Treatise of the Divine Promises, Book 3 · Chapter 10
CHAP. X Promises of Spirituall Graces. 1. The kinds of them.
1. Knowledge and wisdome.
2. Faith.
3. Confidence.
4. Hope.
5. Joy.
6. Love, of
1. GOD.
2. CHRIST.
3. Our Brethren.
4. Our Enemies.
7. Feare.
8. Obedience.
9. Repentance, in which are handled
1. Confession of sin
2. Mourning for sin
3. Killing of it.
4. Turning from it.
10. Humility.
11. Meekenesse.
12. Patience.
13. Righteousnesse.
14. Vprightnesse.
15. Peace.
16. Zeale.
17. Perseverance.
There are promises of all kind of graces; not a grace, but there is a promise of it generally, or speciallySpirituall Graces promised. 1. Knowledge, and Wisdome. Promises. 1. Of Knowledge.
IT is part of the Covenant, Heb. 8.11. You shall know me from the least to the greatest,Ier. 24.7. & 31.34. …os. 2 20. and I will teach you, and you shall no more teach one another his neighbour, you shall have my law written in your hearts. The Prophet speaking of the daies of CHRIST, saith. The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea, Esay 11.9. the like we have, Hab. 2.14.
2 Cor 3.16.18.In the time of the Old Testament, there was a vaile that covered their hearts and their eyes, that they were not able to see the truth clearely, but now That vaile is taken away and wee see the truth with open face, as wee see an image in a glasse.Ioh. 1.17, Mat. 1.16. 1 Ioh 5.10. Ephes 3.5 We know much more then they in the Old Testament, and in another manner, more distinctly, more particularly. It is oft said, that The LORD will teach his people. As in that famous prophesie of the daies of the Gospell, that GOD would teach them his waies, and they would walke in his paths, Esay 2.3. Micah 4.2. So Psal. 25.8, 9. Hee will teach sinners in the way, and the meeke hee will teach his way. The Elect shall be all taught of GOD, Esay 54.13.Iohn 6.45. so much as is necessary for their salvation, Ier. 31.34.yea The least as well as the greatest.
They shall know of the Scripture to be GODS Word, Esay 52.6. They shall know in that day that I am hee, that doth speake, behold it is I.
They shall know of that doctrine which is taught them, whether it be of GOD, or whether their teacher speake of himselfe, Iohn 7.17. CHRISTS Sheepe know his voice, and will follow him, John 10.4.Pro 3.32. His secret is with the righteous. The secret of the LORD is revealed to them that feare him, and hee will shew them his Covenant, Psal. 25.14. See ver 12. When the Spirit of truth is come, hee will guide you into all truth, Iohn 16.13. The faithfull have an unction from the holy one, and know all things. 1 Iohn 2.20. and ver. 27. The HOLY GHOST abideth in them, and they need not that any man teach them.
See Pro. 1.23. Hos. 14.9. Psal. 107.43. Iohn 8.32. Psal. 32.8. Marke 4.11. Esay 30.21. Prov. 2.3, 4, 5, 6. Prov. 3.6. & 14.6.
Promises. 2. To Knowledge and wisedome.
The profit of knowledge. Pro. 3 15 to 19 21. to 25. & 24.14.It is rewarded 1. with Temporall blessings, GOD will exalt such as know him. I will set him on high, because he hath knowne my name, Psal. 91.14. Length of daies is in her right hand, Dan. 11.3…. & 11.3. The wise shall inherit glory, Pro. 3.35. See P…o. 4.5. to 10.and in her left hand riches and honour, Prov. 3.14.
2. With spirituall blessings, as grace *Ioh 17 3. By life eternall is understood grace, by a metonymie of the effect, quia vitam efficit, it works life. Piscat quia radix & or…go vitae Cyril Quia gustus est vitae aeternae. Brentius. Esay 53.11. M. Perkins on the Creed. Faith is the gift of God, whereby we know, apprehend and apply the promises relying upon them Pa…. on the Rom.and peace. 2 Pet. 1.2. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of GOD.
3. With eternall blessings, Prov. 3.13, 18. Shee is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her, and happy is every one that retaineth her.
2. Faith, which is thus defined, Faith is a supernaturall gift of GOD in the mind, apprehending the saving promise with all the promises that depend upon it, Phil. 1.29. Gal. 3.14.
Promises. 1. Of Faith.
GOD promiseth to give Faith to whom hee meanes to save. The Apostle saith, It is the gift of GOD, Christ is cō ceived in our soule by faith, as hee was conceived in the Virgins wombe by her yealding to the promise. So we closing with the promise, then faith is wrought, and Christ comes to live in the heart.Ephes. 2.8. and Iude 3. That it was once given to the Saints. Heb. 12.2. CHRIST is said to be the Author and finisher of our Faith. And Rom. 12.3. That GOD hath dealt to every man the measure of Faith. All that the Father giveth mee, that is, by election; shall come to mee, that is, by Faith, Iohn 6.37. See verse 35.
Promises. 2. To Faith. Many Promises are made to Beleevers.
1. Beleefe in GOD brings good successe. Beleeve in the LORD your GOD, so shall yee be established; beleeve his Prophets, so shall yee prosper, 2 Chron. 20.20.
2. Forgivenesse of sinnes: righteousnesse and justification are promised to Beleevers, Acts 10.43. Rom. 10.4. & 4.5. & 5.1. Acts 13.39.
3. Wee are made the sonnes of GOD by adoption, when wee beleeve in CHRIST, Ioh. 1.12. Gal. 3.26, 29.
4. GOD will give his Spirit to them that beleeve: Hee that beleeveth in mee, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water, Ioh. 7.38.
5. GOD hath promised to heare the prayers of such as beleeve, What things soever yee desire when yee pray, beleeve that yee receive them, and yee shall have them, Mark. 11.24. Whatsoever yee shall aske in prayer, if yee beleeve yee shall receive it. Matth. 21.22.
6. Eternall life is promised to Beleevers, Iohn 3.16.Ioh. 3.18. & 6.35, 11, 25, 16 & 12.… 2 Thess. 1.10. Whosoever beleeveth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. It is not onelyonly said hee shall have eternall life, but already he hath it, often in Iohn, Chap. 3.36. Chap. 5. 24. Chap. 6.47, 54. 1. In regard of right, because hee is instated into it in the Covenant of grace, Mat. 5.3. 2. CHRIST in his Ascention hath taken full possession for us, Ephes. 2.6. 3. In regard of initiall fruition in this life, the life of grace is an imperfect life of glory.
