1. Generall Promises are particularly, and Particu­lars generally appliable.

The LORD in assenting to Salomons prayer,1 King. 8.37.40. made a gene­rall 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, 2 Chron. 20.8 10. &c. Iehosaphat being after in distresse, applied this generall to his owne present condition; when the chil­dren of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Scir came to turne Israel out of their possessions. So Da­vid, Psal. 119 49. and the woman of Canaan, Matth. 15.22. ap­plied the generall promises to themselves.

[Page 42]The LORD made a particu­lar promise unto Iosh [...]a, Iosh. 1.5, 6. that he would be with him to blesse his enterprizes against the Ca­nanites, and to carry him through all the difficulties and hazards of that holy warre; and S. Paul applies the promise to all the faithfull,Heb. 13.5. in any straights or distresses of life, as the LORD himselfe had before applied it from Moses to Ioshua, Let your conversation be without covetous­nesse,— for as GOD was with Ioshua, so will he be with thee, Hee will not faile thee nor for­sake thee. CHRIST made a particular promise unto Peter, I have prayed for thee that thy faith faile not. Luk. 2 [...].32. And the same in effect he applies to all his,Iohn 17.15 See [...]1. & 20. verses. 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, [Page 43] they may take it as a promise made to them. The ground of this is taken from GODS un­changeable and impartiall man­ner 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 pro­mises.

2. Promises are subordina­ted and performed with de­pendance.

Therefore we must not anti­cipate 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, Psal. 84.11. Master Rey­nolds in his Treatise of the Sinfull­nesse of Sin 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,Mat 6.33. First seeke the Kingdome and Righteousnesse of GOD, and then all these things [Page 44] shall be added unto you. The LORD promiseth to call men unto CHRIST,Esay 55.5. Nations that knew thee not shall runne unto thee. The Apostle tells us whereunto he calls, 1 Thess. 4.7. GOD hath not called us unto uncleannesse but unto holi­nesse. Therefore in the next place he promiseth to sanctifie and cleanse his Church; I will put my law in their hearts, Ier. 31.33. and in their inward parts. The qualifica­tion of this holinesse is, that it be whole and constant. The ve­ry GOD of peace sanctifie you, 1 Thess. 5 23 and preserve you blamelesse unto the comming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, is the Apostles prayer for the Thessa­lonians. Therefore in the next place, GOD promiseth perseve­rance, I will not turne away from them to doe them good, but I will put my feare into their hearts, Ier. 32.40. that they shall not depart from mee. But this perseverance is not so certaine, but that it admits of fals, slips, and miscar­riages; [Page 45] therefore in that case, Hee promiseth healing and resto­ring: Hos 11.3. Hos. 14.4. Ezek. 34.16 Gods Pro­mises signifie what he will do, his pre­cepts what we must do, that this pro­mises may be to us ful­filled. Hee promiseth to hi [...] Church to forgive thei [...] sinnes withall give [...] us command to repent & beleeve, that our sins may be blot­ted 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. I will heale their backesli­dings, 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 Sal­vation. 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 perseve­rance by GODS sole power, and in the meane time omit all care of Holinesse in our conver­sation. For GOD doth not ful­fill 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 du­ties.

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

Experi­ments God hath given us in others. The faithfull are confirmed in the truth of GODS promi­ses, by the experience of his dealing with others of his ser­vants, 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 dea­ling with others, doth also nourish and uphold hope. There­fore Iames brings to the memo­ries of the Christian Jewes,Iam. 5.11 GODS dealing with Iob, to strengthen their hope.

2 Experi­ence [...]f his mercy in our selvesBut especially the experience a man hath had in himselfe, of the performance of GODS pro­mises, [Page 47] will marvellously confirme him.

This incouraged David, when he was to encounter with Go­li [...]h. See Pal. 4.1. [...]sal. 2▪ & 7.5 77.5.11 1.3 5. Psa. 1 [...]9.52. 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 deli­ver, therefore I trust that he will deliver, 2 Cor. 1.9, 10. See 2 Tim. 4.17, 18.

This we may see also in Salo­mon, That faith may be pre­served, wee must often meditate upon the sweet­nesse, Ps. 1 [...]9 103. & 139.11. constan­cie, Rev. 1.5. 2 Cor. 1.20. & perpetulty of the most precious and free promi­ses which are th [...] grounds of faith, Hos. 14.5 Ezek. 36.22. as a Revered Di­vine [...] ob­serves in his Exposition of his Ca­techisme. 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 Ia­cob. 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, [Page 48] 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. The Philo­sopher saith, that experi­ence is mul­tiplex memo­ria, a multi­plied me­mory, be­cause of the memory of the same thing often done ariseth experience.

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 [Page 49] experience, by blessing us, while we have walked carefully and conscionably before him, how often he hath granted our re­quests. 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 Da­vid, Psal. 119.56. This I had be­cause 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 ser­vant loveth it, or as he saith else­where, Marvellous are thy works, Psal. 139.14. and that my soule knoweth right well.

4. GODS Promises to us must be the ground and rule of our prayers to him.The ground for what, and the rule how wee must pray.

There are two things in this rule to be observed:

1. That we can make no prayer in boldnesse, faith or comfort, All our prayers are to be groun­ded on Gods promises. but for things promised, and in that [Page 50] manner as they are promised. We must see the things we aske, made ours in some promise and en­gagement [...] before we presume to aske them.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. This incouraged Ia­cob, Gen. 32.9, 12. David, 2 Sam. 7.27, 28, 29. Daniel 9.2, 3. and Ie­hosaphat, 2 Chron. 20.8, 12. to pray unto GOD, because he had made promises of the things they de­sired, and therefore they were certaine, that they prayed accor­ding to his will. This was Neh. 1.8, 1 [...] In the wa [...]t of other Rhetorick & Oratory, let Christians in their pray [...] [...]rge this with re­petition, Lord [...]hou hast [...]romi­sed, thou hast promised. Ne­hemiahs ground in his prayer for the reparation of Ieru [...]alem. Re­member, I beseech th [...]e, the word which thou comm [...]n [...]est thy ser­vant Moses, saying if yee trans­gresse, 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, [Page 51] 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 respe­cteth that, ver. 20. GOD pro­miseth not to leave him, he saith and will give mee bread and rai­ment, GOD [...]romised to bring him againe to [...] land, his prayer ans [...]ed th [...]t, [...]. 21.

Otherwise [...] can have no hope to be heard, [...] 2 Chron. [...]9 & [...] 15, 17. 1 King [...]2. 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 Apo­stles require faith in GODS promises in prayer, Mar. 11.24. Iames 1.6.

No f [...]culty can or ought to ex­tend [Page 52] it selfe beyond its adequate and proper object;The thing asked must first be warranted under some pre­cept or pro­mise in ge­nerall, though not expresly. M. Harris. for the object is the rule and the limit of the ha­bit, but the promise is the object of faith, as hath beene shewed, therefore he that prayeth without a promise, denieth his owne re­quest.

If I pray for the salvation of another,Obiect. I have no promise, how then can I pray in faith?How wee may pray in faith, when we want a particular promise, that the thing we aske shall be granted. 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 deli­verance 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 gran­ted: How can he be said to pray in faith? For to pray in faith, is to beleeve that the thing shall be done.

Sol.To pray in faith, is to goe as farre as the promise goes. Now no particular man hath any par­ticular promise, that hee shall [Page 53] have such a deliverance, that he shall have such a particular mer­cy granted him;Gods pro­mises of things temporall and to heare us for others, are but indefi­ni [...]e not uni­versall. The faith there­fore requited toward them is but an in­definite act of recum­bency and submissi [...]n not of assu­rance. M. Go [...]hei [...] in his returne of Prayers. Yet God of­ten 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. converted to li [...]e, 1 Ioh 5 16. Id. ib. 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. In­deed if we had a particular pro­mise, 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 bo­some: 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 chil­dren: when they seeke to GOD in sincerity, and pray in the be­halfe of others, though the par­ticular suite be not granted, [Page 54] yet they discharging their du­tie, shall receive a reward.

The Promises also are the rule how we must pray:Eo modo cui­nia sunt pe­tenda, quo modo sunt promissa. as things are promised, so must they be prayed for; things absolutely promised, may be absolutely as­ked; 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 limi­tations, as these, If GOD see it to be good, if his good plea­sure be such, if it may stand with his glory.

Verse 3 [...]. We may pray agains [...] temptations, (as against sicknesse and poverty) [...] simply, bu [...] with submis­sion to Gods will; only we must pray ab [...]olu [...]ely to be [...] from [...] of temptation: for those latter words in the I.P doe re­straine or correct the former. Moses, 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 Ca­naan, verse 13. which promise Moses plead [...]th unto GOD in prayer.

[Page 55]GOD hath made an Abso­lute promise of the perpetuall continuance of the Church, but [...] of a continuall outward flou­ri [...]hing state thereof: for he can turne the persecution of his Church to the incre [...]se thereof, and so [...]aine honour unto him­selfe, and bring good unto his people thereby.

In this point (because some things are controverted) I will not interpose my owne judge­ment, it shall suffice me to de­clare, how the question is stated by many Divines.D. Am. That wee should have grace is ab­solutely ne­cessary, and therefore we may pray absolutely for it. We may not absolutely pray for limited & set mea [...]ure [...] of grace, but in what mea­sure God shall thinke good.

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 absolute­ly necessary, and of GOD ab­solutely [Page 56] 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 con­science, Iames 1.5, 6. 1 Cor. 10.13. Psal. 19.14.

D. Sclater upon 2. to the Thess. pag. 18.210 & 233.Spirituall things are promi­sed:

1. Rather quoad essentiam, then gradum perfectionis.

2. In competencie for finall vi­ctory, not in perfection.

3. With power reserved to withdraw the exercise;2 Chro. 32 31 leave to our selves, abate the fer­vour.

There must be submission to GODS will and wisedome in our prayers for spirituall things,D. S [...]lat. on 1. of Rom. We must re­ferre the time, manner and measure of granting our petiti­ons to the Lord. 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 [Page 57] of misery, yet we may lawfully pray, that he would heare us spee­dily, Psal. 102.3. because He hath promised to doe it.

