THE TWO COVENANTS From Sinai, and Sion, drawn up Catechetically, and plainly.
Together with a briefe Appendix, directing about the use of the New Covenant in a practicall way.
Published for the benefit especially of the Inhabitants of Eastham, Essex.
BY SAMUEL SLATER.
LONDON, Printed by M. S. for Henry Overton in Popes head Alley, 1644.
| Mount Sinai | Mount Sion |
| Was scituate in the Wildernesse, where the Israelites were sojourners, Exod. 19. 1. | Was scituate in Canaan, where the Is [...]aelites were inheritors, and at J [...]rusalem, where God placed his Name, 2 Sam. 7. |
| Here Moses stood as a Typicall Mediator, Exod. 24. 12. | He [...]e Christ stands as the Mediator of the New Testament, Rev. 14 1. Heb 12. |
| Here a fiery Law was published, and given in charge, Deut. 33. 2. | Here the joyfull sound of the Gospel is heard, Psal. 89. Isa. 40. 9. |
| Here the Law was written in Tables of stone by the finger of God, Exod. 31. 18. | Here the Law is written in the fleshly Tables of the heart, by the Spirit of the living God, 2 Cor. 3 3. |
| Here was blacknesse, and darknesse, and Tempest, Heb. 12 18. | Here is brightnesse, and perfect on of beautie, Psal. 50. 2. |
| Here matters were mannaged visibly, and to the outward sences, Exod. 10. 18. | Here m [...]tters are mannaged after a more spirituall manner, 2 Cor. 3. 8. |
| Here Moses, and the people did exceed [...]ngly feare, and quake, Exod. 20. Heb. 12. 21. | Here m [...]n have boldnesse, and confidence towards God, Heb. 10. 19. |
| Here was a gendring to Bondag [...], Gal. 4. 24. | Here men are called to a glorious libertie, Gal. 5. 13. |
| Here was the ministration of condemnation, 2 Cor. 3. | H [...]re is the ministration of r [...]ghteousnesse, and life, 2 Cor. 3. |
PSAL. 87. 5. ‘Of Sion it shall be said, this, and that man was borne in her, and the Highest himselfe shall establish her.’
IT hath pleased the Father of lights, out of tender compassion to the forelorne posteritie of Adam, over which the Prince of darknesse hath drawne a black vaile of ignorance, to ingage the promise for the destroying of that Vaile, and removing the face of the covering spread over all Nations, Isa. 25. 7. That so Men may with open face, behold, as in a Glasse, the glory of God, and be transformed into his Image from glory to glory, 2 Cor. 3. 18. Which promise as it is to be applyed by Faith, and sued out by prayer, so it is to be served, in order to its accomplishment by the faithfull end [...]avours of all Christs s [...]rvants in the Ministery, that so poore soules that have lived long under shadows, and walked in darknesse, may be brought into marveilous light, and not goe to bed in the darke, and so lie downe in eternall sorrow. For which cause, the Author hath been mooved to present these few pages to publique view, in hope, that some may make advantage of them, for the nnderstanding of the mysteries of God. Which if any shall, he hath his aime, who counts it one of the greatest comforts of his life, to be any way usefull to the Church of God, and Children of the Covenant.
Some select Scriptures propunded, to promote an endeavour in people after Knowledge.
Some generall Propositions, comprehending the summe of that Doctrine, which is necessary to be knowne to Salvation.
GOD is an infinite and incomprehensible Spirit, having his beeing of himselfe, and all perfections in himselfe, in the unitie of whose essence, wee are to acknowledge a Trinitie of persons, viz. the Father, the Sonne, and the Holy Ghost, Joh. 4. 24. 1 Kings 8. 17. 1 Joh. 5. 7.
God in relation to man, as his creature, is to be acknowledged of us, as a most wise, powerfull, and glorious Creator, Gen. 1. Psal. 8.
God with respect to man as a sinner, is to be acknowledged as a most wise, just, mercifull, and gracious Redeemer, Exod. 34. 6. Esa. 43. 14.
