1 <> « % '^ R i C^ o to tH •H w w CO a Jiy 'ilX^h O cu^ ''^^^ /\a I \ ' I A COLLECTION SWEET ASSURING- l^roraistB of Irrifturr, OK THE BELIEVERS' INHERITANCE. BY SAMUEL CLARKE, D. D. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises ; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature. — 2 Peteb, ch. i. v. 4. PHILADELPHIA : PERKINPINE & HIGGINS. NEW YORK: CARLTON & PORTER 1865. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 18ft7, by HIGGIN8 & PERKINPINE, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern Pistrict of Pennsylvania, RECOMMENDATION. The Bible is a book of such transcendent worth, and so happily suited to all the parts and purposes of the Christian life *hx'c it can never be too much recommended to cri^ world: every thing that allures the world to peruse it, is a blessing" to mankind. And thoug-h it is hard for our narrow capacities to gi-asp and take in the several distinguishing excellencies of it at one view, yet if we take a separate sur- vey of the doctrines and duties, the promises and threatenings, the prophecies and histories which are contained therein, each of them will afford us an awful or a delightful pros- pect, with lessons for special improvement. The worthy author of this collection, whom I have long known with esteem and honour, has chosen to reduce all the most useful and important Promises of the word of God into order, and set them before us here. These are the most powerful motives to duty; these are the constant food of a living Christian, as well as his highest cordials in a fainting hour. And in such a world as this, where duties perpetually demand our practice, and difficulties and tnals are ever suiTounding us, what can we do better than to treasure up the Promises in our hearts, which are the most effectual persuasives to fulfil the one, and sustain the other. Here are laid up the true riches of Christians and his highest hopes uu this side of heaven. iV RECOMMENDATION. The materials which are collected here are all divine, and the disposition of them is ele- gunt and reg-ular; so that it is an easy matter to find something" suited to the frame of our souls, or our present wants, on every occa- sion; and that soul who knows what a suitable promise is worth in an hour of darkness or temptation, will never think such a work as this, and such a various treasure, can have sufficient value set upon it. Those who have little leisure for reading-, may find their account in keeping- this book always near them, and with the g-lance of an eye, they may take in the riches of grace and g-lory, and derive many a sweet refreshment from hence amidst their labours and travels throug-h this wilderness. It is of excellent use to lie on the table in a chamber of sickness, and now and then to take a sip of the River of 'Life, which runs throug-h it in a thousand lit- tle rills of peace and joy. May the Holy Spirit of God, who indited all these Promises, and our blessed Mediator, who, by his ministry and by his blood, has sealed and confirmed them all, render them every day more and more powerful and prev- alent, to draw the hearts of ioien towards God, and to fit them for the enjoyment of these words of grace in their complete accomplish- ment in g-lory. Ameru I. WATTS. Nexmng^ton, Jan. 19, 1750. INTRODUCTION: CONTAIJfllfG Some Observations upon the Excellency and Use of the Promises, a7id Directions for the right Application of them. Besides the many other evidences the holy ecripture carries in it, of a divine orig-inal, there are especially remarkable the sublimi- ty, excellency and reasonableness of tl\e doc- trines it teaches; the wisdom, holiness, and perfection of the rules of life it lays down; and the streng-th and efficacy of those sanc- tions with which it enforces its precepts. As the Threafenings have the greatest ten- dency to strike an awe upon the mind, and to lay a powerful restraint upon every irreg-- ular inclination; so the Promises are of such a nature, as most strong'ly to excite to, and give the gi'eatest encourag'ement in a course of piety and universal holiness. It is there- fore with the hig-hest reason the apostle says of them, That, there are given iinfo iis exceed- ing great and precious promises, that by these toe might be partakers of the divine nature^ 6 fNTRODTTCTlON. having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, 2 Peter, i. 4. They are great and excellent; whether we consider the nature and variety of the blessing's contained in them, the manner in which they are ex- pressed, the certainty witli which we may depend upon them, or their happy influence upon the mind. They contain blessing-s of all sorts, of the most excellent nature, and suited to every circumstance. As man is made up of body, as well as spirit, and the necessities of this present life must be provided for, as well as his happiness secured in the next; in the Promises abundant care is taken of both, and provision is made for the peace, comfort, and welfare of the Christian, both in this, and in the other world. He Is assured of the several necessaries and conveniences of this life, in such a measure as Infinite AVisdom sees best for him. And since we are exposed to vari ous troubles and calamities, there are man\ Promises made with relation to them; eithej that we shall be preserved from those afl^ic- tious, or, if it be necessary we should be ex ercised with them, that we shall be power fully supported under them, and in the best time and way, delivered from them, after that they have been made to answer the most excellent ends upon us. Nor is it easy to say, what a vast variety of consolations are pro- vided for our relief in those trials. But. how- IXTKODX7CTTOW. 