All the Petitions of the LORDS Prayer (saith D^r. Gouge) are ab­solutely promised,D. Preston on the Sacra­ment. D. G [...]uge on the Lords Prayer. See page 10 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 king­dome, 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 Co­venant, which by CHRISTS death is made absolute, Ier. 31.33. Ezek. 36.27.4. For pardo­ning sinne, this is another branch of the foresaid new Co­venant, 34. verse of Ieremy. For not leading into temptation,See Schudder key of hea­ven, last Doct. but delivering from evill, the Apo­stle saith, 1 Cor. 10.13. GOD will not suffer you to be tempted above that yee are able, but will [Page 58] 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.

Mat. 26.39. D. Sclat. on 2.10 Thess pages before quoted. There is no temporall thing of this life doth Cad [...]re in promiss [...]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 promi­se [...] [...] in the wa [...] is but to [...] us [...]n the end o [...] [...]he [...]Temporall things, are not pro­mised absolutely, but

1. With limitation to expe­diencie.

2. They are conveied in the Covenant disjunctively, either the particulars or the equivalent, Mark. 10.30. by way of com­mutation, and compensation with spirituall; if not peace, yet pa­tience, if not wealth, yet content­ment.

3. With exception of the crosse, and reservation of power to the promiser, to chasten our misdemeanour, Psal. 89.28, 31, 32.

[...] guide to godlinesse. When we crave temporall benefits, which GOD hath pro­mised conditionally, so farre forth as will stand with his glory, and our spirituall good, and everlasting salvation, wee [Page 59] must beleeve that we shall ob­taine them, so farre forth, as they will stand with these con­ditions.

B Babing­ton on L.P. Earthly and outward things are lawfully prayed for, but ever [...]um Conditione voluntatis, with Condition of GODS good plea­sure and liking.

A Reve­rend Divine on the L.P. Things Temporall which are promised with condition, we are to pray for with condition of GODS will.

A Worthy Writer in his Cate­chisme. 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 fur­ther then they may stand with GODS glory.Smith grounds of religion.

Those things which belong to the kingdome of GOD are sim­ply and primarily to be asked, other things onely secundum quid and secondarily.Tylen. Syn­tag.

GODS promises of temporal [Page 60] blessings are Hypotheticae and goe with condition sometimes ex­pressed,Barker on the 5. Com­mandement. sometimes suppressed, which condition is as a sterne of a ship, and turnes the pro­mise another way. Illa sola sunt absolutē petenda, quae necessaria sunt ad Dei gloriam & n [...]stram salu­tem: caetera vero cum ta­cita subiectione ad Dei sapientissimā dispositionē. D Ames me­dul. To l. 2. c. 9. 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 Beati­tudes 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 affe­ction then for earthly,Therefore in the Lords Prayer there are 5. Peti­tions for Spi­rituall, and but one for Temporall things Matth. 6.33. 1. They comply with GODS nature and hee had ra­ther be giving them. 2. They are best for us, and will doe us most good.

2. GOD will not performe pro­mises till by prayer they be sought for from him;God must be sought to for the performāce of his promises. till in our humble desires wee declare, that wee [Page 61] account his promises exceeding great and precious things. The LORD had promised delive­rance unto Israel, yet saith the LORD,Ezek. 36, [...]7. For this I will be en­quired of by the house of Israel to doe it for them: Thus saith the LORD, After seventy yeeres be accomplished at Babylon, Ier. 29 10, 13 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 to­wards you, thoughts of peace, and not of evill to give to you an ex­pected end. But how shall this ex­cellent promise of GOD be effected? It followes,God doth not give his promises to make us idle, but to exercise our faith in im­portuning him for per­formance. Then shall yee call upon me, and yee shall goe, and pray unto me, and I will hear­ken 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 [Page 62] blotteth out thy transgression for mine owne [...]ake, Gods pro­mises then are as dire­ctions in, not as dispensations from the devoti­on we owe unto God. Bish. Lake. [...]hen God promised thing [...] in par [...]icular, yet [...]ll [...]hey prayed, and prayed earnestl [...], as E [...]th when God promi­se [...] that it should raine, 1 Ki [...]g 18.41, 42. and David when God promi­sed to make him an house, 2 Sam. 7.11. 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 mer­cy and not of [...]ury or d [...]t: se­condly, 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 com­fort.

1. GODS Promises are free and tran [...]ferred.

THey are not m [...]de for any [...] that is in us,It is called a Covenant of g [...]ace and the promise of grace. The very Greek and Latine w [...]rds for promise (s [...] was be­for [...] noted) signifie a free and willing promise, so the word is taken, [...]it. 1. [...]. Deut. 7.7, 8. bu [...] proceed [...]rom Gods fre [...]om and bene­volence: [...]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 [Page 64] on them, because hee loved them: but it excellently sets forth the ground of GODS love to rest altogether in him­selfe, and in his owne good pleasure.
• Ezek. 16.6.8
  2. 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 righ­teousn [...]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 pro­mise 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 promi­ses on sale, or will ever sell his Sonne to any, He gives him free­ly, He stands not of desert, We may buy of Him Christ is a free gift, Esay 96. and how shall he not with him freely give us all thing. Rom. 8 31. God com­mendeth his love to us, in that when we were yet sinners (and enemies al­so) Christ di­ed for us, Rom 5 8.10 He loved us, non existen­tes, imo resi­stentes, saith Bernard. freely, Esa. 55.1, 2, 3. Rev. 21.6. & 22.17. Ezek. [Page 65] 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. Justificati­on 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.

The pro­mises are free, yet con­ditionall. Conditionall is not oppo­sed to Free, but to Abso­lute. 2 Thess. 3.3, 4 The Promises are (free in ficri) made onely out of grace, but (conditionall in facto esse) per­formed and accomplished with dependance upon duties in us. GOD is faithfull (saith the Apo­stle) 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 pro­mise calls for. When wee pray give us our daily bread; by saying give us, wee ac­knowledge that it is from GOD, but when we call it ours, we shew how GOD gives it, namely [Page 66] 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, 2 Thess. 3.11.12. but service and quiet working in an orderly calling.

The freenesse of GODS pro­mises 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 ano­ther? O (may some say) but if I could pray and humble my selfe, there were hope of mer­cy.

The freenes of Gods promises revives our hope.GOD gives his mercy free­ly, he keepes open house, he re­quires nothing of thee to pro­cure it, but he shewes mercy, be­cause 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.

[Page 67]No unwor [...]hinesse then should hinder us from beleeving the promises: but rather they that have the most sense of their owne It is good for a man (saith Green­ham) to watch him­selfe, whe­ther in hea­ring the promises of God he hath a cold feare comming on him for his unwor­thines, which if he have, that man may hope well of him­selfe, Mat. 11.28. The wicked came Gods peace into wantonnes, Iude 4. 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. Ia­cob confesseth himselfe unwor­thy of the least of all GODS mercies, Gen. 32.10. yet in the 9. verse he entitleth himselfe un­to the promises, He that commeth to mee, I cast not away, Ioh. 6.37. As if the LORD should say; feare not, though base, sin­full, poore, and of no account in the eye either of thy selfe or others: For if thou commest to me, thou art welcome, not­withstanding these, and I never cast him away that commeth.

The wicked abuse the promi­ses of GOD to loosenesse; they [Page 68] say GOD is gracious and mer­cifull. CHRIST dyed for us, the LORD will forgive us, and so stuffe themselves with pro­mises 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,2 Cor. 7 1. Heb. 4 1. 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 libe­rall friend? GODS mercy is regulated by his truth and justice. He hath promised no mercy to such, Deut. 29.20. they have nei­ther part nor portion in this matter,Esay 55.7. Acts 8.21.

2. GODS Promises are full and of large extent, in respect of • 1. Persons. , and • 2. Things. 

In respect of persons;

They are propounded gene­rally [Page 69] 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 exclu­ded, but in CHRIST they may have their part in these pro­mises, 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, The Cove­nant is actu­ally made with belee­vers 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. is accepted with him, Acts 10.35.

The Promises are propoun­ded promiscuously to all, toge­ther with the commandement of beleeving; but they are not performed to all, because they [Page 70] faile in performing the conditi­on, but power is given to the Elect to performe the conditi­on, 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 spiri­tuall Illumination whereby those promises are pro [...]ounded to the hearts of men,Ioh. 6, 45 7 Ephes. 1.17. as it were by an in­ward word.

[...] in Comment. ad Rome. 3. v. 2.The promises are indefinite in regard of all and every man, and to beleevers onely they are uni­ve [...]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 ge­nerat [...]ns of them that feare him, and keepe his Commandements. [Page 71] He maintaines not onely such is serve him, but all their hou­ [...]hould▪ yea and all th [...]r po­sterity too: for the promises are made to you, Acts 2.39. 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 Comman­dements.

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 [Page 72] Comfort in all Troubles.

The people of GOD streiten promises, and enlarge pre­cepts,The large­nesse of the Promise ser­veth not onely to as­sure all be­leevers of salvation, but to en­courage all that heare of Christ to beleeve in him: as the brazen Serpent had a promise an­nexed to it, Numb. 21.8, 9. Ioh. 3.14, 15, [...]6. that all that loo­k [...]d toward it, when they were stung with a Ser­pent 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. 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; who­soever 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, who­soever beleeves, the hainous sin­ner as well as the lesser; the poore begger as well as the mightiest Monarch, shall not perish, but have life eternall.

The Sacra­ments par­ticularize the genera­lity of the promise.The indefinite promises are to be appropriated by particu­lar application: Gal. 2.20. 1 Tim. 1.15. The Articles of the Creed [Page 73] Perkins re­formed Ca­th [...]like. Abbot a­gainst Bish. 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 wor­thy Divines D. Prideaux Lect 7 de salutis cer­titudine. D Sclater on Rom 18. The Papish say it is ar­rogancy and presumption by a speciall faith to ap­ply the promises to our selves; but it is a notable glorify­ing of God: the glory of his truth is given him, when a man doth as it were sub­scribe to GODS Word, and set his Seale to i [...]. Ioh 3.33 Rom 4 20. not to beleeve is horri [...]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 him­selfe, 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. have well obser­ved. The Divels hold generalls, of CHRISTS death; re­mission of sinnes thereby purcha­sed unto the Church: herein on­ly they faile, that they apply not these to themselves, nor can be­leeve 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.

