies, Gen. 32.10. yet in the 9. verse he entitleth himselfe un∣to the promises, He that commeth to mee, I cast not away, Ioh. 6.37. As if the LORD should say; feare not, though base, sin∣full, poore, and of no account in the eye either of thy selfe or others: For if thou commest to me, thou art welcome, not∣withstanding these, and I never cast him away that commeth.

The wicked abuse the promi∣ses of GOD to loosenesse; they

say GOD is gracious and mer∣cifull. CHRIST dyed for us, the LORD will forgive us, and so stuffe themselves with pro∣mises till they have made them a pillow for sinne. It is true, there is mercy with GOD, Psal. 130.4. not to make us bold to sinne, but to feare him. The Apostle urgeth the promise to spurre us to obedience,* 1.120 and as a motive to the feare of GOD, we should take heed of sinning, because GOD is gracious, Rom. 6.1, 14. Heb. 10.29. Ioel 2.13. who would spend to try a libe∣rall friend? GODS mercy is regulated by his truth and justice. He hath promised no mercy to such, Deut. 29.20. they have nei∣ther part nor portion in this matter,* 1.121 Acts 8.21.

2. GODS Promises are full and of large extent, in respect of

• 1. Persons.
• 2. Things.

In respect of persons;

They are propounded gene∣rally

with such termes as these, every one, or whosoever, Ioh. 3.15, 16. Matth. 11.28. Revel. 22.17. Esay 55.1, 2. Acts 10.43. Ioh. 7.37. Iohn 6.37, 40. & 5.24. & 11.26. Ezek. 33.11. 1 Iohn 2.1.

They are offered to all, none excepted: the Angell brought glad tidings for all people, Luke 2.10. no sort of men are exclu∣ded, but in CHRIST they may have their part in these pro∣mises, as the Apostle sheweth, Gal. 3.27, 28, 29. Hee will blesse them that feare the LORD, both small and great, Psal. 115.13. The LORD is rich unto all that call upon him, Rom. 10.12. In every nation hee that feareth him, and worketh righteousnesse,* 1.122 is accepted with him, Acts 10.35.

The Promises are propoun∣ded promiscuously to all, toge∣ther with the commandement of beleeving; but they are not performed to all, because they

faile in performing the conditi∣on, but power is given to the Elect to performe the conditi∣on, Ephes. 2.8. Act. 5.31. & 11.18.

There is therefore a twofold offering of CHRIST:

1. Externall in the preaching and publishing of the Gospell or the promises of CHRIST, Act. 9.15.

2. Internall, a certaine spiri∣tuall Illumination whereby those promises are pro••ounded to the hearts of men,* 1.123 as it were by an in∣ward word.

* 1.124The promises are indefinite in regard of all and every man, and to beleevers onely they are uni∣ve••sall, Iohn 3.16. & Mark. 16.16. R••m. 1.16. & 10.4. GOD undertakes with them, not for themselves onely, but for their seed aft••r them, I am thy GOD, and the GOD of thy seed: hee sheweth mercy to a thousand ge∣nerat••••ns of them that feare him, and keepe his Commandements.

He maintaines not onely such is serve him, but all their hou∣••hould▪ yea and all th••••r po∣sterity too: for the promises are made to you,* 1.125 and to your seede, and to as many as GOD shall call.

2. In respect of things;

His Promises are likewise large for things. No good thing will he withhold; all that is in heaven, in ea••th, will GOD bestow on his.

In Deut. 28. Psal. 37. & 128. whatsoever is good for the soule, the body, the estate, the name, the posterity of m••n, is promised to them that feare GOD, and obey his Comman∣dements.

The Promises in the Word extend themselves to all estates, to all conditions, and to all kind of distresses whatsoever, they are a Christians Catholic••n; being a helpe to all duties, a quickner of all graces, and a

Comfort in all Troubles.

The people of GOD streiten promises, and enlarge pre∣cepts,* 1.126 but the generality of the promises may comfort any gracious person: Whosoever beleeveth, shall bee saved, none is excluded but such as exclude themselves. This is singular comfort in temptation, no matter for thy sinnes; who∣soever beleeveth in CHRIST, shall be saved, though his sinnes be never so great. This may comfort the godly also in their meane estate in the world, who∣soever beleeves, the hainous sin∣ner as well as the lesser; the poore begger as well as the mightiest Monarch, shall not perish, but have life eternall.

* 1.127The indefinite promises are to be appropriated by particu∣lar application: Gal. 2.20. 1 Tim. 1.15. The Articles of the Creed

* 1.128 concerning remission of sinnes and life everlasting doe include, and we in them acknowledge our speciall faith concerning our owne salvation. Hee that hath not this particularity of applying, hath nothing of faith more then a Divell, as two of our wor∣thy Divines * 1.129 have well obser∣ved. The Divels hold generalls, of CHRISTS death; re∣mission of sinnes thereby purcha∣sed unto the Church: herein on∣ly they faile, that they apply not these to themselves, nor can be∣leeve that they are sharers in these benefits; and let it be thought no presumption, for GODS child to out-strip the Divell one step at least, in beliefe of the Articles of his Creed.

The Apostles applied the pro∣mises to them whom either they did instruct or confirme in the faith, 1 Cor. 1.4, 9, 30. & Chap. 12.27. Ephes. 1.13. & Chap. 2.5. Acts 2.39. & 13.38. Col. 2.10. 1 Pet. 1.18, 19. 1 Iohn 2.12. The faithfull also apply them to themselves, 2 Cor. 3.18. & 5.1. Ephes. 1.4. & 2.5. Col. 1.12. 1 Pet. 1.3. 1 Iohn 3.1, 2. & 3.24.

The Papists scoffe at this par∣ticular assurance, and say, there must be a particular word, for a particular faith. Where is it said by name (say they) to any man; Thou Peter or Iohn shalt be saved? Wee may retort this argument upon themselves: for where is it said to any by name, Sanctifie the Sabbath, sweare not? and yet the commandements be∣long to us, why not then the Promises, though not spoken to us by name? The word of pro∣mise is as particular, as the word of threatning, command,

or prohibition. The Generals include their particulars;* 1.130 When a Prince gives a pardon to all theeves, every one can apply the same unto himselfe, though his name be not set downe in the pardon. To mee (saith D. S••la∣t••r) it sounds as particular in case of my faith and repentance, as if our Saviour himselfe should say unto mee, as to him in the Gospell, Sonne, thy sinnes be for∣given thee.

The wicked enlarge the pro∣mises, and streighten the pre∣cepts, they take liberty to sinne, presuming on pardon from those two generall maine promises, Hee that beleeveth, shall be sa∣ved, Mark. 16.16. At what time soever a sinner repents him of his sinnes, I will have mercy on him, saith the LORD, Ezek. 18.21, 22.

Here are two sweet promises, the one annexed to Faith, the other to Repentance; but out of these fragrant flowers, the

wicked sucke poyson.

