Treatise of the Divine Promises, Book 2 – Book 3

Treatise of the Divine Promises · Book 2 – Book 3

p. 111THE SECOND BOOK.Book. II.

CHAP. I. Of the Covenant. THE PROMISES ARE either

GENERALL OR

SPECIALL.

GENERALL THE COVENANT. Which in **foreign either ab Eligendo or Comedendo from foreign or à caedendo from foreign Buxtorfe and Pag…in on the word.Hebrew is called Berith; from choosing, because it is p. 112established on certaine conditions which both parties choose:Illvric. Clav Scrip. Iun. Orat. de foedere. The Greeke word whereby the Septuagint still rendre…h Berith is foreign testamontum. Heb. 9.…7. foedus, Mat. 26 28 Acts 3.25 from foreign dispo…. Est enim extrenta voluntas, qua quis disposit & dispensit res suas; or from foreign pa…scor, Luke …. The Latine words whereby the Originall is expressed, are Foedus, Pactum Testamentum. For they are used promiscuously in the Latine saith Muscula. 1. Foea…. It was called Fedai in time past saith Var…o, for in a Covenant interp…uitu… …, men give their faith saith Isia…re, therefore some (… Al…ie…) had rather write it with a single … then …e. Some derive it from the adjective, soedus, fil…hy, for the slaying of a …ow (when w…s inter ritualia foederis) was filthy, … Vi…g… saith — & caesa iungelant foedera porca. Peter Martyr derives it a feriendo, quod Foertales atrinque porcam mactarent Hinc ferire aut percutere foedu…, tritu loquenti modus, pro iung…e, sace…e, pangere. Ma…i…ius approveth this etymologie, and it agreeth best with the Hebrew. …. Pactum, generis comni est, saith Beza: quas… … pace fictum, saith Isidore. It is that truce (saith Sico …) which in time of warre is concluded upon, and accepted of both sides for a certaine limited space of time; but Foedus: was a perpetuall …uce or league. 3. Testam…ntum quasi testatto m…n…is, saith Iustinian, which etymologie Vasia derides; but it may be received as an aliusien. The French is Alliance, ab all…gando. The English is League a Ligando, or Covenant, which is the same that Conventio is with the Civilians, a convent…ioHeb 9:7Matt 26:28Acts 3:25 it is taken for both a Covenant and a Feast; therefore some derive it from a word that signifieth to eate; because the Hebrewes at their Covenant-makings usually had a Feast, Gen. 31.54. Others derive it from a word that signifieth to stay. It was a Religious Ceremony common to the p. 113Jewes and Gentiles, that in making solemne covenant before their gods, a beast was slaine by the Priest, and the parts thereof laid one over against another. The makers of the Covenant passed betweene those divided parts; the Ceremony intended and imprecation, that he might be cut in pieces as that beast was, who should violate the Covenant so made. And from the use of this Ceremony came the phrase of cutting a Covenant; as with us, striking of a bargaine, from our fashion of striking hands upon a bargaine made.

Alexander ab Alexandro. Lib. 5. c. 3. speakes of it: nay, This was a custome in Abrahams time, and therefore GOD himselfe to confirme his Promise to Abraham, vouchsafed to use that Ceremonie, Gen. 15.10.17. for which it is said, GOD did cut a Covenant with Abraham, ver. 18. See Ier. 34.18.

p. 114The word Covenant doth somtimes signifie a simple promise of grace without condition, Gen. 9.11. Numb. 25.12, 13. but ordinarily it notes a mutuall contract or agreement between the parties covenanting by stipulation and promise, Psal. 50.16. & 25.10.14. & 44.17.

What a Covenant is in generall.A Covenant is a solemne Contract, passing betweene some parties (two at the least) whereby they bind themselves, each to other, in certaine articles, to both their contents, for their mutuall peace and comfort.

Disserunt non re, sed modo rei promissio & foedus. Foedus est promissic solenni ritu foederali vestita at que firmata. Pareus in Gen. Chap. 15. v. 18.For the forme and manner of it, it must be done with some solemnity; and herein stands the difference betweene a promise and a Covenant, for a Covenant is a bundle of promises, bound and knit up together in one tie and mutuall solemnity.

There is a Civill Covenant, which is a league or agreement inter dimicantes, betweene two or more parties being at variance, p. 115Gen. 21.32. and a Religious or Sacred Covenant, which is a league or agreement, that GOD hath made with man for his Salvation, and that is twofold:

1. That which GOD made at the beginning with our first Parents in the state of Innocencie, Gen. 2.17. promising perfect felicity on condition of their perfect obedience. It is called Foedus naturale, the Covenant of nature, because it was made by GOD with man at his first Creation,Gal. 4.22. The Law requireth, 1. Personall 2. Perpetuall. 3. Perfect obedience 4. And from a perfect heart, and that under a terrible curse.Gal 4:22 and because it is contained in the Law which is knowne to men by nature; and Foedus Legale, the Covenant of workes, because workes were the condition of it: it did runne thus, Doe this, and thou shalt live, and I will be thy GOD, Ezek. 20.11. Levit. 18. Rom. 10.5. Gal. 3.12. winne it and weare it, obey perfectly, and live everlastingly. The two Sacraments of this Covenant, were the Tree p. 116of knowledge respecting the Law, Doe this, and the tree of life respecting the promise, Live. GOD shadowed out this covenant also to the children of Israell in the wildernesse of Sina, when he brought them out of Aegypt. Moses describes it, Exod. 19. & 24. the blessings and curses comprehended in that Covenant are recited, Levit. 26. Deut. 27. & 28. It hath rationem speculi. It is a glasse to manifest and discover sinne and death, and so serves to humble men which are naturally proud, Mat. 19.17. and to make them flie unto CHRIST for sanctuary,Gal. 3.24.Gal 3:24 who perfectly fulfilled the Law for the Elect; in and through whom we may obtaine the Legall promises, Rom. 10.4. Gal. 4.4. I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come saith the LORD, Hag. 2.7. to note unto us, (saith one) that a man shall never desire CHRIST indeed, till he be first shaken.

p. 1172. That which GOD of his singular grace made with man fallen.The first Covenant was of mans workes, the second of Gods grace, It is a compact made betweene God & man touching reconciliation and life everlasting by Christ. Perk Gen. 3.15.Gen 3:15 This is a free disposition of GOD whereby he promiseth eternall salvation by the death and mediation of his Sonne, that he may magnifie the riches of his mercy. This was revealed and delivered to our first Parents in the garden of Eden, immediately after the fall by GOD himselfe, and after was continued and renewed with Abraham, Isaac and Iacob.

It is called Foedus Evangelicum, the Covenant of the Gospell, and the Gospell, Rom. 1.16.

A New Covenant:We need a new Covenant (saith Bishop Lake) that …ave broken the old, by our mutability before the fall, and through our imbecility since the fall. Behold the daies come (saith the LORD) that I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel, Ier. 31.31. that is, with the whole Church, the whole Israel of GOD, as appeareth, Heb. 8.8, 10.

The Covenant of grace, Rom. 4.16. because nothing else moved GOD to make and establish p. 118it: it is not grounded upon our workes and worthinesse, but upon the free mercies of GOD, and all-sufficient merits of Christ, Gal. 3.18.