[Page 74]The Apostles applied the pro­mises 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 par­ticular 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 be­long to us, why not then the Promises, though not spoken to us by name? The word of pro­mise is as particular, as the word of threatning, command, [Page 75] or prohibition. The Generals include their particulars;Generals of promise, blessing or comfort, de­livered in Scripture, are inten­tionally meant, to particulars rightly qua­lified. Quod omni­bus promi [...]ti­tur, singulis promittitur. 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 [...]la­t [...]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 for­given thee.

The wicked enlarge the pro­mises, and streighten the pre­cepts, they take liberty to sinne, presuming on pardon from those two generall maine promises, Hee that beleeveth, shall be sa­ved, 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 [Page 76] wicked sucke poyson.

It is an easie matter to beleeve (saith the worldling) though in­deed 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 excep­tion of 1 Ioh. 1.7. Esay 1.8. Ezek. 18.22. sinne, Ezek. 3 [...].12 times, or Mat. 1 [...].28. per­sons, 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 Poenitentia vera nunquā sera; at poeni­tentia sera rarò vera. Austen. Qui promisit [...]oenitenti ve­niam, non promisit pec­canti poeni­tentiam. Peccanti crastinum non promisit. Nemo pro­mi [...]tat sibi, quod Evan­gelium non promittit. repentance is seldome true: and though GOD hath promised pardon to the penitent, yet hee hath not promised repentance to the sin­ners. Thirdly, thou knowest not whether ever thou shalt have time, for hee promiseth not tomorrow to the offendour, who is alwaies ready to receive the penitent. One saith, GOD hath left man time past to repent [Page 77] of, and time present to repent in, but the time to come he hath re­served in his owne hands.

3. The Promises are most firme and faithfull;

GOD is true in all his pro­mises, 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,Nehem. 9.8. Iust and righteous Word, 106, 123, 137, 144, verses. Paul often useth this preface, This is a true say­ing, 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 [Page 78] tried in a fornace of earth, puri­rified 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 de­ceive men, so the divine promi­ses doe not deceive those that trust in them, because the truth and goodnesse of them hath beene continually tried by o­thers, and graciously performed by GOD himselfe. His Cove­nant is called a A firme sate and un­corruptible Covenant which lasts for ever, Num 18.19 Decretum ab omni corrup­tione tutum perpetuum (que), saith Iunius. Covenant of salt, 2 Chron. 13.5. that is, a sta­ble and sure Covenant, an ever­lasting 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.Every word of his mouth is exactly performed, a [...] his people by experi­ence have found and confessed, Iosh. 21 45. 1 King 8.56. Esay 54.10. All the pro­mises of GOD are Yea, and Amen, in CHRIST, 2 Cor. 1.20. Not onely Yea, but Yea and Amen. Not onely firme and faith­full in themselves, but such as shall be made good to the soules [Page 79] of GODS people in full per­fection.

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 king­dome, for foure generations 2 King, 10.30. ac­cording to his promise. He is faithfull to those that deale per­fidiously in the Covenant, Rom. 3.3▪ 4. He makes good his pro­mises 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 parti­culars, and shew how the pro­mises of GOD have still beene fulfilled, as that first promise of CHRIST, Gen. 3.15. we may [Page 80] see fulfilled, Luke 1.68. to 73. Gal. 4.4. and that particular pro­mise to preserve Noah in the Arke, Gen. 6.18. fulfilled, Gen. 8. those made to The pro­mise, Gen 12 2, 3. perfor­mance, Gen. 13.26.24.1.35. the promise, Gen. 15.5. fulfil­led, Deut. 10.22. the pro­mise, Gen. 17 16, 9. fulfil­led, Gen. 21.1, 2. Abraham, Promise to Isaac, Gen 26.3 fulfi [...]led, 12, 13. verses. Isaac, and 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. Iacob. But I leave this to the observation of Chri­stians themselves.

GODS Love and mercy is the onely reason of making pro­mises; but his truth, justice, fi­delity, 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, 2 Sam. 7.18, 21. saith David, hast thou done all these great things, according to thine owne heart, that is, ex [Page 81] mero motu, out of pure and unexcited love thou didst give thy Word and promise, and for thy Word sake thou hast perfor­med it. Thou wilt performe saith the Prophet, The truth to Ja­cob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworne unto our fa­ther from the daies of old. Micah 7 20. Why truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham? the promise after a sort began in Abraham (therefore hee is called the Father of the faith­full) and when GOD makes a promise, it is onely out of mer­cy; but the promise was conti­nued unto Iacob, who being Abrahams seed, was an heire of the Promise, and so the inheri­tance which was out of mercy given unto Abraham, did out of truth and fideli [...]y descend un­to Iacob, the seed of Abraham;The promi­ses 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. and therefore we shall find Cove­nant, Mercy, and Oath, joyned together in the Scripture, Deut. 7.12. Luke 1.72, 73. to note un­to us, both the ground of making [Page 82] the Covenant, Mercy, and the ground of performing the Co­venant made, the Truth and Fide­lity of GOD.

GODS very name JEHO­VAH, declareth that he is con­stant and will performe his pro­mise, because as he giveth being to all things, so he makes that to be which he hath promised.Every one of Gods promises is as sure as himselfe, be­ing confir­med with his owne oath, Heb. 17 18. Luk. 1.7 [...] Esay 54.9. D. Benefield on Amos 1.2 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 pos­session of Canaan, yet he did not shew himselfe to be JEHOVAH an Accomplisher of his promi­ses, that he reserved to future generations, ver. 8. Therefore whensoever in any of the Pro­phets, 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 [Page 83] being wholy promissorie con­cerning 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 pro­mise, Luke 1.72. 2. Of his Mi­nistery, to assure and confirme the promises made before to the Fa­thers, 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 in­fallible.

They are sealed in his Spirit, all beleevers are said to be sea­led 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 [Page 84] his Covenant, and all his promi­ses 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 num­ber, the promise, to assure us, that it is as easie for GOD to ful­fill all that goodnesse con­tained 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 muta­ble, weake, nor ignorant. His promises are made in heaven, where there is no inconstancie nor repentance. For I the LORD change not, Psal. 119.89 152. Psal. 33.11. therefore yee sonnes of Jacob are not con­sumed, Mal. 3.6. as if hee had [Page 85] 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: Num. 13.19 He cannot lie in ma­king a promise, nor repent in ful­filling it.

GOD is also infinite in wis­dome 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, 2 Pet. 29. It is not Gods power simply, but with relation to his promise which se­cures our faith. Luk. 1.37. Psal, 1 [...]5 3. & 135▪ 6. In Dei p [...]o­missis nulla falsit is est, quia in faci­e [...]dis nulla omnipotent [...] est difficultas, Fulgentius. 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, Re­vel. 1.8. Hee that is able of stones to raise up children unto Abra­ham, Matth. 3.9. is able to take away our stony heart, and give us [Page 86] a heart of flesh. There is a pro­mise made of calling the Jewes unto CHRIST,God having made a pro­mise unto Israel, to re­store them out of that great Cap­tivity of Ba­bylon, and it seeming to them incredible, he ac­quainteth them with his power together with his pro­mises, Ezek. 37.11, 13. and cau­sing them to turne from trans­gression in Iacob, Esay 59.20. But he who should consider the ex­treame obstinacie and stubborne­nesse of that people against the Gospell would thinke it impossi­ble, 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 fol­lowing.Where the Holy Ghost intreats of the doctrine of repen­tance and faith, the word create is metapho­rically use [...] ▪ to assure us that God will per­forme 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 deli [...]erance out of afflictions, Esa. 45 7.

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 [Page 87] 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 bo­dies, 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 Vir­gin Mary, Luke 1.37. to Ieremy, Ier. 32.27. and to the Disciples of CHRIST, Marke 10.27.

Abraham looked to GODS power,God perfor­meth his promise when there is no ground nor possibili­ty in nature for it [...] not­withstanding all the media incongru [...]i & dissimilia. Iob 15.25, 26, [...]7. 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 al­so by his faith did magnifie GODS power, 2 Chron. 20.12. [Page 88] 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 cala­mity into which he cast him, and to revive his strength.

All the pro­mises are as true, as truth it selfe The promises are called su [...]e, Rom 4 16. Prom [...]ssa tua sunt De­us, & qua falit timeat, cum promit­tii veritas. August. Con­fes. l. 12. c. 10.GOD 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 sea­leth unto us the truth of the pro­mises even in our hearts) is the Spirit of truth. Ioh. 14.17.

His words are as deeds, his promises as perfor­mances.GOD is iust and faithfull in accomplishing his promises, Rom. 3.3, 5.

[Page 89] David saith, LORD in thy faithfullnesse, The land which was onely pro­m [...]sed to Abraham is said Gen. [...]5.12. to be gi­ven him, Promittendo se fecit debi­torem. Austen. 1 Ioh. 1.9. or in thy Iustice an­swer 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 con­fesse our sinnes hee is faithfull and iust to forgive us our sinnes. As if he should say,Verba illa [Iust [...]s & fidelis] refe­runtur ad promissionem divinam. Bellar. de poenitent. l. 3. c. 6. God is as just in per­forming the mercy which he promi­seth, as in executing the venge­ance which he threat­neth. GOD of his infinite mercy hath promised to all true Penitents and Con­fessors, that hee will forgive, and never remember their sinnes any more; he must stand to his Promises, or else he should be un­faithfull: and he is iust, he doth not say he is mercifull but iust to forgive the sinnes of true belee­vers, because they are all satisfi­ed 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 righteous­nesse, [Page 90] 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 pro­mise in GOD.

2 Tim. 2.13. 1 Thess. 5.24. For 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 boun­ty give another an Inheritance of a hundred pounds per annum, upon his paying of a pepper­corne for rent; when hee hath payd it, he may claime the pro­fits and by law recover them, and his plea in the Law must be the bargaine and Covenant be­tweene 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 deser­ved it, but because he hath promi­sed it.