Beleevers are said to be blessed, John 20.29.Acts 16.30, 31. The Evangelicall promises of grace concerning ou… reconciliation made by Christ and remission of sins, are so to be beleeved of us, that they may bring firme and solid comfort, but unlesse I beleeve in speeciall, that I am reconciled and that my sinnes are pardoned, I cannot have this consolation, Ergo, I am to beleeve this. The Maior is manifest, because the end of Evangelicall grace and the Divine promises, is that wee may have firme consolation, Heb. 6.18. B. Dav. on Coloss. Every man that beleeves shall be saved, Mar. 16.16. There is the gracious promise: now the Faithfull man assumes the Minor, but I beleeve, and out of these two premises, inferreth this saving Conclusion, therefore I shall be saved. Bellarmine saith, this particular proposition, such or such a man is truly justified, hath eternall life, is not contained in the Word of GOD, either immediatly or by consequence. Some Divines say, that such places as these, Psal. 103.3. Rom. 10.9. Gal. 2.20. intimate and imply such a particular proposition immediatly, but this is deduced by evident consequence out of the word, from such generall promises and propositions as these: Whosoever beleeveth in him, shall receive remission of sinnes, Acts 10.43. And by him all that beleeve, are iustified from all things, &c. Acts 13.39. He that beleeveth on the Sonne, hath everlasting life, Iohn 3.36. follow by good consequence these particulars, Paul, Peter, Calvin, Bradford, or any other particular man beleeving in him, receives remission of sinnes, is justified and hath eternall life; as it followes directly and infallibly, every man is a reasonable creature, therefore Iohn, Thomas, &c. is endued with reason.
For all Generalls comprehend and include their particulars; otherwise how shall it be proved, that GOD made Hens and Ducks, &c. but by this, that hee made all the world, and gave being to every creature.
One meanes to get Assurance is a serious meditation on the Promises of GOD, and an humble and sound application of them to thy selfe, Heb. 10.22, 23.
When the LORD acquaints us with his Word and Promises, and causeth us by his Spirit to put our trust in them, this is a sound and true Assurance, Iob 33.26.
*The smallest measure of true grace that can be, is to hunger after grace in the want thereof, faith a reverend Divine on the fourth of Iohn.The smallest measure of Faith that can be, is when a man not being able to apply the promises to himselfe, and to say, I am perswaded my sinnes are forgiven, yet out of a troubled heart doth unfainedly desire the favour of GOD above all the world.Such as unfeinedly desire & aske grace of God, shall be sure to obtaine it.
To this thirsting the Promises are made, Mat. 5.6. Psal. 107.9. The LORD will fulfill the desires of them that feare him, Psal. 145.19.
See Esay 55.1, 2. Esay 44.3, 4. Rev. 21.6. & 22.17. Iohn 7.37. Psal. 10.17. Luke 1 53.
Promises of Assurance, Psal. 50.23. that is, I will cause him to see and know that hee shall be saved, Mal. 4.2. Psal. 85.9. & 97.11. GOD hath first commanded the faithfull to make their calling and election sure, 2 Pet. 1.1. and to beleeve his promises, Mar. 1.15. 1 Iohn 3.23. Secondly, promised that hee will certifie and assure his people of his favour, Ezek. 34.30. Thirdly, GOD hath given his people in all ages experience of the truth of this his promise in themselves, Rom. 8.15, 16. Gal. 4.6.
3. Confidence. Promises. 1. Of Confidence.
It is said of GODS people, That they shall stay upon the LORD the holy one of Israel Esay 10.20. At that day shall a man looke to his Maker, and his eye shall have respect to the holy one of Israel, Esay 17.7. Thou shalt call mee my father, and shalt not turne away from mee, Jer. 3.19. They shall trust in the name of the LORD, Zeph. 3.12. Many shall see it and feare, and shall trust in the name of the LORD, Psal. 40.3. VnderUnder his wings shalt thou trust, Psal. 91.4. Hee is the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are a farre off upon the Sea, Psal 65.5. They that know thy name will put their trust in thee, Psal. 9.10. In his name shall the Gentiles trust, Mat. 12.21.The Spouse leaned upon her beloved, Cant. 8.5. The Iles shall waite upon mee, and on mine arme shall they trust, Esay 51.5. The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him, Psal. 64.10.
Promises. 2. To Confidence.
1. Safety: Deut 31.6. Iosh 1.9. 1 Chron. 28.20. 2 Chron 20.15, 17. Esay 41.10, 13, 14. He shall not be afraid of evill tidings, his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord, Psal. 112.7. Confidence in God doth the more binde and oblige him as it w…re to doe us good.GOD is a shield to them that put their trust in him, Pro. 30.5. who so putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe, Pro. 29.25. They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion which cannot be removed, Psal. 125.1. Thy life shall be for a prey unto thee, because thou hast put thy trust in mee, saith the LORD, Jer. 39.18. None of them that trust in him shall be desolate, Psal. 34.22. The LORD shall save them because they trust in him, Psal. 37.40. The faithfull have promised themselves helpe, because they trusted in the LORD, Psal. 57.11. & 143.8, 9. Numb. 14.9. 1 King. 6.16. Psal. 3.6. & 23.4. & 27.1, 3. Psal. 46.1, 2. & 49.4. & 46. Psal. 4.11. & 118.6. Esay 12.2.
2. Peace; Thou wilt keepe him in perfect peace whose minde is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee, Esay 26.3.
3. Mercy, Hee that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compasse him about, Psal. 32.10.
4. Blessednesse; Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee, Psal. 84.12.Psal. 34.8. Blessed is the man that maketh the LORD his trust, Psal. 40.4. Who so trusteth in the LORD, happy is he, Pro. 16.20.
4. Hope.
Calvin calleth Hope an expectation of those things which Faith beleeveth to be truly promised of GOD.Spes est expectasio eorum quae verè a Deo promissa fides credidit. Calvin l. 3. Inslit. C. 2. Sect. 42. Rom 8.25. Spet est virtus qua inclinamur ad expectationē eorum, quae Deus nobis promisit.
M. Perkins defineth Hope thus Hope (saith he) is the grace o… GOD whereby with patienc… we waite the LORDS leisure for the performance of his promises, especially touching redemption and life eternall.
Hope is an expectation o… such good things to come … GOD hath promised, and Faith beleeved.
Faith is the foundation of Hope, Hope is the nourishment of Faith. Faith apprehendeth the promises of things to come, Hope expecteth the things promised. Simeon having a promise, that before he died, he should see CHRIST with his bodily eyes, beleeved the same, and looked for the performance of it, Luke 2.26, 29, 30.
Promises. 1. Of Hope.
David often professeth, that GOD was his hope,Psal. 39 7.33.22. & 119 16…. and his trust even from his youth, and GOD made him hope even from his mothers wombe, Psal. 71.5. & 22.9. And that GOD is the hope of all the ends of the earth, Psal. 65.5. CHRIST is in you the hope of glory, Col. 1.27.
The righteous hath hope in his death, Proverbs 14.32.
Dum spiro, sp…ro, saith the Physitian. Dum expiro, spero, saith the Divine. Though hee slay me, yet will I trust in him, saith Iob 13.15.Promises. 2. To Hope.
The LORD promiseth, Psal. 91. both temporall blessings and eternall salvation to those that hope in him.
They are pronounced Blessed that have true hope, Psal. 40.4. We are saved by hope, Rom. 8.24.
The hope of the righteous shal… be gladnesse Pro. 10.28.
Hope maketh us not ashamed Rom. 5.5. Psal. 25.3.
