The Proclamation, or the Voice of the Lord
HEAR, O ye ends of the earth, the mighty God, the Lord hath spoken: gather my saints unto me, those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. Behold, I establish my covenant between me and you. By my holiness have I sworn, that 1 will be your covenant-friend. I lift up my hand to heaven, 1 swear I live for ever: and because I live, you shall live also.® I will be yours, yours to all intents and pur-
Psalm L ly 5. Gen. xvii. 7. John aiv. f d f Jer. xxzi. 38, 40.
as
poses; your refuge and ywir rest;r your patron and your portion;^ your heritage and your hope; your God aid your guide. While I have, you shall never want; and what I am to myself, I will be to you; J and you shall be my people;^ a chosen genera;- tlon, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, m peculiar treasure unto me above all people. I call heaven and earth to witness this day» that I take you (or mine for ever: My name shall be upon you, and you shall be pillars in the temple of your God, and shall go n» more out.™
My livery shall you wear, and tbestamp of my own race shall you carry;* and I will make you my witnesses and the epistles of Christ unto the world; and you shall be ohosen vessels, to bear my name before the sons of men.^ And that you may see that I am in earnest with you, lo,. I make witk you an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure;*i and do hereby solemnly deliver it to you as my act and deed, sealed with sacred blood,’ and ratified with the oath of a God;” a God that cannot He, that
f Jfer. 1. 6. Piatmxc. 1. slvi. 1. ktpsalmlxsiii; 26. Isa. XXV. 4, 5. Psalm xlviii. 14. J Psalm zxxiv. 9, 10. k£xod. xix. 5^6, U Pet. ii. 9 Rev. iii. 12. b Ezek. xxxvi. 25, 26. Eph. iv. 24. o Isa. xliv. 8. 2 Cor. iii. 3. P Acts ix. Xpp <i 2 Sam. xxiii. 5^ r i cor. xK 25< •Hdi. vi) 17, knows no place for repentance.^ Come tcl blessed; receive the instrument of jour salvation: take writing, behold the seals; here are the conveyances of the kingdom. Fear not; the donation is free and tuU. See it is written in blood, founded on the ail-sufficient merits of jour surety,” in whofn I am well pleased ;v whose tfeath makes this testament unchangeable for ever;^ so that your names can never be put out, nor your inheritance be alienated,nor your legacies diminished; nothing may be altered, nothing added, nothing subtracted; no, not for ever;^ whilst you abide in me.
The blessings of the covenant arty either its
GLOKIOUS LIBKUTIES Wful IMMUNITIES, or its UOYAL PKiVILCG£S Ond PREROGA-TIVES.
Happy art thou, 0 Israel! Who is. like unto thee, O people 1^ Only believe, and know your own blessedness. Attend, 0 my children, unto the blessing of your Father; and hear and know the glorious immunities, and the royal prerogatives that I hece confirmiUpon.you.
tTit. 1. 2. 1 Sam. XV. 29. i* H«l). it. 18. v Mat. m: 17, w Hfeb. ix. 12, 14, 16, 26. *Gal. iii. 15^. 16. 17. yDe.ut..xxxiii. 29.
SECTION I.
The IMMUNITIES and liberties of the covenant consisting in L Our general discharge from all our debts.
Here I seal you your pardons. Though your sins h as the sands, and as mighty as the mountains, I will drown them in the depth of my bottomless mercies ;y I will be merciful unto your unrighteousness; I will multiply to pardon.^ W nere your sins have abounded) my grace shall superabound; though they be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though red like crimson, they shall be as wool.* Behold I declare my self satisfied, and pronounce you absolved;*’ the price is paid, your debts are cleared, your bonds are cancelled .^^
Whatever the law, or conscience, or the accuser hath to charge upon youp here I exonerate you; I discnarge you. I, even I, am he that blotteth out your transgressions, for my name’s sake.’ *V> ho shall lay any thing to your charge, when I acquit you? Mho shall impeach or implead you, when I proclaim you guiltlessr Sons, daughters, ue of ^ood cheer, your sins are forgiven you;’ 1 will sprinkle your consciences, and
yMic. Tii. 19. sljeb. viii. 12. Istu Iv. 7. (Isa. i. 18. bjobxxxiii. 24. ccol. iii 13, 14. disa. xlv. 25. eHom. viii. 33, 34. ‘1 John ii. 12. Uat. iz» 2i put the voice of peace into your mouths; e they shall be your registers, in which I will record your pardon; and the voice of guile, and wrath, and terror, shall cease.’’
//• Our releases 1 *Froni the house of bondage.
Here I sign your release from the house of bondage.! Come forth, ye captives; come forth, ye prisoners of hope, for [ have found a ransom J I proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to tnem that are bounds Behold I have broken your bonds, shaken the foundations of your prisons, and opened the iron gatesJ By the blood uf the covenant have I sent forth the prisoners out of the pit wherein there is no water. “* Arise, O redeemed of the Lord, put off the raiment of your captivities;’> urise, and come away.
2. fVom the dark and noisome prison of sin.
. The dark and noisome prison of sin shall no longer detain you;® 1 will loose your fetters, an4 knock off your bolts; sin shall not have dprainion over vou.p
I will heal our backslidings; I will subf Ezek. xxyvi. 25. Heb. iv. 14. Isa. lvii. 19.
hHeb. X. 22. Isa. xxvii. 4, 5. iRom. vi. 17, 18,
1 Cor. vii. 21. J Job xxxiii. 18. 24. k Isa. lxi. 1.
xlvii. 7. I Acts xii. 6, 10. m ajech. ix. 11. oDeut
due your iniquiticisj*! I will sanctify you vbolfj, ’ and put my fear in your hearts Ihat you shall not depart from me«* Though your corruptions be strong and many, yet the aids of my Spirit, the cleansing virtue of my blood, and the physic of my correction, shall so work together with your prayers.and endeavours; as that they shall not prevail against you, but shall surely fall before you.*
3. Frim the gaol of the grave.
From the strong and stinking gaol of. the grave do I deliver you. 0 death, I will be thy plague; O grave, I will be thy destruction;” my beloved shall not ever see corruption. I will change your rottenness into glory I and make your dust arise and praise me.^ What is sown in weakness, I will raise in power; what is sown in corruption, I will raise in incorruption; what is sown a natural body, I will raise a spiritual body,* This very flesh of yours, this corruptible flesh, shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put on immortality ;3’ death shall be swallowed up in victory, and mortality of life. ‘Fear not, O my children;
q Mic. ni. 19. Jer. iii. 12. r 1 Thes. v. 23, 24. Jer. xxxii. 40. Ezek. xxxvi. 37. Eph. v. 29. Isa. xxvii. 9. uHos. xiii. 14. vpgalm xvi. 10. «v Dan. xxii. 2, 3, Isa. xxvi. 19. 1 Cor. xv. 42, 43, 44. y 1 Cop. xv. SZi »2 Cor. v. 4. 1 Cw. xv. 54. come and I will shew jou the enemj that you dreaded: see, here liesth king of terrors, like Sisera in the tent, fastened to the ground, with the nails struck through his temples. Behold the grateful present, the head of your enemy in a charger: I bequeath you your conquered’ adversary, and make over death as your legacy.” O death, where is thy stingr ^’here now is thine armour, wherein thou trustedstr’^ Come, ray people, enter into your chambers;*^ come to your beds of dust, and lay you down in peace, and let your flesh rest in hope,** for even in this flesh shall jou see God,« O ye slain of death, your carcases, now as loathsome as the carrion in the ditch, will I redeem from the power of the grave ;^ and fashion those vile bodies like unto the glorious body ot your exalted Redeemer, (r Look, if you can, on the .sun when shining in his streit)i; with such dazzling glory will 1 clothe you, 0 ye of little faith.**
4. From the dungeon of eternal darkness.
From the terrible dungeon of eternal darkness do I hereby free yoti. Fear not, you shall not be hurt of the second death. You are delivered from the wrath to come, and
* I Cor. iii. 22. b l Cor. xv. S5, c isa. xxvi» 20. d Isa. lvii.2. e Psalm xvi. 9. six. 25, 26, 27. f Psalm xlix. 15. g Phil. iii. 21. h Mat. xiii. 43. iRev. ii. 11. Rom. vni. 1.
shall never come into condemnation.! The flames of Tophet shall not be able to singe the hairs of your head; no, nor the smell of the fire pass upon joup iJtand upon the brink, and look uown into the horrible pit» the infernal prison, from whence I have freed you. See you how the smoke of their torments ascendeth for everr Hear you the cursings and ravings, the roarings and blasphemies?^* What think you of those hellish fiends? Would you have been willing to have had them K>r your companions and tormentorsr What think you of those chains of darkness? Or of the rivers of brimstone, of the instruments of torment for soul and body, of those weepings, and wailings, and gnashings of teeth ?<» Can you think of an everlasting banishment, of a “Go ye cursed r” Coula you dwell with everlasting, could you abide with devouring firepp This is the inheritance you were born to;<i but I have cut off* the entail, and wrought for you a great salvation. I have not ordained you to wrath ;«• but my thoughts towards you, are thoughts of peace.”