[Page 91]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? Gen. 3, 1. so he would perswade us, that GOD will forget to be mercifull, and his promise will faile for ever­more, Psal. 77.8, 9. Weake Chri­stians in temptations and deserti­ons are ready to distrust GOD, and to question the truth of his promises.Moses be­wrayed his infidelity, Num. 11.1 [...], 14.15. Christs Disciples and othe [...]s that believed in him, accoun­ted the pro­mises of his resurrection to be vaine. Luk. 24.11, 25. Psal. 105.24. The wicked hope he will change, where is the pro­mise 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 [Page 92] 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 be­fore 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.Luk. 1. 18, 20 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 [Page 93] also? Rom. 8.32. He that hath performed the promise concer­ning CHRIST, wherein shall he faile? He hath hither­to 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 per­forme his promises. GOD hath spoken in his holinesse (saith Da­vid) I will reioyce therefore in his Word. I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth, [Page 94] Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine, Ephraim also is the strength of mine head, Iudah is my law-gi­ver, Moab is my washpot, Psal. 60.6, 7. Though then hee had little enough, yet he was con­fident, 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 Cove­nant may lay hold on CHRIST, and say CHRIST is mine, on the Promise, and say forgive­nesse is mine,The Cove­nant is mu­tuall be­tweene God and us. 1 King. 8.23. on the Covenant, and say grace is mine.

The LORD will not be un­mindfull of his Covenant with us, Psal. 111.5. nor unfaithfull in performance of his promise to us,God hath said that he will be All-sufficient to us; but he re­quires then on our part that we be Altogether his, Cant. 2.16. In mar­riage the woman must take the may for her hus­band as well as he her for his wife. True faiths appre­hension of Christ is mutuall, it laies hold on Christ, as we use to do in our salutatiōs when we im­brace one another, there is mutuall hold on both sides. Whence the act of the Patriarkes faith appre­hending the promises, Heb. 11.13. is elegantly set out, by the meta­phor of salu­ting; They saluted the promises. True faith kissing Christ, is kissed of him, embracing Christ, is re­imbraced of him, Phil. 3.12 if wee prove not un­faithfull, 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 him­selfe to be our GOD, in the [Page 95] other we binde ourselves to be his people, Hos. 2.23. His is a Co­venant of mercy, ours of obedi­ence; He promiseth happinesse, we holinesse; He glory, we du­ty; 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 promi­ses, so that it grew a proverbe, Punica fides, Poeni foedifragi sem­per habiti, saith Plautus; and the Athenians were renowned for faithfullnesse in all their cove­nants, agreements, and promi­ses; 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 [Page 96] the Spirit, called by the Apo­stle faith, Gal. 5.22. and a pro­perty of him that Psal. 15.4, must rest on GODS holy mountaine. Therefore wee should imitate, the Athenians, shall I say? nay rather GOD himselfe, expres­sing faithfullnesse in all our words, workes, and waies; wee should 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 teacheth us, when wee heare the 10. Commā ­dements, Lord have mercy on us, and incline our hearts to keep this law keepe our covenant with GOD, and Exod. 19 5 pay our vowes un­to the most High, Psal. 25.10. Psal. 103.18. we should also be constant in the performance of our promises to men, for promi­ses are due debts. And non in promissione sed in consummatione virtus est, vertue doth not con­sist in promise, but in perfor­mance.

The manner, how GOD performeth his promises is not alwaies one and the selfe­same: sometimes hee gives the very particular thing pro­mised, as unto the children of Israell deliverance out of Aegypt, David from Saul, Iacob from [Page 97] Esau. Hee restored unto Heze­kiah his health according to his promise, and removed the host of the Assyrians, which besie­ged Jerusalem; sometime hee gives that which is equivalent or better.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. Thus in the 5. Com­mandement, obedient children are promised long life; yet Iosiah, 2 Kings 23.29. and Abiah, 1 King. 14.13. were ta­ken away in their best age; therefore for temporall life, they had eternall: He promi­sed [...]itam [...] [...]ongatam, and gave vitam perpe­uatam for it. so GOD pro­mised Abraham the land of Canaan, and hee had the true Canaan, the Kingdome of Hea­ven. GOD here breaketh not promise, but changeth in melius. In Coelis re­p [...]sita est ma­ior compen­satio. Calvin. So in taking away wealth from his children, he giveth them more store of grace, in restraining li­berty of body, He giveth free­dome of con [...]cience, with afflicti­on, 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 [Page 98] 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 Chron. 34.28. He died in peace comparative­ly with a worse state of life, for hee lived not to see the misery of succeeding a­ges, Esay 57.1. Some inter­pret it thus, hee was gathered to the Spirits of his Fathers, who enjoyed peace.

GOD doth not alwaies per­forme his promises to the same parties, and yet most truly per­formeth them, Psal. 97.11. Light is sowne for the righteous. Often­times the Father soweth and dieth ere the harvest, and so the Sonne reapes: so Abraham in­herited Canaan in his posterity.Acts 7.5. Tibi dabo & semini tuo, Gen. 13.15. Particula et videtur exe­getica, Pareus in locum. So GOD promised to send his Sonne: this promise was made to the Fathers, and GOD fulfil­led it to the children, Acts 13.32, 33.

[Page 99]The time of accomplishing GODS promises is uncertaine to us, Acts 1.7,God delay­eth the ful­filling of his promises, Hab. 2.3. Goodnesse makes the promise, truth per­formes it, and wisdome observes the fittest time. 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 threat­ning, let them seeme to lie lea and void never so long, yet shall be not onely certainely fulfilled, but in the period of time,Esay 60.22. which the wisedome of GOD hath impropriated to them. Some­times GODS promises have a limited time; as that,2 King. 4.16, 17. Gen. 17.21 & 18.14. and then they are fulfilled in that very time, ex­prest, as Gen. 21.1, 2. Some­times hee expresseth not the time.

GOD in the beginning made a promise to our first Parents concerning the seed of the Wo­man,Gen. 3.15. and deferred it almost 4000. yeares, and yet at length accomplished it. There have passed about 5000. yeares since [Page 100] the time of the glorious com­ming of CHRIST unto judgement was promised,Iude 14. and it is not knowne when it shall be accomplished.The Amo­rites coun­trey is by promise gi­ven to Ab [...]a­hams see i [...], Gen. 12 7. & 13.15. and 15.18. and Abrahams seede in the posterity of Iacob posses­sed it, Amos 2, 10. but some 400 & seventy yeares after the promise. Abraham was childlesse till he was 70. yeares old, and at those yeares the LORD promised him issue. But this promise was not accom­plished 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 him­selfe, Psal. 119.82. Mine eyes faile for thy Word. The promise which was made unto Simeon, Luke 2. [...]5. was not accomplished till hee was an old man ready to die, yet he continued to waite. The deliverance of Israel was promi­sed 400. yeares before it was ful­filled, Gen. 15.13.

GOD many times takes day,

[Page 101]1. [...]ither his children are not ready for it.Alwaies some di­stance of time passeth be [...]weene promises & [...]erfo [...]man­ces.

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.Polliciti [...] di­ve [...] quilibet este potest. Ovid. We reade of some that have pro­mised halfe their kingdomes, nay the Divell promised Matth. 4. Excels [...] fro [...] in ex­celso. On a moun­taine, he pro­miseth moū ­taines. all the kingdomes of the world to our Saviour; but GOD pro­miseth yet more, and perfor­meth 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 king­domes of the world, and [Page 102] excelleth them in foure proper­ties, as the Apostle Peter shew­eth.1 Pet. 1.4. 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 per­formeth better also, what hee hath promised, then those be­fore mentioned. For the first of them were but men, which of­ten promise mountaines, and performe Like the man in Eras­mus his nau­fragium, who in a storme pro­mised the Virgin a picture of wax as big as S. Christopher, but when hee came to sh [...]re, would not give a tallow can­dle. Heb. 6.12, 15 Psal. 130.7, 8 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 pro­fer on, was just nothing, but shadowes and representations of things. He went about to coo­zen 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, [Page 103] his servants have often found him better, He pro­mised the c [...]ildren of Israel onely the land of Canaan, but hee gave them, be­sides the whole l [...]nd of Canaan, two other kingdomes which he never promised; and to Zachary (for his unbeleefe stricken dumbe) he promi­sed 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. 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.

GOD will preserve his children from Afflictions and Dan­gers.

HE is a Buckler, Gen. 15.1.Psal. 32.10, Iob 1.10 Pro. 2.7. & 30.5. to keep them from all evill, to cover and compasse them round about, Psal. 5.11, 12. Psal. 8.2. A wall of Brasse, Ier. 1.18. and A wall He saith, not (saith Theo [...]lores) a wall of stone or of brasse, but of fire, that it may both fray a fai [...]e of and keepe of toe at hand, that it may not onely protect them, but destroy their enemies, Non saxe [...], non aheneus, sed igneus, qui & comminus arecat, & eminus terreat. of Fire about his children, Zach. 2.5.

[Page 156] As the mountaines are round about Ierusalem, so the LORD is round about his people, Psal. 125.2. There shall no evill befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling, Psal. 91.10. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evill, Psal. 121.7. There shall no evill touch thee, Iob 5.19.

Ezra 8.22, 31 Gen. 32.GOD hath promised to pro­tect his children in all their waies, Psal. 91.11. and to preserve them in greatest dangers by Sea or land. God will be with his in the fire, as he was with the three chil­dren: and in the water, as he was with Moses and Ionah.

Fire and water are two merci­lesse enemies, yet the fire shall not burne, nor the waters over­flow them, as GOD hath pro­mised, Esay 43.2. They must not passe by these, by the fire and by the water, but through the fire and through the water, neither is here water mentioned onely but flouds or rivers of water, nor fire onely but a flame too. Surely in the By floods of waters, the Scrip­tures meta­phorically expresse great dan­gers, and violent troubles, Psal. 42.7 Rev. 1 [...].15 Esay 59.19. flouds of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him, Psal. 52.6. An asseveration is added [Page 157] to confirme their hearts, and to shew the truth of the pro­mise.

Though the earth, and the hea­vens be shaken, yet GOD will be the hope of his people, Ioel 3.16. And they shall be hid in the day of his anger, Zeph. 2.3.

Therefore such who are in Covenant with GOD may looke to be freed from evills and dangers, if it be for their good; and in the valley of the shadow of death may assure themselves of GODS merci­full omnipotent presence, Psal. 23.4. Psal. 73.26. Psal. 91.15. Esay 43.2.

2. To qualifie them if they doe come. GOD will qualifie Afflictions to his children.

He will correct them.