It is an easie matter to beleeve (saith the worldling) though in∣deed it be as hard as to 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 excep∣tion of a 1.131 sinne, b 1.132 times, or c 1.133 per∣sons, 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 * 1.134 repentance is seldome true: and though GOD hath promised pardon to the penitent, yet hee hath not promised repentance to the sin∣ners. Thirdly, thou knowest not whether ever thou shalt have time, for hee promiseth not to¦morrow 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 re∣served in his owne hands.

3. The Promises are most firme and faithfull;

GOD is true in all his pro∣mises, 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,* 1.135 Iust and righteous Word, 106, 123, 137, 144, verses. Paul often useth this preface, This is a true say∣ing, 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, puri∣rified 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 de∣ceive men, so the divine promi∣ses doe not deceive those that trust in them, because the truth and goodnesse of them hath beene continually tried by o∣thers, and graciously performed by GOD himselfe. His Cove∣nant is called a * 1.136 Covenant of salt, 2 Chron. 13.5. that is, a sta∣ble and sure Covenant, an ever∣lasting 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.* 1.137 Esay 54.10. All the pro∣mises of GOD are Yea, and Amen, in CHRIST, 2 Cor. 1.20. Not onely Yea, but Yea and Amen. Not onely firme and faith∣full in themselves, but such as shall be made good to the soules

of GODS people in full per∣fection.

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 king∣dome, for foure generations * 1.138 ac∣cording to his promise. He is faithfull to those that deale per∣fidiously in the Covenant, Rom. 3.3▪ 4. He makes good his pro∣mises 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 parti∣culars, and shew how the pro∣mises 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 pro∣mise to preserve Noah in the Arke, Gen. 6.18. fulfilled, Gen. 8. those made to a 1.139 Abraham, b 1.140 Isaac, and c 1.141 Iacob. But I leave this to the observation of Chri∣stians themselves.

GODS Love and mercy is the onely reason of making pro∣mises; but his truth, justice, fi∣delity, 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,* 1.142 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 perfor∣med it. Thou wilt performe saith the Prophet, The truth to Ja∣cob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworne unto our fa∣ther from the daies of old.* 1.143 Why truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham? the promise after a sort began in Abraham (therefore hee is called the Father of the faith∣full) and when GOD makes a promise, it is onely out of mer∣cy; but the promise was conti∣nued unto Iacob, who being Abrahams seed, was an heire of the Promise, and so the inheri∣tance which was out of mercy given unto Abraham, did out of truth and fideli••y descend un∣to Iacob, the seed of Abraham;* 1.144 and therefore we shall find Cove∣nant, Mercy, and Oath, joyned together in the Scripture, Deut. 7.12. Luke 1.72, 73. to note un∣to us, both the ground of making

the Covenant, Mercy, and the ground of performing the Co∣venant made, the Truth and Fide∣lity of GOD.

GODS very name JEHO∣VAH, declareth that he is con∣stant and will performe his pro∣mise, because as he giveth being to all things, so he makes that to be which he hath promised.* 1.145 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 pos∣session of Canaan, yet he did not shew himselfe to be JEHOVAH an Accomplisher of his promi∣ses, that he reserved to future generations, ver. 8. Therefore whensoever in any of the Pro∣phets, 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 con∣cerning 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 pro∣mise, Luke 1.72. 2. Of his Mi∣nistery, to assure and confirme the promises made before to the Fa∣thers, 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 in∣fallible.

They are sealed in his Spirit, all beleevers are said to be sea∣led 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 promi∣ses 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 num∣ber, the promise, to assure us, that it is as easie for GOD to ful∣fill all that goodnesse con∣tained in all those Promises, as if they were but one onely Promise.

We promise and many times faile, either by the mutability of our will, the imbecillity of our power, or the scantnesse of our knowledge, not being able to foresee impediments.

But GOD is neither muta∣ble, weake, nor ignorant. His promises are made in heaven, where there is no inconstancie nor repentance. For I the LORD change not,* 1.146 therefore yee sonnes of Jacob are not con∣sumed, Mal. 3.6. as if hee had

said, I promised not to consume you, and you can tell I have kept promise with you, for yee are not consumed to this day, With him there is no variablenesse, nor shadow of turning, Iam. 1.17. GOD cannot lie, 1 Sam. 15.29. nor repent:* 1.147 He cannot lie in ma∣king a promise, nor repent in ful∣filling it.

GOD is also infinite in wis∣dome to contrive, and in power to bring about the execution of his owne will. Hee is onely wise, Rom. 16.27. 1 Tim. 1.17. The LORD knoweth,* 1.148 to deliver the righteous out of trouble.

GOD is able to accomplish what he hath promised, All things are possible to him, Mar. 10.27. Nothing is too hard for him, Ier. 32.27. Gen. 18 14. Num. 11.23. He c••nnot be hindered by weaknesse, Hee is Almighty, Re∣vel. 1.8. Hee that is able of stones to raise up children unto Abra∣ham, Matth. 3.9. is able to take away our stony heart, and give us

a heart of flesh. There is a pro∣mise made of calling the Jewes unto CHRIST,* 1.149 and cau∣sing them to turne from trans∣gression in Iacob, Esay 59.20. But he who should consider the ex∣treame obstinacie and stubborne∣nesse of that people against the Gospell would thinke it impossi∣ble, that they should ever be pul'd out of the snare of the Divell; therefore the Apostle makes GODS power the ground of certaintie in this promise, Rom. 11.23, 26. The HOLY GHOST also puts us in mind of GODS power to strengthen our faith in these promises fol∣lowing.* 1.150

1. The alteration of our corrupt nature, Marke 10.23.

2. All needfull grace, GOD is able to make all grace abound, 2 Cor. 9.8.

3. Perseverance to the end, Ioh. 10.28, 29.

4. Supply of all necessities, GOD that is able will supply

them, Philip. 4.19.

5. Assistance in all trouble, Psal. 89.13, 21, 22.23.

6. Deliverance out of all evill, Esay 50.2.

7. The resurrection of our bo∣dies, Ephes. 1.19, 20.

8. Eternall glorification, Phil. 3.21.

This motive taken from GODS Almighty power, is used often in Scripture, to stirre up men and women to beleeve the promises of GOD. It was used to Sarah, Gen. 18.14. to the Vir∣gin Mary, Luke 1.37. to Ieremy, Ier. 32.27. and to the Disciples of CHRIST, Marke 10.27.

Abraham looked to GODS power,* 1.151 and thereby was moved to beleeve that GOD would performe his promise, though Isaac in whom the promise was made, was to be sacrificed, Rom. 4.20, 21. Heb. 11.19. Iehosaphat al∣so by his faith did magnifie GODS power, 2 Chron. 20.12.

This was Iobs onely comfort upon the dunghill, that that GOD who would (after wormes had consumed his flesh) raise him up at the last day, and make him with those very eyes to see his Redeemer, had power enough to deliver him from that cala∣mity into which he cast him, and to revive his strength.

* 1.152GOD is likewise true, just, and faithfull, and therefore will performe his promises.