J 1 Thes. y. 10. John v. 24. k Dan. iii. 27. 1 Rev. xiv. 11. mMat xxv. 30. n Mat xxv. 41. o Mat. viii. 12. P Isa. xxxlii. 14. 4 £ph. ii.. S. riThes.v.9. Jer. sxix. 11. llh Our protection from all encmiej$: 1. From the arrests of the law.
Here I deliver you your protection. From all your enemies I wili save you;* I grant you a protection from the arrests of the law; your surety hath fully answered it.” My lustice is satisfied, my wrath is pacified, my honour is repaired.^ Behold, I am near that justify you;^ who is he that shall condemn you? •’
2. From the usurped dominion of the potn*
ers of darkness*
I will tread satan shortly under you, ’ and I will set your feet in triumph upon the necks of your eoemies. Let not your hearts be troubled, though you be to wrestle with principalities and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of tnis world :y For stronger is He that is in you, than He that is in the world :* He may bruise your heel, but you shall bruise his head.« Behold your Redeemer,’ leading captivity captive, spoiling principalities and povyers, and triumphing over them openly in his cross* See how satan falleth like lightning from heaven ;c and the Samson of your saivati beareth away the gates of hl* posts and all, up-
2 Kings xvii. 39. Gal. iii. 13. Rom. iv. 10. V Dan. ii. 24. 2 Cor. v. 19, 20. wisa. 1. 8. »Roxb. xvu20« yEph. vi. 12^ »1 John iv. 4. «Gen. ill. 15. b Col. ii. 15. c Luke x. 18.
on his shoulders, and setteth them up a» trophies of his victory! How he pulleth out the throat of the lion, and Ufteth up the heart of the traitor upon the top of his spear, and washeth his hands and dyeth his robes in the blood of those your enemies l<^
3. From the victory of the world*
Neither its frowns nor its flatteries shall be too hard for your- victorious faith.<» Though it raise up Egypt, and Amaiek and Moab,. and all its whole militia against you, yet it shall never keep you out of Canaan. Be of good comfort, your Lord hath overcome the world, Though its temptations be very powerful, yet this upon my faithfulness will I promise you — that no such shall come upon you, but what you shall be able to bear;f But if I see suich tnals(whieh you fear) woufll be too hard for your graces,, and overthrew your souls, I will never suffer them to come upon you; nay, I will make your enemy to serve you $ and do bequeath the worlds as part of your dbwry, to youp
4. From the curse of the cross.
Afflictions shall prove a wholesome- cup< to you your Lorn hath drunk the venom;
into his own body, and what remains for you is but a healthful potion, which, I will promise you, shall work for your goodJ Be not afraid to drink, nor desire the cup should pass from you; I bless the cup before I give it unto you;^ drink you all of it, and be thankful;! you shall find my blessing at the bottom of the cup to sweeten Ihe sharpest afHtctions to you.^^ I will stand by you in all conditions, and be a fast friend to you in every change:” [n the wilderness, I will speak comfortably to you;^ and ih the fire ami in the water, I will be widi you. I will be 9, strength to the poor, and a strength to the needy m his distress; a refuge from the storm, and a shadow from the heat,P when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Your sufferings shall not be a cup of wrath, but a grace-cup; not a curse, but a cure; not a cup of trembling, but a cup of blessing to you;*i - — they shall not hurt you, but heal you.’ My blessing shall attend you in every condition.* I say, not only blessed shall you be in your basket ahd blessed in your store, but blessed shall you be in your poverty,^ and blessed shall you be in your straits. Not only blessed shall you be in your cities and bless-*
J Rom. viii. 28. k Job v. 17. lilat. xxvi. 26, 27. uJam. i. 12. v. 11. Psalm xclv. 12. &Isa. xllii. 2. H08. ii. 14. Pisa. XXV. 4. qHeb. xiL 6, 7, 8. vPsalm cxix. 67. ■Gen. xxvi.3. Gen. xxviii. 15.
ed sha)] jou be in your fields, but blessed shall jou be in your bonds, and blessed shall you be in your banishment;” blessed shall you be when you are persecuted, and when you are reviled, and your name is cast out as evil; yea, then, doubly blessed.^ My choicest blessings, greatest good, and richest sweets, will 1 put into your evil things. ‘’^ These happy immunities, these glorious LiBKirriEs of the sons of God, by this im-r mutable charter I do for ever settle upon you; and do, whilst you maintain thst blessed relation unalterably, irrevocably, efer- ‘lastingly, convey unto you, and confirn upon you.
SECTION II.
Tht PRIVILEGES and prerogatives of the
covenant.
Yea, I will not only free you from your miseries, but will confer upon you royal privileges and prerogatives, and instate you into higher ana greater happiness than ever you have fallen from. Lo, I give myself to you, and all things with myself.
Behold, 0 ye sons of men! Behold, and wonder! Be astonished, O heavens! Be moved,’ ye strong foundations of the earth! For you shall be my witnesses. This day
«MaL xix. 29, 30. 1 Pet iii. U. ▼ Mat. v. 10, 11, 12. w 1 Pet. iv. 13> 14. Luke vi. 20, 21. 22.
do I, by covenant, bestow myself upon mj servants.*
He gives himself to us: I. For our God.
I will be your God for ever and ever,y your own God;^ nothing in the world is so much your own as I. The houses that you have built, that you have bought, are not so much yours as I am. Here you are tenants at will; but I am your eternal inheritance:*^ these are loans for a season, but I am your dwei-Itng-place in all generations.^ You have, no where so great a propriety, so sure and unalterable a claim, as you have here. hat do you count your own? Do you count your bodies your own, your souls your own? Nav, these are not your own, they are bougfit with a price.*^ But you may boldly make your claim to me you may freely challenge an interest in me.
To be to usj instead of relations, “Q. Our
frimd.
Come near, and fear not; where should you be free, if not with your own? here should you be bold, if not at Home? You were never, in all the world, so much at home, as when you are with me. You may freely make use
‘Gen. xvii. 7. y Psalm xlviii. 14. Jen xxxii. 38. Rev. xxi. 3. Psalm Ixrii. 6. Psalm xvi. 5. lxxiii. 20. Psalm xc. 6. c i Cor. vi. 19, 20. djer. iii» 19. Isa. lxiii. 16.
of me, or any of mj attributes, whenever you have neecy* I will be all to jou that yoa can wish; I will be a friend to you, Mr secrets shall be with you,’ and you hail have all freedom and access to me,, and liberty to pour out all your hearts into mj bosom.
3. Our physician*
I will be a physician to you. I will heaT your backslidings, and cure all your dis* eases.* Fear not; never did soul miscarry that left itself in my hands, and would but follow my prescriptions.
