A Treatise of Faith, Part 2 · Chapter 4
CHAP. IIII.
What it is to liue by Faith concerning the promiſes of euerlaſting life.
AS if it were a light thing, that God ſhould forgiue all our ſinnes,Pſal. 103.3, 4. and heale our infirmities, he hath giuen promiſe of euerlaſting life to bee conferred of his rich grace vponupon them that belieue in Ieſus Chriſt. God ſo loued the world, that he gaue his onelyonly begotten Sonne, that whoſoeuer belieueth in him, ſhould not periſh, but hauehave euerlaſting life. Eternall life is promiſed. Iohn 3.16.And Chriſt hath purchaſed life euerlaſting no leſſe for vsus, then righteouſneſſe:Heb. 10.19, 20. By the bloud of Ieſus we may be hold to enter into the Holieſt, by the new and liuing way which he hath conſecrated for vsus, through the vaile, that is to ſay, His fleſh. For this cauſe hee is the Mediatour of the New Teſtament, Heb. 9.15.that by meanes of death, for the redemption of the tranſgreſſions, that were vnderunder the firſt Teſtament, they which are called, might receiue the promiſe of eternall inheritance. And therefore as he is ſaid to hauehave made reconciliation for iniquitie, Dan. 9.24. 2 Tim. 1.10.and to hauehave brought in euerlaſting righteouſneſſe: ſo alſo to hauehave aboliſhed death, and brought life and immortalitie to light. And he makes promiſe of euerlaſting life to them that heare and obey his voice.Iohn 10.27, 28. Marke 16.16. Acts 16.31. Iohn 6.40. & 20 31. 1 Iohn 2.25. My ſheepe heare my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; And I giuegive vntounto them eternall life, and they ſhall neuer periſh. In the Goſpell wee find eternall life promiſed vponupon condition of faith in Chriſt; Belieue on the Lord Ieſus Chriſt, and thou ſhalt be ſaued: and what God promiſeth of free grace, that faith doth certainly receiue. Life is promiſed vponupon condition of faith, and by faith wee are quickened, entitled vntounto, and made pertakers of life euerlaſting.Iohn 3.36. Hee that belieueth on the Sonne, hath euerlaſting life; Hee that heareth my Word, and belieueth on him that ſent me, hath euerlaſting life, Iohn 5.24.and ſhall not come into condemnation, but hath paſſed from death to life. This is the record, 1 Iohn 5.11, 12, 13.that God hath giu…n to vsus eternall life, and this life is in his Sonne. He that hath the Sonne hath life; and he that not the Sonne, hath not life. If once we be b…ought to belieue in Chriſt, life et…rnall is then begun in vsus. This is life eternall, Iohn 17.3.to know (that is, with the knowledge of faith) thee to be the onelyonly true God, and Ieſus Chriſt whom thou haſt ſent. Col. 3.4. Epheſ. 3.17.For Chriſt is our life, who dwels in our hearts by faith: and therefore whoſoeuer belieue in him, hauehave life through and with him. And this life is not another, but one in ſubſtance with that bleſſed and glorious eſtate, which the Saints enioy in Heauen, though different in degree. Againe, when firſt we belieue, then wee are intituled to life euerlaſting, and ſo hauehave the accompliſhment of glorie in reſpect of right and proprietie.1. Pet. 1.3.4. Bleſſed bee the God and Father of our Lord Ieſus Chriſt, which according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten vsus againe vntounto a liuely hope, by the reſurrection of Ieſus from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and vndefiled, and that fadeth not away. That being iuſtified by his grace, wee ſhould be made heires according to the hope of eternall life. For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God, Titus 3.7.by the death of his Sonne: much more being reconciled, wee ſhall be ſaued by his life. They which receiue abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteouſneſſe, Rom. 5.10. Verſe 17.ſhall raigne in life by one Ieſus Chriſt. To an earthly inheritance title followeth vponupon the birth; to the ſpirituall vponupon our Adoption. But when wee belieue in Chriſt, wee are then made the Sonnes of God by Adoption, yea, ſonnes accepted. To as many as receiued him, Epheſ. 1.6. John 1.12.to them gaue he priuiledge to become the Sonnes of God, euen to them that belieue on his Name. Behold, what manner of louelove the Father hath beſtowed vponupon vsus, that wee ſhould bee called the Sonnes of God. Beloued, 1. Iohn 3.1, 2.now are wee the Sonnes of God, Gal. 3.26, 29.and it doth not yet appeare, what we ſhall be. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Chriſt Ieſus, &c. And if yee be Christs, then are yee Abrahams ſeed, and hei…es according to the promiſe. Gal. 4.4, 5.When the fulneſſe of time was come, God ſent forth his Sonne made of a woman, made vnderunder the Law, to redeeme them that are vnderunder the Law, Verſe 7.that wee might receiue the adoption of Sonnes. Wherefore thou art no more a ſeruant, but a ſonne; Rom 8 14.and if a ſonne, then an heire of God through Christ. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the ſonnes of God, Verſe 17. Heb. 12.23. Therefore wee muſt belieue it.&c. And if children, then heires, heires of God, and ioynt heires with Chriſt. And for this cauſe the faithful… are called the Church of the first begotten, whoſe names are writt n in Heauen. Now if eternall life be promiſed in the Goſpell, purchaſed by Chriſt, and in right and title belong vntounto the faithfull, wee may conclude it is our part and dutie to belieue in God through Ieſus Chriſt, as well for the obtaining of eternall life to be giuen of grace, as the forgiueneſſe of our ſinnes.
It is very neceſſary to belieue it.And this is is neceſſarie, that we might with the more quietneſſe of Minde beare the afflictions and worldly loſſes, the troubles and perſecutions, which befall vsus in this world.Heb. 10.35, 36. Caſt not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward: for yee hauehave need of patience, that after yee hauehave done the will of God, yee might receiue the promiſe. Abraham is commended in Scripture, that he left his friends, his natiue Countrie, and all earthly hopes there, whi…h were not ſmall, and came to dwell in a ſtrange Land, as a Pilgrime, where he ſuffered many iniuries,Heb. 11.8, 9, 10. an… was exerciſed with many troubles of ſundry kinds: all which he endured with inuincible patience, by the hope and deſire of eternall life, and that heauenly Countrie whereunto hee was called. The hope of Heauen is the firme and ſure anchor of the ſoule, to ſuſtaine and ſtabliſh it that it bee not toſſed vp and downe and ouer-whelmed with reproaches and indignitiesHeb. 6 19. offered with the worldly loſſes & miſeries of this life.