7 ever valuable, considering- the circumstances of our present state, the Promises relating" to temporal enjo} ments and afflictions, may be, they are not to be compared with the excellency and g-lory of those spiritual and eternal blessing-s, with w^hich we are blessed in Christ Jesus, and of which we have the most clear, full, and express Promises in the g-ospel. Therein, how great, how particu- lar a reg-ard is had to the condition of fal- len, sinful man! What care is taken to ease the conscience under the burden of g"uilt, and the apprehensions of divine wratli, by the most gracious promises of pardon and mercy! What assurances g-iven of reconciliation and acceptance with God, throug"h the blood and intercession of the Redeemer! To what g-lo- rious privilcg-es and hig-h honoiu's is the Chris- tian advanced! Such as the adoption of chil- dren, a kind reg"urd to all ".is prayers, the ministry of ang-cls, and aii mterest in the grace, love and fellowship of God the Fa- ther, and of his eternal Son and Spirit. In the Promises is contained all that grace which is requisite to refine and ennoble our na- tui-es, to enlig-hten our understanding-s, to reg"- ulate our wills, and purify our afftctions; to preserve us from sin, and all the contrivances and snares of the devil and the world, and to exalt us to the hig-hest perfection of hohnesF and happiness. The manner in which tliese blessinars are 8 TITTHODTJCTIOIf. promised, still further adds to their value. They are not expressed in g-eneral or ambig"- uous terms, but with the greatest clearness and perspicuity. God would not leave his people at an uncertainty, concerning" hisi kind intentions towards them. If the meaning- of tlie promise seems doubtfvd in one place, it is abundantly cleared up in several others. Nor is it only here and there in some few passag-es, or in a cold and reserved manner, that God has sig-nified his good will; but, up- on the account of our dullness and slowness to believe what God has promised; he has both made use of the strong-est words and phrases that language could furnish out, and has over and over, in gi-eat vaiiety of expres- sion, often repeated the assurances of his fa- vour. He has contrived his Promises so, as to meet with all our objections, and remove all our doubts and fears: and herein he has been pleased to show an affection, tenderness, and condescension, which could not be expected from an earthly prince to his subjects; much less from the great and glorious majesty of heaven and earth, to sinful dust and ashes. But what doth in tlie hig-hest degree en- hance the worth and excellency of the Prom- ises^ is, the evidences we have, that they shall certainly be made good; since, as the Apostle argues, Heb. vi. 17, 1 '^■- \ve have for them both the word and oait. of that God that can- not lie, that so we mig^ht have strong consola- INTRODUCTION. y tion, who have Jled for refuge, to lay hold upon the hope set before us. And of the covenant thus confirmed, Christ the Son of God is made the Surety, Heb. vii. 22; having- ratified it by his own blood. And that all the ever blessed Trinity might concur in establishing" our faith upon the strongest foundation, the Holy Spirit of God witnesses to the truth of the Promises, by his miraculous operations, when first poured forth upon the Apostles, and by his sanctifying" influences upon the hearts of all true Christians, both then, and ever since. Hereby he inspires into them a lively hope, and furnishes them with well gi'ounded evidences of their interest in the Promises,' and their hope makes them vot ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto them, Rom. v. 5. The Promises therefore of the gospel be- ing" of so excellent a nature, and confirmed to us by such authority and evidence, can- not but have very great and happy influences upon the mind, when seriously attended to, and ppplied with faith; especially as they are the means by which the Spirit of God car- ries on his work upon the soul. They are the strongest arguments to persuade the sin- ner to turn to God, the gi-eatest encourage- ments to an humble, believing dependence upon the grace of Christ in the gospel, aiid the most powerful motives to sincere anc uni- 10 rNTKODTJCTIOIT. versal obedience; since by them we are as- sured, that every penitent sinner shall find the most gi'acious acceptance; that from the gi-ace of Christ we shall derive sufficient strength and capacity for every duty; and that m keeping- God's