4. Our shepherd.
I will be a shepherd to you.i Be not afraid of evil tidings, for I am with you; my rod and my staff shall comfort you. You shall not want, for I will feed you; you shall not wander (to be lost,) for 1 will restore you. 1 will cause you to lie down in green pastures, and lead you beside the still waters.^ 1 will gather you with mine arm, and carry you in my boaom; and will lead on softly, as the flock and the children be able to eudure.^ If officers be careless, 1 will
Psalm 1.15. Jer. zlix. 11. Psalm cxW. 18^ risa. xU. 8. James ii. 23. (T PssJm xxv. 14. Joha XV. 15. Eph. iii. 12. Heb. iv. 16. i Hos. xiv. 4. Psalm ciii.3. J Psalm xxiii. 1. lxxx. 1. k Psafaaxaiik 1 isa. xl. 11. Genu »xiiL 13» 14^ do the work myself. I will judge between cattle and cattle. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away; and bind up that which was broken, and strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and will feed them with judsfment.* I will watch over my flock by night.^ Behold, I have appointed mj ministers as your watchmen, and overseers that watch for your souls. Yea, mine angels shall be your watchers, and shall keep a constant guard upon my flock. And if, perad venture, .the servants should sleep.*’ mine own* eyes shl keep a perpetual watch over you, by night and by day.f The keeper of Israel neither slumbereth nor sleepeth, f nor withdraweth his eyes from the righteous.^ [ will guide you with mine eye, I will never trust you out of mine own sight.
5. Our sovereign, *
. I will be a sovereign to you. The Lord is your judge, the Lord is your lawgiver, the Lord is your king.i Fear not the unrighteousness of men; I will judge your
«Ezek. xzxiv. 3, 3, 4, 16, 17. Isa. xxvii 3. Heb. xiii. 17^. Acts xx. 28. Daniel iii. 28. vL 22. Psalm xxxiv. 7 Mat xiii. 25, 27. f Psalm XXXV 15 xxxiii. 18 2 Chron xvi. 9 ff Psalm €xxii. 3, 4. h Job xxxri. 7. Psalm xxxii. 8. J Ifta. xxxii. 23.
cause, i will defend your rights.* Yovt shall not stand at man’s bar, you shall not be cast at their vote let them curse, I will bless let them condemn, I will justify.
When yoU” come upon trial for your lives, to have your eternal state decided you shall see your friend, your father, ^ip« on the bench.^ Into my hands shall your cause be cast, and you shall surely stand in judgment, and be found at the riht hand among the sheep, and hear the king say, “Come, ye blessed, inhexit the kilig* dom.”«
6. Our husband,
I will be a husband to you.^ In loving* kindness and in mercies will I betroth you unto me for ever.* I will espouse your interest, and will be as one with you, and yoa with me:^ You shall be for me, and not for another; and I also will be for vou.s Though I foQnd you as an helpless infant, exposed in its blood, all your unworthiness doth not discourage me. Lo, I have looked upon you and spread my skirt over you, and put liiy comeliness upon you. Moreover, I swear unto you, ana enter into covenant with you,
ft Deat. xxxii. 36. Psalm cxl 12. ix. 4. Psalm 1. 6. Eccl. ill. 16, 17. «lifat. zxv. 33, 34, x. 32. <l Isa. liv. 5. e Uos. ii. 19, 24. John zviL 11, 22, 23. 1 John iv. 15, 16b Rev. uL 3. f Hos. iU. X and you shall be mine.<^ Behold, I do here solemnly, in this my marriage-covenant, make away myself to you;^ and, with myself, all thins;<^ For I have said and I change not. He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be my son. I will be an everlasting portion to you.* Lift up now your eyes eastward, and westward, and northward, and southward: Have ye not a worthy portion, a goodly heritage? Can you cast up your riches« or count your own happiness? Can you fathom immensity, or reach omnipotency, or comprehend eternity? All this is yours. I will set open all my treasures to you, I will keep back nothing from you.
SECTION nx*
Se maketh over himae to ns in all his essential P£AF£CTIONS Ond PERSONAL R£- * LATIONS.
All the attributes in the Godhead, and all the persons in the Godhead, do I hereby nlake over to you. I will be yours in all my essential perfections and in ail my personal relations*
•Exek. xvi.’4 to 10. Jer. xziv..7. xxx. 31, SSL UxL 33) 34^ <B Romans viii. 32. Rev. xxi. 7. Etek. zUv. 28. Jer, li..l9» Psslm cziz. 57.
/. In all mint essjintial perfegtiois. 1. His eternity as the date of our happiness.
My eternity shall be the date of jour happiness.
I am the eternal 6od$ and while I am, I will be life and blessedness to you.* I will be a never-failing fountain of joy, and peace, and bliss unto you.^ I am tnepfirst and the last, that was, and is, and is to come; and mine eternal power and Godhead shall be bound to you.’^
I will be your Gk)d, your Father, your friend, while I have any being,<^ my choice of you, my children, who keep my covenant and my testimony.
Fear not, for the eternal God is your refuge; and underneath are the everlasting arms.® My durable riches and righteousness shall be yours;^ though all should forsake you, jet will not I ftrsake you. Whfen the world, and all that is therein, shall be burnt up, I will be a standing portion for you* W hen you are forgotten among the dead, with everlasting loving-kindness will I remember you. 8^
•Psalm xxix. 10, 11. cxlvi. 10. 1 Tiro. i. 17, 1 Pet. V. 10. b Psalm xxxvi. 7, 8, 9. xvi. 11. Isa. XXXV. 10. Jep. xxxii. 40. Isa. ix.^ 6. Jer. xxxi.9. b Psalm cxxxii. 12. 14, Ho8.u.l9.’eDciit. xxxiii. 27. fPro. viii. 10. VHeb. xiii. 5. Psaln ^ixxvii. 10. Isa. lir. 10.
5. His unclumgeableness as the rock of
our rest.
Mine uncHangeablenes», as the rock of your rest,* When all the world is like the troubled ocean round about you, here you may x and settle; I am your resting-place.^
The immutability of my nature, and of ray counsel, and of my covenant, are footing for your faith, and a firm foundation for your strong and everlasting consola- 1ioii.<^ When you are afflicted, tossed with tempests, and not comforted,^ put into me; I am a haven of hope, I am a harbour of rest for you; here cast your anchors, and you shall never be moved,®
3. His omnipotency for our guard*
Mine omnipotency shall be your guard. I am God Almighty, your Almighty Protector, your Almighty Benefactor.^
What! though your enemies are manyg More are they that are with you, than they that are against you; for I am with you.^ What! though they are mighty? They ar not almighty. Your Father is greater than
a BfaL iii. 6. Psalm lxii. 6, 7. xcii. 15. b Jer. L
6. 2 Chron. xiv. 11. c2 Tim. ii. 19. Heb. vi. If, 18* d laa. liv. 11. Jer. xvii. 13, 17. Psalm xWw 1. 2. 5. cxxv. I. f Gen. xv. 1. xvii. t, t Psalm XXV. 19. >2 CkroR. xxii. 7, 8. 2 Kings vi. 16.
6 all, and none shall pluck yon (pluck while they will) out of my hands.^ Who can hinder my power, or obstruct my salvation?*^ Who is like unto the God of Jeshurun, wba rideth on the heaven for your help, and in his excellency on the sky? I am the sword of your defence, and the shield of your excellency.« I am your rock and your fortress,, your deliverer, your strength, the horn of your salvation, and your high tower.?* I will maintain you against all the power of the enemy: you shall never sink, iromnipotency can support you.® The gates of hell shall not prevail against you :^ your enemies shall find hard work of jt. They shall overcome, victory, or enervate omnipoteney, or corrupt fidelity; or change iramutability, or else they cannot finally prevail against you; either they shall bow or break, s Though they should exalt themselves as the eagle, though ihey should set their nest amons the stars, ein there will I bring them down, saitl» 4jie Lord.^ 4. HisfaithfijilneaSyforoursecudty,
My faithfulness shall be your security.i My truths yea, my oath shall failp if ever
I John X. 28. HssL. xliii. 13. Dan. iv.. 35. 2. Pik u. 9. c Deut xxxiii. 26, 29, <i Psalm xsiii. 2. e 1 Pet. i. 5. Exo<L xxviii. 12. Heh. vii. 25. ix. 2*.. f Mat xvi. 18. 8 Rev. iii.. 9. Isa. lxvi. 4. b Qba(L 4. Jer. xlix. 16. i Psalm lxxxix. 3y 34^ 35.
yon come off losers by me.* I will make yoit to confess, when you see the issue and upshot of all my providences, that I was a God worthy to oe trusted, worthy to be believed, worthy to be rested in and relied uponp If jou walk not in my judgments, you must look for my threats and frowns; yea, and blows too; and you shall see that 1 am not in jest with you, nor will indulge you in your sins.’’ Nevertheless, if you repent, and again turn unto me, 1 will receive you; my loving kindiess will I never take irom you nor suffer my faithfulness to fail,, whilst you continue in my word. My covenant ¥rill I not break, nor alter the thing, that is gon out of my lips.