To Hope in GOD, and to have GOD for our Helpe, ar… linked together in Scripture Happy is he, that hath the GO… of Jacob for his helpe, whose hop… is in the LORD his GOD Psal. 146.5.
See Heb. 10.35. Lam. 3.24, 2… 26. Psal. 14.7, 11.
Hope is preserved by a … consideration and full perswasion of GODS properties, which make us patiently abide for the accomplishment of his promises: foure speciall properties for this purpose are to be observed.
1. His free grace,1 Pet. 1.13. that makes us waite on him, being perswaded in our hearts by faith, that the same grace which moved GOD to make any gracious promise, will further moove him to accomplish it.
2. His infinite power,Rom. 4.2…. being perswaded that hee is able to do it.
3. His infallible truth:2 Tim. 2 13 so faithfull is GOD, that not a word which he hath said, shall fall to the ground.
4. His unsearchable wisedome: he is most wise in appointing the fittest times and seasons for all things, so as may most make for his owne glory, and his childrens good.
Let us therefore imitate David, Iob, and Simeon, spoken of before, in waiting for the accomplishment of GODS promises,Rom. 4.18. Acts 26 6. and hoping in him even against hope, as Abraham did: though *Sence corrects imagination, reason corrects sence, but fai…h corrects both.sence, reason, and experience should be against us, yet let us cleave to the Promises, and waite upon GOD, who never faileth those that trust in him, 1 Pet. 1.13.
5. Joy. Promises of it.
This is notably set out unto us in the booke of Psalmes, Psal. 19.8. The Statutes of the LORD are right, reioycing the heart. Psal. 23.4. Thy rod and thy staffe they comfort mee. Psal. 36.8, 9. Thou shalt make them drinke of the river of thy pleasures; for with thee is the fountaine of life, and in thy light shall we see light. Psal. 89.15, 16. Blessed is the people that know the ioyfull sound, they shall walke O LORD in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they reioyce all the day, and in thy righteousnesse shall they be exalted. Psal. 45.15.Psal. 33 21. & 126 5, 6, With gladnesse and reioycing shall they be brought. Psal. 64.10. The righteous shall be glad in the LORD. Psal. 68.3. Let the righteous be glad, let them reioyce before GOD, yea let them exceedingly reioyce. Psal. 97.11, 12. *This duty is often and earnestly inioyned, …sal. 32.…. Phil. 4. & 3….Light is sowen for the righteous, and gladnesse for the upright in heart. Reioyce in the LORD yee righteous, Psal. 118.15. The voice of reioycing and salvation, is in the tabernacles of the righteous. Psal. 132.16. Her Saints shall shout aloud for ioy.
The bookes of the Prophets are full of these Promises. Notable is that sweet song of Esay,Esay 12.2, 3 GOD is my Salvation, I will trust, and not be afraid; for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song, hee also is become my salvation. Therefore with ioy shall yee draw water out of the wells of Salvation or Consolation. The whole 35. Chapter of Esay is full of heavenly consolation to as Gentiles, verse 1.Ier. 3….12, 13 & 2… 19.41.16.61 3. Hol. 12.9 Zach. 19. The wildernesse and th… solitary place shall be glad for th…m, and the desert shall reioyce and blossome as the rose. See ver. 10. Esay 56.7. I will make them ioyfull in my house of prayer. In the 66. of Es…y are many sweet consolations, v…rse 10. to 14. our Saviour likewise said to his Disciples, that their hearts should reioyce, and their ioy should no man take away from them, Joh. 16.22. Paul saith, The kingdome of GOD is in righteousnesse, peace, and ioy in the HOLY GHOST, Rom. 14.17. The HOLY GHOST workes it in the heart, one of his fruites is joy, Gal. 5.22.
The LORD makes so many promises of this one thing, to make us see, 1. That there can be no holding out in a Christian course without this joy: 2. By reason of the many evills that befall us in this life, it is very hard to get, much more to keepe this joy.
6. Love, of
1. GOD.
2. CHRIST.
3. Our Brethren.
4. Our Enemies.
A Promise. 1. Of the Love of GOD.
And the LORD thy GOD will circumcise thine heart and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart and with all thy soule, that thou maist live, Deut. 30.6. As if the LORD had said, I will ingraft the true love of my selfe in your hearts, which you will increase in, and constantly proceed in the same;The upright love thee. Cant. 1 4. and then I will account and accept of it, for the full measure of love that my law requireth.
Promises. 2. To the Love of GOD.
Many things are promised to those that love GOD.
1. Preservation, The LORD preserveth all them that love him, Psal. 145.20.
2. Plenty, GOD will cause them to inherit substance, and will fill their treasures, Proverbs 8.21.
3. Deliverance, Because hee hath set his love upon mee, therefore will I deliver him, Psal. 91.14.
4. Joy, unspeakeable and glorious, 1 Cor. 2.9, 10. That Text is chiefly meant of the Gospels joy, of the wine and fatlings, revealed to the Beleever by the Spirit.
5. GOD knowes them, loves them, will keepe his Covenant with them, sheweth mercy to them and their posterity, and hath promised them a crowne of life.
If any man love GOD, the same is knowne of him, 1 Cor. 8.3. I love them that love mee, Pro. 8.17. Hee is the faithfull GOD which keepeth Covenant, and mercy with them that love him, Deut. 7.9.Deut. 7.9. Which sentence is repeated twice in the very same words, Nehem. 1.5. Dan. 9.4. He sheweth mercy to them, and thousands of their generations that love him, Exod. 20.6. Hee shall receive the crowne of life, which the LORD hath promised to them that love him, James 1.12. & 2.5.
6. All things shall worke together for their good, Rom. 8.28.
Promises. To the Love of CHRIST.
If any man serve mee, him will my Father honour, John 12.26.
He that loveth mee shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him and will manifest my selfe unto him, Iohn 14.21, 23.
Promises to the love of our Brethren.
It is the cognizance of a Disciple, and a signe of spirituall life.
Iam 2 8.By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples, if yee love one another, John 13.35. He that loveth his brother, abideth in the light, 1 John 2.10. And is translated from death to life, 1 John 3.14. If we love one another, GOD dwelleth in us, 1 Iohn 4.12.
Pr…mises to forg…v… of ….Promises to the love of our Enemies.
It is a matter of great credit to forgive, for thereby we are declared to be The children of our heavenly Father, Matth. 5.44, 45. Love your enemies, and doe good, and your reward shall be great, Luke 6.35. If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eate, and if he be thirsty, give him water to drinke: For thou shalt heape coales of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee, Pro. 25.21, 22. Thine enemy] that is, hee that hates thee, not hee whom thou hatest, for thou must hate none: give him bread] that is,Saul was for the time moll…d, when hee saw that David spared his life. 1 Sam. 2….…6 17. all things necessary in time of his neede, if occasion bee offered; for by thy beneficence thou shalt overcome his evill, and provoke him to love; or if not, GOD will certainely reward thee.
It is also matter of Comfort for us; for if wee forgive, so shall we also be forgiven, If yee forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, Matth. 6.14. the same is Marke 11.25. and Luke 6.37.