• 1. In great wisedome, which is seene in two things:
  • [Page 158]1. In the meetnesse of correction, Heb. 12.9, 10. Furthermore wee had fathers of our flesh, which corrected us, and wee gave them reve­rence: shall wee not much rather be in sub­iection to the father of spirits and live? For they verily for a few daies chastened us after their owne pleasure; but hee for our profit, that wee might be partakers of his holinesse. Earthly Parents oft correct their children after their owne pleasure to satisfie their will: but GOD our hea­venly Father in great wisdome considereth,
    [...] nocumenta, documenta. Schola cru­cis, schola lucis. Detrimen­ta Corporum, incrementa virtutum. Gregory.
    with what correction, and when to cha­stize his, so as may be most for their profit, yea the best profit, [Page 159] to repaire his image of holinesse in them.
  • 2. In the just measure and continuance there­of,
    Psal 119.75.
    Ier. 46.28. & 30.11. Esay 27.7, 8. 1 Cor. 10.13. they shall not be tempted above their strength, GOD will not lay more on man then is meet, that he should enter into iudge­mēt with God, Iob 34.23 Affliction is mo­mentany, CHRIST comforts his Disciples with the shortnesse of afflictions, Ioh. 16.16. GOD will not keepe his anger for ever, Ier. 3.12. Ezek. 16.42. Micah 7.18. nor cast off for ever, Lam. 3.31.

    Esay 10.25. & 26 20. Ch. 54.7, 8. Chap 57.16.

    Hos. 6.2. Heb 10.37. 1 Pet. 1.6. & 5.10.

    David had great ex­perience of this, as he often professeth, Psal. 30.5. Psal. 103.9. The rod of the wicked shall [Page 160] not rest upon the lot of the righteous Psalme 125.3.
• God hath the wisdome of a Father, and the bowels of a Mother.
  2. In love and tendernesse, GOD compareth him­selfe to a Father, Psal. 103.13, 14. to a Mother, Esay 49.15, 16. I will not execute the fiercenesse of mine anger, for I am GOD and not man, He­sea 11.9. and in the 8. verse he saith,
  Ier. 31.21. A child ne­ver sits so much on his mothers lap, and in her bosome, as when sick; so the Spouse being sick of love, that is, in some mi­sery, Christ stayeth her with fl [...]gons, comforts her with apples; his left hand is under her head, and his right hand doth embrace her, Cant. 2.5, 6.
  His heart is turned within him, his repentings are kindled toge­ther. GOD there imi­tates parents (saith Theo­doret) when any misery is upon a child, their bowels yearne more. There is an ex­cellent expression in Iudg. 10.16. His soule was grieved for the misery of Israel. He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men, Lam. 3.33. Judgement is called [Page 161] his Strange worke, Esay 28.21. which wee in­force him unto. At (que) dolet quoties cogitur esse ferox. In all their afflicti­ons hee is afflicted, Esay 63.9. Affliction cannot separate from his love, Rom. 8.35, 39. He preser­veth their teares (as pre­tious liquor) in his bottle, Psal. 56.8. See Psal. 116.15. Psal. 31.7. Psal. 38.9. Psal. 145.8, 9.

3. For good. GOD afflicts his children for their good.

There are many benefits,Afflictions are sanctifi­ed to the godly. which GOD promiseth, and his Spirit worketh by afflicti­ons.

• 1. Generall: they are bles­sed whom the LORD correcteth, Behold happy is the man whom GOD correcteth: therefore de­spise [Page 162] not thou the chaste­ning of the Almighty, Iob 5.17. the like promise we have, Iam. 1.12. Psal. 94.12. Whom the LORD loveth hee correcteth,
  Qui excipi­tur à numero flagella [...]orū, exelpitur à numero silio­rum. He that [...]scapes his a [...]fliction, may suspect his adoptiō. Deus unicum habet silium sine peccato, nullum sine stagello. Rev. 3.19.
  even as a father the sonne in whom hee delighteth, Pro. 3.12. Quem unicè diligit, whom he cockers above the rest of his children: so the Hebrew word signifieth. That Sonne in whom hee is well pleased, saith Mercerus, quem approbat, whom he makes his white boy, so Theophylact inter­prets, Heb. 12.6. The Originall there [...] chastize, is derived from [...] a sonne or childe. Our light affliction
  2 Cor. 4.17 Who can shew a ri­cher and fuller ex­pression in Tully or De­mosthenes, then is in the Greeke, where there is both an elegant Antithesis and double hyperbole beyond en­glishing.
  which is but for a moment, wor­keth for us a farre more exceeding and eternall waight of glory. Wee shall have for Affliction, [Page 163] Glory; For light affli­ction, Heavie, Massie, Substantiall Glory, a waight of Glory; For Momentany affliction, eternall Glory. He ad­deth also degrees of comparison, yea goeth beyond all degrees, cal­ling it More excellent, farre more excellent, an exceeding, excessive, eter­nall weight of Glory. See Rom. 8.18. Acts 14.22. 2 Tim. 2.12. 1 Cor. 11.32. Matth. 5.10, 11. Luke 6.22. 1 Pet. 3.14. & 4.14. Iam. 5.11. Psal. 119.71. Lament. 3.27.
• 2. Speciall.
  • 1. Afflictions are tri­alls: the godly by them have experi­ence of their frail­ties and graces, and come to know GOD [Page 164] and themselves, 2 Chron. 33.13. This is oft set out by this comparison of gold and silver tried by the fire, Zach. 13.9. Prov. 17.3. Psal. 66.10. 1 Pet. 4.12. Iames calls afflicti­ons temptations,
    Iam. 1.2.
    because they serve to try what is in us. GOD led the Is­raelites forty yeares in the wildernesse, To prove them, and to know what was in their heart:
    Deut. 8.2, 3, 16.
    that is, that they might know, saith Iunius. The skill of a Pilot is unknowne but in a tempest: the va­lour of a Captaine is unseene but in a battell, and the worth of a Chri­stian is untried but [Page 165] in triall and temp­tation.
  • 2. They shall purge sinne, they are so­veraigne medicines to kill spirituall diseases. GODS children shall come out of the fornace of affliction much more refined and purified, as Iob did, and lose nothing but their drosse. By this the iniquity of Jacob shall be pur­ged, and this is all the fruite to take a­way his sinne, Esay 27.9. I will purely purge away thy drosse, and take away all thy tinne, Esay 1.25. Many shall be puri­fied, made white, and tried, Dan. 12.10. Wee know that all things worke together [Page 166] for good to them that love GOD,

    That one v. 35. of 11. of Daniel, And some of them of understan­ding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white: shew­eth that these were the three chiefe ends of their af­flictions:

    • 1. To try what drosse of corrupti­on & what sound met­tall of grace was in them.
    • 2. To purge out the cor­ruption which was yet found remaining in them.
    • 3. To make them more beautifull and shining in grace.
    to them who are the called according to his purpose, Rom. 8.28. Wee, that is, not only I and you, but all the faithfull know, have great proofe of it by dai­ly experience, that all afflictions (for of them he specially speaketh) how ma­ny or how great soever they be, shall procure and further our chiefest good, the welfare and happinesse of our soules. See Iohn 15.2. Prov. 20.30. Psal, 119.67. Esay 4.4. Iob 33.16, 17. & 36.8, 9, 10, 15. Hosea 2.6, 7.
  • 3. They quicken gra­ces, they make us [Page 167] partakers of GODS holinesse, and bring forth the quiet fruit of righteousnesse, Heb. 12.10, 11. The in­ward man is re­newed by them, 2 Cor. 4.16.
    • 1. Faith is exer­cised in be­leeving most assuredly the promises that GOD hath made of our deliverance, that the triall of your faith being much more pretious then of gold that perisheth,
      God afflicts his people, that they might trust in Him. Zeph. 3.12.
      though it be tryed with fire, might be found unto praise and glo­ry at the appea­ring of JESUS CHRIST. [Page 168] CHRIST. Faith is as much advan­ced by affli­ctions, as gold by fire. The 11. Chapter to the Hebrewes pro­veth this. Af­flictions (saith one) cause us to seeke out GODS pro­mise,
      Hos. 5 15. Psal. 107.6, 13, 19. Esay 26.16.
      the pro­mise to seeke faith, faith to seeke prayer, and prayer to find GOD.
    • 2. Hope in assu­ring her selfe of the reward promised to them that suf­fer patiently; Tribulatiō wor­keth patience; patience, expe­rience, [Page 169] and ex­perience hope, Rom. 5.3, 4.
    • 3. Patience is exercised in bearing quiet­ly. Tribulation worketh pati­ence, as was said, Account it all joy, when yee fall into divers tempta­tions; know­ing this, that the triall of your faith wor­keth patience, Iam. 1.2, 3.

3. To helpe us to beare them, and in due time to remove them.

GOD promiseth to helpe us to beare afflictions, and in due time to remove them.

[Page 170] Though he fall hee shall not be utterly cast downe, for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand, Psal. 73.23. Psal. 37.24.2 Cor 7.3. As their afflictions abound, so shall their consolations also, 2 Cor. 1.5.The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in time of trou­ble, Psal. 9.9. See v. 18, Psal. 46.1, 2, 3 Vnto the upright there ariseth light in darknesse, Psal. 11 [...].4. that is com­fort in affli­ctions. They shall have the Comforter himselfe, Ioh. 14.16. Ioh. 15.26. & 16.7. GOD of­ten promiseth to his people to be a sure and speedy helpe in all troubles, David had great expe­rience thereof.

The booke of Psalmes is full of those speeches: GOD is my Rocke, my Tower, my Refuge, my Shield and Buckler, my Health and Strength, Psal. 18.2. Psal. 31.3. Psal. 71.3. Psal. 94.22. & 73.25, 26. All which speeches shew, that what helpe any man in any dan­ger, may finde in any earthly meanes whatsoever; GOD is the same and much more to all his people in all their necessities, bodily or spirituall.

The like are those speeches, that GOD will lighten our darkenesse, he will keepe the feet of his Saints, hee [Page 171] will not forsake them, nor for­get their complaint, that they shall not be confounded in the time of trouble: Hee will hide them in his pavillion, Psal. 27.4, 5. And cover them with his feathers, Psal. 91.1, 4. His An­gels shall pitch their tents a­bout them, hee will set them up on high from such as rise against them, he will heale their wounds, Ier. 30.17.

GOD sees our affliction and knowes it well, Exod. 3.7. Hee heareth our sighs, and remembring his Covenant helps us, Exod. 2.23, 24, 25.