5. ZKs mercie9, (xs our store.
My mercies shall be your store*** I am the Father of mercies; and such a Father I will be to you.<^ I am the Fountain of mercies; and this Fountain shall be ever open to you.^ My mercies are very many,, and they shall be multiplied towards you;ir very great, and they shall be magnified
»Isa. Liv 9,10. Mark JE. 29, 30. l» Psalm :^xiv.. 4, 5, 6, 8 lxxxiv, 121 cxlvi. 5. Jer. xvii. /,’ 8. Psalm xxii 4, 5. c Psalm lxxxix. 30,31, y&c Amosiii. 2. 1 Sam. xii. 15. 1 Pet. iv. 17* Isa. xlvii. 7. lxiii. 7. Psakn cxix. 41. 2 Cor. 1. 3.. f Psalm zxKvi. 9^ Rev. zxi. 6. fi Nelu ix» 17. Isa..
iv.r.
upon on;” very sure, and they shall be for ever sure to you;^ very tender, and they shall be infinitely tender of you.« Though the fig-tree do not blossom, nor the vine bear, nor the flock bring forth; fear not, for my coropassiois fail not Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your lives.* Even to your old age I am he, and even to hoary hairs will I carry you. I have made« and I will bear; even I will carry and deliver you, I will make an everlasting covenant with you» that I will not turn away from you to do y;OU good. K I swear that I will shew you the kindness of 6odp I can as soon forget to be God, as forget to be gracious.^ While mv name is **JKHoviVH, merciful, gracious, lon.suffering, abundant in goodness and truth,’’ I will never forget to shew mercy to you J All my ways towards you shall be mercy and truth.^ 1 have sworn that I would not be wroth with you, nor rebuke you; for the mountains shall depart, and the ills be moved; but my kindness shall not depart from you; neither shall the
alChron. xxi. 13» Gen. xix. 19. bisa. xxii. 23. c Psalm cxix. 156. ciii. 4. Hab. iii. 17.’ Xam. ill. 32. Psalm xxiii. 6. Isa idvL 4. ffJer. xxxii. 40. fc 1 Sam. xx. 14, 15, 17. xxv. 9, 10. i Psalm lxvii. 9. J Psalm ciii. 17. xxziv. 6| 7. Ps. xxy. 10.
as
•ovenant of mj peace be removed, sai& the Lord that hath mercy on you.
6. IRa omniscimcyf as our overseer.
Mine omnisctency shall be your overseer. Mine eyes shall be ever open, ob* serving your wants, to relieve them, and your wrongs, o avenge them.* Mine eaps shall be ever open, to hear the prayers of my poor, the cries of mine oppressed, the •lamours, the calumnies, and reproaches of your enemies.^ Surely 1 have seen your afiSiction, and known your sorrows: and shall not God avenee hid own elect? I will avenge them speedily.® 1 see the secret plots and designs of your enemies against you,’ and willdiannul their counsels;® I see your secret integrity, and the uprightness of your heart towards me, while the carnal and censorious world condemns you as hypocrites.^ Your secret prayers, fasts, and tears, which the world knoweth not of, I observe them, and 1 record them.ar Your secret care to please me, your secret pains with your own hearts, vour secret self-searching and self- d6nia!,;r-l8j6etb4Hn all;
1 Pet iii. 12. Exod. iii. 7> fsahuxxxiv. 1^ Exad. ii. 34, 25. Zeph. ii. 8, 9, 10. c LukfluxTi|i.. S, 7, 8. d Psalm xzxvii. 12. lxxxiii. 3, 4. xxxiil. 10. Jer. xi 19. ^laau viii. 10. xxix. 14, 15. fiv. 17. f J«b i. 8, 9, 10, 11. 2 Chron. xr, 17. f Mat. iv. 18. Acto«.4« itid your Father, which iseeth in secret, ihall reward them openly.*
7. His Wisdom as our counsellor*
My wisdom shall be your counsellor. If iny want wisdom, let him ask of me, and it hall be given him. I will be your deliver- ;r. When you are in darkness, I will be a ight to you;° I will make your way plain lefore you** You are but short -sin ted mt I will be eyes to you.® 1 will watch over rou, to bring upon you all the good I have )romi8ed,^ and to keep off all the evil you ear; or to turn it into good.fl You shall lave your food in its season, and your physc in its season; mercies, afflictions, all uitable and in their season.*^
1 will outwit your enemies, and make heir oracles to speak but folly.^ The old erpeut shall not deceive you, I will ac- [uaint you with his devices.J Ihe deceitul hearts you fear, shall not undo you; I iill discover their wiles.
I know how to deliver the godly out of emptation, and to reserve the unjust to the lay of judgment to be punishedp Trust
Mat XXV. ^, 35, 36. 2 Chron. xxxlv. 27.
James i. 5. Micah vii. 8. ^laau xlii. 16. lvii. 4. Isa. xlii. 6, 7. xlix. 6. Jer. xxxi. 28. xxxii. 1, 42. 8 Psalm xci. 10, 14. Jer. xxiv. 5. h Psalm xiii. 2, 3. 1 Pet. i. 6. Isa. xxvi. 7, 8, 9. 4ia.. a 3 to 15. J 2 Cor. ii. 11. ^2 Pet ii. 9.
in me with all your hearts, and lean not to jour own understaDding;a I am Grod that performeth all things for you.^ I will forfeit the reputation of my wisdom, if I make you not to acknowledge, when you see the end of the Lord,c (though at present you wonder, and reach not the meaning of my proceedings,*) that all my works are in weight, and in number, and in time, and in ‘Order;® if I force you not to cry out, “Manifold are thy works; in wisdom hast thou made them all.^’
^. His justice, as our avenger md rewarder.
My justice shall be your avenger and rewarcier.* Fear not to approach; fury is not in me.^ My justice is not only appeased towards you, but engaged for you.* I am so fully satisfied in the sacrifice of my Beloved, that justice itself, that was as a flaming sword drawn against you, doth now greatly befriend you; and that which was an amaxing, confounding terror, shall now become your relief and consolation J Under all your oppressions, here shall your refuge bep Let me know your grievances,
A Pro. ill. 5. b Psalm IviL 2. c James v. 11. Jer. xii. 1.. Eccl. iii. 1, 14. Psalm xxxiii. 4. c;dv. 10. civ. 24. g2 Thes. i. 6. 2 Tim. iv. 8. Isa. xxvii, 4. ilssu xii. 1 JEccl. iii. 17- v. & Psalm ix. 1, 9, to 14. xcviL’l. xcir, 1. 1^ Psalm vL9«ciii«6.
my justice shall right your wrongs, and re* ward your aeryices.* You may conclude upon your pardon, conclude upon your crowns, conclude upon reparation for all your injuries; and all from the sweet considiration of my justice;** the thought of which, to others, is as the horrors of the shadow of death. If you sin, despair not; remember, I am just to forgive you. If you pe at any pains or cost for me, do not count it lost, fur I am not unrighteous to forget Tou. I am the Righteous Judge, that have laid up for you, and will set on you, the orown of righteousness. Are you reviled persecuted, defamed? Forget not that I am righteous to render tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you that are troubled* vest with me. Though all your services and •ufierings deserve not the least good at my iMds, yet as I have freely passed my promise to reward them« so I will justly keep it.
^i’iRs omnipreaeneej m company for us.