Man before his fall, was a creature of admirable excellencies, and singular priviledges, [Page] but not priviledged from falling,
Man since the fall, is a creature extreamely miserable, but yet standing under a possibilitie of rising, Rom. 7. 24. Hosea 13. 9. & 14.
That helpe, which is provided for man, in order to his rising, is laid upon one that is mightie, even Jesus Christ, who is both God, and man, a person chosen of his Father to doe him service, in working mans Salvation, and is for that purpose made unto us, wisdome, righteousnesse, sanctification, and redemption, Psal. 89. 19. Esa. 9. 6. 7. Esa. 42. 1. 1 Cor. 1▪ 30.
Jesus Christ, and all blessings in, and through him, are ours by beleeving, wherein, first, there is a looking to Jesus; secondly, a leaning upon him; thirdly, an imbracing of him; fourthly, a kissing of him; fiftly, a feeding upon him; sixtly, a taking hold of him; seventhly, a receiving of him; eightly a comming to him: all which are to be spiritually understood, and spiritually to be performed, Ephes. 3. 17. Heb. 12. 2. Cant. 1. Heb. 11. 13. Psal. 2. 12. Joh. 6. Esa. 27. 5. Joh. 1. 12.
The soule is brought to beleeve, and so to the fellowship of Christ, and blessings [Page] through him, by the hearing of the Gospel, which is a doctrine of free grace, declaring unto us that God is in Christ, reconciling the world unto himselfe,
That Gospel, which is the grace of God bringing salvation to such as beleeve, doth likewise teach men to deny ungodlinesse, and worldly lusts, and to live oberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Tit. 2. 11, 12.
Such as doe beleeve, and shew forth their beleeving, by walking in newnesse of life, are justified from sinne, passed from death to life, and shall have after death a resurrection to eternall glory, Rom. 5. 1. Joh. 6. 36. Joh. 11. 26. Joh. 6. 44.
Such as continue in sinne, neglecting Christ, and Gospel mercies, shew themselves to be children of wrath, in bondage to Satan, and so continuing, shall after death be raised up to eternall shame, Joh. 3. 36. Ephes. 2. 2 Tim. 2. ult.
It is mens dutie, not to take matters delivered unto them, upon trust, but to search the Scriptures, whether the things which they reade, or heare be so, Joh. 5. 39.
The two COVENANTS from Sinai, and Sion.
Question.
IN what way hath it seemed good to the wisdome of God, to deale with the sonnes of men in order to his glory, and their happinesse?
Answer.
Gods dealing with them both before, and since the fall, hath been ordered out in a way of Covenanting, Gen. 2. 16. Jere. 31, 32. Ezek. 20. 37.
Q. What Covenant did God make with man before his fall?
A. A Covenant of Workes, the summe whereof is contained in the ten Commandements, Levit. 18. 5. Gal. 3. 12.
Q. What did this Covenant binde man unto?
A. To the performance of perfect obedience, and that perpetually, Deut. 27. 26. Gal. 3. 10.
[Page] Q. Had man abilitie to performe what this Covenant bound him to?
A. Sufficient abilitie there was given to him, to performe whatsoever the Law required, Eccles. 7. 29.
Q. What did that Covenant leade man to expect from God, as the reward of his obedience?
A. A blessed life, in constant fellowship with him, and sweet fruition of him. Gal. 3. 12.
Q. Was man stedfast in this Covenant?
A. Nothing lesse, for he disobeyed Gods expresse command in eating the forbidden fruit, and so became guiltie of breach of Covenant, Gen. 3. Eccles. 7. 29.
Q. What condition hath man now brought himselfe into, through this breach of Covenant?
A. Into a most miserable condition of sinfulnesse, impotency, guilt, and wrath, and lyes open to the curse of the Law, and eternall condemnation, Joh 15. 16.