GOD the Father (who hath promised) is the God of truth, Psal. 31.5. the Gospell (in which his promises are made) is the word of truth, Ephes. 1.13. His Sonne (who hath declared and merited the promises) is a faithfull and true witnesse, Revel. 3.14. truth it selfe, Ioh. 14.6. His Spirit (which sea∣leth unto us the truth of the pro∣mises even in our hearts) is the Spirit of truth. Ioh. 14.17.

* 1.153GOD is iust and faithfull in accomplishing his promises, Rom. 3.3, 5.

David saith, LORD in thy faithfullnesse,* 1.154 or in thy Iustice an∣swer me, Psal. 143.1. that is, not in the justice of merit, but of promise or Covenant: for in his promises he maketh himselfe our Debtor, and what he owes by vertue of his blessed promise, we may challenge. If wee con∣fesse our sinnes hee is faithfull and iust to forgive us our sinnes. As if he should say,* 1.155 GOD of his infinite mercy hath promised to all true Penitents and Con∣fessors, that hee will forgive, and never remember their sinnes any more; he must stand to his Promises, or else he should be un∣faithfull: and he is iust, he doth not say he is mercifull but iust to forgive the sinnes of true belee∣vers, because they are all satisfi∣ed for, and GODS justice will not let him demand the same debt twice, of the surety and of the debter.

The righteous GOD shall give unto mee a Crowne of righteous∣nesse,

2 Tim. 4.8. righteousnesse as well as mercy, is the ground of salvation, not in relation or respect to merit in us, but to pro∣mise in GOD.

* 1.156For he is faithfull that promised, Heb. 10.23. Sarah iudged him faithfull who had promised, Heb. 11.11.

The Promise of GOD is our title to happinesse, Gal. 3.18. If some great man out of his boun∣ty give another an Inheritance of a hundred pounds per annum, upon his paying of a pepper∣corne for rent; when hee hath payd it, he may claime the pro∣fits and by law recover them, and his plea in the Law must be the bargaine and Covenant be∣tweene them; for betwixt the rent and revenue there is no proportion: so upon our scant obedience, and scarce appearing faith, we may challenge heaven, and GOD cannot denie it us; not because wee have deser∣ved it, but because he hath promi∣sed it.

This will uphold the faith of a Christian: GOD hath promised, nay confirmed his promise with an oath, and sent his Sonne in the fullnesse of time, Gal. 4.4. in whom all the promises are Yea and Amen. What can be more Absolute? It is a maine pollicie of the Divell, to lay siege, to the truth of GODS Word, Yea hath GOD, said?* 1.157 so he would perswade us, that GOD will forget to be mercifull, and his promise will faile for ever∣more, Psal. 77.8, 9. Weake Chri∣stians in temptations and deserti∣ons are ready to distrust GOD, and to question the truth of his promises.* 1.158 The wicked hope he will change, where is the pro∣mise of his comming? 2 Pet. 3.4. the godly feare he will change: David complaineth, Psal. 69.3. I am weary of my crying, my throat is dried, mine eyes faile, while I waite for my GOD, Psal. 119.123. Mine eyes faile for thy salvation. I shall one day die (saith

he) by the hand of Saul, 1 Sam, 27.1. Psal. 73.13. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vaine, Psal. 116.11. I said in my haste, all men are lyars. Psal. 31.22. I said in my haste, I am cut off from be∣fore thine eyes. After that GOD had promised to Abraham that he would make of him a great nation, Gen. 12.2. and make his seed as the dust of the earth, Gen. 13.16. He and his wife being both old; he thus (as accounting GODS promises vaine) answered, LORD GOD, what wilt thou give mee, seeing I goe childlesse? Gen. 15.2.* 1.159 Sarah likewise hearing the promise GOD had made to her husband concerning a Sonne by her, laughed at it, Gen. 18.12. as if she should have said, that is a jest indeed. GOD told Adam in Paradise, That the seed of the woman should breake the serpents head, Gen. 3.15. He was long, but sure; for it was fulfilled at last. He that gave us CHRIST, how shall he not with him give us all things

also? Rom. 8.32. He that hath performed the promise concer∣ning CHRIST, wherein shall he faile? He hath hither∣to kept promise with nights and daies, as Ieremy saith, Ier. 33.20, 25. that one shall succeed the other, therefore much more will hee keepe his word with his people. Hee is worthy to be beleeved, who never failed to performe what he promised. If GOD have promised us pardon of sinne, Sanctification, Patience, Faith; wee should promise our selves these things, and rest confident, that we shall receive them. Shall we beleeve an honest man on his word, and yet not trust GOD upon his word, who is Almighty, and therefore able, a Father, and therefore willing to per∣forme his promises. GOD hath spoken in his holinesse (saith Da∣vid) I will reioyce therefore in his Word. I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth,

Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine, Ephraim also is the strength of mine head, Iudah is my law-gi∣ver, Moab is my washpot, Psal. 60.6, 7. Though then hee had little enough, yet he was con∣fident, hee should have all that, because he had GODS Word for it. So we may beleeve what GOD hath promised, since he hath said it, and sealed it, and sworne it. One in the Cove∣nant may lay hold on CHRIST, and say CHRIST is mine, on the Promise, and say forgive∣nesse is mine,* 1.160 on the Covenant, and say grace is mine.

The LORD will not be un∣mindfull of his Covenant with us, Psal. 111.5. nor unfaithfull in performance of his promise to us,* 1.161 if wee prove not un∣faithfull, but keepe covenant and promise with him, Psal. 103.17, 18. 2 Chron. 15.2. for the Covenant consists of two parts: in the one GOD bindes him∣selfe to be our GOD, in the

other we binde ourselves to be his people, Hos. 2.23. His is a Co∣venant of mercy, ours of obedi∣ence; He promiseth happinesse, we holinesse; He glory, we du∣ty; He hath tied himselfe by an oath, wee have bound our selves by the vow of baptisme, Hee will not forget his part, let us remember ours. Let it never be said of us, as it was of a Pope and his Nephew, that the one never spake as he thought, the other never performed what he spake. The Carthaginians were infamous for covenant-breaking, and slipperinesse in their promi∣ses, so that it grew a proverbe, Punica fides, Poeni foedifragi sem∣per habiti, saith Plautus; and the Athenians were renowned for faithfullnesse in all their cove∣nants, agreements, and promi∣ses; which gave occasion to those proverbes, Attica fides, and Atticus testis, used for one that still keepes touch. Fidelity in keeping promise is a fruit of

the Spirit, called by the Apo∣stle faith, Gal. 5.22. and a pro∣perty of him that a 1.162 must rest on GODS holy mountaine. Therefore wee should imitate, the Athenians, shall I say? nay rather GOD himselfe, expres∣sing faithfullnesse in all our words, workes, and waies; wee should b 1.163 keepe our covenant with GOD, and c 1.164 pay our vowes un∣to the most High, Psal. 25.10. Psal. 103.18. we should also be constant in the performance of our promises to men, for promi∣ses are due debts. And non in promissione sed in consummatione virtus est, vertue doth not con∣sist in promise, but in perfor∣mance.