Mine omnipresence shall be company for you.<^ Surely I will be with you, to bless you.*’ No bolts, no bars, nor bonds, nor banishment, shall remove you from me, nor
a Psalm clxvi. 7, Ueb. vi. 10. ^1 Jo|m L 9, n, 13. 2 Tim. iv. 8. 2 Thews, i. 4» 5. I Pet iL 23. c 1 Chran. zxii. 18. Joab. 1. 5, 9. Isa. xli. 10« Gen. «xvL 24 ft«ep mj presence and the infkienees of heav en irom Vou.” [ am always with you:** in your darkest niht, in jour deepest dangers, I I am at hand with you, a very present nelp in the time of trouble. I am not a God afar off, or aeep, or in a journey, when you need my counsel, mine ear, or aid. I am always nigh unto them that fear me.<^
No Patmos, no prison shall hinder the presence of my grace from you.* My presence shall perfume the noisomest wards, and lighten the darkest dungeon where you can be thrust’
10. His holiness as afourUinh of grace to us.
My holiness shall be a fountain of grace to you.«r I am the God of hope, the God of love,^ the God of patience,J the Author and Finisher of faith. the God of all erace;> and. i will give race to you My design is to make you partakers of my holiness.
I will be a constant spring ot spiritual life to<you.<> The water that I shall give jou, snail be in you as a well of water,
a Gen, xxxix. 21. 33. b Mat. xxviii. 20. cpsalm ]dvi. 1. xxziv. 18. <1 Psalm lxxxv. 9. cxlv. 18. Rev. L 9, 10. Acts xwu 25, 26. ‘Acts xii. T. laa.lvii. 10.. rJohni. 16. 2Fet.L.4. bRom. xv. 13«. i 2. Cor. xiii. 11. i Rom.’ xv. 5, Ueb. xu. 2:. U.Pet V* 10. Paalm. lxxxiv. 11. “Heb. sL.lO. oGaL.ii* 20..Joluixiv.-19. viiL 1^. x. 10«.xiv..&- * § sprineiBg up into everlasting life. 1 he seed oil lii that I shall put into you, shall be so fed, and cherished, and maintained by my power, that it shall be immortal.* The unction that you shall receive from the Holy one, shall abide in you, and teadh you all things necessary for you; and, as it hath taught you, you shall abide in him.** Keep but the pipes open, and ply the means which I have prescribed, and you shall flourish in the courts of your God.<^ Yea, I will satis* fy your soul in drought, and make fat your bones, and ye shall be like a watered garden.^i Lo, 1 will be as the dew unto you,* and you shall grow as the lily, and cast forth your roots as Xebanon; and your branches shall spread, and your beauty shall be as the olive tree;* you shall still bring forth fruit in old age, you shall be fat and nourishing/
11. Bis sovereignty to be, as it were, com*
manded by us.
My sovereignty shall be commanded by you.’ You shall be my favourites, men of power to prevail with me.^ All mine attri« butes shall be at the command of your pray* ers.*
a John ir. 14. 1 John iii. 9. 1 Pet i. 23. CoL iL 19. b John xiv. 16, 17. 1 John ii. 20, 27. Pro. TiiL 34. Psalm xcii. 13. ^Usl, Iviu. 11. a Hos. ziv. 5, 6. f Psalm xcii. 14. s Gen. xxxii. 26, 28. Deut xi. 14. Mat. xxi. 22. h Hos. siL 4« Jji||yy ly, 18. ilta. xiv. 3,11.
1^. His aU’SiMciency. to he the lot of our
inheritance.
In sum, mine all-sufficiency shall be th lot of jour inheritance.^ My fulness is your treasure;^ my house is your home.<^ You may come as freely to my store* as to your own cupboard $^ you may have your hand as freely in my treasures, as in your own purses.
You cannot ask too much, you cannot look for too much, from me.® i will give you comforts, or be myself to you instead tof all comforts.’’ You shall have children, or I will be better to you than ten children;? you shall have riches, or I will be more to you than all riches.^
You shall have friends, if best for you; or else I will be your comforter in your solitude;’ your counsellor in your distress If you leave fathet or mpther, or houses, or lands, for my sake, you shall have a hundred fold in me, even in this timep When your enemies shall remove your comforts, it shall be but as letting the cistern run, and opening my fountain; or putting out the can*
ft Gen. viii. 1. Psalm xvi 5, 6. b Numb, xviii. 20. Deut. X. 9. Psahn xvi. 5. 6. Psalm xci. 1, 9. d Eph. iii. 12. e Eph. v. 20. Hat vii. 7, Q. ‘Gen. XV. 1. Psalm lxxxiv. 11. El Sam. L 8. Isa. lvi. 5. h 2 Cor. vi. 10. Isa. li. 5. John xiv, 18. 2Cor.i.3,4. J Psalm Ixziii. 25, 26. ^Mai- A 30.
dies, and letting in the sun. The swellit of the waters shall raise higher the ark of your comfort 1 mil be the staff of bread to you, your life and the strength of your daysp 1 will be the house and home to you; you shall dwell with me; yea, dwell m me, and I in you«<^ I will stand and fall with you.<^ 1 will repair your losses, and relieve your neds.« Can you burn out the lamp of heaven, or lave out the Donndless ocean with iour handsP Why, the sun shall be dark, and the sea be dry, before the Father of lights, the fountain of mercies shall be exhausted. Behold, though the world * hath been spending upon the stock of my mercy, ever since 1 created man upon the earth, yet it runs with full stream; still my sun doth diffuse its rays, and disburse its light, and yet shines as bright as ever; much more can I dispense of my .goodness, and £11 my creatures brimful and running over, and yet have never the less in myself: &nd till this all-sufficiency be spent, you shall never be undone. I am the Gud of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob;^ and whatever 1 waste them, 1 will be to you.
Rom. y. 3. Heb. x. 34. Acts v. 41. bBeut. xxz. 20. Isa. xxxiii. 16. c Deut. xxxiii. 12. Joha xiv. 23. 1 John ui. 24. Psalm xxxvii. If, 24. lvi. 4.18a. xli. 10. «PbiL iv. 19. Miffk viii.35. mLjiJL.^t2^29. f£zod.m. 6.*
Arc you in vyantr You know whither to go: I am ever at home; you shall not go away empty from my door; Never distract youiel:ves with. cares and fears, but make known your requests by prayer and supplication unto me;^ i will help when all do fail.*» When friends fail, and heart fails,* when your eye-strings crack, and your heart-strings crack, when your acquaintance leaves you, and your soul leaves you, my bosom shall be open to you;^ I will lock up your dust, 1 will receive your souls.
13. His infiniteness, to be the extent of our
inheritance*
And mine infinitenes shall be the extent of your inheritance. * Can yoti, by starchins, find out God? Can you find out the Almighty to perfection? It i« as high as heaven; what can you do? Deeper thaa hell; what can you know?® Thisheightineomprebensible, this deep unfathomable, hall be all yours, for ever yours.
I am your inheritance, which no line caA measure, no arithmetic can value, no sur« veyor can describe.^
Phil. iv. 6. ^Psafm Ixs. iii. 26. Isa. lxiii. S. Psalm cii. 17. Psalm hudii. 26. <l Psahn xliz.
14. 2 Cor. V. 1 Luke xv. 22. ejob xi. r, 8. Psalm i. 7. f Ezek. xliv. 28. £ph. iii. 8. 1 Tim, vi« 16. Psalm czlv. 3.
Lift up now your eyes to the ancient mountains, and to the outmost bounds of the everlasting hills; all that you can dee is yours .A But your short sight cannot ken the moiety of what I give you; and when yott see and know most, you are no less than infinitely short of the discovery of your owa riches.’’
II. In all his personal relations.
Yea, further, I will be yours in all my personal relations.
First. Crod the Father to he a Father to ub.