All afflictions come from him, the Almighty hath afflicted mee, saith Naomi, Ruth 1.21. it is of­ten called the Chastening of the LORD. When we are iudged, Heb. 12.5. saith the Apostle, we are chastened of the LORD, 1 Cor. 11.32. And the same GOD which imposed the affliction, takes it away, Deut. 32.39. 1 Sam. 2.6, 7. Iob 5.18. ‘[Page 172] Vna eadem (que) manus, vulnus opem (que) tulit;’ GOD will be the strength of the righ­teous in their trouble, and their salva­tion out of trouble. Psal. 37.39, 40. David had great proofe hereof, and therfore after a mighty deliverance, composed that excellent Ps. 34. See 7, 17, 19. verses.

I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace to give you an expected end, Ier. 29.11. Reioyce not (saith the Church) against me O mine enemy. When I fall, I shall arise, when I sit in darkenesse, the LORD shall be a light unto mee, &c. Micah 7.8, 9. Light is sowne for the righteous, and ioy for the up­right in heart, Psal. 97.11. The latter part of the verse ex­pounds the former; by light is meant joy, and by righteous the upright in heart. Ioy is sowne for these, and as sure as an harvest followes a feeding; so to these comfort followes mourning, If wee sow in teares, we shall reape in ioy.

[Page 173]I will be content (saith D. Hall) with a wet spring, so I may be sure of a cleare and joyfull har­vest.

Your sorrow shall be turned in­to ioy, Ioh. 16.20. if CHRIST had onely promised that their sorrow should be mitigated or shortly ended, it had beene a great comfort, but this ministreth abundant consolation. Never was Gold-smith more curious and precise to watch the very first season, when the gold is through­ly refined and fitted for use, that he may take it out of the for­nace;Mal, 3.3. then our gracious GOD waites in such cases with an holy longing, that he may have mercy upon his children, and deliver them.Esay 30.18. He shall deliver thee in sixe troubles, yea in seaven there shall no evill touch thee, Ioh. 5.19. Many of the Learned say, that here by sixe and seven, the Spirit of GOD alludeth unto the daies of the LORDS worke in Creating the world, and his resting on the [Page 174] seventh day; that so must his ser­vants labour under afflictions all the daies of their life, and shall rest from those labours in the per­petuall Sabbath. Rather sixe or seaven are to be understood in­definitely,Numeri defi­niti pro inde­finitis. certaine numbers for uncertaine things: seaven referred to humane evills importeth many, Pro. 24.16.

See Psal. 91.14, 15. Pro. 11.8. Psal. 50.15. Psal. 149.4. 1 Cor. 10.13. 2 Cor. 4.8.

The meditation of these gra­cious promises may comfort GODS people in trouble.Faith loo­keth unto God, and acknow­ledgeth his hand in all afflictions, Amos 3.6. and this will ca [...]se pati­ence, 1 Sam. 3.18. Psal. 39 19. Iob 1.21. Hos. 6.1. GOD assures me, hee will lay no more upon me, then I shall be able to beare, either my burden shall be made lighter, or my faith stron­ger.

We should goe to the LORD then in our afflictions, and say, LORD, it is part of thy Cove­nant to deliver me from such a crosse and calamity; LORD thou hast said, that the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of [Page 175] the Righteous; that thou wilt af­flict, but in measure, according to our strength, and for our good. O sanctifie thy hand unto me, give me faith and patience to waite up­on thee, wisedome to make a good use of this chastizement;God hath made a swee [...]e promise of gi­ving liberally even wisdome to behave our selves under the crosse, if we aske it. Iam. 1.4, 5. See Ier. 33 2. Lam. 3.39, 40. let it purge mee from my drosse, and breed the quiet fruit of righte­ousnesse.

The end of chastizement is amendment of life, whence it re­ceiveth the name of correction, which signifieth to set right or streight. Therefore we must first labour to finde out the sinne, for which GOD correcteth us. For which purpose let us remember that place, Iob 36.9. If they be tyed with the cords of affliction, then will I shew them their workes and their sins. When we have found it out, let us be humbled for it, make our peace with GOD, and reforme our selves, Ioh. 5.14. and then we may expect comfort from GOD. This the LORD both promised and performed to Iob, Iob 11.14. [Page 176] and in him to all that are afflicted. Zophar telleth Iob, that which GOD himselfe did make good at last: If iniquit be in thine hand, put it farre away, and let not wicked­nesse dwell in thy tabernacles. It must be the care of the afflicted to purge his hand and house of all manner of wickednesse and sin. Then it followeth, verse 15. Thou shalt lift up thy face without spot, yea thou shalt be stedfast and not feare, that is, Thou shalt enjoy the comfortable assurance of the re­mission of thy sinnes, and shalt rest perswaded, that the staine thereof is quite done away before the LORD. And for his out­ward estate hee addeth, ver. 16. Thou shalt forget thy misery. He shall be quite freed from all the trouble of it, Thou shalt remember it as waters that are past: which cause the meddowes to be more fat and fertile, then they would have beene, ver. 17. Thine age (saith he) shall be clearer than the noone day, thou shalt shine forth and [Page 177] be as the morning. The comfort of a sinner reformed by correcti­ons, shall be plentifull and excel­lent as the brightnesse of the noone-tide sun, and withall, con­stant, durable, and on the growing hand, as the light of the mor­ning.

Faith makes us depend on GODS promises in our afflicti­ons, and patiently expect the issue that he will give, and that with­out prefixing any time, for Hee that beleeveth doth not make hast, It may be understood either as a precept, Le [...] him not make hast, or as a pro­mise, He shall not make haste. Esay 28.16. or prescribing any meanes to him, as faithfull Mo­ses when he said, Stand yee still and see the salvation of the LORD, Exod. 14.13.

Faith doth not limit GOD for the measure of affliction; Iob saith, He will trust in GOD though he kill him, Job 13.1 [...]. It was a grievous affliction for Da­vid to be driven out of his king­dome by his owne Sonne, yet he saith in that slight, If he say, I have no delight in him, behold here [Page 178] I am, let him doe unto me as see­meth good in his eyes, 2 Sam. 15.26. Therefore in all our afflicti­ons, let us set faith a worke, for this stirres up prayer, and prayer stirres up Prayer of the Saints in time of afflictions, can doe more then all the witches in the world can doe (to whom di­vellish min­ded people seeke in their trou­bles) for they can but set the Divels a­work, but prayer will set God a­worke, GOD, and GOD stirres up all the crea­tures.

Faith gathereth one contrary out of another, life out of death, assurance of sweetest deliverances out of deepest distresses; For the LORD shall iudge his people and repent himselfe for his servants, when hee seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up or left, Deut. 32.36. 2 King. 14, 26. Going into captivity, was a signe of the Israelites returning out of Captivity.S Ierome saith it was a proverbe among the Hebrews, God will help us in the Mount, Gen 2 [...].14 and it is an english pro­verbe, mans extremity is Gods opportunity. Faith will teach us to say, he hath chastized me accor­ding as he hath threatned, ther­fore he wil comfort me according as he hath promised, Ier. 32.42. It will extract abundance of com­fort, in the most desperate distres­ses, from those places, 2 Chron. 20.12. Prov. 18.10. Esay 33.9, 10. For [Page 179] the nature of it is to beleeve GOD upon his bare word,Ibi incipit auxilium di­vinum, ubi defici [...] huma­num. Psal. 61.2, 3. and that a­gainst sense in things invisible, and against reason in things incredi­ble, Heb. 11.1. David, Psal. 56.10. though sorely afflicted, yet rejoyceth in GOD, because of his naked promise; the woman of Canaan could picke comfort out of the reproachfull name of dog. Hath not GOD promised and assured me not to faile nor forsake me, but to uphold me in affliction,Psal. 27.10. and bring me through it, and com­fort me by it, and glorifie me after it? therefore I should with A­braham hope against hope, and ap­prehend the certaine accomplish­ment of these promises by faith; when sense and carnall reason see nothing but the contrary.

Promises in regard of Sick­nesse.

1. TO prevent Sicknesse and keepe it away.1. To pre­vent sick­nesse.

If thou wilt diligent­ly hearken to the voice of the LORD thy GOD, and wilt doe that which is right in his sight, and wilt give eare to his Commande­ments, and keepe all his statutes; I will put none of these diseases upon thee which I have brought upon the Aegyptians, for I am the LORD [Page 181] that healeth thee, Exod. 15.26. Deut. 7.15.

GOD will preserve his chil­dren from the pestilence,Pro 3.25. Psal. 91.3, 6, 7, 10. He will certainly deli­ver them from the hurt of it, so as it shall not hinder the good or sal­vation of any in the godly mans house.

2. If sicknesse be amongst us, to helpe in it,2. To helpe in sicknesse. and remove it from us. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing, thou wilt make all his bed in his sicknesse, Psal. 41.3.

And the LORD will take away from thee all sicknesse, 3. To take it away. Iob 5 18. Deut. 7.15. And I will take sicknesse away from the midst of thee, Exod. 23.25.

In all our bodily infirmities and sore diseases, we should re­member some of these promises, and lay hold on them by faith, that wee faint not nor mur­mure.

Promises in regard of Pover­ty.

[Page 182]There is a generall promise made to all that feare GOD, 1 Tim. 4.8. Psal. 34.9, 10. Heb. 13.5.Mat. 6.33.

And many other speciall pro­mises likewise, which may com­fort and strengthen the godly a­gainst murmuring and impatiency in hard times: I will abundantly blesse her provision, I will satisfie her poore with bread, Psal. 132.15. Deut. 8.16. No rich man under Heaven can be so assured, that hee and his shall be preserved from beggery, as every poore Christian may be. For though the LORD in infinite bounty doe be­stow those blessings on wicked men in great abundance, yet they belong to them onely ex largitate, out of a generall providence; but to the faithfull ex promisso, out of GODS The good that comes by the pro­mise, is a more sure, compleate and comfor­table good. Iob 21.7, 8. Ier. 12.1, 2. Psal. 73.12. promise; David beholding how much it vexed GODS children to see the wicked prosper in this world, and the godly distressed, of purpose made the 37. Psalme, to hearten [...] the [Page 183] godly against this sore tentation, which in all ages much troubled GODS people; and there hee sheweth that the state of the godly is far better even in this life, then that of the wicked, 3, 4, 5, 11, 16. verses. To the same purpose was made the 73. Psalme.

See Psal. 16.5, 6. Psal. 23. Psal. 10.14. Psal. 109.31. He raiseth up the poore out of the dust, and lif­teth the needie out of the dunghill, Psal. 103.7.