Q. Is there no helpe for man now lying under this woefull condition?
A. No helpe at all by the Covenant he hath broken, which doth strictly require, either obedience, or satisfaction, in case of transgression, without giving any power, or shewing any mercy, Gal. 3▪
[Page] Q. Hath man no power to helpe himselfe?
A. He is altogether without strength, either to performe obedience, or make satisfaction, either to repaire the wrong he hath done to God, or the losse he hath sustained from himselfe, 2 Cor. 3. 5.
Q. Is man then a creature altogether hopelesse?
A. Not so, for God hath proclaimed his Name to be mercifull, and gracious, Exod. 34. 6, 7.
Q. How hath God shewed himselfe so to be in order to mans recovery?
A. By revealing a new Covenant, and so bringing in a better and more blessed hope, Jere. 31. 32. Heb. 8.
Q. What is that Covenant?
A. A Covenant of free grace, and reconciliation between himselfe, and poore sinners, before alienated from him, and enemies to him, 2 Cor. 5. 18, 19. Col. 1.
Q. Ʋpon what foundation is this Covenant layd?
A. Not upon any abilitie in man, but upon Jesus Christ, and his sufficiency, upon whom the Covenant is founded, and in whose bloud it is established, Esa. 28. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 6. Mat. 26. 28. Luk. 22. 20.
[Page] Q. Why doe you call it a new Covenant?
A. In two respects: first, in respect of the Covenant of works, under which man was at first planted: Secondly, In respect of that difference, which is between the gracious administrations under the old Testament, and those now undew the New.
Q. Wherein doth that difference of administrations consist?
A. In sundry particulars, whereof we will mention but two, or three: First, under the old Testament, the Covenant was administred with a more rigorous exacting of obedience to the morall Law, under the Gospel men are drawne to their dutie with more sweetnesse: Secondly, Christ was then held forth as one that was to come, but now as being alreadie come: Thirdly, Christ, and the blessing of the Covenant through him, were then dispensed under carnall ordinances, and cloudy Ceremonies, whereas now the dispensations are more cleare, and spirituall, so that wee may with open face behold, as in a glasse, the glory of God in Jesus Christ, Deut. 8. 1. & 27. 26. Mat. 11. 28, 29. Rom. 12. 1. Mal. 3. 1, 2. Heb. 9. 10. 1 Pet. 2. 9. 2 Cor. 3. 18.
[Page] Q. Was it not the same salvation, which was then dispensed, that now the Gospel brings, notwithstanding the difference of administration?
A. Vndoubtedly it was, Christ being the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever: secondly, It being the same Spirit, and the same faith, by which beleevers then were, and now are made partakers of him, and of all spirituall blessings in, and thorough him, Heb. 13. 8. 2 Cor. 4. 13. Heb. 11. 1 Cor. 10. 3, 4.
Q. When did this Covenant take place?
A. Immediately after the fall, and it was signified by that promise made to our first parents, the seed of the woman shall breake the Serpents head, being afterward confirmed to Abraham, and to his seed, Gen. 3. 15. Gen. 15. 1. & 17. 1, 2.
Q. Why then was the Law published after, upon mount Sinai?
A. Not as the standing Covenant, nor to disanull the Covenant made and confirmed before of God in Christ, but it was for mercifull purposes, and the more to indeare the promise of Grace to the heires thereof, Gal. 3. 17, 18, 19.
Q. What is the matter of this new Covenant under the Gospel?
[Page] A. Sure mercies, and sweet promises, which are all in Christ, yea, and in him Amen, Esa. 55. 3. 2 Cor. 1. 20.
Q. What are those promises, and the mercies conveyed by them?
A. That God will give a new heart, a heart to know him, that he will write his law within us, put his feare into us, cause us to walke in his statutes, forgive our iniquities, cleanse us from our filthinesse, be our God, and make us his people, Ezek. 36. Jere. 31.
Q. What is required of such as are taken into this Covenant?
A. Nothing is required of them, but what is given to them; It is required that men beleeve, and repent, but it is freely given to them [...]; Mans dutie is the matter of promise, as well as Gods mercy, 1 Cor. 2. 12. Ephes 2. 8. Phil. 1. 29. Act. 5. 31.