I am the everlasting Father, and I will be 2l Father to youS I take you for my sons and daughters.<^ Behold I receive you, not as servants, but as sons, to abide in my house for ever.® Whatever love or care children may look for from their father, that may you expect from me;^ and much more, as I am wiser, and greater, and better than any earthly parents. If earthly fathers will give good tnings to their children, much more will I give to you.s If such cannot forget their children, much less will I forget Tou.*^. What would my children have? Your father’s heart, and your father’s house; your father’s care, and your father’s ear; your
Gen. xlix. 35, d6. b £ph. iii. 8. Rom. xL 33. John xvii. 22, 34. c jol xx. 17. d 3 Cor. vi. 18. John viii. 35, ti6. f Mat vi. 3l» 33. Luke xi. 13. hiML xlix. 15i father’s bread, and jour father’s rod; — naB
these shall be yours.*
1, ffe promiseth his fatherly affection. You shall have mj fatherly afiection. My
heart I share among you, my tenderest love
I bestow upon you.*>
2. His fatherly compassion* My fatherly compassion.. As a father pi» tieth his children, so will I pity you. I will consider your frame, and remember that you are but djust. For my mercy is from everlasting to everlasting upon there that fear me and that keep my covenant and remember my commandments to do them.^
S. His fatherly instruction*
My fatherly instruction. I will cause you to hear the sweet voice behind you saying “This is the way.” I will tender your weakness, and inculcate mine admonitions, line upon line;* and feed you with milk, when you cannot digest stronger meat.^ I will instruct you, and guide you with mine eye.f
4. His fatherly protection.
My fatherly protection. In my fear is strong confidence and my children shall
* Job vii. 17, John nv. 2. 1 Pet v« 7. Mat. vii. 9. Luke xii. SO, 31, 32. Heb. xii. 7. b l John iii. 1. J«r. zxzi. 3. Isk. L 8. o Psalm ciii. 13, 17« d Psftlm lxxviii. 39. Isa. xzz* 21. f Isa. xxvilx. 13. 1 Cor. iii, 2. c Palm xziuU 8.
have a place of refuge.* Mynatne shall be your strong tower; to which you may at all times fly, and be safe.^ To your strong hold, ye prisoners of hope! I a man open refuge, a aear and inviolable refuge for you*^
5. Hia fatherli, provision
My fatherly provision. Be not afraid of want; in your lather’s house there is bread enouu;h.^ I will care for your bodies. Care not for what you shall eat, drink, or put on:, let it suffice you, that your Heavenly Father knoweth that you have need: of all these things.^ I will provide for your souls;, meat for mem, mansions for them, and portion&v ibr them.*
Behold,. I have spread the table of mysos* pel for you, with privileges and coiurts that no man taketh.from you.^ I have set before you- the bread of life, and the tree of life, and the water, of life:’ eat, O friends! Drink abundantly, O beloved!
But all this is but a ta8teH>f what. I have
Prepared You must have but smiles aad iuts now; and. be contented, with glimpses and glances, here:., but you shall be shortly
taken up into jour Father’s bosom, and lie fqr ever in the fullest viewaofhis glory.*
6. Hia faiherly-ptobation.
Mj fatherly probation. I will chasten you, because I ktve you; that you may not oe condemned with the world.*>
Sdly. €hd the Son, to beahiuubandto m.
My Son I give unto you, in a marriage-covenant for ever.^^ I make him over to you, as wisdom, for your illumination; righteousnes’s, for your justification; sanctificatioD, for the curing of your corruptions; redemption, for your deliverance fro your enemies. I bestow him upon you witn all his fulness, all his merits, and all his graces.
He shall be yours in all his offices. I have anointed him for a prophet. Are you ignorant? He shall teach you; He shall be eye-salve to you.^’ 1 have sent him to preach the gospel to the poor, to recover sight to the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised .^
I have established him, by oath, as h priest for ever.c If any sin, he shall be our advocate; he shall expiate your guilt, and lOake the atonement.^ Have you any sacrifice and service to offer? Bring it unto him, and you shall receive an answer of peace. Present jour petitions by his hand; hira. will 1 accepts Having such an high priest over ‘the house of Gou,« you may come and welcome; come with boldness.
Him have I set up as a king upon my ho>- ]y hill of Sion. He shall rule you, he shall defend you.** He is the king of righteousness, king of peace; and such a king shall he be to you.^ I will set up his standard for you;^ I will set up his throne. in you. He shall reign in righteousness, and rule in jud;^ment. He shall be a hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest, and the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.!* He shall her your causes, judge your enemies, and reign till he hatn put all under his feet;i yea, and under your feet: for they shall be as ashes under you, and you shall tread them, saith the Lord of hosts.^ Yea, I will undo them that afflict you; and all they that despised you, shall DOW themselves down at the soles of your feet. And you bhall go forth, and behold the carcases of the men that have trespass
1 Pet ii, 5. Heb. xiii, 15. b John xiv, 13, 14 c Heb. z, 19, 20, 21, 22. d Isa. it, 6, 7. Mat i, 21. Heb. yii, 2. Jer. xxiii, 6. Eph. ii, 14. Isa. zlix. 22. Psalm ex, 2. Luke xvii, 21. bjsa. xxxii, 2. * Isa. XI, 3, 4, 5. J Psalm ex, 1. 1 Cor. zv« 25< k BfaL iv, 3. Iba. Iz, 14. Zepkiii, 19«
6f
«d agaiot the? their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring to all flesh.’^
Thirdly. God the Spirit to be counsellor and
comforter to us. My Spirit do 1 give unto you, for your counsellor and comforter.^ He shall be a constant inmate with you, and shall dwell in you, and abide v ith you for ever,® I con*- secrate you as temples to his holiness.*’ He shall be your guide, he shall lead you into all truth. He shall be your advocate, to indite your prayers and make intercession for you, and shall till your mouths with the arguments that he knows will prevail witti me.^ He shall be oil to your wheels, and strength to your ancles; wine to )our hearts, marrow to your bones, and wind to your sails. He shall witness your adoption.? He shall seal you up to the day of redemption, and be to you the earnest of your inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession.^
SECTION IV.
JSegiveth all things with Himself both pre-SKMT and to oom£. And as I give you myself, so much more
Isa. lxvi, 24. b John svi, 7. Rom. viii, 14» Ezek. Mxvi,27.John xiv,16,17. <*! Cor.iii,16,17. VI, 19. Gal. V, 18, John xiv, 26. f Rom viii, 26, 27, Bom. viii* 16 b£ph, i, 14, nil 14. 2 Coiy k22p all things with myself;* earth and heaven; life and death; things present, and things to come>
L THINGS PRESENT OUfS.
Things present are yours. Lo,I giveyoa Caleb’s blessing, — the upper springs and the nether springs. I will bless you with alt spiritual blessings, in heavenly places, ia Chris t.c
First The Upper Springs or bkasingtspirihud: as 1. Moption access audi* ence, peace perseverance.
To you pertaineth the adoption, and the slory, the covenants, and the service of &od, and Uie promises.^ To you will I give the white stone and the new name, access into ,my presence,’’ the acceptation of your persons,’ the audience of your prayers.*^
reace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you.^ I will undertake for your perseverance, and keep you to the end; and then will crown mine own gift with eternal iife.i I have made you heirs of God, and co-heirs with vour Lord Jesus Christ: and you stiall inherit all things.^^
“Rom. Yui,32. 1 Cor. iii, 22. John xvi, 13. e Eph.i. 13. <iRom.iy, 4. eRey. ii, 17. Eph. iii. 12, gEph. i, 6. 1^ 1 John v, 14t 15, James y, 14, 15, 16. i John xiv, 27. J Jer. xszii, 40» Johft ifp 28, Phil, 6. k Rom. viii, 17, Rev. 31, r.- to
2. The protection of his angels. 1 have granted you mine ansels for your guardians. The courtiers of heaven shall attend upon you they shall all be ministering spirits for your good.* Behold, I have fiven them charge over you, upon their delity to look after you; andp as the tender nurses, to bear you in their arms, and to keep you from coming to any hurt! These shall be as the careful shepherd, to vratch over my flock by night, and to encamp round about my told.<^
S. 7 Ae inspection of his ministers. My ministers I give for your guides. * Paul, Apollos, Cephas, — all are yours.* lam ways with them, and they shall be always with you, to the end of the world.*” You shall nave pastors after mine own heart; s and this shall by my covenant with you, that my Spirit, which is upon you, and my words, which I have put into your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, nor the mouth of your seed, nor of your seed’s seed, saith the liord, from henceforth and for cver.ji
4. TAc rod of his discipline.
In short, all my officers shall be for the profiting and perfecting of you :^ all mine
ordinances shall be for the edifying and saving of jou .* The very severities of my house, admonitions, censures, &c. and the whole discipline of my family, shall be fr the preventing of your infection, the curing of corruption, the procuring of your salvation.