commands there is great reward. So that would we but duly consider the several Promises made to every exercise of grace, and every performance of duty, what a spur would this be to quicken our slow pace in the ways of holiness! AVhat an encourag-ementto be steadfast and immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for- asmuch as we know that our labour is not in vain in the Lord, 1 Cor. xv. 58. A fixed, constant attention to the Prom- ises, and a firm belief of them, would pre- vent solicitude and anxiety about tlie con- cerns of this hfe. It would keep the mind quiet and composed in every chang-e, and support and keep up our sinking- spirits un- der the several troubles of life. In the multi' tilde of my thoughts ivithin me, thy comforts delight ?ny soul, Ps. xciv. 19. Christians de- prive themselves of their most solid comforts by their unbehef, and forg-etfulness of God's Promises. For there is no extremity so gi-eat, but there are Promises suitable to it, and abundantly sufficient for our relief in it. A thoroug-h acquaintance with the Prom- ises would be of the g-reatest advantag-e in prayer. With what comfort may the Chris- IKTRODtrCTIOJT. 11 tian address himself to God in Christ, when he considers the repeated assurances that his prayer shall be heard? With how much sat- isfaction may he offer up the several desires of his heart, when he reflects upon the texts wherein those very mercies are promised? — And with what fer\'our of spirit, and strenglli of faith, may he enforce his prayers, by plead- ing- the several gi-acious Promises, which are expressly to his case? Further: Great assistance and encourag-e- ment may the Christian derive in his spirit- ual warfare, when he takes a view of the many Promises of g-race and streng-th, to mor- tify sin, and to resist the devil: of success, and a final victory in his conflicts with the enemies of his salvation; and of an incoiTupti- ble crown of g-lory, to be g-iven liim as the re- ward of his firmness, constancy and perseve- rance. A g-reat deal more may be said, but that I would not too much enlarg-e this Intro- duction, to siiow of what excellent use the Promises would be, if duly attended to, to promote all the exercises of the divine life, and to inspire into a g-ood man comfort and joy in every state of life. That the Christian mig-ht have before him, in one view, the many great and precious Promises scattered up and down In scripture, and in such a metb.od as easily to find what is suitable to his case, I have di-awn up the fol- lowing Collection. J 2 IKTRODUCTIOX. The Blessings promised, are either of a temporal or of a spiritual and eternal na- ture: it may be necessary to lay down some rules, to direct the serious Christian in the rig-lit application of these different sorts of Promises. As to the Promises of temporal blessing's, and tliose that relate to temporal evils, it is acknowledg-ed by all, they are not to be un- derstood absolutely or universally, but with the limitation, as far as may be for God's glo- ry, and our g-ood; both which are, in effect, one. Nor will these limitations lessen their value, with any thinking- serious person. — For all outward thing-s are of such a nature, as to be capable of being- either g-ood or evil to us, as circumstances vary. Riches, thoug-h in some circumstances they may be very use- ful and valuable, in which case God will be- stow them according- to the tenor of his Pro- mises,- yet in others they may be, and often prove, very pernicious: no wise man, in that case, would desire them. Thus afflictions in some instances, may be of the greatest ad- vantag-e to us. Then they are mercies, the inflicting- them is a token of favour, and the preventing- them would be a judg-ment, in- stead of fulftlling- a promise. Now it must be allowed that of all these circumstances, the infinitely wise and g-ood God is the best judg-e; since he has before him in one view, the whole compass of every case, in all its cir- nrrHOPFCTiojj. 13 cumstances, and is more concerned and watchful for our g'ood, than we can be our- selves. Tlie Promises therefore relating to these thing-s, should not lie by neg-lected; but we should fix our faith upon them for the mercies we want, with a firm depenaence upon the power and faithfulness of God, thoug-h with an entire submission to his supe- rior wisdom, to choose what is best for us. — I verily believe, Christians often deprive themselves even of temporal favours from God, for want of a more frequent steadfast exercise of faith upon the Promises relating to these things. They either ask not, or not in faith, and therefore receive nothing from God, Jam. i. 6, 7. Or they desire and ask, but not for right ends (to take notice of ano- ther limitation hinted at by the same apostle, Jam. iv. 3.) not for God's honour, but to con- sume it upon their lusts; and so they ask amiss, and therefore receive not. Tliis collection therefore will give great assistance to the faith of Cliristians, when they observe how full and express the Promises are, and how suitable to their several exigencies, even in