7. Feare. Promises, of Feare. GOD promiseth to make us feare him.
Hee saith in his New Covenant, that he will put his feare into our hearts, as Ier. 32.39, 40. and that wee shall feare him for ever. The LORD doth oft repeate this promise, as Deut 4.10. where one speciall meanes whereby this feare is wrought, is set downe. Deut 6.1, 2. & 17 19.Gather mee the people together, and I will make them heare my words, that they may learne to feare mee all the daies that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. So Pro. 2.5. They who seeke for wisedome, shall understand the feare of GOD. David, Psal. 40.3. shewes another meanes, whereby GOD doth stirre up this grace in his people, viz. the beholding of GODS mercy on others, saying. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our GOD: many shall see it and feare, and shall trust in the LORD. They shall feare thee as long as the Sunne and Moone endure, throughout all generations, Psal. 72.5. They shall feare the GOD of Israel, Esay 29.23.Psal. 102.15. They shall feare the LORD, and his goodnesse in the latter daies, Hos. 3.5.
GOD hath made promises to free his people from servile feares, Iob 11.15. Psal. 112.7, 8. Prov. 1.33.
Promises to Feare.
1. Great and everlasting mercy is promised to those that feare GOD.Illumination of the understanding, Psal. 11….…0. Pro 1.7. … the amendment of a wicked life, …ro 10.27. & 1….27. & 15.16. Luke ….…0 Eccles 8.12. Psal 112 1.
As the heaven is high above the earth: so great is his mercy toward them that feare him, Psal. 103.11. The mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting, upon them that feare him, verse 17.
O how great is thy goodnesse, which thou hast laid up for them that feare thee, Psal. 31.19.
2. Such as feare GOD, are accepted of him, Deut. 6.24 Esay 66.2.Act. 10.35. He taketh pleasure in them, Psal. 147.11. Mal, 3.16, 17. The Sunne of righteousnesse shall rise up to such. Mal. 4.2. GOD will teach them in the way that they should choose, Psal. 25.12, 13, 14. Hee will fulfill their desire, Psal. 145.19.
3. They shall not want, There is no want to them that feare the LORD, Psal. 34 9 Psal. 111.5.
4. The Angell of the LORD enc…mpeth round about them, and delivereth them,Psal 33.17 Psal. 34.7.
5. Their daies shall be prolonged, Pro. 10.27. Pro. 19.23. Pro. 22.4. and they shall be rewarded,All kind of felicity is promised to it, Psal 15 12, 13, …4, 15. Psal 34 10. Esay 33 6. Pro. 13.13.
6. Those that feare the LORD are pronounced blessed.
Blessed is the man that feareth GOD, Psal. 112.1, 2. Hee will blesse them that feare the LORD, both small and great, Psal. 115.13. Happy is the man that feareth alway, Pro. 28.14. He that feareth the LORD is, and shall be every way blessed, Psal. 128.1, 4. The reward of eternall life shall be given them, Rev. 11.18.
8. Obedience. Promises. 1. Of Obedience.
GOD will make us able to obey.
GOD doth promise in the New Covenant to enable us to walke in his statutes, and keepe his Ordinances and doe them, Ezek. 11.19, 20. the like is repeated, Ezek. 36.27. & 37.24. And thou shalt returne and obey the voice of the LORD, and doe all his Commandements which I command thee this day, Deut. 30.8. The like promise is, Hos. 14.9. The waies of the LORD are right, and the iust shall walk… in them.Ier 30.9. Esay 30.21. & 58.11.
GOD hath sworne, that wee shall serve him, Luke 1.72, 74.
Promises. 2. To Obedience.
1 Ioh. 2.3. & 3.24.The Scriptures are full of promises to Obedience.
1 Tim. 4 8.True and faithfull obedience bringeth all manner of blessings for body and soule,God said to Adam in Paradise, do this and live. The Lord had Abraham goe out of his countrey, & promised upon his obedience to blesse him. Gen. 12.1, …, 3. and to be his buckler, and exceeding great reward Gen. 15.1. & 17.1. & 18.19. for name and estate, yea, and for seede and posterity also.
All these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy GOD, Deut. 28.1, 2. to 14. 1. All in generall, all these blessings shall overtake thee. 2. Every one in particular, as is shewed in the verses following.
Particular promises made to Obedience.
1. aPeace and …ranqui…lity of minde are promi…ed to obedience.Holy and Christian security, Levit. 25.18, 19. & 26.3, 5, 6. Pro. 1.33. Iob 11.13, 15, 19. 1 Chron. 28.7.
2. bPsal. 8.13, 1…. Deut. 10.13 & 1.36. Long life in man… of tho…e place… is promised …lso to obedience. Deut. 30.20. Pro. 3.1, 1, 2… 21.Sufficiencie of outward things, nay plenty, Deut. 28. Levit. 25.18, 19, 21. & 26.3, 4, 5, 10. GODS blessing on the creatures, Exod. 23.25.
3. Prosperity and a blessing also on their seed, Iob 36.11. Esay 48.17. Deut. 6.17, 18, 24. This is often iterated almost in every Chapter in Deuteronomie, and in divers verses of some one: Take heede and doe according to all that I command you, that it may be well with you and with your children for ever, Deut. 4.40. Deut. 5.29, 33. Deut. 6.2, 3, 18, 24. Deut. 12.28. GOD will shew mercy unto thousands of them that love him and keepe his Commandements, Deut. 5.10. Exod. 20.6.
4. Freedome from diseases, Exod. 15.26. and deliverance out of trouble, Deut. 4.30, 31.
5. GODS love, and presence.
If yee will obey my voice indeed and keepe my Covenant, then yee shall be a peculiar treasure unto mee above all people, Exod. 19.5. And I will set my Tabernacle amongst you, and I will walke among you, Levit. 26.11, 12.
6. Victory over enemies, Deut. 6.19.Psal. 81.13, 14, 16. Deut. 11.22, 23. Deut. 28.7. Levit. 26.7, 8.
7. Audience of their suites, and acceptance of their persons.
1 Ioh 3.22.If my words abide in you, yee shall aske what yee will, and it shall be done unto you, Iohn 15.7. Our obedience is an acceptable sacrifice to GOD, offered up in CHRIST,Pro. 3.1, 4. Gen. 4.7. Levit. 26.9. Acts 10.35.
8. Perseverance.
If you keepe my Commandements, yee shall abide in my love, Iohn 15.10.
9. Blessednesse, and eternall salvation.Deut. 11.17 1 Tim. 4.8.
Blessed are they that keepe iudgement; and hee that doth righteousnesse at all times, Psal. 106.3.
See Pro. 8.32. & 29.18. Luke 11.28. Iohn 13.17. Rom. 2.10.Psal. 19.2. Ezek. 18.9. Iames 1.25. Rev. 22.14.
He became the Author of eternall salvation unto all them that obey him, Heb. 5.9.
A promise. 1. To willing obedience.
If yee be willing and obedient, yee shall eate the good of the Land, Esay 1.19.