The Covenant of peace, Ezek. 34.25. & 37.26. Peace, Esay 54.10.Isa 54:10Rom. 10.15. the Gospell of peace, Ephes. 2.17. & 6.15. Reconciliation with GOD, and a Testament, because this reconciliation was ratified by the death of the Testator,The word of reconciliation. 2 Cor. 5.19.2 Cor 5:19 Heb. 9.16, 17.

It runs in these termes, beleeve and repent, and Thou shalt be saved. Iohn 3.16. Gal. 3.11, 19. Mar. 16.16. The Covenant of Grace (saith D. Preston) is double: 1. Absolute, and Peculiar onelyonly to the Elect, Ier. 31.33. Ezek. 36.26.2. Conditionall, which is common to all, and that is expressed in these termes; CHRIST hath provided a righteousnesse and salvation now, if you will beleeve, and take him upon these termes, that he is offered, you shall be saved, Mark. 16.16.

p. 119The Sacraments which GOD gave to man in his corrupt estate were,God ever ordained Seales to make good his Covenant. either

1. Before CHRIST, prefiguring Him.

2. After Him, as memorials of Him.

The Sacraments before Christ were of two sorts:

1. Either such as belonged to all sorts of people.

1. The Arke and Noahs preservation in it, Gen. 6.18. Heb 11.7. 1 Pet. 3.20, 21.

2. The Rainebow, Gen. 9.9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17.

2. Such as were peculiarly appointed to the Jewes, some of which were

1. Extraordinary, during but once or a short p. 120time, and answering, either

To Baptisme as the red sea, the cloud 1 Cor. 10.1, 2, 3, 5.

Or to the LORDS Supper, as the Manna, the water flowing out of the rock.

2. Ordinary, as

1. Circumcision, answering to our Baptisme, Gen. 17.9, 11, 12. Col. 2.11, 12.

2. The Passeover, answering to the LORDS Supper, Ex. 12.13. 1 Cor.

p. 121The Sacraments after Christs comming to continue till the end of the world, are two:

1. Baptisme, Iohn 1.26. Mat. 28.19.

2. The Supper of the LORD, Luke 22.19, 20. 1 Cor. 11.25, 26.

These two Covenants of works and Grace, doe both agree and differ in severall respects:

1. They agree

1. In their Author, GOD.

2. In the persons contracting, GOD and Man.

3. In the generall end of them both, the glory of GOD.

4. In the ext…insecall forme, they both binde.

5. They have both one matter also for substance, on Gods part mans happinesse in p. 122both, on mans part obedience in both.

6. In nature, because they are both inviolable on GODS part.

2. They differ.

Therefore this is called Reconliation as well as Covenant.1 In kind: that was a Covenant of amity betweene the Creator and the creature; this of Reconciliation betweene enemies, for there was no breach made before, as now there is betweene us and our GOD. When we were enemies CHRIST died for us.

2. In the speciall end; for the end of the Covenant of nature is the declaration of GODS justice,Cameron. opusc. miscell. of the Covenant p. 123of grace, the declaration of GODS merciemercy.

3. In the foundation: for the foundation of the covenant of nature is the creation of man, and the integrity of humane nature, of the other the redemption of man by Christ.

4. In the quality of the persons contracting: GOD the Creator in the first exacts his right from a man pure and perfect, but in this offers himselfe, as a mercifull Father to a sinner troubled with the sight and sence of his sins.

5. In the conditions: workes are required in the first, faith p. 124in the other. Adam was to make that good of himselfe,Invat Idem, qui lithet. Auson. God undertakes in the Covenant of grace to enable us to walke in his statutes, & to performe the condition hee requires. He works all our works in us, and for us, Esay 26.12.Isa 26:12 and by his owne power: In the Covenant of grace, GOD giveth what he requireth, and accepteth what he giveth. Fides impetrat quod lex imperat. August. Enchir. c. 117.

6. In the forme of fanction; the Covenant of nature was published as soone as promised, but the Covenant of grace was first promised, then a long while after proclaimed & ratified with the blood of Christ.

7. In the object: that is extended to all men, this belongs to some certaine p. 125men by a singular reason; for although it is often promiseuously propounded, yet by a speciall propriety it belongs to them to which it is intended by GOD.Rom 9 7, 8Rom 9:7Rom 9:8

8. In duration: that is antiquated to them who are made partakers of this new one; this is perpetuall, therefore called often an everlasting Covenant, and admits of no end or variation for the substance.

9. In effects: that was deadly for a sinner, the Ministery of death; this is called a quickning Spirit, and is the ministration of righteousnesse and life, p. 1262 Cor. 3.6, 7, 8, 9.

A Covenant in respect of God, a Testament in respect of Christ.The Covenant of grace, is called in regard of the convention and agreement betweene GOD and man, a Covenant; in regard of the manner of confirming it, a Testament; being in many things like a Testament. For

1. As in a Testament or last will the Testators minde is declared; so is the will of GOD in his Word.

2. As in a Will so here, is a Testator which is CHRIST; a Legacie which is eternall life; Heires which are the Elect, an Instrument, which are the Scriptures; and Seales, which are circumcision and the Passeover, of the old, Baptisme and the LORDS Supper, of the new.

Thirdly, and principally, as a Testament is in force by the death of the Testator, Heb. 9.16, 17. so the Covenant of Redemption, is ratified by the death of p. 127CHRIST, and this death by the effusion of blood was shadowed out in the Old, but consummated in the New Testament.

This Covenant is but one for **Divisio foedera in vetus & novum; non est Genero in Species, sed subveti in accidentia, Scarpi…s. The two parts of the …ovenan…, as … the … & the … have … beene … in sub… though not alwaies in like manner dispensed. S. Iohn speaking of love calleth it a new Commandement and an old, 1 Ioh 27, 8. Ol… in regard of the substance, Levit. 9.…8 because it was given to Adam, was a Law in Paradise, and because our of request; New because re…e…ed and approved by Christ, Ioh. 13.34 & 15 12 excellent as new, it makes us new; it should be new & fresh in our memory. Novum, quia renovatum. Bucan.Lev 9:8John 13:34John 15:12substance, yet in divers respects and circumstances it is either Old or New.

Old as it is a reconciliation of the old people with GOD by CHRIST to be exhibited, new as it is a reconciliation of the new people with GOD, by CHRIST now exhibited in the flesh: in regard of the shadow it is called the Old, and in regard of the substance the New.

Old, because it is first in time and antiquity.

2. Because it is abrogated in part, Heb. 8.13. 2 Cor. 3.14. being placed in ceremonies, which in time for oldnesse vanished away.

New, 1. In respect of the immediate Author CHRIST, Luke 22.20. GOD was the p. 128Author of the other.

2. Because celebrated in a new manner, and new rites, and is never to be abrogated or disanulled.

It is new in respect of GOD and us.

1. In respect of GOD, because the Covenant is renewed as he promised in the seed of Abraham, which is with all the nations of the earth, Gal. 3.8.