things con- cerning this life- It may be objected to many of the texts, that they are taken out of the Old Testa- ment, and were Promises made to the Jews under a dispensation wherein a greater stress is laid upon temporal blessings, than under the gospel; and consequently, that Cluns* 14 INTRODUCTIoa/. tians cannot expect so much from those Prtf mises. I answer, That it is true, the g-ospel has a much g-reater tendency to ch'aw our affections from, and lessen our reg-ard to our outward fehcity and prosperity, than the law; since it has brought in a better hope, and g-ives more clear discoveries, and more full assurances of spiritual and eternal blessing's, and recom- mends these as our main concern; and there- fore our desires and expectations of temporal blessing-s, oug-ht to be very moderate, and bear no proportion with our concern for spi- ritual. But yet that Christians may take corn- fort in, and apply to themselves the Promises of the Old Testament, and in thing's relating to this life, is evident from that declaration of the apostle, 1 Tim. iv. 8; Godliness is projiia- ble unto all thi)igs, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. — Where the apostle affirms, not only that god- liness is profitable to this, as well as another life, but that it has Promises relating to both: by which it is probable he meant those of the Old Testament, a great part of the New being not then committed to writing, or no published among the churches. Besides, as was observed before, the Promises made in the Old Testament, the apostle apphes to Cliristians, and that upon the principle above mentioned, Rom. xv. 4; an instance of wliicli we have, among' others, in his pressing obe- IKTRODUCTIOJf. 15 dience to parents on Christians, Eph. vi. 2, S , from the temporal Promise annexed to the fifth commandment, dehvered to the Jews. — To which may be added, that there are many Promises of temporal blessing's to be found in the g-ospel, as full and as expressive as those m tne Old Testament, as will appear upon tlie perusal of this Collection. Nor do I think the case of good men under the law so different from tliat of Cliristians, with relation to outward blessing-s, as some may apprehend. It is plain, those Promises were not to them absolute or universal, but to be understood with the same limitations as now; and that in those times, as well as since, tlie rig-hteous were frequently exercised with severe afflictions, and the wicked had many times a greater share of outward pros])erity than e\en the best of men; the want of a due attention to which, was the reason of the hea- vy cep.sm-es Job met with from his friends. As to the Promises of spiritual and eternal blessing's, they are to be apphed according' to the tenor of the g-ospel. It is to faith, repent- ance, love and sincere obedience, that the Promises in general, are made of pardon, grace and glory; as appears from a gi-eat m\\\- titude of texts here collected. And indeed, without these dispositions, none can justly lay claim to any of the temporal Promises. — But because in many cases, a serious pei-son may be doubtful whether he is converted or 16 INTHOIilTtTlON. hot, wlietner tliere be in him that faith, re- ])entance, and holiness, which may be a proof tliat he is in a state of favom* with God, and so entitled to the Promises,- I observe, that as there is a difference between g-race beg-un, in its first exercises, and when it is arrived to a confirmed habit; so many of the Promises ai-e made to the first beginnings and exercises of grace, in pra}'ing' and seeking- after God, in the use of appointed means, in turning from sill, and coming to Christ. Thus the Promises of a new heart are made to those who inquire after God, Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 37; of wisdom to them that search for it, Prov. ii 4, 5; of the spirit to them that ask it, Luke, xi. 13, and of rest in Christ to them that be- ing weary and heavy laden, come to him, Mattli. xi. 28. Which, therefore, every one who finds in himself those beginnings of gi-ace, niay apply to himself, a#an encourage- ment to go on. It is also to be obsen-ed, that the other Promises of divine influences, of the increase of grace, of preservation from sin, of grace to persevere to the end, &.c. and so of everlast- ing life and glory; though every sincere Christian may apply them, and depend upon them, yet they all suppose the diligent use of all the means of grace, watchfulness, a con- stant application to, and dependence upon, tlie strength of Christ, and the grace of his holy Spirit, and a sincere regaid to all the IX-niODTTTlOV. 