The manner, how GOD performeth his promises is not alwaies one and the selfe∣same: sometimes hee gives the very particular thing pro∣mised, as unto the children of Israell deliverance out of Aegypt, David from Saul, Iacob from

Esau. Hee restored unto Heze∣kiah his health according to his promise, and removed the host of the Assyrians, which besie∣ged Jerusalem; sometime hee gives that which is equivalent or better.* 1.165 Thus in the 5. Com∣mandement, obedient children are promised long life; yet Iosiah, 2 Kings 23.29. and Abiah, 1 King. 14.13. were ta∣ken away in their best age; therefore for temporall life, they had eternall: * 1.166 so GOD pro∣mised Abraham the land of Canaan, and hee had the true Canaan, the Kingdome of Hea∣ven. GOD here breaketh not promise, but changeth in melius.* 1.167 So in taking away wealth from his children, he giveth them more store of grace, in restraining li∣berty of body, He giveth free∣dome of con••cience, with afflicti∣on, He giveth patience. It was promised Iosiah, 2 Kings 22.20. that hee should be gathered to his grave in peace; yet hee died a

violent death, for he was slaine by the hands of his enemies, 2 King. 23.29. the next words therefore doe expound it, And thine eyes shall not see all the evill which I will bring upon this place.* 1.168 He died in peace comparative∣ly with a worse state of life, for hee lived not to see the misery of succeeding a∣ges, Esay 57.1. Some inter∣pret it thus, hee was gathered to the Spirits of his Fathers, who enjoyed peace.

GOD doth not alwaies per∣forme his promises to the same parties, and yet most truly per∣formeth them, Psal. 97.11. Light is sowne for the righteous. Often∣times the Father soweth and dieth ere the harvest, and so the Sonne reapes: so Abraham in∣herited Canaan in his posterity.* 1.169 So GOD promised to send his Sonne: this promise was made to the Fathers, and GOD fulfil∣led it to the children, Acts 13.32, 33.

The time of accomplishing GODS promises is uncertaine to us, Acts 1.7,* 1.170 though it shall not be over-passed, The vision is for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speake and not lie. All visions and words of GOD, whether of promise or of threat∣ning, let them seeme to lie lea and void never so long, yet shall be not onely certainely fulfilled, but in the period of time,* 1.171 which the wisedome of GOD hath impropriated to them. Some∣times GODS promises have a limited time; as that,* 1.172 Gen. 17.21 & 18.14. and then they are fulfilled in that very time, ex∣prest, as Gen. 21.1, 2. Some∣times hee expresseth not the time.

GOD in the beginning made a promise to our first Parents concerning the seed of the Wo∣man,* 1.173 and deferred it almost 4000. yeares, and yet at length accomplished it. There have passed about 5000. yeares since

the time of the glorious com∣ming of CHRIST unto judgement was promised,* 1.174 and it is not knowne when it shall be accomplished.* 1.175 Abraham was childlesse till he was 70. yeares old, and at those yeares the LORD promised him issue. But this promise was not accom∣plished till a long time after, when hee was an 100. yeares old. David had a promise to be King of Ierusalem and Iuda, but the LORD exercised him by many and grievous afflictions, before he came to the Crowne; insomuch that he saies of him∣selfe, Psal. 119.82. Mine eyes faile for thy Word. The promise which was made unto Simeon,* 1.176 was not accomplished till hee was an old man ready to die, yet he continued to waite. The deliverance of Israel was promi∣sed 400. yeares before it was ful∣filled, Gen. 15.13.

GOD many times takes day,

1. ••ither his children are not ready for it.* 1.177

2. Or hee doth it to exercise their faith and patience, Heb. 6.15. to prove whether they can beleeve when they see not, Deut. 8.2.

3. Or hee lets them waite, that they may more esteeme the blessings when they have them, but never any could taxe him for promise-breaking. GOD as he doth out-vie all for the largenesse of his promises, so is he unmatchable for faithfullnesse in fulfilling his promises.* 1.178 We reade of some that have pro∣mised halfe their kingdomes, nay the Divell promised * 1.179 all the kingdomes of the world to our Saviour; but GOD pro∣miseth yet more, and perfor∣meth better then any of them. First, he doth not promise by halves, but he promiseth a whole Kingdome, and such a one, as is more worth then all the king∣domes of the world, and

excelleth them in foure proper∣ties, as the Apostle Peter shew∣eth.* 1.180 Nay one kingdome or one world is too little for him to give, he promiseth to give to all the faithfull two worlds, 1 Cor. 3.22, 23. Things present, and things to come, all are yours, both worlds are yours. He per∣formeth better also, what hee hath promised, then those be∣fore mentioned. For the first of them were but men, which of∣ten promise mountaines, and performe * 1.181 mole-hills: in this sence it may be said, Let GOD be true and every man a lier; and for the Divels promise, that great All which he made pro∣fer on, was just nothing, but shadowes and representations of things. He went about to coo∣zen CHRIST with meere words, for the kingdomes of the world were not in his power to give; but GOD is both able and willing to performe, whatsoever he hath promised,

his servants have often found him better, * 1.182 never any worse then his word: therefore wee should waite with patience for the fulfilling of his promises, not limiting him to time, manner, or meanes of accomplishment.

CHAP. VI. 6. The persons to whom the promises be∣long

• 1. CHRIST as the head.
• 2. His mem∣bers.

* 1.183FIrst, a Covenant of Grace is made with CHRIST the Head of the Church, Hee is the Foundation of it, He was GOD and Man to reconcile both; and is therefore called The Angell of the Covenant, Mal. 3.1. The Covenant of the people, Esay 49.8. The Mediator of the New Testament, Heb. 12.24. and next in CHRIST it is made with all Christian men and wo∣men. As he was Head of the Church and Redeemer, he is the heire of all GODS Promises, In him they are Yea and Amen, that is, in him they are propoun∣ded, ratified, and accomplished.

This is evident by those gene∣rall promises which are the foundation of all the rest. Hee (that is, CHRIST) shall breake thine head, Gen. 3.15.* 1.184 In thy seed (that is, CHRIST) shall the nations of the earth be blessed, Gen. 22.18. The promises are made not to seedes, as many, but to seede: viz. CHRIST (in aggregato) with his Chu••ch, the Head and members toge∣ther; for JESUS toge∣ther with all the Saints, make but one mysticall body which is CHRIST, 1 Cor. 12.12. Any promise or blessing that be∣longs to us, belongs chiefely to CHRIST. He is the El∣der Brother. That speech, Hos. 11.1. I called my sonne out of Aegypt, is meant speci••lly of the delivery of Israel by Moses out of the bondage of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and yet it is a prophes••e of CHRIS•• and applied to him, Matth. 2.15. That which is spoken Psal. 8. of mans digni••y above all other