My word have I ordained for converting your souls, enlightening your eyes, rejojcemg your hearts, cautioning you of dangers, cleansing your defilements, and conforming you to mine image. ‘^ To you I commit the oracles of God’A here you shall be furnished against temptations;^ hence you shall be comforted under distresses and afflictions;^ here you shall find my whole counsel.^ This shall instruct you in your way, correct you in your wanderings, direct you into the truths to be believed, detect to you the errors to be rejected .«
5. The pledges of his sacraments*
My sacraments I give you as the pledges of my love. You shall freely claim them; they are children’s bread. Lo, I have given them as seals, to certify all that I have here promised you;^ and when these sacred
«2 Cor, xii, 19» Rom. i, 16 *>1 Cor v, 5^6, Tp Mat xviii, 15, James v, 20 cPsahn xix, 7, 8» 9^ 11, £ph. V, 26, 2 Cor lii, 18. <iRom. iii, 2. Mat iv»4, Eph vi, li, 17. f Psalm cxix, 92, 93- §Act« ,27. h2 Tim. iii, 16, Psalm czix, 105 iRomav^U. signs are delivered unto you, then know and remember, and consider in your hearts that 1 therein plight jou my troth, and set to my hand, and do thereby ratify and confirm every article of these indentures, and do actually deliver into your own hands this glorious charter, with all its immunities and privileges, as your own for ever.»
Secondly. 77ic Nether Springs or mercies temporal: 1. The supply of his creatures.
And having sowed to you so largely in spiritual blessings, shall you not much more reap the temporal? Be you not of doubtful nind; — all these things shall be added unto you.^ My creatures I grant for your servants and supplies.^^ Heaven and earth shall minister to you: all the »tars in their courses shall serve you, and (if need be) shall fight for you’^ And I will make my covenant for you with the beasts of the field, and witn the fowls of heaven; and you shall be in league with the stones of the field; and all shall be at peace with you.® 1 will undertake for ail your necessities. Do I feed the fowls, and clothe the grassland do you think that I will neglect my children?^ I hear ttie young ravens when they cryf shall 1 not much more fulfil the
*1 Cor xi, 25. Geib xvii, 10. buke xii, 29^ l. c Psalm vui»3totke end. djudgpes v, 20. Job v» 23. Hos. u» 18. Mat. vi» 25 to the end* i. diesire of them that fear meP^ Fear not; toti shall be sure to want no good thing.** You would not jonrselves desire riches, pleasures, or preferment, to your hurt, i will give meat to them that rear me; I will be ever mindful of mjf covenant
2. The eo-aperation of his providences.
My providences shall co-operate te jour good.<^ The cross wind shall blow you the sooner and swifter into your harbour. You shall be preferred, when yon seem most debased; ahd then be greatest gainers, when you seem to be deepest losers; and roost effectually promote your good, when you seem most to deny it.®
//. Things to «ome ours.
Things to come are yours: the perfecting of your souls, the redemption of your bodies, the consummation of your bliss.
1. M dea$h in glorification initiate*
When you have glorified me for a while on earth, and finished the work I have given you to do, you shall be caught up into paradise, and rest from your labours, and your works shall follow you.^
a Psalm cxlv, 19. cxlvii, 9. bpsalm utxivy 10. ePsalmcxi, 5. 4 Rom. viu, 28- «2 Gor ix. 17. Hark x. 29 Phil, i, 29. Rev. xiv, 13. Luke xxiii. 43-
2. TTie convoy of angels.
1 will send of mine own lifeguard to conduct home your departing souls, 1^ and receive jou among the spirits of just men made perfect;^ and jou snalUook back upon Pharaoh, and all his host, and see joar enemies dead upon the shores
Si Redemption from oil c^Rcliorw*
Then shall be jour Fedemption from all jonr afflictions.
4. 7%c thorn m the flesh taken out.
The thorn in the flesh shall be pulled outr and the hour of temptation shall be oy«r and the tempter- foe ever out of woFk.
5. 7%€ sweat wiped off from our brows.
The sweat shall be wiped off from, yourhrowSy and the day of cooling and refreshing shall come; and you shall sit you dowiXi Ibr ever under my shadow. For the Lamb» thatifrin the midst of the throne shall feed: yottv and lead you to. the living fountainsL«£* waters.<>
6. TIU tears tviped away frdmjour eyes..
The teacs shall be wiped away from. your* yes and there shall be no.moresorrQW.nor*
fiuket xviy. 221. b Hebi. xii;,23i. Acts mj. cr^Dg9 neither shall there be any more pam; for the former things are passed awa, and behold I make all tnings new.<^ I will change Marah into Naomi, and the cup of sorrow into the cup of salvation; and the bread and water of affliction, into the wine of eternal consolation, You shall take down your harps from the willows, and I will turn your tears into pearls, and jour penitential psalms into songs of deliverance* You shall change your Ichabods* into ffO’ sannaha, and your EjaM of sorrow into BaUelujaha of joy.«
7. TTie cross taken off from our backs*
The cross shall be taken off from your backs, and you shall come out of your great tribulations, and wash your robes, and make them white in the blood of the Lamb; and you shall be before the throne of God, and serve him night and day in his temple. And he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among you; and you shall hunger no
* Rev. xxi, 4, 5. b John xvi, 20, 22. Luke vi, 21. c Rev. xix, 1, 4, 6.
* Where is the Glory? or There is no GIorif — An expression used by Eli’s daug hteMU-law, as a name for tiit son of whom she wa« delivered a Utde before her death, when she had heard of Uie tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father-inplaw and her husband were dead. 1 Sam. iV. 19 — 21.
t Ejdi, an cixelamation of grief.
more, nor thirst any more; neither shall the sun light upon you, nor any heat.^
8. 77ie souths admission into the chamber of presence and vision of God.
Thus shall you be brought to the King, all glorious, m raiment of needlework, and clothing of gold; with eladness and rejoicing shall you be brought, and enter into the King’s palace So shall the beloved of the Lord dwell safely by him; and you shall stand continually before him, and behold the beauty of the Lord, and hear his wisdom.^^ Then will I open in you an everlasting spring of joy, and you shall break forth into singing, and never cease more, nor rest day or night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy.’’^
Thus shall the power of the tempter to distress you expire with your breatn, and the day of your death shall be the birthday 01 your glory.®
9- Jit the resurrection in glorification consummatet redemption complete. The return of the Redeemer. The raising of the body.
Have faith in God-f Wait but a little, and sorrow shall cease, your last enemy
Rev. vii, 14, 15, 16. bPsahn xlv,9. 13, 14, 15. «1 Cor. xiii, 12. d Rev. iv, 8. .Psalmxvi, 11. ^2 Cop. V, 6, 8. Phil, i, 20, 23. Luke Jtxiii, 43. f Marie si. 22.
shall be destroyed, your victory comptete^ and death shall be no inore.^ Yet a little while and he that shall come« will come, and you also shall appear with him in glory .*> This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven,^ shall so come as he went up into heaven; and when he cometfa he will receive you to himself; that where he iSy there you may be also.<^ Behold bis sin, he cometh in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory; find every eye shall see him, and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn because of him.* But you shall lift up your heads, because the day of your redemption draweth nigh. Then shall he sound his trump, ff and make you to hear his voice in your dust;ip and shall send his mighty angels to gather jiSa from, the four winds of heaven fv who shall carry you in the triumphant chariot of the clouds,, to meet yoor Lord: and you shall be pre*^ pared for him, and presented to Uiap as a Bride adorned for her husbands
10. Fuli amfomuhfj both in body and aotdfl to ourghfified Saviour i I
And as you have borne the image of the.: earthly so shall you bear the image of the&
Rev xz, ti. zxi, 4 Heb. z, 37. ed. ill, 4.^’ Acts i» II. ‘Jolm xiy» 3.. Rev. i, 7. MaU zxiV, 30. f Luke xxi,. 28. John v, 28. g 1 Cor XV, 52. itiThes. iv. 16« i Hat. xxiv» 3U ill Thes. iv» IT. kBerui* z. 1 msLvevXji land you shall be fully eonform* «d» both in body and spirit, to your glorious head .a
11. PubRc approbation and absolution.
Then shall he confess you before his angels,^ and you shall receive your open absolution before all flesh; and be owned, approved and applauded in the public audience, of the general assembly.^
SL Solemn espousals.