It ſerues alſo to eſtabliſh our hearts againſt ſundry worldly cares and feares, affectation of earthly greatneſſe and carking for earthly neceſſaries. For why ſhould we admire the glory of this life, when moſt excellent glory, riches and happineſſe ioyned with it, is prepared and giuen vsus through faith in Chriſt? Why ſhould we doubt of earthly neceſſaries, when God hath bequeathed vntounto vsus an heauenly kingdome. Faith in Chriſt to receiue an incorruptible crowne of glory will moderate deſires of earthly things, that wee ſhall neither admire, nor aſpire after great things below, nor baſely diſt uſt the Lord for ſupply of what he knowes meete and conuenient for vsus. Feare not little flocke, Luk. 12.32.for it is your Fathers good pleaſure to giuegive you the Kingdome.
If wee keepe Heauen in our eye, and looke to the high price of our calling, wee ſhall fight couragiouſly, and runne with pa…ience, notwith…tanding all oppoſition. What can daunt him in the wayes of godlineſſe, or make him ſla…ke his pace, who runnes to obtaine not a corruptible, but an incorruptible crowne?1. Cor. 9.25. By faith ſome were tortured, not accepting deliuerance, Heb. 11.35.that they might obtaine a better reſurrection. Let vsus runne with patience vntounto the race that is ſet before vsus, Looking vntounto Ieſus, Heb. 12.1.2.the Author and finiſher of our faith, who for the ioy that was ſet before him, endured the croſſe, deſpiſing the ſhame, and is ſet downe at the right hand of the throne of God.
The acts of faith concerning theſe promiſes be theſe.The acts of faith concerning theſe promiſes.
Firſt, As an humble petitioner it receiueth and layeth hold vponupon ſaluation it ſelfe promiſed, which wee hauehave of Gods grace, as well as any benefite tending thereunto. As we are iuſtified by faith, ſo wee are ſaued by faith,Eph. 2.8. not in reſpect of preſent ſaluation or redemption, whereof here we are pertakers, but in reſpect of glorification to come, in due time to be reuealed. Belieue on the Lord Ieſus, Act. 16.31.and thou ſhalt hee ſaued. By faith wee hauehave acceſſe into this grace, Rom. 5.2.wherein wee ſtand, and reioyce in the hope of glory. When the Apoſtle ſaith, With the heart Man belieueth vntounto righteouſneſſe, Rom. 10.10.and with the mouth confeſſion is made vntounto ſaluation. H…e doth not ſo diſtinguiſh theſe two, as if faith were the cauſe of righteouſnes, confeſſion of ſaluation; or as if faith were ſufficient to righteouſnes, but not to ſaluation: for hee had often ſaid,Rom. 4 16. that wee are ſaued by faith, that the promiſe is by faith: But he deſcribes the qualification of that faith which iuſtifyeth and ſaueth, namely, that it is a ſtedfaſt affiance, that flyeth to God by heartie ſupplication, and breaketh forth into profeſſion of Gods name. The promiſe is,Rom. 10.11. Whoſoeuer ſhall call vponupon the name of the Lord ſhall be ſaued: and faith herein, flyeth to the throne of grace with ardent ſupplications, and layeth hold of ſaluation promiſed of grace.
Secondly, Faith doth not begin to apprehend life, and then leaue it it to works, that we might attain the accō pliſhment by thē, but it doth euer reſt vponupon the promiſe, vntill we come to enioy it. Heauen is an inheritance freely vouchſafed to the adopted ſonnes of God, whoſe intereſt vntounto it commeth by belieuing, not by working.Rom. 6.23. The gift of God is eternall life through Ieſus Chriſt our Lord: & if it be a gift of meere fauour, it cannot be of workes.Eph. 2.8.9.10. Gal. 3.18. If the inheritance be of the Law, it is no more of promiſe: but God gaue it to Abraham by promiſe. And that which God will doe about his children in the day of iudgement, is called mercy.2. Tim. 1.18. The Lord ſhew mercy to Oneſiphorus in that day. The immediate cauſe of life is Gods grace, as the immediate cauſe of death is ſin.Rom. 5.21. But if life be of grace, it is by faith. We are kept by the power of God through faith vntounto ſaluation.1. Pet. 1.5. So that our faith neuer giues ouer, till wee come to bee actually poſſeſſed of the immortall and vndefiled inheritance, reſerued for vsus in Heauen.
Thirdly, By faith we receiue the promiſed Spirit, as the earneſt of our inheritance, vntill the redemption of the purchaſed poſſeſſion.Gal. 3.14. Becauſe ye are ſonnes, God hath ſent forth the Spirit of his Sonne into your hearts, crying, Ezek. 34.29. Gal. 4 6. Rom. 8.15.Abba Father. The holy Ghoſt doth firſt infuſe the grace of faith into our hearts, whereby we belieue: but belieuing, and being made the ſonnes of God, wee receiue the Spirit more fully and manifeſtly, dwelling in vsus to ſanctification, and aſſurance of our Redemption. By the benefite of the holy Ghoſt faith ſpringeth in vsus, by which faith the abundance of the ſelfe-ſame ſpirit is increaſed: and ſo of a greater faith, is ſtill made a greater increaſe of the Spirit. In whom after yee belieued, Ephe. 1.13.yee were ſealed with the Spirit of promiſe. He that belieueth, Iohn. 7.38.out of his belly, ſhall flow riuers of liuing water. And theſe gifts of the Spirit, which we receiue by faith from Chriſt our Head, are the beginnings of that glorious life we expect and looke for; one in ſubſtance, different in degrees: and according to the meaſure of grace receiued, ſo is the life of glory begunne in vsus.