creatures, as having all things put in subjection under him, is interpreted of CHRIST,* 1.185 Heb. 2.6. 1 Cor. 15.27. All the good we have, comes to us by and through him. We are elected and called in him, Ephes. 1.3, 4. In him we have redemption, Ephes. 1.7. Col. 1.14. Sanctifica∣tion, 1 Cor. 1.2. Adoption, Ephes. 1.5. In him GOD is well plea∣sed with us, Matth. 3.17. He is Heire of all things, Heb. 1.2. The Faithfull are Co-heires with him, Rom. 8.17. They shall have the same substantiall (though not gra∣duall) glory, the same crowne, the same kingdome, Ioh. 17.22, 24. GOD loves them with the same love that hee lo••ed CHRIST, verse 23. They are heires of all GODS most pre∣cious promises. They are stiled Children of the Covenant, Acts 3.25. Children of the Promise, Rom. 9.8. Gal. 4.28. because they are made children of GOD by vertue of GODS promise. Thus

was Isaac the child of the pro∣mise in that he was borne to Abraham,* 1.186 not by the strength of nature, but by GODS pro∣mise. They are also called Heires of the Promise, Gal. 3.29. Heb. 6.12, 17. & 11.9. that is, not onely such to whom the promi∣ses doe belong, but such as claime their inheritance onely by adoption and promise. A∣mongst men the eldest childe usually is the heire, and carries away the Inheritance, and the rest have but pettie portions; but all the LORDS children are Heires, and that not alone of the promises, but of the glory promised. Pareus hath an ex∣cellent similitude to illustrate this: every one there (saith he) inherits all, even as every man injoyeth the light of the Sunne, as if it were made onely for him.

The promises made to Christ, are, Thou shalt be a Priest for ever, and I will give thee the

kingdome of David; thou shalt be a Prince of peace, and the go∣vernement shall be upon thy shoul∣ders;* 1.187 thou shalt be a Prophet to my people, shalt open the prison to the captive.

The promises made to us are passive, You shall be taught, you shall be made Prophets, you shall have your sinnes forgiven, you shall be subiect to his government, you shall be made Kings.

If onely they that are CHRISTS have benefit of the promises in CHRIST,* 1.188 then the wicked have no part nor portion in this businesse: the Divell sweeps all that are out of the covenant, the childrens bread shall not be given to dogges, GOD will not cast away preci∣ous things upon swine, and those that are strangers from the cove∣nant of promise, Ephes. 2.12. GOD p••omiseth to satisfie, but it is such as hunger for righte∣ousnesse sake; to comfort, not the carelesse, but such as mourne,

forgivenesse of sinnes, but to the Penitent, eternall life, but to such as beleeve. Except the condition be wrought in us, the promise shall never be accomplished upon us: walke before me and be thou upright (and then) I am GOD All-sufficient, Gen. 17.1. Blessed are the undefi∣led in the way, Psal. 119.1. Psal. 84.11. Ioh. 1.12. Gal. 3.7, 9. Psal. 34.9, 10. Pro. 19.16.

Therefore in the 1. of S. Matthew,* 1.189 when Abraham is said to have begotten Isaac, there is no mention made of Ishmael which yet he begot, and likewise when Isaac is said to have begotten Iacob, there is no mention made of Esau, whom he begot also. But when Iacob is said to have begotten Iudah it is added, and his brethren, be∣cause the promise of Redemp∣tion which was to come by CHRIST, was pronounced to them also. But that promise be∣longed not to all them neither, but onely to such, who following

the steps of their holy Fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob, applied it by a true faith to themselves, as the Apostle sheweth.* 1.190

* 1.191This is a comfort to the peo∣ple of GOD; they can ne∣ver loose Evangelicall blessings of grace and glory, because CHRIST is made the Lord Treasurer and Lord Keeper of them. We are not trusted with them our selves, for then wee should loose them; but he re∣ceives them for us, and com∣municates them to us.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Book 1.
• * 1.2

  Perkins on 2. Hab. 4.

  Faith in the Commande∣ments (saith Dike) breeds obedience, in the Threatnings feare, in the Promises Comfort.

  The Greek words for Promise in the New Testament are, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which is tendred in the English a Message, 1 Ioh. 1.5 of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 nuncius, but most Vsually a Pro∣mise, Ephes. 3.6. 1 Ioh 7.25. and often in the Galatians, it sig¦nifieth gratu••••am ultrenamque promissionem, a free and willi••g Promise, as both Budeus and Beza have observed, & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 2 Pet... 4. w••ich properly signifieth a Publike Promise made is foro, before many, ab 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 id est, nunciare, edicere.

  The Latine, 1. Promissien•• & promissi•• (whence comes the frenc•• word promesse, and the english promise) à pro & nutto, praemittitur enim promissiorei praesiandae.

  2. Pollicuum or pollicitatio, which also signifieth a free Promise it commeth of polliceor, and that of porro & liceor. Pollicem•••• spoute, promittimus rogati, saith Ser••ius on Virg.

  3. Sponsi••, from Spondere, quasi sponte dicere, saith Scaliger.

  Illyric. clav. Script.
• * 1.3

  Rom. 4.16. Gal 3.••8

  As often as S. Paul compares the Law with the Promise, hee makes a comparison betweene the Law and Gospell Illyric. ubi Supra.
• * 1.4

  Promissio in∣terdum idem vales quod res promissa Piscator.

  Act. 1.33, 18, 19 & 7.17. & 26.7.
• * 1.5

  See Heb. 9.15. & 11.9, 17, 3••, 39.
• * 1.6

  The defini∣tion of a Promise in generall.
• * 1.7

  Promissio Dei est de∣nunciatio su¦turorum ho∣norum nobis dandorum, u•• ex ea conso∣lationem ha¦beamus, & si¦ducia nos••ra in V••um con∣firmetur. Po¦lanus.
• * 1.8

  Faith and Hope agree in their ground. both of them are grounded on Gods promi¦ses; but Fides credit pro∣missioni di¦vinae, spes pa∣tienter expe∣ctat praesta∣tionem pro¦missionis, saith Pola∣nus. Faith beleeves the truth of GODS pro∣mises: Hope waiteth till GOD mani∣fest and ac∣complish His truth.
• * 1.9

  Heb. 11.10.
• * 1.10

  Praesumendo sperant, & sperando pe∣reunt.
• * 1.11

  Heb 11.11.
• * 1.12

  Premissiones vocantur ob∣iectum fidei per melony∣miam adiu••¦cti.