2. In respect of us, because we are renewed thereby, 2 Cor. 5.17.

The Old Testament is called the Law, because the first and chiefe part of it is the Law of Moses; the New Testament is called the Gospell, because the first and chiefe part thereof, is the glad tydings of our Redemption, and the forme of the Covenant is in the one Legall, in the other Evangelicall. The Law was written in Tables of stone, Exod. 31.18. 2 Cor. p. 1293.5. but the Gospell is written in the fleshie tables of the heart, Ier. 31.33. Heb. 8.10.

The Old Testament is the Covenant of GOD which in types and shadowes prefigured CHRIST to come and to be exhibited,The Fathers had the same Covenant which wee have, they looked for immortality and had it promised. They expected it by mercy & not by merit, they knew that Christ was their mediator to obtaine mercy as we…l as we, Ioh. 8.…6 Acts 13.32. Luke 1.72. 1 Cor 10 …. Sanguis Ch…isti proti…it ante…uam suit, Bernard. CHRISTS bloud was effectuall, before existent.John 8:6Acts 13:32Luke 1:721 Cor 10 and by vertue thereof, Life everlasting was given by faith in CHRIST that was to come.

The giving of Isaac, of the promised Land, and all these promises, were but shadowes of the great promise, of the maine Covenant in CHRIST.

The New Testament is the Covenant of GOD, which (since the comming of CHRIST in the flesh) hath abolished those shadowes, and giveth life everlasting by faith in CHRIST that is come.

The old Covenant agrees with the Covenant of nature:

p. 1301. In both, the parties contracting are GOD and Man.

Cameron. opusc. miscell.2. Each hath a stipulation annexed to it.

3. The promise is the same in kind.

4. Both lead to CHRIST.

They differ,

1. Because the Covenant of nature was contracted with all men, this with the Israelites onelyonly.

2. That of nature was made as soone as man was created and had no praeludia: the old Covenant long after, and had many praeludia afore it.

3. That of nature onelyonly binds to obedience due by the Law of nature, the old Covenant obligeth also to ceremonies.

4. Life is promised in both, but it is set forth in the one by the fruition of Paradise, in the other by the p. 131possession of the Land of Canaan.

5. The Covenant of nature is eternall, the old Temporary.

6. Both Covenants bring us to CHRIST; bu… that of nature doth not this per se, but **As it sheweth what a man oweth unto God, and how he must be punished if hee pay not the debt, whence it makes …im looke to a mediator, when he sees himselfe unable either to pay the one or endure the o…her.per accidens; this old one doth it, per se, for it is the true and proper scope of it.

7. The Covenant of nature was written in the heart, but the old in tables of Stone.

8. The Covenant of nature was made in Paradise, the other in Mount Sina.

9. There was no Mediator of that, this had a Mediator, Moses, Deut. 5.26, 27.

10. That was made with all mankinde when man was perfect, this with a certaine people after the fall.

p. 132The Old and New Covenant agree;

Polan. Syntag.1. In the principall efficient cause, for there is the same Author of both, GOD, Ier. 31.31.

2. In causa pröegumena, the inward impulsive cause, the mercy of GOD in both, Luke 1.54, 55, 72, 78.

3. In the meritorious procatarcticall cause,Ephes. 2.12, 13.Eph 2:12Eph 2:13 there is one and the same foundation of both Covenants, CHRIST, Heb. 13.8. Rev. 13, 8.

4. In the matter, there is the same thing promised in both, Rom. 1.1, 2.

5. In the essentiall forme, in both Covenants there is a mutuall obligation of GOD and the faithfull, although of GODS part it is free, of mans due, Rom. 3.22.

p. 1336. In the end, which in both, is the glory of GOD and salvation of man, Heb. 11.8, 9, 10.

7. In the subject, for GOD made both of them with the faithfull onelyonly, Rom. 3.26.

8. In the adjunct, the internall obsignation, for both of them are sealed by the same HOLY GHOST to the faithfull, 2 Cor. 1.22. Ephes. 1.13.

The Old and New Co…enant differ.

1. In respect of the Author or Covenant-Maker which was not CHRIST,They differ not essentially as the Covenant of works and grace, but modo admirish andi, in the manner of ministration. but GOD the Father of the Old; or he made it then mediately and not Incarnate, now immediately and from his owne mouth.

2. In respect of the Mediator; Moses was Mediator of the Old, Levit. 26.46. Deut. 5. p. 13427, 28. CHRIST of the New, Heb. 8.6. & 9.15.12.24.

3. In their quality.

Non exigit à quoquam (saith Erasmus of the Gospell) onus Legis Mosatcae tantum adsit vivida fides.1. In respect of liberty: of old they had circumcision and the Passeover, which were painefull and chargeable Seales; and they were burdened with many carnall ceremonies: we have bread and wine, cheape and easie seales in comparison, and are freed from the Ceremoniall Law, Col. 2.14. that was a hand-writing against us; the new is a rest for us, Matth. 11.28.

2. Clarity: the old was obscure,Novum Testamentum in veteri est velat…m, & vetu… in novo revelatum. Austen. Heb. 9.8. 2 Cor. 3.13, 14. consisting in rites and ceremonies, whereby CHRIST was darkely p. 135prefigured; but the new is more plaine and perspicuous, Iohn 1.17. then the Spirit was distilled by drops,Novum Testamen…um in veiers latet, & vetus in novo patet. Luth…r. The Old Testament is instar libri clausi. Esa. 29.11. The New instar libri aperti. Apoc 5.9. Saith our learned Whitaker.Isa 29:11Rev 5:9 now there is a larger effusion of the Spirit, Heb. 8.10. Ioel 2. which is repeated, Acts 2. Tit. 3.6. Zach. 12.8. 2 Cor. 3.12. they had the blood of CHRIST, but shadowed onelyonly in the blood of bulls and goates, Heb. 9.18. Exod. 24.5, 8. we have the very blood of CHRIST it selfe, to seale unto our covenant, Mat. 26.28. Heb. 9.12. & 10.4. Zach. 9.11. Cuius sanguis sistit omnem sanguinem, as the Fathers say.

4. In their quantity: the new is larger and more extensive then the Old, in respect of

p. 1361. Persons; the Old Testament was appropriated to a few, and did belong properly to the nation of the Jewes alone,Psal. 114.2.Ps 114:2 Psal. 76.1. none but Israelites and Proselytes had part in the promise;Esay 40.27. & 66.18. Ioel 2.28. Hag 2 8.Isa 40:27Isa 66:18Joel 2:28Hag 2:8 the New extends to the Gentiles.

2. Places; that was proposed, as to one people;Mat 10.5, 6Matt 10:5Matt 10:6 so in angulo tantum mundi, Trelca…iu… Ephes 2 14.Eph 2:14in one land of Canaan; this to all nations throughout the whole world.Gal 6.15.Gal 6:15

3. Times; that was Temporary, and to endure but a while, viz. till the …rst comming of CHRIST;2 Cor 3.11.2 Cor 3:11 this is perpetu…ll and shall last from CHRISTS first,Ephes. 4.13.Eph 4:13 to his second comming, Heb. 8.6, 13. & 10.4, 9. & 9.12.

p. 137How hath GOD then honoured us in these daies of the Gospell, who are herein beyond, not Heathens onelyonly who were without GOD, and without the Covenant, but even beyond Adam in his innocency, and GODS Ancient people of Israel; for we have a better Covenant then they had, made upon better promises, Heb. 8.6. upon better termes and conditions, upon better evidences and assurances.