Fourthly, Faith in the promiſes of euerlaſting life, leadeth forward in the pathes of peace and righteouſnes: It mortifyeth corruption, ſtudyeth holineſſe,Math. 6.21. raiſeth the heart to things aboue, and directeth the conuerſation, according to the pollicie of the new Ieruſalem. Life etern…ll is not giuen for workes, but it is the good pleaſure of God, that his children ſhould be holy and exerciſe themſelues in all good workes.Rom. 8.13. Gal. 6.8. If yee through the Spirit doe mortifie the deeds of the body, yee ſhall liue. He that ſoweth to the Spirit, ſhall of the Spirit reape life euerlaſting. Bleſſed are the pure in heart, Math. 5 8.for they ſhall ſee God. Follow peace with all men, and holineſſe, Heb. 12.14.without which no man ſhall ſee the Lord. Charge them that be rich in this world, that they bee not high minded, nor truſt in vncertaine riches, but in the liuing God, who giueth richly all things to inioy. That they doe good, that they be rich in good workes ready to diſtribute, willing to communicate; 1. Tim. 6.17.18.19.Laying vp in ſtore for themſelues a good foundation againſt the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternall life. But yee beloued, building vp your ſelues in your moſt holy faith, praying in the holy Ghoſt, keepe your ſelues in the louelove of God, Iude verſe 20.21. Iam. 1.12.25. Math. 35.34.35.looking for the mercy of our Lord Ieſus Chriſt vntounto eternall life. Come y…e bleſſed of my Father, inherit the kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungred, and yee gaue mee meate, &c. Theſe and ſuch like paſſages of Scripture ſhew, not the cauſe why, but the qualification of the perſons vntounto whom; not how it is deſerued, but what doth precede the beſtowing of life eternall. And faith that looketh for that bleſſed hope and layeth hold vponupon the promiſe of that heauenly and incorruptible inheritance, lifteth vp the heart into Heauen, kindleth louelove, inflameth with zeale, encourage h againſt difficulties, and inciteth to run the way of Gods Commandements. If probable hope of great aduantage drawes on the Merchant to vndertake a long and tedious voyage by Sea, notwithſtanding the many caſualties and perils wherewith it is beſet: faith in the aſſured promiſes of God concerning ſaluation, will ſet a man forward in his Chriſtian iourney, hold h…m on in his way with courage and chearefulneſſe; and hearten him to the workes of godlineſſe notwithſtanding the temptations of Satan, the allurements of the world, or oppoſitions of the fleſh to the contrarie.Phil. 3.20. Our conuerſation is in Heauen, from whence alſo wee looke for the Sauiour, the Lord Ieſus Chriſt. Col. 1.3.4.5.Wee giuegive thankes to God, and ſince wee heard of your faith in Christ Ieſus, and of the louelove which yee hau to all the Saints, For the hope which is laid vp for you in Heauen. Heb. 11.13 14.15.16.By faith Abraham, Iſa…c, and Iacob confeſſed that they were pilgrimes and ſtrangers on the earth, and hauing oportunitie would not returne into their owne countrey, becauſe they deſired a better countrey, that is, an heauenly.
Fiftly, It ſeeketh to get our title confirmed and aſſured to the conſcience by euidence and earneſt or pawne; it exerciſeth it ſelfe vponupon the many gratious promiſes, whereby God doth freely paſſe it vponupon vsus,Pſ. 119.5.6. and earneſtly beggeth the powerfull effectuall inhabitation of the Spirit to ſtampe and imprint the Image of Chriſt more and more vponupon the ſoule; it peruſeth it euidence againe and againe, and nouriſheth the motions, ſtirreth vp the graces of the Spirit, which is the earneſt pennie and ſe…le of the promiſed inheritance. If Men make an earthly purchaſe, they wil ſpare no coſt or labour to get it aſſured, they will hauehave good euidence, fine and recouerie and take what courſe in time may exempt it from claime; and faith receiuing the promiſe of this purchaſed in…eritance, will not reſt in vncertainties or preſumption, but doth trauaile to hauehave it aſſuredly paſſed and made vponupon the ſoule.
Sixtly, It ſtriueth to enter the poſſeſſion of this heauenly kingdome by degrees.Phil. 3.10.12.13. Men that purchaſe an inheritance to come in hereafter, they are glad if any part fall into their hands for the preſent, or if they can get ſome by parcels, before the whole be poſſeſſed. Fulneſſe of glory is reſerued to the life to come: but beginnings of glory, peace of conſcience, ioy in the holy Ghoſt, and ſanctification of the Spirit, are vouchſafed here. Grace is the beginning of glory, and glory the perfection of grace. According to the meaſure of grace receiued, and as we grow vp in Sanctification, ſo wee enter vponupon the poſſeſſion of our eternall inheritance. And true liuely faith doth couet grace more and more and draw vntounto it ſelfe from Chriſts fulneſſe.
Seuenthly, It earneſtly deſires and longeth after the full accompliſhment of glory.Rom. 8.13. Our ſelues alſo which hauehave the firſt fruits of the Spirit, euen wee our ſelues groane within our ſelues, waiting for the Adoption, to wit, the redemption of the Body. I deſire to depart, and to be with Chriſt, which is farre better. Phil. 1.23.Saluation is the end of faith: Heauen the habitation or home of the faithfull. For in this we grone earneſtly, 2. Cor. 5.2.deſiring to be clothed vponupon with our houſe, which is from Heauen. Naturall bodies moue to their proper place; all liuing things couet perfection in their kind: heauen is the proper place and condition of the faithfull, life eue…laſting the perfection of faith: therefore if faith bee liuely; it longeth after the fruition of glory, and full poſſeſſion of the promiſed inheritance.