Q. How then are men to deale with such precepts as require, that they beleeve, repent, and turne to God?
A. They are not to seeke strength from themselves, but to search into the Covenant, and see what they can finde in the promise, and so turne the promise into prayer. The Appendix fully proves this.
[Page] Q. How will it stand with the justice of God so highly offended, and requiring satisfaction, to make such a Covenant of grace and mercy?
A. Wee are to consider this Covenant in a reference of it to Jesus Christ, as Mediator thereof, undertaking to satisfie Gods strictest justice, and to estate man in his richest mercy, in regard of whom, as also of Gods free donation, it is a Testament, confirmed by the death of the Testator, Heb. 12. 22, 23. Heb. 10. Mat. 26. Heb. 8. 6.
Q. Who is this Jesus Christ?
A. The man, Gods-fellow, the Sonne of the Father, but found in fashion as a man, in which estate he humbled himselfe, and became obedient to the death, even to the death of the Crosse, Zach. 13. 7. Phil. 2.
Q. What followed upon his humbling himselfe, and being obedient to the death of the Crosse?
A. His glorious exaltation, which is to be considered in his resurrection, ascension, and sitting at Gods right hand, Rom. 8. 34, 35. 1 Cor. 15, 11.
Q. What did be ingage himselfe to, as Mediator of this Covenant?
A. He ingaged himselfe to a three-fold office, Propheticall, Priestly, and Kingly, Act. 7. Psal. 110.
[Page] Q. What belongs to him to doe as a Prophet?
A. To reveale and make knowne the Covenant, therefore is he called the Angel and Messenger of the Covenant, Ephes. 2. 17. Mal. 3. 1.
Q. What was his businesse as a Priest?
A. To make his Soule an offering for sin, and by the sacrifice of himselfe to God, to merit for us, and make sure unto us, all the blessings of the Covenant, Esa. 53. Heb. 10.
Q. What belongs to him to doe as a King?
A. To triumph over all guiltinesse, by the application of his bloud, to the consciences of his people, and to subdue all iniquitie, by the efficacy of his grace, and so to erect and administer a Kingdome in their hearts, standing in righteousnesse, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, Heb. 9. & 10. 18. Esa. 52. Mich. 7. 15. Rom. 14. 17.
Q. What provision is there made for the application of this Covenant to the sonnes of men?
A. There is mercifull provision of means, and that of two sorts, first, outward, secondly, inward.
Q. What are the outward means?
A. First, The ministration of the Word, secondly, The holy Sacraments, 2 Cor. 5.
Q. What is done to the purpose of applying [Page] this Covenant in the ministery?
A. The name of God, and of the Lord Jesus, is proclaimed▪ and as an oyntment powred forth, Christ with his bloud, and merits, and all the benefits of his death, are openly shewed, and signification made, that whosoever will, may come and drinke of the waters of life freely, Exod. 34. Cant. 1. Joh. 3. 14. Esa. 55. 1. Rev. 22.
Q. What are the Sacraments that belong to this Covenant?
A. They are two, Baptisme, and the Lords Supper, wherein there are visible Elements, of Water in the one, and Bread and Wine in the other; all Sacramentally holding forth Christ, and serving to promote the application of him, and all spirituall mercies through him, Mat. 28. Mat. 26.
Q. What doe these Sacraments especially hold forth concerning Christ?
A. His sacrifice and death, and so they hold proportion with the Gospel, which is a doctrine concerning Christ, and him crucified, Rom. 6. 3. 1 Cor. 11. 26. 1 Cor. 1. 2.
Q. How doe they serve, to promote the application of Christ, and spirituall blessings by him?
A. They serve hereunto not onely by way of signification, but also by way of obsignation, [Page] and so are to be considered as Seales of the Covenant,
Q. What is signified and sealed in Baptisme?
A. The death of Jesus Christ, our union with him, and interest in all the benefits by him, particularly, remission of sinnes, and sanctification, Rom. 6. 4. Acts 2. 38.