2. Promis…s to generall obedience.
Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy Commandements, Psal. 119.6.
Yee are my Friends, if yee doe whatsoever I command you, Iohn 15.14.
9. Repentance; Promises 1 of it, Acts 5.31.2 to it, Acts 2.31. 2 Cor. 3.16. Ier. 4.1. Ezek. 33.15, 16.
In it are handled
1. Confession of sin.
2. Mourning for it.
3. Killing of it.
4. Turning from it.
1. Confession of sinne. To true Confession of sinne are promised. Remitting of it, purging from it, and mercy.
Man taketh advantage from the delinquents confession, confesse (we s…y) and be hanged. But with God, that may rather be a proverbe, Confesse & be saved. Psal. 32.5. See Levit. 26 40, 41, 42.If wee confesse our sinnes, hee is faithfull and iust (see the certainty of this promise) to forgive us our sinnes, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousnesse, See the extent and largenesse of this promise, 1 Ioh. 1.9. Cum homo agnoscit. Deus ignoscit, saith Austin. Hee that confesseth and forsaketh his sinnes shall have mercy, Pro. 28.13.
If we would iudge our selves, we should not be iudged, 1 Cor. 11.31. Jer. 3.12, 13.
Hee looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right and it profited mee not; He will deliver his soule from going downe into the pit, and his life shall see the light, Iob 33.27, 28.
2. Mourning for sinne. Promises. 1. Of godly sorrow.
GOD promiseth in the New Covenant,Ezek. 36.26 Non carnale sed carneum cor. Not a fleshly but a fleshly heart. to take away the stony heart out of their flesh (that is, the stony hardnesse which was in their heart before) and to give them a heart of flesh, that is, a soft and tender heart, to tremble at GODS judgements, beleeve his promises, and obey his Commandements.
You shall looke on him, whom you have pierced, and you shall mourne for him, as one mourneth for his onelyonly Sonne, and be in bitternesse for him, as one that is in bitternesse for his first-borne, Zach. 12.10.
See Ezek. 20.43. & 36.31.
If thou complainest of a hard heart, challenge GOD with his promise, and in a holy reverence and humble boldnesse, charge him with that Covenant mentioned in Ezekiel.
Promises to true contrition or humiliation.Promises. 2. To Godly sorrow.
This sorrow shall not be everlasting, but it shall end in comfort.1. Comfort.
Blessed are they that mourne, for they shall be comforted, Mat 5.4. The words import an exceeding measure of griefe, such as is expressed by crying and weeping; therefore Luke saith, Blessed are yee that now weepe, Luke 6 21.*Doler p…opter off…nsum Deum per nostra peccata.Piscator, and others expound it of sorrow for sinne. They that so mourne are already blessed, and shall be comforted. You shall be sorrowfull, but your sorrow shall be turned into ioy, Iohn 16.20. See verse 24. Psal. 126.5.6. They that sow in teares shall reape in ioy. See Ier. 21. The meeke shall increase their ioy in the Lord, and the poore among men shall reioyce in the holy one of Israel, Esay 29.19.Hee that goeth forth and weepeth, shall come againe with reioycing bringing his sheaves with him. GOD hath undertaken to comfort them: In the prophesie of Esay every where almost wee finde it promised. The ransomed of the LORD shall returne and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting ioy upon their heads; they shall obtaine ioy and gladnesse, and sorrow and sighing shall fly away, Esay 35.10. They shall have both outward and inward comfo…t, for so some distinguish betweene ioy and gladnesse; that …oy is outward of the body, and gladnesse inward of the soule, Psal. 118.24. arise (saith GOD, …alling on his Church) and shine, …nd put on brightnesse and glory: …he LORD shall be a light unto …hee in darkenesse. CHRIST was …ent for this very end, to comfort such as mourne for their sinnes. The LORD hath sent mee to binde up the broken hearted, See Esay 65 13, …4. & 60.5, 10, 11, 12.13. Psal. 10.5. Mat. 11.28 Ier. 31.18, 19 20. Psal. 51.17.to give unto them that mourne in Zion, beauty for ashes, the oyle of ioy, for mourning, the garment of praise, for the spirit of heavinesse, Esay 61.1, 3. Luke 4.18. I am not sent but unto the lost sheepe of the house of Israel, Esay 30.19 Zach. 8.19.Mat. 15.24. that is, (saith M. Perkins) to those which in their owne sence and feeling are lost in themselves. The fruit of the Spirit is ioy, Gal. 5.22. The LORD who is the Father of mercies, and GOD of all consolation, 2 Cor. 1.3, 4, 5.is cald a GOD that Comforteth all those that are cast downe, 2 Cor. 7.6. Comfort yee, comfort yee my people, saith our GOD. Speake yee comfortably to Hierusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, Esay 40.1, 2. Behold how freely and how fully the LORD speakes, how he doubles his comforts: Comfort yee, comfort yee, and iterates his words, speake comfortably, cry unto her: The LORD will comfort Zion and her mourners, Esay 57.18. All Sion, the Church of GOD shall be comforted, and all the friends of the Church, that mourne in her mourning, and that take to heart her sorrowes and desolation, shall be comforted too. GOD shall wipe away all teares from their eyes, Rev. 7.17.God will make hims…l…e marvellous in their deliverance, when all other humane helpes and comfo…ts faile, Esay …3.18, 9, 20, 21. Thus saith the High and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones, Esay 57.15. The day of humiliation, when GODS people afflict their soules before him, is called a day of a…tonement, Levit. 23.27. For so is GODS promise, In that day there …hall be a Fountaine opened for sinne, Zach. 13.1.Zach. 13.1.
2. Grace.
The second benefit this sorrow will bring, is, that it will make us capable of and able to thrive in every saving grace. Such shall attaine to a cleare, certaine, and sanctified knowledge of the truth. Such shall get power over their corruptions, Eccles. 7.3. 2 Chron. 32.26. Counterfeit humiliation, hath beene effectuall for the turning away of Gods iudgements. 2 Chron. 12.12.This benefit is pressed as a motive unto godly sorrow. 1 Pet. 5.5, 6. GOD giveth grace to the humble. Humble your selves therefore (saith the Apostle) under the mighty hand of GOD. Iam. 4.6, 7, 9. GOD giveth grace to the humble. Submit your selves therefore to GOD, Be afflicted and mourne and weepe.
1. Knowledge, The humble he will teach his way, Psal. 25.9.
2. Repentance, Godly sorrow bringeth repentance to salvation, 2 Cor. 7.10.
3. Speciall protection, assistance, and mercy in the evill day.
Those that mourne for the sinnes of other men, have a great promise of speciall protection in the daies of common calamity. Goe through the midst of the City,1 King 21.29. through the midst of Ierusalem, and set a marke upon the foreheads of the men that sigh, and that cry for all the abhominations that be done in the midst thereof, Ezek. 9.4.
GOD marked them for his owne, signo salutari saith Iunius, with a saving marke, such as that, Exod. 12.
Thou wilt save the afflicted people, Psal. 18.27 Hee saveth such as be of a contrite spirit, Psal. 34.18. When men are cast downe, then thou shalt say, there is a lifting up, he shall save the humble person, Iob 22.29.