Since GOD hath thus abounded in love and mercy towards us, we therefore should abound in knowledge, faith, love, zeale, and care to worship GOD, publikely and privately, with joy and singlenesse of heart.

I have hitherto handled the severall Covenants comparatively; and that to give some light to the Covenant of Grace, which I shall now speake of in a speciall manner, as it is a Bundle of all the Promises.

The Covenant of Grace, is p. 138expressed in these words, I will be thy GOD, and thou shalt be my people, Ier. 31.33.

In this Covenant GOD undertakes to free his people from all **If the seale of the Covenant be stamped upon us, we are thereby secured from all evil, Ezek 9.4. Rev. 7 3. & 9 4.Ezek 9:4Rev 7:3Rev 9:4evill, that m…y any way prove hurtfull to them, and to bestow all good things upon them, Temporall, Spirituall, and Eternall, Gen. 17.1, 2. Levit. 2.6.11, 12. 2 Cor. 6.16, 17, 18. Heb. 8.10, 11, 12.

We promise to choose GOD to be our GOD,Hence are those gracious promises, that God is our portion, Ier. 10.16. & 51.19. Lam. 3.24. that is, all wee have to maintaine us in the world: and wee h… portion, Deut 32 9. that is the chiefest thing he makes reckoning of. He becomes our God to direct, protect, and blesse us, and we become his people to serve, love, and obey him.Jer 10:16Jer 51:19Lam 3:24Deut 32:9 trust in him, love and feare him, and walke in obedience before him, Exodus 15.2. & 20.19. & 24.3, 7. David cals GOD his Lot and Portion, Psal. 119.57. GOD is my portion for ever, Psal. 16.5, 6. Psal. 142.5.

God saith so unto the Gentiles, Hos 2.23. which the Apostle makes use of Rom. 9.25, 26.Hos 2:23Rom 9:25Rom 9:26This was promised the faithfull in all ages, that GOD would be their GOD, and they p. 139should be his people, Exod. 29.45. Revel. 21.3.7. Zach. 13.9. Ezek. 36.28. Ierem 31.1, 33. 1 Chron. 17.13. & 22.10. All the particular promises depend upon this maine Charter, that GOD is our GOD: one **Wing Iacobs staffe.observes; that throughout all the Scripture, all the mercy promised, and every promise wherein any happinesse is contained, hath this Seale, [and I will be their GOD, and they shall be my people.]

If we could stedfastly beleeve and rest upon this promise, we should finde more true comfort in it, then in all the world besides.

This is the top of mans felicity, when GOD takes him into Covenant. When GOD, Levit. 26. had spoken much by way of promise to his Church, as That hee would give them raine in the due season, &c. That hee would set his Tabernacle among them, &c. at length he concludes p. 140all with this, verse 12. I will walke among you, I will even neighbour with you as it were, and I will be your GOD, and yee shall be my people. David having prayed for many temporall blessings in the behalfe of his people,Psal. 144.12, 13, …4.Ps 144:12Ps 144:13Ps 144:4 That their sonnes might be as plants, their garners full, &c. at length he windeth up all with this Epiphonema, or conclusion, Happie is that people that is in such a case;Verse 15. but presently comes with an Epanorthoma, or a correction of his former speech, Yea rather, happy is that people whose GOD is the LORD: as if he had said, that indeed is a happinesse in some kinde, but nothing to this; that is but Temporall, this is Eternall. The honour and happinesse of a nation and people,Deut. 33.29.Deut 33:29 Psal. 33.12. and also of particular persons, Psal. 65.4. lyes in this,The immunitie… and priviledges of those that have God for their God. that they have GOD for their GOD. He that is in speciall Covenant with GOD, all that is in GOD is for him; p. 141his truth for his security; his love for his comfort; his power for his protection; his wisedome for his direction; all that is in CHRIST is his: his love, his graces, his merits. He is his Saviour, Redeemer; The HOLY GHOST is his Comforter, dwells in him, to teach him and guide him into all truth, and to seale up the promises to his heart. He hath the guard of Angels, Heb. 1.14. Dominion over the creatures, and free use of them both for necessity and **It is pro…ised as a blessing evē unto Gods people, that there should be boyes & girles playing together in the streets of Ierusalem, Zach 85. and that they should have liberty to invite, and ente…taine eit…er other. Zach. 3 10.Zech 3:10delight, Heb. 2.7, 8. 1 Tim. 4.2, 3. All things are his, and he is Christs, 1 Cor. 3.22, 23. GOD calls such as are in Covenant with him, His Treasure, Psal. 135.4. His peculiar people. Exod. 19.5. Deut. 14.2. His love for delights Cant. 76. The Lot of his inheritance, Deut. 32.9. His hidden ones, Psal. 83.3. His Iewels, Mal. 3.17. Hee that toucheth them, toucheth the apple of his eye, Zach. 2.8. They are his beloved, Psal. 108.6. & p. 142127.2. As the signet upon his right hand, Cant. 8.6. Esay 49.16. Hee dwelleth with them, Ioh. 14.23. He followeth them whithersoever they goe, Iosh. 1.9. He stands at their right hand, Psal. 109.31. And holds them up by it, Psal. 73.23. He covers them under his pavillion, Psal. 27.5. Hee keepes their feet, 1 Sam. 2.9. Their very bones, Psal. 34.20. Hee counteth their wandrings, Psal. 56.8. Hee numbreth their haires, Ier. 31.20.Jer 31:20Matth. 10.30. Hee bottles up their teares, Psal. 56.8. If they doe but sigh, Hee observes it, Psal. 38.9. He is the shield of their helpe, the sword of their excellencie, Deut. 33.29. Hee is their hope, their helpe, their health, Psalme 71.5. Ioel 3.16. Ier. 17.7. Their Rocke, their Refuge, Psal. 62.2, 6, 7. Hee will teach them in the way that they should choose, Psal. 25.12. And make them perfect in good workes. Heb. 13.21. 2 Thess. 2.17. Hee will give them their hearts desire, Psal. 37.4. Pro. 10.24. His eye is p. 143ever upon them for good, Psal. 33.18. The Prophet comprehends all in that one verse, Psal. 84.11. The LORD GOD is a Sunne, and shield: the LORD will give grace, and glory: no good thing will hee withhold from them that walke uprightly. A Sunne for consolation, a Shield for protection. A Sunne to give them life, a Shield to defend life given. A Sunne to make them fruitfull in all good, a Shield to preserve them from all evill. He will give not onelyonly temporall blessings, as it followeth there, no good thing, &c. but he will also bestow upon them grace here, and glory hereafter, even that grace that shall be once glory. 1 Tim. 4.8.1 Tim 4:8Godlinesse is profitable to all things, (saith the Apostle) having the promises of both lives, of temporall things for this life, and of spirituall and eternall things for the life to come.