Q. What is signified, and sealed in the Lords Supper?
A. Our continuance in the fellowship of Christ, our living upon him, growing and increasing in him, who as he became a sacrifice to satisfie for sinne, so is he become spirituall meate, for the nourishment of our soules, Titus 2. 5. Ephes. 5. 2. John 6. 55.
Q. Doe not the Sacraments serve to promote the obedience that is to be performed under the Covenant, as well as the application of the mercies thereof?
A. They serve strongly to both purposes, for as the application of the mercies is furthered by way of signification, and obsignation, so is the performance of dutie furthered by way of profession and obligation, Rom. 6. 23. Col. 3. 2, 3.
Q. What doe we make profession of, and binde our selves unto in Baptisme?
A. Wee professe our selves to be such as [Page] belong to Christ, beare his name, have fellowship with him in his death, and resurrection, and binde our selves to walke sutably her unto, in dying to sinne, and rising to newnesse of life, Mat. 28. 19. Colos. 2. 12.
Q. What doe wee make profession of, and binde our selves unto in the Lords Supper?
A. Wee professe our continuance in that holy fellowship, and binde our selves to walk worthy of it, denying to have any fellowship in the unfruitfull workes of darknesse, 1 Cor. 10. 16.
Q. What are the inward means of applying this Covenant?
A. Two; The one principall, the other instrumentall.
Q. What is the principall?
A. The Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is sent into the hearts of such as are the children of the Covenant, and heires of promise, to convince them of their owne sinfulnesse, and of Gods righteousnesse, making them willing to submit to it, and able to close with it, Gal. 4. 6. Joh. 16. 8, 9. Psal. 110. 13.
Q. What is the instrument all means of applying this Covenant?
A. Faith, which is the gift of God, and therefore given, that the soule may be made [Page] able, to take hold of the Covenant, and be actually possessed of the blessings of it, to justification, and life, Ephes. 2. 8. Acts 13. 28. & 15. 11. Joh. 1. 12.
Q. What are men required to beleeve, that they may be made partakers of Christ, and the blessings of the Covenant?
A. They are to beleeve, that Christ came into the world to save sinners, and such as are lost: and perceiving themselves to be such, to looke up unto him, and to relie upon him for salvation, 1 Tim. 1. 15. Esa. 45. 22.
Q. Are not men bound to beleeve, that Christ died for them in particular?
A. They are bound to labour after such a particular perswasion, but they are justified by a faith of adherence, although they have not attained unto the faith of evidence and assurance, Heb. 6. 11. Mat. 15. 1.
Q. What is the chiefest end, tbat God aimes at in making this Covenant, and admitting sinners into it?
A. The praise of the glory of his grace, and that Jesus Christ may in all things have the preheminence, Ephes. 1. 6. 12. Col. 1. 18.
Q. How is this end attained?
A. By Gods enabling men to beleeve, and so to submit to his righteousnesse in Jesus [Page] Christ, which beleeving as it is the instrument of applying the Covenant, so is it the maine and principall part of that obedience which is required, and performed under this Covenant, Rom. 10. 3, 4. Rom. 16 26.
Q. Doth not love to God, and our neighbour, belong to that obedience, which is to be performed under the new Covenant?
A. Vndoubtedly it doth: But then wee are to consider, the commandement that binds to it, as a new Commandement, 1 Joh. 2. 7, 8.
Q. Why doe you call it a new commandement?
A. In two regards: first, In regard of the principles, in strength of which it is performed: secondly, In regard of the motives whereby it is urged.
Q What are the principles?
A. First, The Spirit of grace, and adoption, which is therefore called a Spirit of love: Secondly, Justifying faith, 2 Tim. 1. 7.
Q. What are the motives?
A. Gods loving us, and giving his Sonne to dye for us, his reconciling us unto himselfe by the death of his Sonne, pardoning our iniquities, pittying our weaknesses; which principles, and motives, the Covenant of workes takes no notice of, Ephes. 4. 32. 1 Tim. 1. 5. 1 Joh. 4. 11.