  The obiect of faith is Christ, or the Gospell and the pro∣mises therof. The order wherin faith laies hold upon the promises. Ioh. 3.16.
• * 1.13

  •• Cor. 1.20.
• * 1.14

  Obiect.
• * 1.15

  Answ.
• * 1.16

  Obiect.
• * 1.17

  Answ.
• * 1.18

  The Pro∣mises of the Law are di∣rected and made to the person of every man; particularly those of the Gospell are first directed and made to Christ, and then by con∣sequent to them that are by faith ingrafted in∣to him. Perk
• * 1.19

  The Evan∣gelicall Pro∣mise is cal¦led the pro∣mise of Grace; be∣cause it is freely given, and freely performed, and the Pro∣mise of the Spirit, Gal. 3.14. because the Spirit is bo••h the Author and app••ier of it
• * 1.20

  Promissiones Evangelij praestantiores Legalibus di∣cuntur, primò quia conditio Legis est, Hoc fac & vive••, id quod simpliciter imp••ssibile est, quando lex nos inve∣nit peccatores, nec ullum relinquit ••oenitentiae locum, quod facit Evangelium. Deinde verò promissiones Evangelij habent comi∣tem essi aciam Spiritus Sancti a••ul electo••, promissiones Legales apud neminem. Tertio promissio Evangelij complectitur donum perseveran∣tiae. Promissio Legis minimè. Quartò promissiones Legis sum obscurae, Evangelij sole meridiano clariores. Quintò promissiones Legale•• per∣tinent ad solos Iudaeos, promissiones Evangelij indiscriminatim ad om¦nes. Denique, promissio Legis est ••ossessio terrae Chanaan, sen vita beata in illius possessione. Promissio Evangelij est vita beata in coelis de gen∣da. Cameron.
• * 1.21

  What hee prom••seth to any, he pro∣miseth to all in an equall estate.
• * 1.22

  Iam. 5.11.
• * 1.23

  That there shall be no waters of a floud to de∣stroy all flesh, Gen. 9 11, 15.
• a 1.24

  Psal. 84.11. No goo•• thing doth he wit••hold, Psal. 34.••. They shall want ••o∣thing (that is good) They are good in them••elves, not alwaies good for us.
• * 1.25

  Luk. 16.20
• b 1.26

  The evill of troubles shal not ••urt them, Iob 5.19. Psal. 23.4. Ioh. 17.15.
• c 1.27

  The godly shall be de∣livered from the evill of temptation and persecu∣tion So that promise, Rev. 3 10. is to be un∣derstood. Po••an. Syn∣tag.
• * 1.28

  The Lord calleth them the bands of love, Hos. 11.4.
• * 1.29

  To them pertained the promi∣ses made to the Patri∣arkes tou∣ching the Messias. Rom 9.4. Perkins.

  The promi∣ses which were of two sorts, either temporall, as touching the inheri∣tance of the land of Ca∣naan, or Spi¦rituall of the Messiah, Gryneus:

  Both Legall promises and Evangelicall Pet Ma••t. Pareus

  Bo••h ••f this l••fe and the next Pellicā These pro∣mises first belonged to them, and upon their reiecting they were fulfilled upon the Gen∣tiles, ••s••nder.
• a 1.30

  Fortas••is epithe••um [pretiopa] nonnullum respectū ha∣bit ad prenū sanguinis Christi, & meritorū eius. Lorinus in lo∣cum.
• b 1.31

  Quaelibet divinae pro¦missio est di∣lectionis Dei erga nos testi∣monium. Calv. l. 3. Iustit. c. 2.
• c 1.32

  Excellentiā promissionum inde ostendit, quòd nos tan∣dem effician•• naturae Divi∣nae consortes. Calvin on this place of S. Peter.
• d 1.33

  Piscator in locum.

  If the pro∣mise•• be so sweet, what swee••nesse shall we find in the per∣formance of them, 1 Cor. 2.9.
• e 1.34

  Cardan subtil l. 7. Ioseph. An¦ti••. l. 3. c. 9.
• * 1.35

  Pro. 31.10.
• * 1.36

  Pro. 8.11. Promises in our hearts (saith one) are better then pearles or pretious stones in our chests.
• * 1.37

  Psal. 6. Psal. 22. Psal 51. Pierre du Moulin de L' Amour Divin.
• * 1.38

  Bolton his Instructions for a right comforting afflicted con∣sciences. Page 345.
• * 1.39

  Page 346.
• * 1.40

  Page 397.
• * 1.41

  1 Tim. 1.15.
• * 1.42

  D. Preston of the New Covenant.
• * 1.43

  Thus saith the Lord, ver. 12.
• * 1.44

  Alludit ad infantes ••u∣gente, quos maetres quie∣tant & solā∣tur, applican∣do eis ube∣ribus, ut su∣gen••o stere desinant Cor. a Lap. in lo∣cum.
• * 1.45

  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.
• * 1.46

  Iob 22.21, 2••.
• * 1.47

  Heb. 12, 3, 5.
• * 1.48

  Faith ap∣plies and app••o••riates Ch••ist in 〈…〉〈…〉 to ••nes selfe.
• * 1.49

  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••.
• * 1.50

  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.
• * 1.51

  Ephes 1.17, 18.
• * 1.52

  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.
• * 1.53

  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.
• * 1.54

  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.
• * 1.55

  1. Chap. 5. & 10. verses.
• * 1.56

  Verse 8, 9.
• * 1.57

  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.
• * 1.58

  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.
• * 1.59

  1 King. 8.37.40.
• * 1.60

  2 Chron. 20.8 10.
• * 1.61

  Iosh. 1.5, 6.
• * 1.62

  Heb. 13.5.
• * 1.63

  Luk. 2••.32.
• * 1.64

  Iohn 17.15 See ••1. & 20. verses.
• * 1.65

  Psal. 84.11. Master Rey∣nolds in his Treatise of the Sinfull∣nesse of Sin
• * 1.66

  Mat 6.33.
• * 1.67

  Esay 55.5.
• * 1.68

  1 Thess. 4.7.
• * 1.69

  Ier. 31.33.
• * 1.70

  1 Thess. 5 23
• * 1.71

  Ier. 32.40.
• * 1.72

  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.
• * 1.73

  Experi∣ments God hath given us in others.
• * 1.74

  Iam. 5.11
• * 1.75

  2 Experi∣ence ••f his mercy in our selves
• * 1.76

  See Pal. 4.1. ••sal. 2▪ & 7.5 77.5.11 1.3 5. Psa. 1••9.52.
• * 1.77

  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.
• * 1.78

  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.
• * 1.79

  Psal. 139.14.
• * 1.80

  The ground for what, and the rule how wee must pray.
• * 1.81

  All our prayers are to be groun∣ded on Gods promises.
• * 1.82

  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.
• * 1.83

  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.
• * 1.84

  〈…〉〈…〉 2 Chron. ••9 & •••• 15, 17. 1 King ••2.
• * 1.85

  The thing asked must first be war¦ranted under some pre∣cept or pro∣mise in ge∣nerall, though not expresly. M. Harris.
• * 1.86

  Obiect.
• * 1.87

  How wee may pray in faith, when we want a particular promise, that the thing we aske shall be granted.
• * 1.88

  Sol.
• * 1.89

  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.
• * 1.90

  Eo modo cui∣nia sunt pe∣tenda, quo modo sunt promissa.
• * 1.91

  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.
• * 1.92

  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.
• * 1.93

  D. Sclater upon 2. to the Thess. pag. 18.210 & 233.
• * 1.94

  2 Chro. 32 31
• * 1.95

  D. S••lat. on 1. of Rom. We must re∣ferre the time, manner and measure of granting our petiti∣ons to the Lord.
• * 1.96

  D. Preston on the Sacra∣ment.

  D. G••uge on the Lords Prayer.

  See page 10
• * 1.97

  See Schudder key of hea∣ven, last Doct.
• * 1.98

  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 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• a 1.99