And you shall be, with all royal solemnities, espoused unto the King of glory, in the presence of all his shining courtiers; to the envy, and gnashing, and terror of your adversaries.*
13. The coronation and enthronement oj the smnts: their sitting, in judgment upon the world.
So shall your Lord, with his own hand, crown you, f and set you in thrones;^^ and you shall judge men and angels,^ and you shall have power over the nations,* and you shall set your feet upon the necks of your enemies. J
Lo, I have set the verv day for your instalment;^ I have provided your crowns,
•FhSL ill, 31. Heb. xii, 33. b Rev. iii, 5. c Mat. X, 33. zzv, 33, 34, 35. ‘Rev. xix, 7, 8. 3 Cor. ir, 14. Mat XXV, 31. «lAike xiii, 38. fRev. it* 10. f fiev. iii, 31. Hat ux, 38. il Cor. vi, 3, 3. ^Scf.jui, 36,37. iPsstanxMx, 14. i^Actixvii, y.
it have prepared the kingdom.* ^hereforft do you doubt, O ye of little faith? These are the true sayings of God Are you sure that you are now on earth? So surely shall you be shortly with me in heaven. Are you sure that you shall die? So surely you shall rise again in glory. Lo, I have said it; and who shall reverse it? You shall see me, face to face« and be with me where I am, and behold my glory;<^ for I will be glorified in my saints, and admired in all uiera that believe.^’ And all flesh shall know that 1 have loved yon;® for I will make you the instances of my ffrace;’ in whom the whole World shall see, now unutterably the Almighty God can advance the poor worms-meat and dust of the ground. And the despisers shall behold, and wonder and pehshjfl for they shall be witnesses to the riches of my magnificence, and exceeding gt*eatness of my power .*> These shall go away into everlasting punishment, but you into life eternal.*
14. Our triumphant a8cen9ion into heaven*
For no sooner shall their doom be past, but the bench shall rise,i and the jtidge shall
41. hLuketri, 33. iMat» )cxn4^ iBtttxxvt 41,46.. return with all his elorious train; with. sound of trumpet, and shouts incredible, shall he ascend, and shall lead you to jour Father’s house. Then shall the triamphal arches lift up their heads,^ and the everlasting ^ates stand open, and the heavens shall receive jou all; and so shall jou be ever with the Lord.©
And now will I rejoice over you with singing:, and rest in my love; and heaven shall ring with joys and acclamations, because I have received you safe and sound .^
And in that day you shall know that I am a rewiirder of tnem that diligently seek me;B and that I did record your words,^ and bottle your tears, and tell your wandering8;ff and kept an account, even to a cup of coid water, of whatever you said or did for my name.^
15. Blessed eternity.
You shall surely find, that nothing is lost,i but you shall have full measure, pressed down and running over;i thousands of years in paradise fbr the least §ood thought, and thousands of thousands for the least good word; and then the reckoning shall ^egin igain, till ajl arithmetic be non*
* Psalm xlv, 14, 15. Mat xxv, 43. John siv, 2. with 3 Cor. y, 1. b Psalm xxiv, 7. 2 Pet i, 11. c Jphnyu, 26. 1 Thes. iv, 17. ^IfoX^ xv. ^. Heb. xi, 6. Mai. iii, 16: ff Psahnlvi, 8. ^mu x,.42. >1 Cot. :^v. ^8. iL3);eT^39.
plust: fpr you shall be swallowed up in a blessed eternity, and the doors of heaven shall be shut upon you, and there shall be no more going out.*
16. Glorious company.
The glorious choir of mine holy angels, the goodly fellowship of my blessed prophets, the happy society of triumphant apostles, the royal hosts of victorious martyrs, — -these shall be your companions for ever.b And you shall come in white robes, with palms in your hands, every one having the harps of God, and golden vials hill of odours; and shall cast your crowns before me, and strike in with the multitude of the heavenly hosts, glorifying God, and saying, “Hallelujah! the Lord God omnipotent reigneth!® Blessing, honour, glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and for ever!”<*
17« BeaHfieal vision.
In short, I will make you equal to the angels of God;^ and you shall be the everlasting trumpets of my praise.^ You shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of my house, and I will make you drink of
A Dan. zii, 2, 3. Rev. iii, 12. Luke xvi, 26. b Mot viii, 11, 12. Heb. xii, 22, 23. c Rev. vii, 9, 10, 11, 12, ziz, 5, 6. drew. v, 1y Luke XJ^ 36. f Bev. vii, 10^ IK i the rivers of ir.y pleasures.** You shall be an eternal excellency:^ and if God* can die, and eternity run out, then, and not else, shall your joys expire. For you shall see me as I am,<^ and know me as you are kiiown;^ and shall behold my face in righteousness, and be satisfied with my likeness.® And you shall be the vessels of my glory; whose blessed use shall be, to receive Sie overflowings of my goodness, and to have mine infinite love and glory poured out into yqu, brimful and running over, for evermore.*”
And blessed is he that hath believed; for there shall be a performance of the things that have been told him.s The Lord hath spoken it, “You shall see my face, and my name shall be written in your foreheads; and you shall no more need the sun, or the moon; for the Lord God shall give you light, and you shall reign for ever and ever,”
18. He taketh us J or his people. And as I give myself to you for your God, and all things with myseff; so I take you for my covenant people ;» and you shall be mine in the day when I make up my jewels, saith the Lord of hosts; and I will spare
Psalm xxxvi, 8. Isa. Ix. 15. c l John iii, 2. 1 Cor. xiii, 12. •Psalm xvii, 15. fRom. ix, 23. 2 Tim. li, 20. Rev. xxii, 1. fLuke i, 45. h Kev. xxii, 3, 4, 5. Heb. viii, 10, Isa. xliii, 1.
yoQt as a man spareth his own son ttiafc aerveth him.<^ The Lord shalF count when he writeth up the people, — *sureljr tftej are mj children.**
I do not only require you to be inine,«^ if you would’ have me to be for you; but I do promise to make you mine, and to work ia you the conditions which I require of your I will circumcise your hearts to love raej *- I will take out the heart of stone;* my htws win I write within you. ^’
Yet you mu«t know that I will be sought unto for these thing8;«f and as ever you ex*- pect to partake of the mercies, I* charge you to lie at the pod and wait for ray Spirit, and be diligent in the use of my means
The teems 1 propose to you, are not rigorous: I shal not stand upon satis&ctibu ai your hands; I have received a ransom,, and’ do only propose him fof your acceptance. Believe in him with a foving and’ oDedientv heart, perfecting holiness in mj fear.
I require you tov accept of my Son bybe-^ lieving; but I will we you a hand to. take faim,i and to submit to and obey him: but I must and will guide your hand to write. after him and cause yu to walk in mj
^MBl.m,l7. b psialiB Ui(xvii,, 6. «Lev. xx,^ 26. ISzek. xiLxvi, 28. <iPeat xxx. 6. e£zek» zjLvn 26. f Jer. xxxi 33» SB^ek. xxxvi, 37^. Prov ii. 3, 4, S. Luke xL 13. HPhii. k 29. Joha iftatatea.* I will take you by the armg, and teach you t6 g&;*> I wiVl order your steps. Yea, those things will I accept of you as the condition of life, which, viewed in the strictness of my justice, would deserve eternal death.<^ Grace! grace! Amm*