Since then the happinesse of a Christian consists in this,Let us resolve to be Gods and enter into Covenant with him, Iosh 24.14. Nehem. 5.13 Nehem 9. 2 King. 23.3. 2 Chron 3….31. 2 Chron. 15.12. is a speciall place: there was a Covenant, yea an oath upon the Covenant, a Bond upon a Bond Psal. 119.106Josh 24:14Neh 5:13Neh 92 Kgs 23:32 Chr 3:312 Chr 15:12Ps 119:106 that p. 144GOD is his GOD, every one should labour to secure this maine point, and try whether he be in speciall Covenant with GOD. To this duty the Apostle exhorts us, when he bids us, Give diligence to make our calling and election sure, 2 Pet. 1.10. & 2 Cor. 13.5. he saith, Examine your selves, whether yee be in the faith, prove your owne selves. And indeed there cannot be a better evidence, that we are in the Covenant then this, that we are in the faith, or that faith is in us, for so are those words to be understood.

For the Covenant of grace runs all upon promises, I will give thee, &c. now faith answers the promise; for the promise is to be beleeved: Abraham beleeved in the LORD, and therefore GOD reckoned him, as a man that was righteous, Gen. 15.6. and accepted him to be a partaker of the Covenant. Every beleever is within the Covenant. p. 145He that hath a true and saving Faith which worketh inwardly by purifying the heart, Acts 15.9. and outwardly by Love, Gal. 5.5. may certainely conclude that GOD is his GOD.

We may know likewise, that we are in Covenant with GOD, by this, if wee labour to keepe Covenant with him, Psal. 103.18. if our greatest care be to please him, and our greatest feare, least we should offend him. If we have chosen him, it is certaine hee hath chosen us, for so Cyril interprets that place, Iohn 15.16. You have not chosen mee, 1 Ioh. 4.19.1 John 4:19but I have chosen you, that is, (saith he) in regard of priority, I have chosen you first.

There is a threefold Choosing of GOD.God bestowes himselfe on that man, that in true desire would have God for his God. M. Harris.

1. In opinion to prize and esteeme him above all other delights, when with Paul wee count all things as drosse and dung, nay dogges-meat (as the p. 146**foreign, garbage and filth that is throwne out to dogges, Ignatius (that holy Martyr) called Christ his love: my Love (saith he) was Crucified.Originall hath it) in comparison of CHRIST, Philip. 3.8.

2. In affection, if we love him above all; when we can say with the Spouse, Cant. 1.7. O thou whom my soule loveth: or with Peter, LORD thou knowest that I love thee, Ioh. 21.16.

3. In practise, when we choose his waies, as David saith, I have sworne and will performe it, that I will keepe thy righteous iudgements, Psal. 119.106.

If upon a diligent scrutinie into our owne hearts and waies, we finde GOD hath the chiefest command over all our thoughts, affections and desires, and that wee are truely ingrafted into CHRIST by faith; wee should then prize the Covenant, and improve it to all holy uses.

1. We should highly prize the Covenant.

We should say with David, What am I, 2 Sam. 7.18.19.2 Sam 7:182 Sam 7:19or what is my fathers p. 147house, that I should be raised hitherto? We should rejoyce in this, that the Great and mighty GOD will enter into Covenant with us, every promise should be precious unto us. That noble Emperour Theodosius thought it a greater honour, to be Membrum Ecclesiae, then Caput Imperij, a member of the true Church, then Monarch of the world. Salomon in the booke of his repentance, preferres the title of Ecclesiastes, a Preacher, or reconciled Penitent, before the title of the Sonne of David, King of Ierusalem.

When Charles the fifth,Abbot his Geography, and Grimston. Emperour, in a challenge to Francis the first King of France, commanded his Herauld to proclaime him with all his Titles, stiling him the Emperour of Germanie, King of Castile, Arragon, Naples, Sicilie, &c. Francis commanded his Herauld to call him so often King of France, as the other had titles by all his Countries, p. 148implying that France alone, was more worth, then all the Countries which the other had. So when the wicked brag of their Honours, Livings, and great Lordships, a child of GOD may say, that GOD is his, he is his portion, and oppose this to all other dignities whatsoever. For when a man hath GOD, he hath all, hee is Blessednesse it selfe; when hee comes into the heart, all comforts come along with him. The Child of GOD may view the Heavens, and say, my Father made them; hee may behold the workes of providence, and say, my Father feeds, cloathes and preserves all the creatures in the world: if he be in prosperity, he may say, GOD hath yet reserved greater goods for mee; if in adversity, hee may say, CHRIST hath endured much more for my sake. The Word and Sacraments are his: Hee may goe boldly to the throne p. 149of grace, Heb. 10.22. and aske almost what hee will in the name of CHRIST,Gods covenant with his people is a covenant of mercy, therefore these two are often joyned together in Scripture, 1 King 8.23. Dan. 94. and elsewhere. 1. Mercy induced God to make it. 2 He administers this Covenant with a great deale of mercy, 1 accepting a little, 2 giving that little, 3 passing by many provocations. Psal. 31.1 9. Psal. 36.7, 8, 9.1 Kgs 8:23Ps 31:1Ps 36:7Ps 36:8Ps 36:9 Marke 11.24. All his infirmities shall be borne withall, all his indeavours accepted. He may expect protection in dangers and distresses, Psal. 80.14, 15, 16. Every one protects their owne, I am thine (saith David) save mee, Psal. 119.94. He may looke to have his wants supplied, Psal. 23.1, 4. He may boldly challenge Sin, Death, Hell, the Divell, and victoriously triumph over them all with the Apostle, 1 Cor. 15.55, 56, 57. and say with David, The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I feare, the LORD is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Psal. 27.1.

2. We should also improve the Covenant for all holy purposes.

We must with boldnesse and reverence challenge the Covenant of grace. There cannot p. 150be a more forcible argument in prayer, then to pleade GODS Covenant and the interest wee have in him. Our Saviour, Matth. 6.9. teaching us to pray, bids us to say Our Father, as if hee should say, presume not to aske any petition of GOD, till thou canst so conceive and be perswaded of him. Those then who are GODS children may pray with confidence unto him, as a Father: ipsum nomen orat pro nobis, The very name makes supplication for us.

Thus our Saviour CHRIST prayed, O my Father, three severall times, Matth. 26.39, 42, 44. and My GOD, My GOD, Matth. 27.64. Psal. 22.1. The Papists urge their owne merits, and merits of Saints, in their prayers, but GODS people have still urged Covenant, Gen. 32.9. Nehem. 1.6.10.11. 2 Chron. 14.11. & 20. p. 1516, 7. Psal. 16.1, 2. Psal. 18.1, 2, 3, 6. Psal. 22.1. & 116.16. Ioh. 17.6.9, 10. Deut. 9.27. 1 Sam. 12.22. Ier. 14.21.Psal. 74.20 & 94.14.Ps 74:20Ps 94:14

Vnite my heart, saith David, to thy feare, Psal. 86.11. as if he should have said, LORD thou hast promised to give mee one heart; behold I finde my heart divided, disjoynted; unite it I beseech thee: so those that are within the Covenant may goe to GOD, and say, LORD give mee wisedome, faith, patience, for the discharge of my duty toward thee:Phil. 4.6.Phil 4:6 my heart is out of order, LORD mend it; it is thy bargaine,Psal. 119.125.176.Ps 119:125Ps 119:176 thine owne Covenant; O doe it for thy names sake. GOD takes it well, if we mind him of his Covenant, and presse him with his promise.