Eightly, It aſſureth that wee are made heire of euerlaſting life, to which God of his grace will bring vsus in his time appointed.1 Iohn 3.1. Behold what louelove the Father hath beſtowed vponupon vsus, that we ſhould be called the ſons of God. Beloued, Verſe 2.now are wee the ſonnes of God, and it doth not y…t appeare what we ſhall be: Verſe 14.We know that we hauehave paſſed from death vntounto life, becauſe we louelove the brethren. Neither doth the manner of ſpeaking ſauour of ought but certaintie, neither could it agree with the grauitie of the Apoſtle to ſpeake ſo indefinitely, ſo indeterminately of that, whereof hee had no certaine ground, no firme reſolution, but onelyonly ſome likely gueſſe, or coniecturall hope. And grant it of Iohn & the Apoſtles that they knew their owne Adopt…on, and we may inferre, that this knowledge is a priuiledge of all belieuers in their meaſure as well as theirs.2. Pet. 1.1. Rom. 8.34.35.36 37. 1. Iohn 2.2. Rom. 5.1.2.3. For the faith whereby they were aſſured, was ordinarie; the grounds of aſſurance common to them with all true belieuers; the benefite it ſelfe generall▪ not in any ſpeciall manner appropriated. What promiſes ſoeuer concerning life and happineſſe were made to the Apoſtles, the ſame are made to all belieuers, and confirmed and ſealed vntounto them after the ſame manner. For they hauehave all one God,Eph 4.4.5.6. one Chriſt, one Spirite they are vnderunder one Couenant, and liue by the ſame faith. The Adoption of Belieuers is confirmed on Gods part vntounto them by his word, ſeales, oath, pledge and witneſſe of his Spirit with the graces thereof. And what God ſo ſufficiently confirmeth, we by faith may receiue it: for faith inableth vsus to belieue what God reuealeth. Faith giueth aſſurance, but eueryevery belieuer is not aſſured in himſelfe,Pſal. 31.22. and 77.7. Pſal. 42.5. and 43.3. Exod. 19.5. Pſal. 135.4. Cant. 7.6. Pſa. 16.5. Deut 32.9. Pſal. 83.3. Mal. 3.17. Zech. 2.8. Pſal. 108.6. and 127.2. Cant. 8.6. Eſay 49.16. Ioh 14.23. I…ſ. 1.9. Pſal. 109.31. and 12.5. Pſal. 73.23. Pſal. 27.5. 1. Sam 2.9. Pſalm 56.8. Math. 10.30. Pſal. 38.9. Ier. 31.20. Deut. 33.29. 1. Pet. 5.10. Phil. 4.19. Pſal. 62.2.6.7. and 71.5. Ioel 3.16. 2. Cor. 1.3. Pſal. 25 12. Heb. 13.21. Exo. 29.46. Reue. 21.3 2. Chron 16.9. Pſal. 37 4. and 145.19. Prou. 10.24. nor is any aſſurance in this life, ſo certaine, that it is neuer intermixed, nor diſturbed with doubtings. There is a ſtate in which faith ſhewe…h it ſelfe, rather in earneſt longings and paintings after mercy, then in certaine apprehenſion of it: there is a ſtate of infancie, a ſtate of temptation and ſpirituall conflict, in which the ſoule cannot attaine this certaintie and aſſurance. And euen in the growen and confirmed ſtate the belieuer muſt not looke to walke on ſmoothly without any rubs, or to enioy perfect aſſurance without doubtings and aſſaults. The aſſurance of this belieuer is an aſſurance aiming and ſtriuing after aſſurance; an aſſurance wreſtling and combating with many aſſaults: an aſſurance which labours wi…h continuall weakenes and lookes not to come to perfection but by temptations. But of this before.
God in great mercy doth vouchſafe to his Adopted ſonnes many excellent royalties in this life. They are moſt pretious vntounto him, His chiefe treaſure, His louelove for delights, his peculiar people, the lot of his inheritance, his choſen, his hidden ones his iewels. Hee that toucheth them, toucheth the apple of his eye. They are his Beloued, as the ſignet vponupon his right hand. Hee dwelleth with them, he followeth them whither ſoeuer they goe; hee ſtands at their right hand, and holds them vp by it. Hee coue…s them vnderunder his pauillion, hee keepes their feete, hee counts their wandrings, hee numbreth their heires, hee obſer…es their ſighes, is moued with compaſſion vponupon their complaints, hee is the ſhield of their helpe, the ſword of their excellencie, and the God of all grace, who will fulfill all their neceſſities. Hee is their hope, their helpe, their health, their rocke, their refuge, the Father of mercies and God of all conſolation. Hee will teach them in the way that they ſhould chooſe, and make them perfect in good workes: He will eſtabliſh them in eueryevery good word and worke, he will walke with them, his eye is euer vponupon them for good, and he will giuegive them their hearts deſi…e. They hauehave the Angels of God to miniſter vntounto them for the…r ſafeguard and protection;Heb. 1.14. Pſal 34 7. 1. Cor. 3.22.23. Heb. 2.7.8. 1. Tim 4.2.3. they hauehave dominion ouer the creatures of the earth, and the free vſe of them, both for neceſſitie and delight. This is a true ſaying; The charter anciently giuen by that great Lord of all at our firſt conuerſion, touching the vſe of his creatures, was forfeited into the hands of the Doner by Adams fall. But it is reſtored and renewed by Chriſt to them who a…e honoured with the Adoption. The heires of heauen are the right inheritors of the earth. The Sonnes of God, by Adoption are Brethren and Coheires with Chriſt whom the Father hath appointed heire of all things:Rom. 8.17. and hence ariſeth vntounto them the holy vſe of …he creatures,Heb. 1.2. and miniſterie of the Angells. Are chaſtiſements needfull or behooffull for them?Iere. 46.28. Eſay. 54.8. Heb. 12.10, 11. Ier. 24.5. Eſay 27.9. Pſal. 89.31.32. 1. Pet 4.14. Rom. 8.28. Acts of Faith that ariſe from the priuiledges of the godly. He will correct them in meaſure, for a moment f…r good, to take away ſinne: but his louing kindneſſe he will not take from them, nor ſuffer his faithfulneſſe to faile. Are they loaded with reproaches for righteouſneſſe ſake? The Spirit of glorie, and of God ſhall reſt vponupon them. In a word whatſoeuer may happen, All things ſhall worke together for the beſt vntounto them. And ſeeing God hath prepared and promiſed ſuch excellent priuiledges vntounto his children in this life, hence it is, that faith reſteth vponupon his grace to receiue from him whatſoeuer may be good and profitable for them. O how great is the goodneſſe, which thou haſt laid vp for them that feare thee: Pſal. 31.19.which thou haſt wrought for them that truſt in thee, before the ſonnes of men? Verſe 20.Thou ſhalt hide them in the ſecret of thy preſence from the pride of man: thou ſhalt keepe them ſecretly in a pauilion, Pſal. 36.7.from the ſtrife of tongues. How excellent is thy louing kindneſſe, O Lord; therefore the children of men put their truſt vnderunder the ſhadow of thy wings. verſe. 8.They ſhall bee abundantly ſatisfied with the fulneſſe of thy houſe: and thou ſhalt make them drinke of the riuer of thy pleaſures. The Lord is my ſhepheard, Pſal. 23.1.I ſhall not want. He ſhall leade his flocke like a ſhepheard: he ſhall gather the lambes with his arme, Eſay 40 11.and cary them in this boſome, and ſhall gently lead thoſe that are with young. What can they want,Pſal. 146.5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Leuit. 26.12. 2. Cor. 6.16. Prou. 10.24. Eſay 49.15, 16. Deut. 14.2. who hauehave god to be their Father, to prouide for them, and protect them; to bleſſe them and dwell with them; to ſuccour them, and ſupply them with all needfull bleſſings ſpirituall and bodily, in fitteſt ſeaſon: whoſe eare is open to their deſires, whoſe compaſſions exceed the tendernes of a mother to her ſucking babe: who hath choſen them to be his owne proper good which he loueth, and keepeth in ſtore for himſelfe and for ſpeciall vſe. Thou Iſrael art my ſeruant, Iacob whom I hauehave choſen, the ſeed of Abraham my friend. Eſay 41 8, 9.Thou whom I hauehave taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chiefe men thereof, and ſaid vntounto thee; Thou art my ſeruant, I hauehave choſen th…e, and not caſt thee away. Feare thou not, for I am with thee: Verſe 10.bee not diſmayed, for I am thy God: I will ſtrengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will vphold thee with the right hand of my righteouſneſſe. Verſe 17.When the poore and needie ſeeke water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirſt, I the Lord will heare them, I the Lord of Iſrael will not forſake them. Verſe 18.I will open riuers in the high places, and fountaines in the midſt of the valley…s: I will make the wilderneſſe a poole of water, and the dry land ſprings of water.
