Great Precious Promises, Title page – To the reader
GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES, OR, Some Sermons concerning the Promises, and the right application thereof: Whereunto are added some other concerning the usefulness of Faith in advancing Sanctification. As also, three more concerning the Faith of Assurance.
By Mr. ANDREW GRAY, late Minister of the Gospel in Glasgow.
All being revised since his death by some friends. The last Impression carefully corrected and amended.
2 Cor. 7.1.
Having therefore these promises (dearly beloved) let us cleanse our selves from all filthinesse of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holinesse in the fear of God.
Edinburgh, Printed by George Swintoun and Iames Glen, Anno Dom. 1669.
To the Reader.
Christian Reader,
ALthough (upon some considerations) these following Sermons have been keeped back till now, and have waited the vacancy of the Presse from other things: yet was it at first intended (the connexion of the purposes so requiring) that they should have come forth as soon as some other of this precious Author, which we did formerly publish: And therefore in the Preface which we then prefixed, we did relate to both, and gave the Reader such advertisements as we conceived necessary, concerning the one as well as the other: So that we have nothing to do at present, but to put this little Piece into thy hands, commending it to thy serious thoughts, and the Lords blessing upon them. Neither shall we use many words to this purpose; Only, we find some help is offered unto thee, in three most weighty and concerning points of Christian Religion. 1. How by the lively exercise of faith; thou may apply the great and precious Promises. 2. How by faith thou may advance the work of Sanctification. And 3. How thy faith may grow up unto Assurance. Of all which we may truly say, that nothing can more seasonably take up the thoughts nor bring more advantage to the souls of the Lords people in these times.
O how necessary is it in such troublesome days, to learn, how through Faith and Patience, we may inherit the Promises: and now when our strong corruption (hath in a manner necessitate the wise Physician to mix unto us so bitter a cup, and give so strong a potion, in what a fainting and swouning condition must we be, if by the two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we reoeive not also the strong consolation.
Again, when profanity and ungodlinesse hath so abounded in these Nations, that from the top of the head to the sole of the foot, there is no soundnesse, but wounds and bruises, and putrifying sores: And when the corruptions of the Time like the sons of Zerviah, are grown too strong, even for the Davids who are amongst us; What should we study with more earnestnesse, then to purifie our hearts by faith, and by having these promises, to cleanse our selves from all filthinesse of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holinesse in the fear of the Lord? 3. When the Lord hath removed us so far from peace, that the souls of many have even forget prosperity, and the multiplied changes and revolutions in our days, hath so clearly demonstrate the instability of all sublunary glory, and so convincingly taught us, that this … not our …est; Vndoubtedly, it is time to look for a city that hath foundations, and to give all diligence to make our calling and election sure. The subject then is useful.
As to the manner of handling it: It is true, much accuracy and neatnesse, is not to be expected in any work of this nature, being only the hasty gleanings of a Church Writer; And as to livelinesse and power, though it he as easie to draw a picture with the heat and motion of a living man, as to Write or Print, these lively motions of the spirit which do often accompany the Lords Messengers in Preaching, and in an eminent measure were also let out upon this blessed Author, yet we suppose thou will find, the matter most seriously and feelingly spoken unto, as from a heart which believed, and therefore spake: Yea, both conceptions and expressions savouring much of an exercised Spirit, not only much taken up in communion with God within it self, but even thirsting also, and panting for the salvation of others; nay (in some measure) travelling in birth, till Christ might be formed in them. Oh, that more of this holy zeal and fervency, might accompany this great measure of light and knowledge in the mysteries of the Gospel that the Lord hath graciously bestowed both on Pastors and People in this generation, that once again we might see, (as in the dayes of John Baptist) the Kingdome of Heaven suffering violence, and the violent take it by force. And that the blessed Spirit by the same gracious operations, may so warm and inlarge thy soul in the use of this and all other means for thy eternal Salvation, is, and shall be the sincere desires of
Thy servants for Christs sake,
Robert Traill.
Iohn Stirling.