Wee should also aggravate our sinnes in confession, by this, that wee have sinned against Covenant, hand and seale; our sinnes in that respect are p. 152worse then the sinnes of Pagans or Heathens: they sinne but against Creation, wee against Covenant;Amos 3.2. Rom. 2.9.Amos 3:2Rom 2:9 whoredome is worse then fornication.

When wee are tempted to the committing of any sinne, the Covenant should be a curbe to us: wee should say, no; I must now lye no more, sweare no more, breake the LORDS day no more; it is against my bargaine: such a LORDS day, in such a Congregation, before such and such witnesses, I tooke the Sacrament upon it, that I would doe so no more: when wee are taken off from any duty,In the preface to the Commandements, this is premised to provoke their subjection to the whole Law. I am the LORD thy GOD, Exod. 20. and againe, Levit, 18.1, 5.Exod 20 the Covenant should spurre us on, wee should remember that wee have taken presse money and earnest as it were from GOD in our Baptisme, that wee will be for him, that wee have often renewed our first Covenant in the Sacrament, and therefore there p. 153should be no flinching from our bargaine.I am the LORD your GOD, yee shall (therefore) doe my iudgements, and keepe my ordinances, and this was the reason of the peoples resolution in Ioshua's time, 24 17, 8. For the LORD is our GOD, &c. therfore will we also serve the LORD, for he is our GOD.

2. Temporall Promises.

This second Table containes the Speciall Temporall Promises

Speciall promises in regard of a mans selfe.

Temporall

1. In regard of evill

1. In generall

Afflictions, dangers,

1. To prevent them.

2. To qualifie them if they do come

by correcting

1. In gre…t wisedome which is seene in

1. The meetnesse of correction.

2. The just measure and continu…nce thereof.

2. In love and tendern…s.

3. For good

1. General to make them happy.

2. Speciall

1. To try them.

2. To purge sin.

3. To quicken Graces.

1. Faith.

…

2. Hope.

3. Patience.

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

2. Speciall

1. Sicknesse

1. To prevent it.

2. To helpe m….

3. To take it aw…y.

2. Povertie.

3. Famine

Promises to

Succour in Deliver…t…n.

4. Warre, to preserve from it.

5. Captivity

Promises t…

Comfort in Deliver …ut.

6. Witchcraft or the possession of the Divell….

7. Oppression.

2. In regard of good

1. In generall, to supply any thing needfull.

2. In speciall for

1. Name

1. Hon…ur.

2. A go…d name.

2. Body

1. Lon…-life.

2. Health.

3. Safety.

4. Peace.

5. Sleepe.

6. Po…d…r…iment.

3. Estate

1. Wealth.

…. Good successe and prosperity

1. To their pers…n….

2. To their purp…s…s.

4. Calling

Promises

To diligence in it

1. Abund…ce and plent….

2. Protecti…n.

3. Prom…t…a.

4. Good fate.

5. It builds th… h…us….

6. It make …

p. 155CHAP. II. Of Speciall Temporall Promises. 1. Temporall Promises in regard of evill things:

1. In Generall.

Afflictions and Dangers;

1. To prevent them.

GOD will preserve his children from Afflictions and Dangers.

HE is a Buckler, Gen. 15.1.Psal. 32.10, Iob 1.10Ps 32:10Job 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 onelyonly 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.

p. 156As 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.Ezra 8:22Ezra 8:31Gen 32GOD 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 onelyonly but flouds or rivers of water, nor fire onelyonly 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.Ps 42:7Rev 1:15Isa 59:19flouds of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him, Psal. 52.6. An asseveration is added p. 157to 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:

p. 1581. 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,foreign 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, p. 159to repaire his image of holinesse in them.

2. In the just measure and continuance thereof,Psal 119.75.Ps 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.Isa 10:25Isa 26:20Hos 6:2Heb 10:371 Pet 1:61 Pet 5:10 David had great experience of this, as he often professeth, Psal. 30.5. Psal. 103.9. The rod of the wicked shall p. 160not 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.Jer 31:21Song 2:5Song 2:6 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 p. 161his 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 p. 162not 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.Rev 3:19even 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 foreign chastize, is derived from foreign 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.2 Cor 4:17which is but for a moment, worketh for us a farre more exceeding and eternall waight of glory. Wee shall have for Affliction, p. 163Glory; 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 p. 164and 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.Jas 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.Deut 8:2Deut 8:3Deut 8:16that 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 p. 165in 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 p. 166for 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 p. 167partakers 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.Zeph 3:12though it be tryed with fire, might be found unto praise and glory at the appearing of JESUS CHRIST. p. 168CHRIST. 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.Hos 5:15Ps 107:6Ps 107:13Ps 107:19Isa 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, p. 169and 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.

p. 170Though he fall hee shall not be utterly cast downe, for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand, Psal. 73.23.Ps 73:23Psal. 37.24.2 Cor 7.3.2 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 VntoUnto the upright there ariseth light in darknesse, Psal. 11….4. that is comfort in afflictions.Ps 9:9Ps 46:1Ps 46:2Ps 46:3Ps 11:4 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 p. 171will 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.Heb 12:5saith 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. p. 172Vna 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.Ps 37:39Ps 37:40David 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.

p. 173I 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 onelyonly 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.Isa 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 p. 174seventh 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.Amos 3:61 Sam 3:18Ps 39:19Job 1:21Hos 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 p. 175the 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.Jas 1:4Jas 1:5Jer 33:2Lam 3:39Lam 3:40 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, p. 176Iob 11.14.Job 11:14and 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 p. 177be 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 p. 178I 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.Gen 2:14 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 p. 179the nature of it is to beleeve GOD upon his bare word,Ibi incipit auxilium divinum, ubi defici… humanum. Psal. 61.2, 3.Ps 61:2Ps 61:3 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.Ps 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.

p. 180CHAP. III. Temporall Promises in regard of evill things.

Speciall.

Sicknesse, Poverty, Famine, Warre, Captivity, Witchcraft, or possession of the Divell, Oppression.

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 p. 181that healeth thee, Exod. 15.26. Deut. 7.15.

GOD will preserve his children from the pestilence,Pro 3.25.Prov 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.Job 5:18Deut. 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.

p. 182There is a generall promise made to all that feare GOD, 1 Tim. 4.8. Psal. 34.9, 10. Heb. 13.5.Mat. 6.33.Matt 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 onelyonly 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.Job 21:7Job 21:8Jer 12:1Jer 12:2Ps 73:12promise; 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 p. 183godly 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 p. 184shall 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, 18Phil 4:12Gen 15:1Hab 3:17Hab 3:18Whensoever 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.Job 5:22Particular promises for helpe in Famine, and deliverance from it.