[Page] Q. What is then the difference between that obedience, which the Law required, and that which is performed under the Gospel?
A. The obedience under the Law was to be performed by such abilities, as were naturall to man; the obedience under the Gospel, is performed in strength of a renewing Spirit, and a justifying faith; the former is made up of love, and acts of it, the latter is begun in faith, and compleated by love; the former was the matter of our righteousnesse to justification, the latter, whether wee consider faith, or love, is not our righteousnesse, as they are acts of dutie performed by us: The former was to be perfect, both in parts and degrees, or else not accepted; the latter if it be universall, and sincere, is accepted with God, and that for the Covenants sake, Gal. 5. 16. Rom. 13. Ephes. 1. 15. Gal. 3. 12. Gal. 3. 10. Psal. 119. 6.
Q. What workings of heart will there be in those, whom God doth bring into the bond of this Covenant?
A. Such as are actually admitted into this Covenant, will discover more or lesse gracious workings towards God: First, In a way of prayer, and supplication: Secondly, In a way of selfe-resignation to God.
Explaine the former.
They will put the Covenant in suit, and what they finde to be matter of Gods promise, shall be matter of their prayer; If God promise to pardon iniquitie, they will pray, to have all iniquitie taken away; if God promise to give a new heart, they will pray, that God will create a cleane heart, and renew a right Spirit within them, 2 Sam. 7. 27. 2 Chron. 20. 6. 9. Jere. 31. Hosea 14. 2. Ezek. 36. Psal. 51.
Ʋnfold the latter.
The soule perceiving by the Covenant, which it hath imbraced, Gods bountifull giving himselfe, and his Christ to it, gives it selfe backe againe to God, and comes to be in a covenanting frame, willing to be joyned to the Lord in an everlasting Covenant, 2 Cor. 8. 5. Jere. 50. 5.
Q. Doth the Covenant of the Gospel, make voyd the Law?
A. No, in no wise, the doctrine of faith, and free grace, doth contrarily establish the Law, Rom. 3. 31.
[Page] But the Apostle saith, Wee are not now nnder the Law, Rom. 6. 14.
A. Wee are not so under it, as to stand or fall by it, in respect of our eternall estates, not under it so as to seek righteousnesse to justification, by the workes of it, not under it so as to be subject to the curse of it, in case of sinfull swervings from it; But as it is a light, discovering what is good, and what is evill, withall commanding the one, forbidding the other, so are we under it, and stand bound to be ordered by it, Acts 13. Gal. 3. 13. Rom. 7. 7.
Q. What proofe can yee give hereof?
A. The New Testament doth abundantly prove this, take onely one Text, Ephes. 6, 2, 3. where the Apostle doth urge the Law in the very letter of it: Honour thy father and thy mother; for this is the first Commandemetn with promise, that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long on the earth.
Q. What is the state of such as neglect this Covenant which the Gospel holds forth?
A. They shew hereby that they are for present in a state of damnation, they despise the riches of Gods goodnesse, set light by the most precious bloud of the Lord Jesus, they neglect the great salvation, and unlesse they repent, they will most assuredly receive the greater [Page] damnation,
An APPENDIX, annexed hereunto, for further illustration of that which goeth before, concerning the use of the Covenant in a practicall way.
GODS dealing with man, is ordered out in a way of covenanting, yet so as that the Covenant of the Gospel, in respect of its outward administration, is ordered out with commands, charging man with his dutie. But then wee are so to consider the dutie, as matter of a command, as that wee also acknowledge it to be the matter of promise, in the strength whereof it is to be performed. And herein lyes a maine part of our spirituall wisdome, when our dutie is required of us, not to [...] abilitie in our selves, but to bring the precept to the promise, and to search what there is in [Page] the promise, and Covenant, as matter of free conveyance, answering to that which the precept requires, and so to sue out by prayer, the blessing of the promise, that wee may be enabled to performe the dutie of the precept.