Secondly, It petitioneth inſtantly for ſuccour. For it ſeeth in God whatſoeuer it needeth or deſireth, and will neuer ceaſe to ſeeke reliefe. The more confident it is to obtaine, the more importunate it will bee in ſuing. Oile put to the fire cauſeth the flame to aſcend: and the promiſes of helpe and ſuccour receiued by faith, put life and vigour into the petitions of faith, Heare, O Lord, Pſal. 27.7, 8. Verſe 9.when I cry with my voice: hauehave mercy alſo vponupon mee, and anſwere me. Hide not thy face farre from me, put not thy ſeruant away in anger: thou haſt beene my helpe, leaue me not, neither forſake me, O God of my ſaluation. Ʋnto thee wi…l I cry, Pſal. 28.1, 2.O Lord, my rocke, be not ſilent to me, leſt if thou be ſilent to me, I become like them that goe downe into the pit. Heare the voice of my ſupplications, when I cry vntounto thee: when I lift vp my hands towards thy holy Oracle. With-hold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord; Pſal 40.11.let thy louing kindneſſe, and thy truth continually preſerue me.
Thirdly, It receiueth earthly bleſſings as gifts of the couenant and part of his childes portion. God vouchſafeth outward things to wicked men of common bountie; but to his children the bleſſings of this life bee tokens of his louelove and ſpeciall good-will, and ſo receiued and embraced by faith. For ſubſtance the gift is one, both to the Iuſt and vniuſt: but in reſpect of the cauſe, poſſeſſion and vſe, there is great difference: which is diſcerned by faith, though it cannot be ſeene with the eye.Hoſea 2.20, 21, 22. I will euen betroth thee vntounto me in faithfulneſſe, and thou ſhalt know the Lord. And it ſhall come to paſſe in that day, I will heare, ſaith the Lord, I will heare the Heauens, and they ſhall heare the Earth, and the Earth ſhall heare the Corne, and the Wine, and the Oile, and they ſhall heare Iezreel.
Fourthly, Faith in theſe and the foreſaid promiſes doth greatly enlarge the heart towards God, and ſtirreth vp to a ſerious and earneſt ſtudie of holineſſe. If a Chriſtian be much in the meditation of Gods ſingular goodneſſe towards him eueryevery manner of way, aboue all that he could poſſibly aske or thinke, it will euen conſtraine him to yeeld vp himſelfe wholy vntounto God in all manner of godly conuerſation.Pſal. 26.2, 3. Examine me, O Lord, and proue me; try my reines and my heart: For thy louing kindneſſe is before mine eyes: and I hauehave walked in thy truth.
Fiftly, It doth inwardly quiet and cheere the heart in the midſt of manifold outward diſcouragements, troubles and perſecutions in the world. Hope of glorie in due time to be reuealed, and of continuall ſupply of all good th ngs from God in the meane ſpace to bee freely giuen, will ſt…bliſh the heart with ſtrong conſolation, and cauſe in outward p…ofeſſion of Ioy, to the glory of God, the encouragement of other faithfull people, and the amazement of the wicked.Heb. 10.34. This is to bee ſeene in the liues and deaths of Gods faithfull ſeruants, who tooke ioyfully the ſpoiling of their goods, knowing in themſelues that they had in Heauen a better, and an enduring ſubſtance; who for this hope, endured the croſſe, and deſpiſed ſhame, Heb. 12.2.as is teſtified of our Sauiour himſelfe. By faith, Moſes when he was come to yeares, refuſed to be called the ſonne of Pharoahs daughter; chuſing rather to ſuffer affliction with the people of God, then to enioy the pleaſures of ſinne for a ſeaſon: Heb. 11.24, 25, 26.Esteeming the reproach of Chriſt greater riches then the treaſures of Egypt: for he had reſpect vntounto the recompence of reward. Heb. 11.35.By faith others were tortured, not accepting deliuerance, that they might obtaine a better reſurrection.