17 other duties of the g-ospel; as appeai-s from Jo'm, XV. 4, 10; and many other passag-es to be found in this ollection, especially in tiie lattei- part. To obtain the comfort of the Promises m the second part, every one must see that tliey be in a g-ood deg-ree possessed of the graces, and that they dilig^ently perform the duties, t'^ which the Froniises are made; and that A'om a principle of faith in Christ and love to God, expressed in an habitual care and endea- vour to please him. For whatever duty we do, without a real reg^ard to God therein, de- pending- upon Christ for acceptance, In whom all the promises are yea and amen, we can ex- pect no reward from him. God may justly reject such a claim, with, Did ye it all to me, even to me? And for the same reason, the ob- serving- of some duties, while we knowingly Allow ourselves in acts of disobedience to other commands, will not suppoit our claim to the Promises,- because, if we acted with a sincere respect to God, we should show the same reg-ard to all his known laws, Jam. ii. 10, 11. As a Christian oug-ht to be concerned, not only for himself, but for the whole church of God, and the interest of Christ's king-dom here on earth; I thoug"ht it very necessary to lay before him, what the scripture aflfords for the raising- of his hopes, and encourag-ing h'.s pmyers ifpon those important subjects, o 18 IITTIIODCCTIO-. And this is the desig-n of that collection of texts, in the Appendix. I am sensible that many of the texts T have broug"ht, which foretell the ehlarg"ement and g-lory of the church, have already had, in some degree, their accomplishment in the conversion of the Gentiles to the Christian faith; but upon a thoroug-h consideration of several of the prophecies, concerning- the spreading- of the g-ospel throug-hout all na- tions, the subjection of all king-s to the au- thority of Christ, and the g-lorious state of the church in the latter days, as Psal. Ixxxvi. 9. Isa. Ixvi. 18. Dan. vii. 27. Zech. xiv. 9, &c., it appears to me, there is still to be expected a fuller accomplishment of them than has yet been. But which have been already fulfilled, and which still remain to be so, I leave to every one's judg-ment, upon considering- and comparing- the texts. Some of the texts I have applied to the church in g-eneral, are by some interpreters understood of the cliurch of the Jews, when converted to Christ in the latter ag-es of the world: as Isa. iv. 3, and xxvii. 6, and Ix, and Ixii. Nor do I deny but it is probable, that people are more immediately pointed at in those prophecies. But as the Gentile and Jewish church w^ill then be one, there will be a communication of privileg-es and g-loi-\ : and consequently in whatever measure tlie Spirit of God is poured out, and the g"lory of iNTRonrcTiox. 19 God maiufested among- the Jews when con- verted, the Gentile cliurch will enjoy their share of the benefit: for, // the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diinhiishing of them the riches of the Gentiles, how much more their fullness? Rom. xi. 12. Thong-h this Collection has cost me not a little time and pains, I think it very well be- stowed not only upon the account of the ad- vantag-e I have myself received from the study of the Promises, and the assistance I still ex- pect, from this book for my private thoug-hts and composures fol' the pulpit, by having" it continually before me: but also in hopes it may be useful to others in several respects, for promoting- the holiness and com.fort of Christians. Here they have before them, in one view, the riches of the covenant of grace; here are all the strong-est arg-uments to per- suade to real relig-ion, to recommend every duty, and to support in every afflicted and perplexed case. This book may be very use- ful to assist in prayer, both for the reasons before mentioned, and also because from hence, one may be furnished with a variety of proper matter and expression upon all the cases we are concerned to represent to God. And as the study of these Promises would be to the advantag-e of all sorts of persons, it mig-ht be a very useful and easy exercise for children to be employed in learning- some of the plainest texts under those head« which 20 INTROIIirCTlON. are most proper for them, and to question one another upon them, being- instructed by their teacliers in their sense and use. In this way the directors of the education of childron in the charity schools, may make this book Si/i - e g'ood purposes, for the instruction and im- provement of their children in the knowledt^-e oi the scriptures. And I know no better way of enriching" the minds of children with use- ful and solid knowledg-e, than by making them well acquainted with the scriptures themselves, those pure unmixed fomitains of excellence and divine wisdom, and treasuring up in their memories a g"reat number of select scriptures most suited to their capacity and use. That we may have the comfort of the Pro- mises, a steady exercise of faith is, above all thing's, necessary. For this purpose, we must impress upon our minds the power, g-oodness, and faithfulness of God, and the experience of g'ood men in every ag-e; and by this means, and by an attentive consideration of the Pro- mises, suck at those breasts of consolation till ive are satisjied, Isa. Ixvi. 11. But at the same time our eyes must be fixed upon the Lord Jesus Christ, as the only foundation of our hopes, in and throug-h whom alone all the Promises are made g'ood to us; and upon the Holy Spirit the Comforter, that thvoug-h his powerful influences we may rig-htly under- stand and apply, firmly believe, and cleai-ly INTRODUCTION. 