  〈…〉〈…〉 guide to godlinesse.
• b 1.100

  B Babing∣ton on L.P.
• c 1.101

  A Reve∣rend Divine on the L.P.
• d 1.102

  A Worthy Writer in his Cate∣chisme.
• * 1.103

  Smith grounds of religion.
• * 1.104

  Tylen. Syn∣tag.
• * 1.105

  Barker on the 5. Com∣mandement.
• * 1.106

  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.
• * 1.107

  Therefore in the Lords Prayer there are 5. Peti∣tions for Spi∣rituall, and but one for Temporall things
• * 1.108

  God must be sought to for the performāce of his pro¦mises.
• * 1.109

  Ezek. 36, ••7.
• * 1.110

  Ier. 29 10, 13
• * 1.111

  God doth not give his promises to make us idle, but to exercise our faith in im∣portuning him for per∣formance.
• * 1.112

  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.
• * 1.113

  It is called a Covenant of g••ace and the pro¦mise of grace. The very Greek and Latine w••rds for promise (s•• was be∣for•• noted) signifie a free and willing promise, so the word is taken, ••it. 1. ••. Deut. 7.7, 8.
• * 1.114

  Ezek. 16.6.8
• a 1.115

  Christ is a free gift, Esay 96. and how shall he not with him freely give us all thing. Rom. 8 31. God com∣mendeth his love to us, in that when we were yet sinners (and enemies al∣so) Christ di∣ed for us, Rom 5 8.10 He loved us, non existen∣tes, imo resi∣stentes, saith Bernard.
• b 1.116

  The pro∣mises are free, yet con∣ditionall. Conditionall is not oppo∣sed to Free, but to Abso∣lute. 2 Thess. 3.3, 4
• * 1.117

  2 Thess. 3.11.12.
• * 1.118

  The freenes of Gods promises revives our hope.
• * 1.119

  It is good for a man (saith Green∣ham) to watch him∣selfe, whe∣ther in hea∣ring the promises of God he hath a cold feare comming on him for his unwor∣thines, which if he have, that man may hope well of him∣selfe, Mat. 11.28.

  The wicked came Gods peace into wantonnes, Iude 4.
• * 1.120

  2 Cor. 7 1. Heb. 4 1.
• * 1.121

  Esay 55.7.
• * 1.122

  The Cove∣nant is actu∣ally made with belee∣vers onely, Act 13.48 Gal. 3.••. but it is offered unto all by the Gospel, Mat. 28.1••. Acts 17.30. Col 1.23. Tit. ••.11.
• * 1.123

  Ioh. 6, 45 7 Ephes. 1.17.
• * 1.124

  〈…〉〈…〉 in Comment. ad Rome. 3. v. 2.
• * 1.125

  Acts 2.39.
• * 1.126

  The large∣nesse of the Promise ser∣veth not onely to as∣sure all be∣leevers of salvation, but to en∣courage all that heare of Christ to beleeve in him: as the brazen Serpent had a promise an∣nexed to it, Numb. 21.8, 9. Ioh. 3.14, 15, ••6. that all that loo∣k••d toward it, when they were stung with a Ser∣pent should be he healed; that promise served not onely to assure the lookers of recovery, but also to encourage and warrant every one to looke to the Serpent.
• * 1.127

  The Sacra∣ments par∣ticularize the genera∣lity of the promise.
• * 1.128

  Perkins re∣formed Ca∣th••like. Abbot a∣gainst Bish.
• * 1.129

  D. Prideaux Lect 7 de salutis cer∣titudine.

  D Sclater on Rom 18.

  The Papish say it is ar∣rogancy and presumption by a speciall faith to ap∣ply the pro¦mises to our selves; but it is a nota¦ble glorify∣ing of God: the glory of his truth is given him, when a man doth as it were sub∣scribe to GODS Word, and set his Seale to i••. Ioh 3.33 Rom 4 20. not to beleeve is hor¦ri••le pre••umption, for that we presume to give God the lie, •• Ioh 5. ••0 for he that doth not in speciall apply the promise unto him∣selfe, doth not in heart beleeve the generall promise. Non en••m hic sensus est quem fingit Bellarminus, credo in Ecclesia dari remissionem peccatorum; quod Diabolus at{que} desperabundus quivis potest credere: sed credo diri remissionem peccatorum, per Christum mihi, quia in illum Credo. Episc Daven, in Col.
• * 1.130

  Generals of promise, blessing or comfort, de∣livered in Scripture, are inten∣tionally meant, to particulars rightly qua∣lified.

  Quod omni∣bus promi••ti∣tur, singulis promittitur.
• a 1.131

  1 Ioh. 1.7. Esay 1.8. Ezek. 18.22.
• b 1.132

  Ezek. 3••.12
• c 1.133

  Mat. 1••.28.
• * 1.134

  Poenitentia vera nunquā sera; at poeni∣tentia sera rarò vera. Austen.

  Qui promisit ••oenitenti ve∣niam, non promisit pec∣canti poeni∣tentiam.

  Peccanti crastinum non promisit. Nemo pro∣mi••tat sibi, quod Evan∣gelium non promittit.
• * 1.135

  Nehem. 9.8.
• * 1.136

  A firme sate and un∣corruptible Covenant which lasts for ever, Num 18.19 Decretum ab omni corrup∣tione tutum perpetuum{que}, saith Iunius.
• * 1.137

  Every word of his mouth is exactly performed, a•• his people by experi∣ence have found and confessed, Iosh. 21 45. 1 King 8.56.
• * 1.138

  2 King, 10.30.
• a 1.139

  The pro∣mise, Gen 12 2, 3. perfor∣mance, Gen. 13.26.24.1.35. the pro¦mise, Gen. 15.5. fulfil∣led, Deut. 10.22. the pro∣mise, Gen. 17 16, 9. fulfil∣led, Gen. 21.1, 2.
• b 1.140

  Promise to Isaac, Gen 26.3 fulfi••led, 12, 13. verses.
• c 1.141

  To Iacob, Gen. 24.15 fulfilled, Gen. ••5 3. His love move•• him to promise, his truth binds him to performe. Deut. 7 7, 8.
• * 1.142

  2 Sam. 7.18, 21.
• * 1.143

  Micah 7 20.
• * 1.144

  The promi∣ses run all upon mercy, Exod 20.6. & 34 7. Deut. 5.10 Luk. 1 50 Psal. 103 17, 18. Mat. 5 7. Psal. 62 2.
• * 1.145

  Every one of Gods promises is as sure as himselfe, be∣ing confir∣med with his owne oath, Heb. 17 18. Luk. 1.7•• Esay 54.9. D. Benefield on Amos 1.2
• * 1.146

  Psal. 119.89 152. Psal. 33.11.
• * 1.147

  Num. 13.19
• * 1.148

  2 Pet. 29. It is not Gods power simply, but with relati¦on to his promise which se∣cures our faith. Luk. 1.37. Psal, 1••5 3. & 135▪ 6. In Dei p••o∣missis nulla falsit is est, quia in faci∣e••dis nulla omnipotent•• est difficultas, Fulgentius.
• * 1.149

  God having made a pro∣mise unto Israel, to re∣store them out of that great Cap∣tivity of Ba∣bylon, and it seeming to them incre¦dible, he ac∣quainteth them with his power together with his pro∣mises, Ezek. 37.11, 13.
• * 1.150

  Where the Holy Ghost intreats of the doctrine of repen∣tance and faith, the word create is metapho∣rically use••▪ to assure us that God will per∣forme his promise, though it were as hard a worke as to create all things at first; Thus hee hath promised to create a clean heart, Ps 51. and to create the fruite of lips to be peace, Esay 57.9. and to create upon every place, &c. Esa 4.5 and to create light and de¦li••erance out of afflictions, Esa. 45 7.
• * 1.151

  God perfor∣meth his promise when there is no ground nor possibili∣ty in nature for it•• not∣withstanding all the media incongru••i & dissimilia. Iob 15.25, 26, ••7.
• * 1.152

  All the pro∣mises are as true, as truth it selfe

  The pro¦mises are called su••e, Rom 4 16. Prom••ssa tua sunt De∣us, & qua falit timeat, cum promit∣tii veritas.