4. Audience in prayer.
The LORD hath promised, that the prayers of such shall prevaile mightily with him both for themselves and others. Ambrose said to Monica the mother of Austin, when with many tea…es, s…e bewailed her …ons unconversion, Fieri non potest, ut … l…ch…y…arum perea… It could not be that the Son of so many teares should perish. Aug. Confess l. 3 c. 13.It is said of Iacob, Hosea 12.4. Hee had power over the Angell and prevailed, hee wept, and made supplications unto him. And of Hezekiah, Esay 38.5. I have heard thy prayers I have seene thy teares: behold, I will add unto thy daies fifteene yeares. LORD thou hast heard the desire of the humble, thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine eare to heare, Psal. 10.17. When the Prophet had said, Psal. 34.17. The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth them, he giveth this reason, verse 18. The LORD is nigh to them that are of a broken heart. 2 Chron. 7.14. If my people that are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, then will I heare from Heaven.
Yea GOD will heare them also for others. Iob 42.8. My servant Job shall pray for you, for him will I accept.
3. Mortification or killing of sinne. Promises. 1. Of Mortification.
A Child of GOD shall be able to mortifie his corruptions, and overcome his speciall sinnes which most prevaile over him.
For sinne shall not have dominion over you, Rom. 6 14. that is, shall never any more reigne as in times past it did, and so have the full victory over you. For yee are not under the Law, but under grace, that is, Yee are not still under the condemnation and tyranny of the Law; but by true receiving of CHRIST by faith are now delivered from that bondage, and so brought into the liberty of GODS children. See ver. 18, 22. and Rom. 7.24, 25. He will subdue our iniquities, Micah 7.19. Hee will tread them under our feete, as it were.
This grace of Mortification is expressely promised, Gal. 5.16. Walke in the spirit, and yee shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh, Tit. 2.11, 14.
The members of CHRIST shall be cleansed from the guiltinesse of sinne, it shall not be imputed; and from the filthinesse of sinne, it shall not prevaile over them, 1 Iohn 17.9. Mat. 1.21. Iohn 1.29. Rev. 1.5. Acts 3.26. Psal. 103.3. The Prophets foretold in their time, That GOD would purge and cleanse his Church. Esay 4 3, 4. & 27 9Esay 1.25. That GOD will purely purge their drosse, and take away all their tinne: that is, their sinnes. I will cleanse you or wash you, that is, with the imputation or sprinkling of the blood of CHRIST from all your Idols, that is, from all the sinnes that you have committed.
Esay 11.6.When wee feele our hearts discouraged by the little strength we finde to master our speciall corruptions, then we may apply to our selves any of these promises, wherein the LORD himselfe doth undertake this worke which is too hard for us:Nothing cleaves more pertinaciously, or is more inexpugnable then a strong lust. As God of ten promised his people going to conquer the land of Canaan, that no enemy should be able to stand against them, Deut 7 24 & 11.2… Iosh. 1.5. & …0 8 so he hath as certainely promised to the Elect victory over their enemies. That he will subdue our iniquities, cleanse us from all unrighteousnesse. Though a strong and importunate lust hang upon us, an hereditary disease, a lust that is naturall to us, which we think wee shall never be able to conquer, yet GOD hath promised to breake the dominion of every sinne; That hee will crucifie the flesh with the affections thereof. Hee can heale the strongest lusts, CHRIST could cure those that were borne blinde and lame; therefore when we grapple with a strong lust we should goe to the LORD, and pleade the Covenant, and say to him, LORD I feele this temptation is too strong for mee, such a lust I cannot overcome, thou hast said, Thou wilt circumcise my heart, that thou wilt dissolve these lusts, I beseech thee to doe it. If we truly hate and detest sinne, (though it doe sometimes stirre in us) we should not be discouraged; for our Sanctification here is but in fieri, it is but in doing yet,We should doe therefore as Iehosaphat did, 2 Chro. 20.11. Rev. 6.2. CHRIST rides about conquering, and will yet goe on to conquer sinne in us. He will not subdue our corrupt lusts unto us at once, but as he did the Cananites to his people Israel, by little and little, Exod. 23.30. Deut. 7.22.
That promise which GOD made to Paul in the stirrings and conflicts of his concupiscence is made unto all of his temper,God hath promised to give grace s…fficient to them that aske it. Ezek. 36.25, 26. my grace is sufficient for thee, 2 Cor. 12.9. There are two things in that promise; grace to make it, and sufficiency to fulfill it.
The LORD doth sometimes descend to particulars, as that, Hee will cleanse them from their Idols, and that hee will take away the stony heart out of them. But wee may apply the former generall promises to our particular occasions, and they will be as comfortable, as if the LORD had said in particular, hee will kill our pride, our unbeleefe, our hypocrisie.
Promises. 2. To Mortification.
The benefits the LORD will bestow upon us, if in obedience and love to him, wee can be content to cast away our sinfull lusts.
He that forsaketh any profit, credit or comfort for CHRISTS sake, shall be rewarded an hundred fold, Mar. 10.29, 30. Mat. 19.28. Hee shall receive not ten in the hundred, but a hundred for ten, If yee mortifie the deeds of the flesh by the Spirit, yee shall live, Rom. 8.13. Without it there is no living, it is a necessary condition required to the attainement of salvation.
4. Turning from sinne. Promises. 1. Of Turning from sinne.
Then thou shalt remember thy waies and be ashamed, Ezek. 16.61. Yee shall remember your waies and all your doings wherein yee have beene defiled, and you shall lothe your selves in your owne sight, for all your evills that yee have committed. Ezek. 20.43. the like is repeated 36.31. VntoUnto you hath GOD raised up his Sonne JESUS, and sent him to blesse you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities, Acts 3.26. GOD promiseth to the Gentiles in their conversion, Then will I change in the people their lip, that it may be pure (so Iunius reads it) with the which all may call upon the name of the LORD,Zeph. 3.9, 11. that is, I will call them to repentance: and then followes a promise of taking away the staine of sinne, In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy workes. The remnant of Israel shall stay upon the LORD the holy one of Israel in truth.E…ay 10.20 21, 22. The remnant shall returne, &c.
Then shall shee say, I will goe and returne to my first husband, for then was it better with mee then now, Hos. 2.7. They shall returne unto mee with their whole heart, Ier. 24 7.
Promises. 2. To turning from sinne.
Turning unto GOD by repentance procureth his mercies upon us.
1. Temporall, Returne unto mee, The like is Zach. 1 3. I will turne unto you, in pard…n of sinne, and delivery of them out of the scarcity and dangerous condition they were in, into a better estate of peace, and plenty and outward prosperity.and I will returne unto you saith the LORD of hostes, Malac. 3.7. See Deut. 30.1, 2, Nehem. 1.9. Iob 22.23, 24, 25—28. Ier. 7.3, 5, 7, 14, 15. & 18.8.