In Famine he shall redeeme thee p. 185from 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.Isa 41:17Isa 41:18 and their tongue faileth for thirst; I the LORD will heare them▪ I the GOD of Israel will p. 186not 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. p. 18739.17, 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.Lev 25:44and 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 p. 188compassion 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.Deut 30Luke 4:18Eph 4:8If 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 p. 189know 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.Ps 22:24Ps 140:12 Psal. 9.9, 10, 14. Esay 25.4. For the oppression of the poore, for the sighing of the p. 190needy, 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.Exod 22:23Deut 10:8Deut 14:29Deut 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.

CHAP. IIII. Temporall promises in regard of good things.

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 p. 191hath 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.Ps 119:68 Psal. 31.19. Psal. 145.9. and many other places, where GODS goodnesse, p. 192loving 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.Jer 32:41will 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 onelyonly 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 p. 193Fountaine 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.Matt 6:33First] 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 onelyonly 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 p. 194upon 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.

p. 195Temporall 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.

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

CHAP. V. 2. Temporall Promises in regard of good things. 1. Speciall.

Promises to GODS children in respect of their Name.

1. Honour.

GOD saith, Hee will honour those that honour him, 1 Sam. 2.30.Exod. 19 5. Psal. 91.14. Deut 28 1. Esay 58.14. Psal. 14….18. Iob 36.7. If any man serve mee, him will my Father honour, Ioh. 12 26. His borne shall be exalted with hon…ur, Psal. 113.9. He raiseth up the poore out of the dust, and lift…th the needy out of the dunghill, th…s he may … him with Princes, Psal 113.7, 8 Deut. 28.13. Many shall make store unto thee, Iob …1, 19.Exod 19:5Ps 91:14Deut 28:1Isa 58:14Ps 14:18Job 36:7John 12:26Ps 113:9Ps 113:7Ps 113:8Deut 28:13Job 1:19 And Wisedome will honour those that honour her, Pro. 4.7, 8, 9. So it is oft said, Riches and honour are with her, Pro. 3.16. and verse 35. The wise shall inherit glory. So Chap. 13.18. Hee p. 197that regardeth reproofe, shall be honoured. This is meant by all those speeches where it is said, that hearkning to instruction will adorne and bring into estimation, as costly ornaments of bracelets, jewels and the like will doe; so it is, Pro. 1.9. They shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chaines about thy neck. See Chap. 3.22. & 4.9.

The gracious woman receiveth honour, Pro. 11.16. Righteousnesse exalteth a na…ion, Prov. 14.34.

GOD doth highly esteeme of the godly himselfe. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast beene honourable and I have loved thee, Esay 43.4. and he will make the wicked to honour them. The evill bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous, Pro. 14.19. Behold I will make them of the Synagogue of Satan to come and worship before thy feet and to know that I have loved thee, Rev. 3.9.

p. 1982. Good name.

A good name is better then precious ointment, Eccles. 7.1. and rather to be chosen then great riches, Pro. 22.1.

GOD hath made many promises concerning this.

The memory of the Iust is blessed, Pro. 10.7.

I will make you a name and praise among all the people of the earth, saith the LORD, Zeph. 3.20.

I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off, Esay 56.5.

The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance, Psal. 112.6.

Promises to GODS children in respect of the Body.

1. Long life.

The LORD, that hee may stirre up his people to obedience, doth make many promises of p. 199long life, and many daies; as in the fift Commandement,Exod. 20.1…Exod 20:1 which the Apostle saith is the first Commandement with Promise,He that followeth afte… righteousnes, as a man followeth a trade, shall finde honour and life, true honour and eternall life. Pro. 21.21.Prov 21:21 Ephes. 6.2. every child is there commanded to Honour his Father and Mother, upon this promise, that his daies may be long in the land. So Deut. 5.33. Deut. 25.15. & 30.20. In the Proverbes this is very oft repeated, Chap. 3.1, 2. My sonne forget not my law, but let thine heart keepe my commandements; for length of daies and long life and peace shall they add to thee. And 16. and 18. verses of the same Chapter, and Chap. 4. from the 5. verse to 14. Chap. 8.35. Chap. 9.11. Chap. 10.25, 27. Chap. 11.19, 30. & 14.30. This GOD promised to Salomon, See Esay 65.20, 22. Psal 91 16. Psal. 1…8.6. Iob 5.26.Isa 65:20Isa 65:22Ps 91:16Ps 1:8Ps 1:6Job 5:261 King. 3.14. and the like is spoken more generally, that the Prince that hateth covetousnesse shall prolong his daies, Prov. 28.16. and also Deut. 17.19, 20.

Long life is promised to the p. 200observers of the whole law, Deut. 6.2. and other particular branches of it, Psalm. 34.12, 13, 14.

In all the perills of this life, by sickenesse, warre, famine, theeves, or any wicked enemy whatsoever, we may call to minde some of these promises and so rest quiet thereupon, that none of these nor any thing else shall shorten our daies more then shall turne to our good.

2. Health.

GOD hath promised bodily health and strength unto his people, that they may enjoy and make use of these earthly comforts.

Salomon, Pro. 3.7. exhorting us to feare the LORD and depart from evill, adds this as a promise, verse 8. It shall be health to thy navill, and marrow to thy bones, that is, soundnesse of health to thy whole body, and Chap. p. 2014.22. He saith, That the true receiving of instructions, is life to those that finde them, and health to all their flesh.

Bodily strength is often promised.

The LORD will give strength unto his people, Psal. 29.11. See Psal. 103.5.

3. Safety.

Then shalt thou walke in thy way safely,Psal. 121.3.Ps 121:3 and thy foot shall not stumble, Pro. 3.23. See verse 26. 1 Sam. 2.9.

The Name of the LORD is a strong tower,An example hereof we have in David, 1 Sam, 306. Psal. 8 2. Ier 46.27 Micah. 4.4.Ps 8:2Jer 46:27Mic 4:4 the righteous runneth unto it and is safe, Pro. 18.10.

He that walketh uprightly walketh surely, Pro. 10.9.

Who so hearkeneth unto mee shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from feare of evill, Prov. 1.33.

Thou shalt be secure, because there is hope, yea thou shalt digge about thee, and thou shalt take thy p. 202rest in safety, Job 11.18. See Psal. 91.1, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10. 1 Pet. 3.13, 14.

When a man is in Covenant with GOD, he is in league with the creatures, and therefore they shall never doe him hurt, Gen. 9.2. Hos. 2.18.

Thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee, Job 5.23.

4. Peace.

Peace in regard of outward troubles is a speciall blessing of GOD, and hath beene in all ages promised by GOD to his Church, 1 Chron. 22.9.

And I will give peace in the land, and yee shall lye downe, and none shall make you afraid, Levit. 26.6.

The LORD will blesse his people with peace, Psal. 29.11.

The meeke shall delight themselves p. 203in abundance of peace, Psal. 37.11.

He maketh peace in thy borders, Psal. 147.14.

LORD thou wilt ordaine peace for us, Esay 26.12.

Thou shalt know that thy Tabernacle shall be in peace, Job 5.29.Promises to peaceable men or peace-makers, Mat. 5 9. Iam, 3, 16.Matt 5:9 See Jam. 3.18. Esay 48.18.