  August. Con∣fes. l. 12. c. 10.
• * 1.153

  His words are as deeds, his promises as perfor∣mances.
• * 1.154

  The land which was onely pro∣m••sed to Abraham is said Gen. ••5.12. to be gi∣ven him, Promittendo se fecit debi∣torem. Austen. 1 Ioh. 1.9.
• * 1.155

  Verba illa [Iust••s & fidelis] refe∣runtur ad promissionem divinam. Bellar. de poenitent. l. 3. c. 6.

  God is as just in per∣forming the mercy which he promi∣seth, as in executing the venge∣ance which he threat∣neth.
• * 1.156

  2 Tim. 2.13. 1 Thess. 5.24.
• * 1.157

  Gen. 3, 1.
• * 1.158

  Moses be∣wrayed his infidelity, Num. 11.1••, 14.15. Christs Disciples and othe••s that believed in him, accoun∣ted the pro∣mises of his resurrection to be vaine. Luk. 24.11, 25.

  Psal. 105.24.
• * 1.159

  Luk. 1. 18, 20
• * 1.160

  The Cove∣nant is mu∣tuall be∣tweene God and us. 1 King. 8.23.
• * 1.161

  God hath said that he will be All-sufficient to us; but he re∣quires then on our part that we be Altogether his, Cant. 2.16. In mar∣riage the woman must take the may for her hus∣band as well as he her for his wife. True faiths appre∣hension of Christ is mu¦tuall, it laies hold on Christ, as we use to do in our salutatiōs when we im∣brace one another, there is mu¦tuall hold on both sides. Whence the act of the Patriarkes faith appre∣hending the promises, Heb. 11.13. is elegantly set out, by the meta∣phor of salu∣ting; They saluted the promises. True faith kissing Christ, is kis¦sed of him, embracing Christ, is re∣imbraced of him, Phil. 3.12
• a 1.162

  Psal. 15.4,
• b 1.163

  When we receive this command from God, keepe my covenant, we should pray with Austen, Da Dominc, quod iubes, & iube quid vu, or as the Church tea¦cheth us, when wee heare the 10. Commā∣dements, Lord have mercy on us, and incline our hearts to keep this law
• c 1.164

  Exod. 19 5
• * 1.165

  Deut. 5.16. Is a good exposition of this place. So farre as long life may be a benefit to Gods children, so far he giveth it to them, Gen. 25.8.
• * 1.166

  He promi∣sed ••itam 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ongatam, and gave vitam perpe∣uatam for it.
• * 1.167

  In Coelis re∣p••sita est ma∣ior compen∣satio. Calvin.
• * 1.168

  1 Chron. 34.28.
• * 1.169

  Acts 7.5. Tibi dabo & semini tuo, Gen. 13.15. Particula et videtur exe∣getica, Pareus in locum.
• * 1.170

  God delay∣eth the ful∣filling of his promises, Hab. 2.3. Goodnesse makes the promise, truth per∣formes it, and wisdome observes the fittest time.
• * 1.171

  Esay 60.22.
• * 1.172

  2 King. 4.16, 17.
• * 1.173

  Gen. 3.15.
• * 1.174

  Iude 14.
• * 1.175

  The Amo∣rites coun∣trey is by promise gi∣ven to Ab••a∣hams see i••, Gen. 12 7. & 13.15. and 15.18. and Abrahams seede in the posterity of Iacob posses∣sed it, Amos 2, 10. but some 400 & seventy yeares after the promise.
• * 1.176

  Luke 2.••5.
• * 1.177

  Alwaies some di∣stance of time passeth be••weene promises & ••erfo••man∣ces.
• * 1.178

  Polliciti•• di∣ve•• quilibet este potest. Ovid.
• * 1.179

  Matth. 4. Excels•• fro 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in ex∣celso.

  On a moun∣taine, he pro∣miseth moū∣taines.
• * 1.180

  1 Pet. 1.4.
• * 1.181

  Like the man in Eras∣mus his nau∣fragium, who in a storme pro∣mised the Virgin a picture of wax as big as S. Christo¦pher, but when hee came to sh••re, would not give a tallow can∣dle.

  Heb. 6.12, 15 Psal. 130.7, 8
• * 1.182

  He pro∣mised the c••ildren of Israel onely the land of Canaan, but hee gave them, be∣sides the whole l••nd of Canaan, two other kingdomes which he never promised; and to Zachary (for his unbeleefe stricken dumbe) he promi∣sed to give his speech at the birth of the child, but besides he gave him also the gift of prophecy. God prevents his people with his blessings, Psal. 2••.3. He is bountifull to them afore they aske ver. 3. and above their requests, ver. 4.
• * 1.183

  Christ is the scope and foundation of all Gods promises, partly by merit, and partly by efficacie; by merit, be∣cause hee ha••h procu∣red by ••is death and passion, re∣mission of si••nes and life everla∣sting; by his efficacie, be∣cause hee seales up un∣to us in our consciences remission of sinnes, and withall re∣stores to us the image of God. Perk. on Ga∣lat.
• * 1.184

  Gal. 3.16. Caput & Cor∣pus uniu est Christus▪ Au∣sten.
• * 1.185

  Omnia salu∣taria commu∣nicari nobis dicuntur in Christo, ut in Capite; prop∣ter C••ristum ut merito suo impetrame••; & per Chri∣stum, ut essi caciter appli∣cantem.
• * 1.186

  S. Paul Rom 9.8. oppo∣seth the chil∣dren of the promise to the children of the flesh, which were borne by na∣turall strēgth.
• * 1.187

  Luk 1.32, 33. The active part is com∣mitted to the Messiah.
• * 1.188

  The promi∣ses of the Gospell are not univer∣sall, but be∣long to the Elect onely. God hath promised by Esay 8 16. that t••e Elect onely shall be his Disciples, & not all men indifferently
• * 1.189

  Piscator in 1 Matth.
• * 1.190

  Rom 4.12.
• * 1.191

  It is our comfort tha•• we which cannot stand of our selves may subsist in Christ. Bish. Lake.