I have beene young (saith Da­vid in that 37. Psalme 25. verse) and now am old, yet have I not seene the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Davids saying may be taken 1. as his owne observa­tion in his time; for he saith not, the righteous is never forsaken; but that he never saw it, and it is a rare thing: 2. (which Expositi­on Master Perkins approves) the righteous man is never forsaken and his seed too; GOD may make triall of godly Parents by want, but their godly children [Page 184] shall surely be blessed: 3. hee saith, hee never saw the righ­teous and his seed forsaken, beg­ging bread; that is, no not forsaken when they were beg­ging their bread.

God will either sup­ply the wants of his children or inable them to beare them, as he taught Paul how to want, Phil. 4.12. Gen. 15 1. Hab. 3 17, 18Whensoever wee are pinched with any earthly necessity, we should runne to one of these gracious promises; for if wee rightly beleeve them, they will make us cast our care on GOD that careth for us, and moderate our immeasurable carking after the things of this world, moving us patiently to waite for the ac­complishment of our desires, or contentedly to want what GOD denieth, Phil. 4.5. 1 Pet. 5.7. Psal. 55.22. Psal. 37.4, 5. Deut. 8.3.

Promises for succour in Fa­mine

At destructi­on and fa­mine thou shalt laugh, Iob. 5 22. God will not leave his in fa­mine, but will then relieve them, as he did the widdow of Zar [...]ph [...]ah. Particular promises for helpe in Famine, and deliverance from it.

In Famine he shall redeeme thee [Page 185] from death, Iob 5.20. The LORD will not suffer the soule of the righ­teous to famish, Prov. 10.3. Behold the eye of the LORD is upon them that feare him, upon them that hope in his mercy, to keepe them alive in famine, Psal. 33.19. In the daies of famine they shall be satisfied, Psal. 37.19. If I shut up Heaven (saith the LORD) th [...]t there be no raine, or if I command the Locusts to devoure the land; if my people shall humble themselves and pray, and seeke my face, and turne from their wicked waies, then will I heare from heaven and will for­give their sinne, and heale their land. 2 Chron. 7.13, 14. In that day I will heare saith the LORD, I will heare the Heavens, and they shall heare the Earth, and the earth shall heare the corne, and the wine, and the oyle, and they shall heare Iezreel, Hosea 2.21, 22. When the poore and needy seeke water and there is none,Esay 41.17, 18. and their tongue faileth for thirst; I the LORD will heare them▪ I the GOD of Israel will [Page 186] not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountaines in the midst of the valleys, I will make the wildernesse a poole of water, and the drie land springs of water.

See Ioel 2.18, 19. Zach. 8.11, 12. & 10.1. Mal. 3.10.

GODS children in time of scarcity should live by faith, Mat. 4.4. feede on the promise, and de­pend on GODS allowance: when our owne provision failes us, then not to distrust the provision of GOD, is a noble tryall of faith.

Promises to preserve from Warre, and deliver from the Sword.

The LORD will preserve his children from Warre, Thou shalt not see a fierce people, Esay 33.19.

The enemies being astonished shall be a prey to the Church, ver. 23.

GOD will deliver them from the Sword, as he saith Ier. [Page 187] 39.17, 18. I will deliver thee in that day, and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee, because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.

In Warre he shall redeeme thee from the power of the sword, Iob 5.20.

Promises to comfort in and deliver out of Captivity.

Although I have cast them farre off among the heathen, Levit. 25.44. and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them a little Sanctuary in the countries where they shall come, Ezek. 11.16. See ver. 17.

I will give you a reviving there, Ezra 9.8. And make you to be pit­tied of those that shall carry you captive, Psal. 106.46.

Then the LORD thy GOD will turne thy captivity, and have [Page 188] compassion upon thee, and will re­turne and gather thee from all the nations whither the LORD thy GOD hath scattered thee. This pro­mise, Deut. 30. [...]. was performed by Christ, Luke 4 18. Ephes. 4.8. If any of thine be driven out unto the ut­most parts of Heaven, from thence will the LORD thy GOD ga­ther thee, and from thence will hee fetch thee, &c. Deut. 30.3, 4, 5. Ne­hemiah sueth out this promise, Nehem. 1.9.

There was a promise made unto Israel to restore them out of the great captivity of Babylon; and this seemed to them as incredible, as for men to be raised out of their graves, after so many yeares con­sumption; therefore they said, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost, we are cut off for our parts: we have no more reason to be­leeve any promise, or to rest up­on any expectations of delive­rance, then dead bones have to re­vive againe. Therefore the LORD acquainteth them with his power, together with his promises; O my people, yee shall [Page 189] know that I am the LORD, that is, that my waies and thoughts are infinitely above your shallow apprehension, when I shall have brought you out of your graves, Ezek. 37.11, 13, 14.

See Psal. 14.7. and 53.6. Ier. 30.6.18.

A promise against Witchcraft or possession of the Divell.

Surely there is no inchantment a­gainst Iacob, neither is there any divination against Israel, Num. 23.23.

This is promised conditionally; so farre as it is good for GODS people, they shall be freed from it.

Promises against Oppression.

It is one of the LORDS most royall titles, to be the Fa­ther of the Fatherlesse, and a Iudge of the widdowes, Psal. 68.5. To be a Refuge for the oppressed,Psal. 22.24. Psal. 140.12. Psal. 9.9, 10, 14. Esay 25.4. For the oppressi­on of the poore, for the sighing of the [Page 190] needy, now will I arise (saith the LORD) I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him,Exod. 22.23. Deut. 10.8. & 14.29. & 24.20. Psal. 12.5. He executeth iudgement for the oppressed, preserveth the stran­gers, relieveth the fatherlesse and widdow, Psal. 146.7, 9. In thee the fatherlesse findeth mercy, Hosea 14.3.

1. In Generall, to supply any thing needfull.

GOD hath promised to provide things needfull for the godly.

All earthly blessings are intai­led to godlinesse by that graci­ous promise, 1 Tim. 4.8. Godlinesse [Page 191] hath the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come.

It is said, Nothing shall be wan­ting, Psal. 34.9. All things shall be ministred, Matth. 6.33. GOD shall fulfill all your necessity, Phi­lip. 4.19.

As a tender Father desiring the welfare of his beloved child, bids him to be a good and obedient child, and he shall not want any thing; so the LORD bids us as good children, hearken to his voice, and be ruled by him, and tels us we shall not want any thing that is good, Psal. 34.8, 9, 10. & 84, 11.

This is that which is so oft repeated, That it may goe well with thee in the land, which the LORD thy GOD giveth thee, Deut. 5.16, 33. & 6.3, 18. & 12.25, 28.

This is meant in those Scrip­tures which set out the goodnesse of the LORD,Thou ar [...] good and dost good. Psal 119.68. Psal. 31.19. Psal. 145.9. and many other places, where GODS goodnesse, [Page 192] loving kindnesse and mercy, and that specially in things belon­ging to this naturall life, are commended unto us. In those generall promises, wherein GOD saith, He will dwell with his, and not forsake them, that he will love and blesse his people, that he will be their GOD, will reioyce over them to doe them good, Ier. 32 41. will compasse them with favour as with a shield, that he will set peace in their borders, and prosper them in all they goe about, that he will keepe his Cove­nant with them. For outward riches are a part of his Covenant, All things are yours, The Lord undertakes not only by single pro­mise, but by Covenant to furnish his people with all needfull blessings pertaining to this life. we are heires of all the world. In the Covenant of grace, GOD promiseth not onely to write his law in our hearts and to forgive our sinne; but also to conferre Temporall blessings, as they shall be serviceable to us in our journey towards Heaven, Ier. 31.10, 11, 12, 14. Ezek. 34.25, 26, 27. & 36.29, 30. Hosea 2.20, 21, 22.

He hath given us his Sonne, the [Page 193] Fountaine of all good things, what can he denie us then that may be for our good and comfort?R [...]. good The promise of CHRIST be­fore his incarnation, was to the Jewes a seale of all temporall things promised.

Our Saviour saith, Seeke yee first the Kingdome of GOD, and his Righteousnesse, and all these things shall be added unto you. Mat. 6.33. First] in time before all other things; and in degree above all other things, and all these needfull things] shall be cast in. As when a man buyeth spice, fruit, or any such commo­dity, paper and packthred is given into the bargaine.

It is the property of true sa­ving faith, not onely to lay hold on the mercy of GOD for the pardon of sinne, and life everla­sting in CHRIST; but on his promises also for Temporall blessings that concerne this life. As wee looke to be saved by our faith after death, so we must live [...] faith in this world; if we relie [Page 194] upon his mercy for our soules, we must depend upon his providence for our bodies. How doth he trust in GOD for a Kingdome, that will not trust him for a crust of bread?

Faith receiveth earthly bles­sings not as the fruit of our la­bour or desert, but as the gifts of GODS bounty, yea as gifts of the gracious Covenant procee­ding from the free love of GOD.

Temporall promises in regard of good things.

• Speciall.
  • For
    • 1. Name.
      • 1. Honour.
      • 2. A good name.
    • 2. Body.
      • 1. Long life.
      • 2. Health.
      • 3. Safetie.
      • 4. Peace.
      • 5. Sleepe.
      • 6. Foode, raiment.
    • 3. Estate.
      • 1. Wealth.
      • 2. Good successe and prosperity.
        • 1. To their persons.
        • 2. To their purposes.
    • 4. Calling.
      • Promises to di­ligence in it.
        • 1. Abundance and plenty.
        • 2. Protection.
        • 3. Promotion.
        • 4. Good suc­cesse.
        • 5. It builds the house.
        • 6 It makes sleep comfortable.

[Page 196]GOD hath promised, not on­ly to give these outward things but to blesse them to his chil­dren.

Promises to GODS children in respect of their Name.

Promises to GODS children in respect of the Body.

Promises to GODS children for their outward Estate.

Promises to GODS chil­dren in respect of their Calling.

Diligence in a calling hath many a sweet promise in the Word of GOD.

1. Abundance and plenty: The hand of the diligent maketh rich, Pro. 10.4. The soule of the diligent shall be made fat, Deut. 30.9 Pro. 13.4. He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread, Pro. 28.19. at least sufficiency followes it. He that tilleth his land shall be sa­tisfied with bread, Pro. 12.11.Two Promi­ses to tillage. See 27. verse. That which is got­ten by honest labour is preser­ved [Page 210] and multiplied, Prov. 13.11.