2. Spirituall: the promises of remission to repentance are very frequent in Scripture.Esay 1.16, 17, 8 God will heare their prayers that turne unto him. Iob …2.27. 1 King. 8 48, 49. 2 Chron. 7.14. So the Prophet Esay promiseth pardon to the penitent; Wash you, make you cleane, put away the evill of your workes from you, that is, repent: and then followes, Though your sinnes were as crimson, they shall be made as white as snow, that is, yee shall be pardoned. If wee acknowledge our sinnes, See Esay 59.20. Ier. 4.1. & 3.1.(that is, if wee repent) hee is faithfull and iust to forgive us our sinnes. Hence repentance and remission of sinnes are joyned together by our Saviour,Iob 33 27, 28, 29. Ezek 18.2…, 22, 23, 27, 28, 30, 32. & 33.12, 14, 15, 19 Luke 24.47. Acts 2.38 Repent and be converted, that your sinnes may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come, Acts 3.19. Let the wicked forsake his way, and returne unto the LORD, and hee will have mercy on him, Esay 55.7.
3. Eternall: O Hierusalem wash thy heart from wickednesse, that thou maist be saved, Ier. 4.14.
10. Humility. Promises. To Humility.
The LORD inricheth the humble with all his gifts, both Temporall, Spirituall, and Eternall.
1. He will reward them with temporall benefits.
By humility and the feare of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life, Pro. 22.4.
2. GOD promiseth deliverance to the humble, 2 Chron. 12.7. Iob 22.29.
3. Honour, Before honour is humility, Pro. 15.33. & 18.12. Iob 5.11. Iam. 4.6, 10. Luke 18.14. Matth. 23, 12.Mat. 18.4.
2. Spirituall graces;Wisedome is with the lowl…, Pro. 11.3. GOD giveth grace unto the humble, Iam. 4.6. 1 Pet. 5.5. Pro. 3.24.
1. Pardon of sinne, 2 Chron. 7.14.
2. GOD teacheth them his waies, Psal. 25.9. Mat. 11.25. He revealeth to them the secrets of his Kingdome, making them thereby wise unto their salvation, Pro 11.2.
3. GOD blesseth them with his presence, taking delight to dwell with them, Esay 57.15.
3. GOD will crowne the humble in the life to come with eternall glory.God hath two thrones; one in the highest heavens, the other in the lowest heart Esay 6….2. Blessed are the poore in spirit, for theirs is the kingdome of heaven, Mat. 5.3. Austen and Chrysostome expound it of inward humility.
11. Meekenesse. Promises. 1. Of Meekenesse.
The Wolfe shall dwell with the Lambe, and the Leopard shall lie downe with the Kid: and the Calfe, and the young Lyon, and the falling together, and a little child shall leade them. And the Cow and the Beare shall feed, their young ones shall lie downe together, &c. Esay 11.6, 7, 8. whereby is signified, that men once converted, shall be so changed and altered, that if they were never so fierce and cruell against the Church, and one against another before, yet they shall be framed to a peaceable and meeke disposition towards all men.
Promises. 2. To Meekenesse.God hath promised to water this grace with secret ioyes and easefull refreshings, Esay 29 19. Mat. 11.29.
1. Protection, The meeke are under GODS protection, in a speciall manner, Psal. 76.9.
He will beautifie the meeke with salvation, Psal. 149.4. They shall be hid in the day of the LORDS wrath, Zeph. 2.3. Hee will rebuke aright for all the meeke of the earth, Esay 11.4.
2. Advancement, The LORD lifteth up the meeke, Psal. 147.6.
3. Instruction, The meeke will hee guide in iudgement, and the meeke will he teach his way, Psal. 25.9.
4. The inheritance of the whole earth: this appeares both in the Old and New Testament, Psal. 37.11. Mat 5.5. Such a man shall have the earth as an heyre, he shall hold it by right of adoption, as the word in the Originall signifieth.
5. Blessednesse, Mat. 5.5. Blessed are the meeke.
12. Patience. Promise. 1. Of it.
Patience is a gift which GOD hath promised freely and liberally without grudging or upbraiding Iam. 1.5. If any of you lacke wisedome, (that is, to beare the crosse) let him aske it of GOD that giveth to all men liberally, and up braideth not, and it shal be given him.
Promises. 2. To it.
The patient abiding of the righteous shall be gladnesse, Prov. 10.28.
Humble your selves under the mighty hand of GOD, (that is, Rev. 3.10.bow and buckle under it with meekenesse and silence) that hee may exalt you in due time, 1 Pet. 5.6.
Yee have need of patience, that after yee have done the will of GOD, Heb. 12.9. Who through faith and patience inherit the promise…, Heb. 6.12.yee might receive the promise, Heb. 10.36. Behold we count them happy which endure, Jam. 5.11. To them who by patient continuance in well-doing, seeke for glory, and honour, and immortality, eternall life, Rom. 2.7.
13. Righteousnesse. Promises To Righteousnesse.
1. Generally, Psal. 11.7. Pro. 11.3, 4, 5 6, 18, 19.
2. Particularly, for the righteous person.
1. Himselfe.*Blessings (indefinitely) are upon the head of the righteous Pro. 10.6.
2. His posterity, Psal. 37.25. Psal. 112.2. Prov. 11.21.
Himselfe.
1. In this life, He shall have,
1. Peace, and protection in time of danger, Esay 32.17. Psal. 5.12. Prov. 12.21. deliverance out of danger, Psal. 34.19. Psal. 125.3. Pro. 11.8.
2. Provision in time of want,See Psal. 58.11. Pro. 10.16 24, …0. Psal. 92, 12, Pro. 4.18. Psal. 34.15. 1 Pet. 3.12. Psal. 37.25, 29.
3. Joy, Psal. 68.3. Let the righteous be glad, let them rejoyce before GOD, yea let them exceedingly rejoyce.
2. For his death; the righteous hath hope in his death,Esay 57.1. Pro. 14.32.
3. After death; the memory of the just is blessed, Pro. 10.7. the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance, Psal. 112.6.
4. At the resurrection; the righteous shall goe into life eternall, Mat. 25.46. See 14. Chap. 43.
14. Vprightnesse. Promises. 1. Of Vprightnesse.
Hee shall put his law in thy minde, and write it in thine heart, Jer. 31.33.
The truth dwelleth in us and shall be with us for ever, 2 Epist. of Iohn 2.
Promises. 2. To Vprightnesse.