Precept. It is mans duty to beleeve, Mark▪ 1. 15.
Covenant. The Covenant holds forth beleeving as a free gift, Ephes. 2. 8.
Prayer. Prayer sues it out, Lord helpe my unbeliefe, Mark. 9. 24.
Precept. It is mans dutie to repent and turne to God, Acts 17. 30.
Covenant. The Covenant holds forth repentance, as the gift of God, Acts 5. 31. 2 Tim. 2. 25.
Prayer. Prayer sues it out, Turne thou mee, and I shall be turned, Jere. 31. 18.
Precept. It is required of man, as a dutie, to make him a new heart, Ezek. 16. 31.
Promise. It is Gods promise, to give a new heart, Ezek. 36. 26.
Prayer. Prayer rises up sutably to that promise; Create in mee, a cleane heart, O God, and renew a right Spirit within mee, Psal. 51. 10.
[Page] Precept. It is mans dutie to love God, Mat. 22. 37.
Promise. It is Gods Covenant to circumcise the heart to love him, Deut. 30. 6.
Prayer. Prayer workes out in the strength thereof, That God would direct the heart, to the love of him, 2 Thes. 3. 5.
Precept. It is mans dutie to feare God, Deut. 10. 12.
Promise. It is Gods promise to put his feare into our hearts, Jere. 32. 40.
Prayer. Prayer pursueth it, Ʋnite my heart to feare thy Name, Psal. 86. 11.
Precept. It is mans dutie to wash and be cleane, Esa. 1. 16.
Promise. It is Gods promise, to sanctifie and cleanse, Ezek. 36. 25.
Prayer. It is the businesse of prayer, to sue out this promise, Wash mee, and I shall be cleane, Psal. 51. 7.
Precept. It is mans dutie to draw neare to God, James 4. 8.
Promise. It is Christs promise, to draw men unto him, John 12. 32.
Prayer. Prayer riseth up sutably hereunto, Draw me, and we will run after thee, Cant. 1. 4.
[Page] Precept. It is mans dutie to walke in Gods Statutes, Psal. 119. 4.
Promise. It is Gods promise, to enable him so to doe, Ezek. 36. 27.
Prayer. Prayer workes up accordingly; On that my wayes were directed to keepe thy Statutes, Psal. 119. 5.
Precept. It is mans dutie to be strong in the Lord, Ephes. 6. 10.
Promise. It is Gods promise, to make him strong, Psal. 29. 11.
Prayer. Prayer fetcheth strength from him; Give thy strength to thy servant, Psal. 86. 16.
Precept. It is mans dutie, not to depart from God, Heb. 3. 12.
Promise. It is Gods promise to his people, that they shall not depart from him, Jere. 32. 40.
Prayer. Prayer answers hereto; Oh let me not wander from thy Commandements, Ps. 119. 10.
For thou, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee, 2 Sam. 7. 27.
[Page] BEhold here yee children of the Covenant, and heires of promise, a new and living way, consecrated by bloud, paved with promises; a way of strength to the upright; wherein they may walke from strength to strength, till they appeare before God in Sion. Let no discouraging thoughts, concerning the difficultie of the way, which is set before you, possesse your hearts, so as to hinder your ready application to it, and cheerfull progresse in it. A yoke you are commanded to take upon you, but such as is made most easie to beare, because that God who layeth it upon you, hath covenanted to strengthen, and support you; [...]e who is righteous in commanding, is gracious in promising; be you strong in beleeving, and fervent in prayer, and your work will be your meate, your dutie your delight. I conclude all with the last words of the sweet Psalmist of Israel, the man who was raysed up on high, and that by Gods free Covenant, who having had experience of his own frailtie, and fore-apprehending the sad changes that should after come upon his house, yet [Page] comforted himselfe from the consideration of the stabilitie of Gods gracious Covenant,
Although my house be not so with God (i. e.) as a morning without clouds, and of a cleare shine, yet hath he made with me an everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, altbough he make it not to grow.