The way or meanes to ſtirre vp faith in theſe promiſes,The meanes to ſtirre vp faith in theſe promiſes. is;
Firſt, to humble our ſelues vnfainedly in reſpect of our miſerable and accurſed eſtate by ſinne, and former careleſſeneſſe to ſeeke merciemercy, enter poſſeſſion and get aſſured euidence of that euerlaſting inheritance. Woe is mee, how I am fallen from that ſtate of bleſſedneſſe wherein I was firſt created, into a moſt miſerable and accurſed condition? I hauehave grieuouſly ſinned, and God is highly prouoked, the ſentence of the Law is alreadie gone forth, I am ſhut vp vnderunder wrath, and if I hauehave my deſert, I can expect nothing but the terrible execution of fearefull veng…ance denounced. Mortalitie as a worme corrupteth my bodie: ignorance and luſt tyrannize in my ſoule: my condition is expoſed to a thouſand vanities and weariſome courſes; and through feare of death the vpſhot of euils,Heb. 2.15. I am ſubiect to bondage all my life. In my firſt eſtate I was made far aboue all viſible Creatures, and by free bountie lifted vp to bee the Fauourite of the moſt High God: but by wilfull diſobedience, I am fallen into Gods diſpleaſure, and lie priſon…r vnderunder the reuenging iuſtice of the law. Nor is my wretched condition worſe then my careleſneſſe to be deliuered from it. The bruite beaſts take it as a grieuous thing to bee enſnared and taken: but I hauehave delighted in bond…ge, and counted it a libertie to liue a ſlaue to Satan, and to follow things and courſes pleaſing corrupt nature. Thou Lord of thine infinite grace haſt proclaimed libertie, publiſhed peace, and made offer of a better ſtate and condition in Chriſt, then what I formerly loſt in Adam: But I preferred ſpirituall thraldome to libe tie, death to life, and choſe rather to follow the temptations of Satan, and to fulfill the luſts of the fleſh, then to come vntounto Chriſt that I might be ſaued. The men of this world are wiſe in their generation to accept of earthly commodities when they bee offered, and not to put by the opportunitie: but when the Lord hath made promiſe of euerlaſting life, if I would renounce the pleaſures of ſinne, and foregoe the vanities of this world, I hauehave followed vanitie and neglected merciemercy, I hauehave diſpiſed the great ſaluation, and walked in the paths of death and condemnation. O Lord, it is thine owne worke of grace in me, that euer I did bethinke my ſelfe of the danger of my courſe, and repent to lay hold vponupon the promiſes of life. Nor hath my ſlouth and negligence to ſeeke euidence, get aſſurance, and enter poſſeſſion of that glorious inheritance, by growing vp in peace, ioy, holineſſe and ſanctification, been leſſe od…ous, then former careleſſeneſſe. Since I hauehave been enlightned, and taſted of the heauenly gift, I hauehave ſleighted the promiſes of mercy, which ſhould hauehave been my continuall meditation; I hauehave neglected to get and keepe the holy ſpirit, holy in it ſelfe, making them holy in whom as temples it dwelleth, the ſeale and earneſt of the promiſed inheritance. Ah, what a dwarfe am I in holineſſe and ſanctification? for theſe many yeares how little hauehave I gained? My ſpirituall ſight is exceeding dimme, my paſſions boiſterous, my heart vnquiet, my thoughts euill, my nature corrupt. I am dull to good, apt to ſinne, feeble and of no power to withſtand temptations, ſhaken with many feares touching my ſaluation, ſoone vnſetled and remoued from ſtedfaſtneſſe by any contrarie oppoſition, fartheſt to ſeeke for euidence and aſſurance when I ſtand in greateſt need. All this is come vponupon me through mine owne fooliſhneſſe: becauſe I hauehave not acquainted my ſelfe with the promiſes of grace, nouriſhed the motions of the Spirit, carefully improued the gifts receiued, endeauoured after perfection, and laboured to bee ſealed more and more with the promiſed Spirit. What might I hauehave growen vntounto in Chriſt, if I had inſtantly deſired the Spirit of Grace of him who giueth it, heeded the inſpirations and ſuggeſtions of it, and by all conſcionable meanes? ſought increaſe of grace, and aſſurance of ſaluation? Long ere now I might hauehave attained fulneſſe of ſpirituall wiſdome and vnderſtanding, ſtrength of faith, power of grace, ſweet communion and fellowſhip with God, libertie and freedome to walke with God, comfortable poſſeſſion in part, and good aſſurance of eternall life in due time to bee accompliſhed: whereas by reaſon of ſloth and negligence the powers of grace are ſo enfeebled, that I can ſcarce breathe, ſigh, crawle in the way to Heauen, my heart is deſolate, I am a ſtranger to the comforts of godlineſſe, terrified with the remembrance of death, readie to faint at the apprehenſion of trouble and danger, and continually diſquieted with feares and doubts touching mine owne ſaluation, if the world with the things thereof hauehave not caſt mee into the ſleepe of ſecuritie for a ſeaſon. The ſlothfull man is iuſtly condemned, who had rather ſtarue in Summer for lacke of bread, then plough in winter becauſe of the cold: Wee cenſure him that had rather go lame and crooked as long as hee liueth, then bee at a little paine to moue an aking ioynt. He is worthily accounted improuident, who neglecting to gather in his writings, or ſue out fine and recouerie, will h…zard the loſſe of his whole inheritance. My folly hath exceeded herein, who to liue in peace and quiet with ſinne, hauehave impoueriſhed my ſoule, in…paired my ſtocke of grace, wounded my conſcience, depriued my ſelfe of many rich priuiledges of grace, which I might hauehave enioyed, weakened my title to mine euerlaſting inheritance, and beene contented to creepe feebly towards the heauenly Canaan; thinking it better to keepe where I was with quiet, then to make my condition, by ſtill dealing with my ſelfe too too reſtleſſe. The ſluggards ſhameleſſe excuſe hath fearefully bewitched me; Better is an handfull with eaſe, Eccleſ. 4.6.then both hands full with trauell and vexation of Spirit. The more excellent the inheritance I hope for is, the more deteſtable is my ſluggiſhnes and folly, that I hauehave not earneſtly ſought to make it ſure vntounto my ſelfe, and entred poſſeſſion thereof ſo farre as in this life is giuen of grace.