GOD rewards it with the blessines of this life and that which is to come, hee will give them grace in this life, and glory in the life to come, Psal. 84.11. No good thing will bee withho…d from them. In this life GOD multiplieth his favours upon those who s…rve him in sincerity, Psal. 73.1. Psal. 125.4. GOD hath promised to be good to them;
1. In their habitations and families, Pro. 14.11.
2. In their children and posterity, Psal. 112.2.
3. In all the comforts of this life, Psal. 84.11.
4. In times of common calamity and combustion, Psal. 37.19. Prov. 2.7. Psal. 112.4, 11.
5. Peace, joy, and security are promised to it,Pro. 11.3, 5, 6, 11. Pro. 10 29. Pro. 4 2, 11. & 19.1. Job 8.6, 20. Psal 61.10. Hee that walketh uprightly walketh surely, Pro. 10.9. 2 Chron. 16.9. Psal. 97.11. Prov. 11.28. GOD performeth all his gracious promises upon this condition onelyonly: so hee promiseth unto the Kings of Israel and Iudah, 1 King. 2.4. & 9.4.5. that hee will confirme their Kingdome unto them and their posterity after them. If they would walke before him in truth with all their heart and with all their soule: Psal. …7.18. Pro. 2.7, 21. Pro. 11.3, 6.therefore Hezekiah intreateth GOD to performe his promise unto him and his posterity, grounding his faith on this, seeing hee had walked, &c. Esay 38. 3. Psal. 145.18. He will save and deliver them from all perils, and out of the hands of all their enemies, Psal. 7.10. Prov. 11.6. which makes them bold and confident as Lions in pe…illous times, Pro. 28.1.
6. Promotion, Pro. 22.11. Hee that loveth purenesse of heart, See Esay 33.15. Pro. 10, I…b 17.9, …0. Psal …5 and Psal 24 Pro 10 20. Pro. 11.20.for the grace of his lips the King shall be his friend.
7. GOD is delighted with it, 1 Chron. 29.17. Pro. 12.22. Psal. 51.6. Psal. 11.7. By sincerity and truth wee come to be in league with GOD, hee smites a covenant with us, Gen. 17.1, 2.
8. A peaceable end: marke the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace, Psal. 37.37.
Three speciall blessings are promised them: 1. Such shall never fall away nor loose GODS favour and grace, Psal. 36.10. a Propheticall prayer hath the nature of a promise, Psal. 112.6.2. Such shall have strength given them of GOD to endure any triall hee shall be pleased to bring them unto, 2 Chron. 16.9.3. Such shall be sure to have a comfortable issue and a joyfull deliverance …ut of all their tentations, Psal. 37. 37. Psal. 97.11. Psal. 126.5.
In the life to come, GOD also crowneth the sincere and upright services of the faithfull with joy and happinesse. Salomon saith, Hee who walketh uprightly shall be saved, Pro. 28.18. and David affirmeth that the upright is bl…ssed and shall dwell in GODS presence, Psal. 32.2. & 119.1. Psal. 15.2. our Saviour affirmeth that he shall be blessed in the vision and fruition of GOD, Mat. 5.8.
15. Peace. Promises. Of Peace of conscience.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you, Iohn 14.27. Our Saviour 1. Challengeth peace to be his owne, having dearely purchased it: 2. His owne to give, men may wish the peace of GOD or CHRIST, but hee gives it as his owne: 3. He sheweth that this peace cannot be else-where had;Psal. 3.…. & 4 8. Rom. 5.1. (not as the world giveth) plainely distinguishing his peace from the worlds, both in the gift and manner of giving.
Ob. O but (may a child of God say) I have many and great afflictions in the world. Sol. What …hough, in Christ thou maist have peace, Ioh. 16.33. Ob. O but I cannot see which way I should have peace Sol. He will create peace Esay 57.19. Ob. O but the peace we have, neither is, nor here will be perfect. Sol. Peace shall come, Esay 57.21. Ob. O but am afraid least my peace with God breake and so hold not. Sol. The mountaines may fall, but Gods Covenant of peace shall not fall, Esay 54.10.The peace of GOD which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and mindes through CHRIST JESUS, Phil. 4.7. It is called the Peace of GOD] 1. Because it hath GOD for its Object, it is a peace with GOD. 2. Because GOD by his Spirit is the Author of it; it is peace from GOD, and therefore said to be a fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5.22. It is said to passe all understanding] because 1. The understanding of ma… cannot sufficiently conceive it 2. Mans understanding canno… sufficiently esteeme or prize … according to its worth, shall kee… your hearts] keepe] as with guard or strong garrison: th… same greeke word is used, 2 Cor. 11.32. your hearts] that is, your will and affections, and minds] your intellectuall faculties, your whole soules shall be kept in the knowledge and faith of CHRIST JESUS.
As many as walke according to this rule, peace shall be upon them and mercy, Gal. 6.16. By peace we are to understand outward peace, as prosperity and good successe in all things wee goe about, and peace with the creatures: but the peace which is principally meant in this place, is peace of conscience, which is peace with GOD, and our selves.
16. Zeale.
The care of being Zealous, 1. Hath a singular promise of the presence and communion of GOD in CHRIST, Rev. 3.19, 20.
2. Zeale makes all our services acceptable to GOD, Iam. 5.16. Romanes 12.11.
3. It is the way to happinesse, Matth. 11.12.
17. Perseverance. Promises to strengthen our faith as touching Perseverance.
For this marke the first Promise which GOD made, The seede of the woman shall breake the serpents head, Gen. 3.15. there Satan is stinted to the heele of CHRIST, and that promise made to Abraham, Gen. 17.7. and to David concerning Salomon, 2 Sam. 7.14, 15. the which promise is applied to all GODS Elect, Psal. 89.23, 28, 29. GOD hath promised to his Elect, That they shall enjoy the worke of their hands, and shall not labour in vaine, Esay 65.22, 23. Not one of them shall be lacking in the whole flocke, Jer. 23.4. Hee will build them and not plucke them downe, hee will plant them and not pull them up, Ier. 24.6.
See Esay 33.20.Mat. 28.20. Mat. 7.24, 25. Rom 8 35 to the end 1 Ioh. 2 24. Ioh 6.47. 2 Tim 4 18. Mat. 24.24. Deut. 31.8. 2 Sam. 7.10. Amos 9.15. Psal. 92.13, 14. Pro. 10.30. & 12.3. Judg. 5.31. Job 11.15, 17. Esay 42.3. & 46.4. Esay 55.3. Ezek. 37.26. Heb. 13.5. & 20. Esay 54.9, 10.
Promises. 2. To Perseverance.
The Promises of reward, are limited and restrained unto those who persevere unto the end, Hee that endureth unto the end shall bee saved, Mar. 13.13.Matth. 10.22. which is often repeated, Matth. 24.13. Marke 13.13. CHRIST promiseth a reward to those seven Churches of Asia, but with a proviso of overcomming. To him that overcommeth will I give to eate of the tree of life which is in the paradise of GOD,Rev. 3.5, 11 12, 21. Rev. 2.7. Hee that overcommeth shall not be hurt of the second death, verse 11. To him that overcommeth will I give to eate of the hidden Manna, Hee that overcommeth shall inherit all things. Rev 21.7.verse 17. To him that overcommeth and keepeth my workes unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations, verse 26. See 28. verse.
Holding fast and going on hath a crowne attending it, Heb. 10.23. Luke 22.28, 29, 30. Be thou faithfull unto death, Rom. 27. Col. 1.1…. Heb 3 6.and I will give thee a crowne of life, Rev. 2.10.
If yee abide in mee and my words abide in you, yee shall aske what yee will, and it shall be done unto you, Iohn 15.7.
See Iames 1.25. Heb. 3.14. Gal. 6.9.