When a mans waies please the LORD, hee will make his enemies at peace with him, Prov. 16.6.

5. Sleepe.

Promises for quiet rest and safety in the night.

When thou liest downe, thou shalt not be afraid, yea thou shalt lie downe, and thy sleepe shall be sweet, Pro. 3.24.

Also thou shalt lie downe and none shall make thee afraid, Job 11.19. Zeph. 3.13.

Hee giveth his beloved sleepe, Psal. 127.2.

p. 2046. Food and raiment.

GOD hath promised to give his children food unto content.

Yee shall eate in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the Name of the LORD, Joel 2.26.

Trust in the LORD, and doe good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed, Psal. 37.3.

He giveth meate unto them that feare him, Psal. 111.5.

He will satisfie the poore with bread, Psal. 102.15.

He loveth the stranger in giving him food and raiment, Deut. 10.18.

To such as want meate, drinke, or apparell, CHRIST saith, Matth. 6.25. Is not the life more then meate, and the body then raiment? It is an argument (as we say) à maiori a…minus, from the greater to the lesser.

The LORD which gave the life it selfe, will not suffer us to p. 205want those things that appertaine to the sustaining of the same, and ver. 32. Your heavenly Father (saith hee) knoweth that yee have neede of these things, that is, foode and raiment. A man may know our wants, and yet say as it is, Iames 2.16. another may desire to supply our wants, and yet not know them; but GOD 1. Knowes our wants: 2. Will supply them, for hee is a Father: 3. Can supply them, for he is a heavenly Father.

Promises to GODS children for their outward Estate.

1. Wealth.

GOD hath promised his people such a portion of earthly goods, as shall be needfull for their more comfortable living in this world.

Riches and honour are with mee, yea durable riches and righteousnesse. p. 206My fruit is better then gold, yea then fine gold, and my revenue then choice silver, Pro. 8.18, 19.

The blessing of the LORD maketh rich, and hee addeth no sorrow with it, Pro. 10.22. The LORD often promiseth plenty, that the land shall yeeld her fruit, that hee will give them raine in due season, that there should be none barren but he would encrease them in all their substance,1 Cor. 9.6. Pro. …1.23. Esay 60, 171 Cor 9:6Prov 1:23Isa 60:17 both ground and cattell, that they should eate old store, that threshing should reach unto **Pestican, Osia…der, Iuni…a, Vatablu…, Lorinus, Cornelius a Lap. doe understand this promise touching the generall blessing of …, and plenty to this people in this land, whilest they walked in obedience to Gods Commandements, so Amos 9.13.Amos 9:13vintage. Ezek. 36.30. Ioel 2.23, 24, 25. Levit. 26.4, 5, 10. & 25.19. See Deut. 28. from 2. to 15. and Chap. 7. from 12. to 17. Psal. 23. Psal. 128. Pro. 3.9, 10, 16, 17, 18. and Chap. 8.21. 1 Chron. 29.12.

Those that waite upon the LORD shall inherit the earth, Psal. 37.9. the like is in the 11, 22, 29, 34. verses, and Mat. 5.5.

p. 207A good man leaveth an inheritance to his childrens children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the **Ps. 135.11, 12. & 136 21 22.Ps 135:11Ps 135:12Ps 136:21Iust, Pro. 13.22. Wealth and riches shall be in his house, Psal. 112.3. In the house of the righteous is much treasure, Pro. 15.6. Thou shalt lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brookes, thou shalt have plenty of silver, Job 22.24, 25. That was a speciall promise made to the people of Israel at their returne; They shall flow together to the goodnesse of the Lord for wheate, and for wine, and for oyle, and for the young of the flocke and for the heard, &c. Jer. 31.12. I will open unto you the windowes of heaven, and powre you out a blessing that there shall not be roome to receive it, Malac. 3.10.

2. Good successe and prosperity.

GOD hath promised prosperity p. 208to his children: Both to their persons, and their purposes.

They shall prosper that love thee, Psal. 122.6. Prosperity shall be within thy palaces, ver. 7. Good understanding giveth favour, Pro. 13.15. Doe according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded thee,We have excellent examples of this in Iacob, Gen. 30 17 Ioseph Gen. 39 2, 5. Hezekiah, 2 Chrō …1 21. David, Psal. 23Gen 30:17Gen 39:2Gen 39:5Ps 23 that thou maist prosper whithersoever thou goest, Josh. 1.7. Then shalt thou make they way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good successe, ver. 8. They shall spend their daies in prosperity, and their yeares in pleasures, Job 36.11. And all nations shall call you blessed, for yee shall be a delight some land, Malac. 3.12. The LORD taketh pleasure in the prosperity of his servants, Psal. 35.27. Hee that feareth the LORD is and shall be blessed,See Ier. 33. … Hosea 14.5.Jer 33Hos 14:5 every way blessed, Psal. 128.1, 2.3.

GOD will also give good successe to their purposes and indeavours.

Deut. 29.9.Deut 29:9Whatsoever hee doth shall prosper, p. 209Psal. 1.3. this was verified in Ioseph, Gen. 39.3, 23.

Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee,Deut. 28.8, 12.Deut 28:8Deut 28:12 and the light shall shine upon thy waies, Job 22.28. Commit thy way unto the LORD, trust also in him, and hee shall bring it to passe, Psal. 37.5.

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. 30.9Deut 30:9Pro. 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 p. 210and 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. 13.5Heb 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.Ps 1:8Ps 1:24. 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.

p. 211There 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.

p. 212CHAP. VI. GOD hath promised not onelyonly to give these outward things, but to blesse them to his children.

HE will make that prosperous unto the Righteous which they possesse, be it little or much.

Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattell, the increase of thy kine and the flockes of thy sheepe. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store, Deut. 28.4, 5. Deut. 7.13, 14.

The LORD also will blesse thy fruit of thy wombe and the fruit of thy land, thy corne, and thy wine and thine oyle, the increase of thy kine, the flockes of thy sheepe, there shall be neither male or female barre… among them, or among your cattell.

Hee shall not onelyonly enjoy the fruit of his labours, but also p. 213be blessed in his fruit, Psal. 128.1, 2.

The godly are in a better state for these outward things then the wicked, in two respects:

1. They have a spirituall right to them which the wicked have not, they have these outward things onelyonly by a generall providence during GODS pleasure, but the faithfull have them as rewards of their righteousnesse, as testimonies of GODS love and care of them.

2. They enjoy them as they are,A little that a righteous man hath, is better than the riches of many wicked Psal. 37.16.Ps 37:16 a little gives them more content then plenty others. Better is a little righteousnesse, then great revenues without right, Prov. 16.8. more comfortable in respect of inward peace, the present use of this life and continuance. Better is a little with the feare of the LORD, then great treasure and trouble therewith, Prov. 15.16, 17. The blessing of the LORD maketh rich, and hee p. 214addeth no sorrow with it, Prov. 10.22. GOD giveth his beloved sleepe, Psal. 127.2. The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soule, Pro. 13.25.

See Esay 65.13. Eccles. 5.19. & 3.12, 13. Prov. 17.1

p. 215THE THIRD BOOK.Book III