Secondly, We muſt incite and ſtirre vp our ſelues to receiue the promiſes of euerlaſting life, by conſideration of the free and rich grace of God, his truth and faithfulneſſe, the ſufficiencie of Chriſts merits and greatneſſe, excellencie and worth of the benefit promiſed. Awake, my ſoule, why ſleepeſt thou; ariſe, and lay hold vponupon the promiſes of life, which God of his great mercy in Ieſus Chriſt doth offer vntounto thee in the Goſpell. Be not diſmayed by reaſon of thine vnworthineſſe, for the promiſe is of grace, freely offered, and freely giuen to them that be moſt vnworthy in their owne eyes. Thou art vnworthy of the leaſt crumme of mercy, but of his rich merciemercy God hath made promiſe of higheſt aduancement vntounto thee,2. Cor. 6.18. if thou wilt embrace it. I will be a Father vntounto you, and ye ſhall be my ſonnes and daughters, ſaith the Lord Almighty. He that ouercommeth ſhall inherit all things, And I will be his God, & he ſhall be my ſonne. Apoc. 21.7. Rom. 9.26.And it ſhall be in the place where it was ſaid vntounto them, ye are not my people, that there they ſhall be called the children of the liuing God. Life eternall is giuen of grace, not ſold for works; receiued by faith, not purchaſed by deſert: and the more worthleſſe thou art in thy owne lowly conceit, the more ſhal the grace of God be magnified in thine exaltation. Chriſt hath purchaſed righteouſneſſe & euerlaſting life: belieue in him, and liue for euer. The Son of God debaſed himſelfe to become the Sonne of Man,Gal 4 4, 5. Phil. 2.7, 8. and to be made vnderunder the law, that he might redeeme vsus that were vnderunder the Law; that wee might receiue the Adoption of ſonnes. Oh the bountifulneſſe and louelove of God to man,Titus 3 4. by ſo great a price to purchaſe ſo high a dignity, that we ſhold bee called the Sonnes of God, and bee pertakers with Chriſt of all his glorie in his Fathers kingdome. O my ſoule, why art thou ſo dull and ſluggiſh? Wherefore doſt thou not put forth thy ſelfe to embrace and receiue ſuch an ineſtimable benefit. If the worth of things may be meaſured by their price, well then may the Sonſhip of true Belieuers be valued at the higheſt rate. Who can ſufficiently admire the dignitie of this eſtate (to be the Sonne of God) which could not bee procured ſaue only by this infinite price, the making of him become nothing, by whom God in the beginning made eueryevery thing? It is eſteemed a matter of great honour to be the ſeruant of the Prince in ſome ſpeciall place of eminencie in the Common-wealth: How doe men ſeeke and ſue for ſuch Offices? how do they reioyce when their deſires are accompliſhed? But there is no compariſon betwixt the ſeruant of a Prince, and the Sonne of God; the fauour of a Prince, and the Fatherly louelove of God; the dignitie of the Court, and the Ioyes of Heauen; a temporall office, and an eternall inheritance. It is better and more honourable to be the ſeruant of God, then the Commander of men; to be an heire apparant to Heauen, then the poſſeſſor of the whole World. There is a great opinion, and not without iuſt cauſe, of the eſtate of our firſt Parents, Adam and Eue, whileſt they were in Paradiſe, before their fall. But their eſtate, notwithſtanding all their priuiledges, ornaments and fauours, exceeded not the condition of ſeruants. Had they continued in obedience to their Creator, they ſhould hauehave beene exempted from all miſerie, and confirmed in perfect bleſſedneſſe: But they could neuer hauehave attained this dignitie. To bee made the Sonnes of God by Adoption, of meere, rich, and vndeſerued louelove in Chriſt. And is it not an admirable prerogatiue, to bee brought by Chriſt into a more excellent ſtate, then that which Adam in his innocencie and glorie had iuſt cauſe to wonder at. The low degree from which we are raiſed, doth commend this, and as the gratiouſneſſe of him who preferreth, ſo the excellencie of that ſtate whereunto the Belieuer is exalted. Of the ſeruants of ſinne, to be made the Sonnes of God; of the vaſſals of Satan, to bee taken to raigne with Chriſt in glory for euermore; of children of wrath, dead in treſpaſſes, to be begotten againe to the hope of an inheritance, immortall, vndefiled, that fadeth not; what an vnſpeakable fauour is this? O my ſoule ariſe, ſtirre vp thy ſelfe ſtedfaſtly to receiue the promiſe of life; and hold it faſt: for Gods promiſes are certaine, neuer leſſe, but rather more in accompliſhment then in tender. Enter poſſeſſion, and get the inheritance ſealed vntounto thee. Would not a poore Beggar, if he ſhould vnderſtand of ſome great and goodly inheritance bequeathed vntounto him in a farre countrey, much reioyce therein, long to goe ſee it, and take poſſeſſion of it. In matters of weight men louelove great earneſt and good aſſurance: for great aduantage they will endure any paines, hazard many difficulties. Did men know the worth and glory of the kingdome of Heauen, freely offered, and that without all expiration of time, to be poſſeſſed here in part of them that will receiue it, fully hereafter, when their dayes on earth be determined, would they not ſeeke it with all earneſtneſſe, inquire after good euidence, get ſound aſſurance, and labour the poſſeſſion of it more and more? Men ſeeke earthly things, and often miſſe of their deſires: but the promiſe of Heauen is ſure and ſtedfaſt, and hee that reſteth vponupon the Lord ſhall not bee confounded. Euerlaſting life is freely offered, but men are not left at libertie whether they will receiue and ſeeke it, or no.John 3.36. Hee that belieueth on the Sonne, hath euerlaſting life: and he that belieueth not the Sonne, ſhall not ſee life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. Doe not they periſh worthily, who preferre the pleaſures of ſinne, and honours of this tranſitorie life, before life euerlaſting, promiſed of grace, purchaſed by Chriſt, full laden with all fruits of true life, ioy, peace, and all choiceſt pleaſures, beyond compariſon exceeding whatſoeuer can be enioyed in this world both in worth and endleſſe ſettledneſſe? The labour to make Heauen ſure, which is full of pleaſure and delight, doth eaſe the heart of many burdenſome, diſtracting and cutting care. For if thou be the childe of God,Epheſ. 2.18. & 3.12. thou haſt libertie to come into his preſence, and to make thy requeſts knowne vntounto him with thankeſgiuing; Nothing that is truly euill ſhall betide thee. The plague ſhall not come nigh thy Tabernacle:Pſal. 91.10.13. Thou ſhalt walke vponupon the Lion and Aſpe, and tread them vnderunder feet: God will prouide all things neceſſary for ſoule and bodie, and ſee that no good thing be wanting vntounto thee.Pſal. 34.10. Math. 6.33. Seeke firſt the kingdome of God, and his righteouſneſſe, and all theſe things ſhall be added vntounto you. What then ſhould withdraw or hold me backe from belieuing the promiſe, and ſeeking the poſſeſſion of that inheritance. It is God who hath freely p…omiſed it, who can and will performe whatſoeuer hee hath ſpoken; it is Chriſt who hath purchaſed it by the ſacrifice of himſelfe once for all, why then ſhould I doubt? I am commanded to belieue, and belieuing the poſſeſſion of life is g…uen in part, which may bee increaſed by a daily addition to the graces and comforts of the Adopted; why ſhould I be negligent to ſeeke it confirmed and ſealed? Euerlaſting life is the only true life, full of ioy, peace and contentation; a durable treaſure which can neuer fade, a crowne that neuer withereth: and ſhall baſe things take vp the heart, when God calleth to ſeeke a moſt glorious and euerlaſting inheritance? Oh, the ineſtimable louelove and fauour of God, who makes offer of an Adoption and immortall Inheritance to the moſt contemptible wretches, that liue vponupon the face of the earth? The man that toiles hard all day long for a ſmall piece of ſiluer, or lies at the rich mans gate waiting for an Almes, the ſcraps that come from his Table: he is inuited to come vntounto Chriſt, that hee might obtaine a kingdome, an eternall kingdome that hath none end, an inheritance abundantly glorious; ſurpaſſing the glory & worth of all earthly treaſures & inheritances laid together, much more then all earthly treaſures doe exceed the worth of one pin. What an heart-break is it to a man, when he finds that by ſome default he hath forfeited ſome earthly matters, which he might hauehave held, had he bin warie? but what griefe and confuſion will this cauſe, when he ſhall ſee that through folly, ſloth, careleſſeneſſe, matchleſſe crueltie & vnthankfulneſſe, he hath loſt an euerlaſting inheritance of glory, which he might hauehave obtained? Meere poſſibility of cōpaſſing ſome great & extraordinary good is of more weight in ſwaying mens actions & inciting endeuours, then certaintie of accompliſhing pettie deſires. But certainty & cōmodity do here concurre in one. There is no good to the poſſeſſion of eternall life: no ſucceſſe certaine but this, that he who vnfainedly belieueth in Chriſt, ſhal inherit the crown of glory. It is good for me to draw nigh vntounto God, and put my truſt in his mercy; to lay faſt hold vpō the promiſes of life & protectiō, to get the ſpirit of Adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father, and fly vntounto his grace in Chriſt, to get my title made ſure and ſtrengthned vntounto my conſcience, and while time ſerueth, earneſtly to ſeeke the kingdome of God.