2. Protection: GOD hath promised to protect those that keepe themselves within the limits of their calling; Hee shall give his Angels charge over thee to keepe thee in all thy waies, Psal. 91.11. that is,Heb. 13.5 so long as thou keepest thy selfe within the waies of thy calling, so long shall my Angels preserve thee.

3. Promotion, it exalteth to honour and authority. The han [...] of the diligent shall beare rule, Pro. 12.24. Seest thou a man diligent in his businesse? Hee shall stan [...] before Kings, hee shall not stan [...] before meane men, Prov. 22.29.

Thou shall eate the la­bour of thy hand, Psal. 1.8.2.4. Good successe: The recom­pence of a mans hands shall be ren­dred unto him, Pro. 12.14. They shall build houses and inhabit them, they shall plant vineyards and eat [...] the fruit of them. They shall not labour in vaine nor bring forth fo [...] trouble, Esay 65.21, 23.

[Page 211] There yee shall eate before the LORD your GOD, and yee shall reioyce in all that you put your hand unto; Yee and your housholds wherein the LORD thy GOD hath blessed thee, Deut. 12.7. Deut. 28.8, 12.

5. It buildeth the house, Pro 24.27.

6. It makes sleepe comfor­table, Eccles. 5.12. The sleepe of a labouring man is sweet and plea­sant, whether hee eate little or much: if little, his labour breeds him rest; if much, his body be­ing strong and hardned by la­bour, causeth easie digestion, and uninterrupted sleepe.

Comforts against the temptati­ons of Satan.

THE Faithfull have a promise to preserve them from such temp­tations as are incident [Page 216] to their lawfull callings, and which they cannot avoid unlesse they would forsake their calling, Psal. 91.11, 12. In all thy waies (seeme they never so dangerous and full of temptation) they shall beare thee up. Rev. 3. [...]. The man whose heart is upright shall finde strength enough against every temptation, while he is in the LORDS way, Pro. 10.29. 2 Chron. 15.2.

There is much comfort to be drawne out of that one verse, 1 Cor. 10.13.

• Et quam sortem pa­tiuntur om­nes, ferre ne­mo recusat. 1 Pet. 5.9. God will make his grace suffi­cient for us, 2 Cor. 12.9.
  1. It is the common con­dition of all the godly, to be tempted. There hath no temp­tation taken you but such as is common to man.
• 2. GOD will lay no more upon us, then wee shall be able to beare, GOD is faithfull who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able.
• 3. GOD will give a happie issue out of tempta­tion: Who will with the temp­tation [Page 217] also make away to es­cape, that yee may be able to beare it.

Another consolation against them, may be the short continu­ance of our temptations, Wee shall suffer but a while, 1 Pet. 5.10. The GOD of pe [...]ce shall bruise Satan under your feete shortly, Rom. 16.20.

We should consider, 1 That CHRIST was tempted as we are, Heb. 4.15.

2. That he is our Captaine in this warfare, Rev. 12 7. The Cap­taine of our salvation was made per­fect through sufferings, Heb. 2.10.

3. That he overcame the Di­vell for all his members; so it was promised to Adam and pro­phesied of him, Gen. 3.15. so it was fulfilled by him, Mat. 4.1. And having spoiled principalities and powers (that is, the Divell and his Angels) He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them upon [...]he Crosse, Coloss. 2.15. He led cap­tivity [Page 218] captive, Ephes. 4.8. By cap­tivity is meant sinne and Satan, which did and doe leade men captive into perdition:Heb 2.14.1 [...] [...]. Death and the grave which held him captive for the space of three daies. He leads them all captive: 1. In himselfe, triumphing over them. 2. In his members, Idem hor­tatur ut pug­nemus, adiu­vat ut vin­camus, defici­entes suble­vat & vin­centes cero­nat. sub­duing and weakening their power.

4. That CHRIST is tou­ched with the feeling of our in­firmities, Heb. 4.15.

5. That hee hath made inter­cession and prayed for us, Luke 22.32. I have prayed that thy faith may not faile; that is generall for all beleevers as well as Peter, Ioh. 17.9, 10.

6. CHRIST succours and helpes those that are tempted, Heb. 2.18.

7. He assures them of If GOD leade them in [...]o tempta­tion, he will deliver them from evill, Mat. 6.13. strength and victory; Resist the Divell, and he will flie from you, Iam. 4.7. He is like the Crocodile, whose pro­perty is, if one follow, it flieth [Page 219] away; if one flie, it pursueth him; cowardise incourageth the Divell, courage daunts him. See 1 Iohn 5.18. Esa. 27.1. Iohn 12.21. The The Di­vel is a Ly­on, so is Christ, and that of the Tribe of Iudah, there is a Lyon for a Lyon, courage for courage: the Divell is a Serpent, so Christ cal­led himselfe the brazen Serpent, the [...]e is a Serpent for a Serpent wisdome for wisedome. Divell is subtill, but GOD will teach wisdome to discerne and disappoint his stratagems, 2 Pet. 2.9. He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, Psal. 91.3 He is strong and powerfull; But GOD shall cover thee under his wings, thou shalt be Psal [...]0 12 1 Pet. 1.5. kept with all care as a garrison is kept. safe under his feathers, his strength shall be thy Buckler. ver. 4. He dissolveth the workes of the Divell, 1 Iohn 3.8. He will tread Satan under our feet. Hee shall bruise his head, wherein lies all his subtilty and strength. Mat. 16.1 [...] Portarum appellatime urbes & con silio & pro pugna [...]u [...] munitas in­telligimus, i [...] quicquid vel consilio vel viribus potest Satan Beza in locum. The gates of Hell (that is, the power and pollicie of the Divell) shall not prevaile against the Church. For the gates were the places, where both their strength was and their counsell sate, Amos 5.15.

2. Promises against Temptati­ons to uncleannesse.

[Page 220] He shall deliver thee from the strange woman, Prov. 2.16. Thy body shall be kept blamelesse untill the comming of CHRIST, 1 Thess. 5.24 Who so pleaseth GOD shall escape from her, Eccles. 7.26.

It is part of GODS Covenant to give us victory over all our enemies: this is the great pro­mise that GOD hath made; That being delivered from the hands of all our enemies, we might serve him in Holinesse and Righ­teousnesse all the d [...]ies of our life, Luke 1.74. When a child of GOD is to wrestle with Satan, or any temptation or lust, hee may chal­lenge the Covenant at GODS hands, and say, LORD hast not thou said that Thou wilt deliver me out of the hands of all mine enemies? Is it not a part of thy Covenant?

1. Promises for those that suffer for the profession of the truth.

FOR I will give you a mouth and wisedome which all your adversa­ries shall not bee able to gainesay nor resist,An example of which promise we have in S. Stephen, Act. 6.9, 10. Luke 21.15.

When they deliver you up, take no thought how or what you shall speake, for it sh [...]ll be given you in that same houre what yee shall speake, Matt. 10.19.

Be not afraid (said GOD unto Paul) but speake,Ex 4, 11, 12 Psal. 8.2. The Apo­stles were persecuted for prea­ching the Gospell, Act. 4.3, 3. others for beleeving and profes­sing the Gospell, Act 9.2. and hold not thy peace, for I am with thee, [Page 222] and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee, Acts 18.9, 10.

Whosoever shall confesse me be­fore men, him will I confesse also before my Father which is in Hea­ven, Matth. 10.32.

2. Promises for those that suffer for the practise of good.

Daniel was cast into the Lyons den for praying unto God, Dan 6.10. and Christ was perse­cuted for doing works of mercy, Mat. 3. [...]. Blessed are they which are per­secuted for righteousnesse sake, for theirs is the kingdome of Heaven, Matth. 5.10. If yee suffer for righ­teousnesse sake, happy are ye, 1 Pet. 3.14. Hereby they give their te­stimony to CHRIST and the Gospell, when they partake of the afflictions of the Gospell, 2 Tim. 1.8.

And as there be promises for such as suffer either for truth or goodnesse, so there are for such who suffer for both together, and these either

Generall in regard of any kind of suffering, as these fol­lowing.

[Page 223] For if they suffer with CHRIST, they shall raigne with him in ano­ther world, 2 Tim. 2.11, l2. When CHRIST appeares in his glory, they shall be glad and reioyce, 1 Pet. 4.13. What shall separate us from the love of CHRIST? shall tribulation, distresse, or persecu­tion, &c▪ nay in all these things we are more then conquerours, Occidi pos­sumus, vinci non possamus Rom. 8.35, 36, 37.

GOD may turne the hearts of the wicked,2 Thess. 1.6. and make them of Lions and Tigers, to become Lambes, and no more to doe hurt in the mountaine of the LORD, Esay 11.6, 7, 8, 9. Esay 65.25.

GOD will subdue all their ene­mies; I will blesse them that blesse thee, and curse them that curse thee, Gen. 12.3. See Deut. 30.7 Jer. 12.14. Psal. 37.14, 15, 17. Job 8.22. Esay 41.11, 12. & 54.15. & 59.19. Pro. 22.23. & 21.18.

Their troubles shall not be long, though violent, For the elects sake those daies shall be [Page 224] shortened, Matth. 24.22.

• Or Speciall,
  • as Losse,
    • 1. Of name, in reproa­ches.
    • 2. Of liberty, in im­prisonment.
    • 3. Of goods, any or all.
    • 4. Of life it selfe.

Promises to those that suffer re­proaches for both truth and goodnesse.

1. Reproaches and scornes from the world for thy professi­on, should fill thy heart with abundance of glory, blessednesse and joy. If ye be reproached for the name of CHRIST, happy are ye (saith S. Peter) for the Spirit of glory and of GOD resteth upon you, The very kind and cause of the a [...]fliction should be an argument of great consolation. 1 Pet. 4.14. that is, such a Spirit shall rest on you, which shall make you glorious. Blessed are you (saith CHRIST himselfe) when men shall revile, and persecute [Page 225] you, and shall say all manner of evill against you falsly for my sake, Iam. 1.2. Psal. 69 7, 9, 10. Act. 5 41. reioyce and be exceeding glad, Matth. 5.11, 12. Leape for joy, so it is, Luke 6.23. and the word here in Matth. signifieth excee­ding joy, such as we use to ex­presse by outward signes in the body, as skipping and dancing, 2 Sam. 6.14, 16. For great is your reward in Heaven.