Thirdly, Wee muſt pray earneſtly that God would increaſe our faith, ſeale vsus by his Spirit, lead vsus in the way of peace, cauſe vsus to grow vp in holineſſe, make vsus wiſe to prize and value, to taſt and reliſh the ioyes of Heauen, and aſſure our conſciences of right and title to that euerlaſting inheritance. For it is God that ſealeth vsus, and makes vsus to read the ſealing; that promiſeth Heauen, and affecteth the heart with the goodneſſe and worth of the thing promiſed; that by the pledges of his fauour and the earneſt of his Spirit doth ſufficiently teſtifie our Adoption, and cauſe vsus certainely to apprehend what he doth teſtifie and aſſure. As the beginn…ng, ſo the progreſſe, comfort and aſſurance of life is from him, and inſtantly is to be begged of him. Faith receiueth the promiſe of life, and giues aſſurance of what is receiued, as it prayeth. Who am I O Lord, that thou ſhouldſt make ſuch ample and free promiſes vntounto thy poore ſeruant concerning his euerlaſting happineſſe? Of thy free mercy, and according to thine owne heart, haſt thou ſpoken all theſe great things, to make thy ſeruant know them. And now, O Lord God, eſtabliſh I beſeech thee the word that thou haſt ſpoken concerning thy ſeruant gratiouſly accept me for thy childe by the earneſt of thy Spirit and pledges of thy fauour, ſeale vntounto me the promiſed inheritance, and make me aſſuredly to know what great things thou haſt done, and what thoſe hopes be which are reſerued for me in Heauen. My ſight is dimme, not proportioned and fitted to ſo high an obiect, my affections carnall that I cannot ſet my ſelfe to purpoſe about this contemplation, the Deuill labours nothing more then to keepe me hood-winked this way O Lord, I beſeech thee inable mee to know this good and bleſſed hope, the matter of mine inheritence abundantly glorious, that my heart may bee ſtill in Heauen, and by thy Spirit lead mee into all truth and holineſſe,1. Theſſ. 2.12. 2. Theſſ. 1.12.14 that in due time I may poſſeſſe the Kingdome of glory whereunto I am called.Col. 1.5. Of thy free grace thou haſt called me by the Goſpell to this bleſſed hope, which is laid vp for me in Heauen: therefore is thy ſeruant bold to entreate the ſence of thy louelove, the knowledge of this Hope, the increaſe of grace, and aſſurace of thy merciemercy for euermore.
Fourthly, Wee muſt quicken our ſelues to reioyce in God, waite patiently and walke chearefully before him. Oh, the incomprehenſible louelove and fauour of the Lord. Was it euer found that any man of rancke or place did adopt the blind, lame, deafe, dumbe, or otherwiſe deformed to be heire, to ſucceed him in his inheritance? My ſoule, reioyce thou in the Lord, and bleſſe his holy Name, for he hath looked vponupon my baſe eſtate, and viſited me with mercy from on high: Of a ſtranger and forreiner, I am made a free denizon of the new Ieruſalem: of the bondſlaue of Satan, the friend of Chriſt, of the childe of wrath and damnation, the ſonne of God and heire of ſaluation. My Name is regiſtred in Heauen, an eternall weight of glorie is reſerued which the moſt righteous God hath promiſed, and in fitteſt ſeaſon will giuegive vntounto me. Why ſhould I doate on earthly braueries, who hauehave an eternall life that hath moſt excellent glory, honour, riches and happineſſe, aboue all the heart can comprehend, ioyned with it, prepared and giuen through faith in Chriſt. It were notable baſenes, if an heire of ſumptious and ſtately pallaces ſhould couet the poore cotages of beggars that ſtand by the high way ſide.Pſal. 16.5.6. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup: thou maintaineſt my lot. The lines are fallen vntounto me in pleaſant places; yea I hauehave a goodly heritage. My ſtudie and care ſhould be to know my heauenly hopes better and more fully, that I might weane my ſelfe the more willingly from all earthly vanities. Heauen is my home, my hope, mine inheritance: and where ſhould my heart be, but where my treaſure is, where my thoughts, but where my hope is? In this life I receiue only the firſt fruites of the Spirit, the earneſt of the inheritance: but I will waite patiently for the full poſſeſſion thereof, and walke charefully in the way that leadeth thereunto. In earthly things men are contented to waite for a good leaſe in reuerſion, and to lay out their money for that which ſhall not come to their hands till ſome liues be expired: and ſhould not I waite for the accompliſhment of glory there being but one life betwixt it and mee, and that is mine owne.