21 discover the exce]knc\- of the Promises^ and 80 taste tliat the Lord is graci-ous. Constiiiitly plead the Promises with God in prayer. He has thereby bound himself to his people, as with a note uiider his hand. Go with it therefore to God, tinnly depending" upon his faithfvdness; he will acknowledg-e his own hand- writing-, and answer your de- mands according"ly. Rest } ourself, therefore, upon God, and wait patiently for him, being- assured he will not be unmindful of his pro- mise: but leave it to his infinite wisdom to fulfil it, in that way, and at that time he sees best. But remember the Promises of God do not discharg-e from, but encourag-e and oblig-e to, the dilig-ent use of all proper and lawful means. Christ has promised food and rai- ment, but the slothful and careless must not expect tJie benefit of that Promise. The same may be said of the spiritual blessings promised. The soul of the slothful desireth, rnd hath nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat, Prov. xiii. 4. To conclude: Let the Christian live a life of faith upon the Promises. A great part of the riches of the nation at this day, consists ui the credit that is given to notes, bonds, as- signments, &c. I am svu'e the riches of the Christian lie chiefly in the assignments he 1ms under God's hand, of the most > :■' '^le bless- ings both of this and a better life. Let hira 22 INTRODUCTION. then know how to value these as the tniest riches, and to make use of them upon all oc- casions; he will find no want of any g^ood thing-. If he has it not in hand, he has it in the promise, ready whenever he needs it. So that he may live entirely free from solicitude and anxious care, committing- himself, and all his concerns, to that God who cai*eth fo» him. A COLLECTION OF THE PROMISES. — "•»►»© ® ©♦♦»— PART I. CHAPTER I. PROMISES OF TEMPORAL BLESSIJTGS. I. General Promises to the Pious. Psalm xvi. 6. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a g-oodly her- itag-e. Ps. Ixxxiv. 11. The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and g"lory; no g-ood thing- will he withhold from them that walk iiprig"htly. Eccl. viii. 12. Surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him. Isa. iii. 10. Say ye to the rig"hteous, that it shall be well with him, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Ps. Iviii. 1 1. \'crily there is a reward for the righteous. 24 TLAHKE OJf THE Ps. V. 12. Thou, Lord, wilt bless the rig'ht- eous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. Ps. iii. 8. Salvation belong-eth unto the Lord, thy blessing- is upon thy people. Prov. xxi. 21. He that followeth after rig"hteousness and mercy, findeth life, right- eousness, and honour. Prov. X. 6. Blessing-s are upon the head of the just. Ver. 24. The desire of the rig-ht- eous shall be g-ranted. Ver. 28. The hope of the rig-hteous shall be g-ladness. Prov. xi. 18. To him to that soweth rig-ht- eousness shall be a sure reward. Ver. 19. Rig-hteousness tendeth to life. Ver. 28. The rig"hteous shall fiourisli as a branch. Prov. iii. 32. His secret is with the rig-ht- eous. Prov. xii. 2. A g-ood man obtaineth favour of the Lord. Prov. xiii. 9. The lig-ht of the rig-hteous rejoiceth. Ver. 21. To the rig-hteous g-ood shall be repaid. Ps. xxiii. 6. Surely g-oodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Rom. viii. 32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all thing's. 1 Cor. iii. 21, 22. All thing-s are yciirs, whether Paul, or Apollos, oi Cephas, or tlie I'ROMISES. 25 world, or life, or death, or things present, or thing's to come, all are yours. 1 Tim. iv. 8. Godliness is profitable unto all thing-s; having the promise of tlie life tliat now is, and of that which is to come. II. Promises of Tempwal Blessings in general. Ps. xxiii. 1. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Ver. 5. Thou preparest a table before me, in the presence of mine en- emies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Ps. xxxiv. 9. There is no want to them that fear him. Ver. 10. The\ that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. Matt. vi. oo. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. piiil. iv. 19. My God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 1 Tim. vi. 6. Godliness with contentment is great gain. Ver. 17. Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy HI. Of Food and Raiment. Of Food. — ^Ps. xxxvii. 3. Trust in the Lord and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Ps. cxi. 5. He hath given meat unto them 26 CLARKE ON THE that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant. Ps. cxxxii. 15. I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her poor with bread. Ps. cxlvii. 14. He filleth thee with the finest of the wheat. Prov. xiii. 25. The rig-hteous eateth to the satisfying- of his soul. Matt. vi. 26. Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them; are ye not much better than they? Joel, ii. 26. And ye shall eat in plenty and be satisfied. Isa. Ixv. 13. Behold my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty. Raiment. — Matt. vi. 25. I say unto you, take no thought for your life what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for the body, what ye shall put on: is not tlie life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Ver. 30. Wherefore, if God so clothe the g^ass of the field, which to-day is, and to- moiTOw is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Ver. 31. Therefore, take no thought, saying what shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or wherewithal shall we be clothed? Ver. 32. For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these thmgs. 27 rV. Promises of long Life and Health. Deut. V. 33. You shall \v?lk In all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong- your days m the land which you shall possess. Deut. vi. 2. That thou mig-htest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and commandments, which I command thee; thou and th}^ son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life, and that thy days may be pro- long-ed. Job, V. 26. Thou shalt come to thy grave 'n a full ag-e, like as a shock of corn cometh in his season, Ps. xxxiv. 25. What man is he tliat de- sii'eth life, and loveth many days, that he may see g-ood. Ver. 13. Keep thy tong-ue from evil, and thy lips from speaking* g-uile. Ver. 14. Depart from evil, and do g-ood: seek peace, and pursue it. Ps. xci. 16. With long" life will 1 satisfy him, and show him my salvation. Prov. iii. 2. Length of days, and long- life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Ver. xxvi. Leng-th of days is in her [Wisdom's] rig-ht hand. Prov. ix. 11. By me thy days shall be mul- tiplied, and the years of thy life shall be ift- creased. 28 CLARKE OX THE Prov. X. 27. The fear of the Lord prolong eth days. Health. — Ps. r.iil. 5. — Who forg-iveth all thine iniquities, who liealeth all thy diseases. Ver. 4. AVho redeemeth tliv- life from de- struction. Ver. 5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with g-ood thing-s, so that thy youth is renew- ed like the eag"les. Prov. iii. 7. Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and depart from evil. Ver. 8. It shall be health to thv navel, and maiTOwto thy bones. Prov. iv. 22. They are life to them that find them, and health to all their flesh. V. Promises of Divine Protection. Dent, xxxiii. 12. The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him, and the Lord shall cover him all the day long-. Prov. xviii. 10. The name of the Lord is a strong- tower; the rig-hteous runneth into it, and is safe. Ps. cxvi. 8. I have set the Lord always be- fore me; because he is at my right hand, 1 shall not be moved. Ps. cxii. 7. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. 1 Pet. iii. 13. And who is he that will harm you, if you be followers of that which is good? Job, iv. 7. Remember, I pray thee, who- ever perished being innocent i* or where were the righteous cut off .^ PROMISES. 29 Job, xi. 18. Thou shalt be secure, because there is hope. Job, V. 23. Thou shalt be in leagiie with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee. Hos. ii. 18. And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and witli the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping" thing's of the ground; and I will break the bow, and the sword, and the battle out of the eai'th, and will make tliem to lie down safely. Ez. xxxiv. 25. I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land, and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. Ver. 28. And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beasts of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make their afraid. Gen. ix. 2. And the fear of you, and the dread of you, shall be upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea, into your hand are they delivered. Job, xi. 18. Thou shalt dig- about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety. Ver. 19. Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid. Ps. iv 8. I will both lay me down in peace 30 CLARKE ON THE and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makestmetfj dwell in safety. Ps cxxvii. 2. He g-iveth his beloved sleep. Prov. iii. 24. When thou liest down thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and th}' sleep shall be sweet. 1 Sam. ii. 9. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness, for by strength shall no man pre- vail. Ps. xxvii. 1. The Lord is my lig-ht, and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the streng"th of my life, of whom shall I be afraid-* Ps. xxxiv. 20. He keepeth all his bones, not one of them is broken. Ps. xci. 1. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most Hig"li, shall abide under the shadow of the Almig-hty. Ver. 2. I will say of the Lord, he is my refug-e and my fortress; my God, in him wall I trust, Ver. 4. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wing's shalt thou trust: liis truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Ver. 10. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plagaie come nig-h thy dwelling-. Ps. cxxi. 1. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. Ver. 2. M}' help cometh from the Lord, wlaicli made heaven and earth. Ver. 4. Behold, lie that kce th Israel, shall neither slumber nor .sleep Ver. 5. The Lord is tliy keeper: the pnoHisKS. 31 Lord is thy shade upon thy rig-ht hand. Ver. 6. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by nig-ht. Ver. 7. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil; he shall presence thy soul. Ver. 8. The Lord shall preserve thy g'oing- out, and thy coming- in, from this time forth, and even for evermore. Ps. cxxiv. b. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Ps. cxxv. 2. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people, from henceforth even for ever. Prov. iii. 23. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. Prov. i. 33. But whoso heai*keneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. Is. iv. 5. And the Lord will create upon every dwe]ling--p lace of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining* of a flaming- fire by nig-ht; for upon all the g-lory shall be a defence. Ver. 6. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day-time from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and rain. Is. iii. 16. He shall dwell on hig-h; his place of defence shall be the munition of rocks. Is. xliii. 2. When thou passest throug-h the waters, I will be with thee; and throug-h the rivei^, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not 32 CLARKE OK THE iic burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon ihee. Ver. 3. For I am the Lord thy God, 'he Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. Is. xxvii. 3. I the Lr-rd do keep it, I will water it every momef.t; lest any hm-t it, I will keep it nig"ht and day. Zech. ii. 5. For I, waith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fir^^ round about, and will be the g-lory in the nidst of her. VI. Pftrfnises of Peace. Lev. xxvi. 6. And I will give peace ir m«: land, and ye shall lie down, and nov.-e ihall make you afi-aid; and I will rid _\il beasts out of the land, neither sha'l J.e sword g-o throug-h your land. Ps. xxix. 11. The Lord wiH g-lve strength unto his people; the Lord vih bless his peo- ple with peace. Ps. cxxv. 5. Peace shsi^ be upon Israel. Ps. cxix. 165. Great peace have they tliat love thy law, and nothing" shall offend tliem. Ps. cxlvii. 14. He maketh peace in thy borders. [s. xxvi. 12. Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us; for thou also hast wrought all our works for us. Is. xxxvii. 18. My people shall dwell in a peaceful habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting- places. PUOMISES. 33 VII. Direction. I's. xxxvii. 23. The steps of a good man Kie ordered by the Lord, and he delig-hteth III his way. Ps. xlviii. 14. He will be our guide even unto death. Ps. Ixxiii. 24. Thou shalt guide me witli tliy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Prov. iii. 6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he sliall direct tliy paths. Prov. xi. 5. The righteousness of the per- fect shall direct his way. Prov. xvi. 9. A man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directetli liis steps. Is. xxviii. 26. His God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him. Is. xlii. 16. And I will bring the bhnd by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known. I will make darkness light before tliem, and crooked things straight. These things will 1 do unto them, and not forsake them. VIII. Honour. Deut. xxviii. 13. And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the command- ments of the Lord thy God, which I com- 3 34 CLARKE ON THB mand thee this day, to observe and to (!<> them. Ps. cxh. 6. Surely he shall not be moved for ever: tne rig"hteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. Yer. 9. His horn shall be ex- alted with honour. 1 Sam. ii. 30. Them that honour me, I will honour. Prov. xxii. 4. By humility and the fear of the Lord, are riches and honour and life. Prov. iii. 16. In her left hand are riches and honour. Prov. iv. 8. Exalt her, and she shall pro- mote thee; she shall bring- thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. Prov. X. 7. The memory of the just is blessed. Ps. xci. 14. Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. Ver. 15. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trou- ble, I will deliver him and honour him. John, xii. 26. If any man serve me, let him follow me: and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my father honour. Rev. iii. 9. Behold, T will make them of the synagogue of Satan, (who say they are Jews, and are not, but do he) to come and worship before thy feet, and to know I have loved thee. PROMISES. 35 IX. Succesn and Prosperity. Ps. i. 3. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring-eth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doth shall prosper Ps. xxxvli. 5. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall bring" it to pass, Ps. exxviii. 2. Thou shalt eat the labour of tliine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Ps. Ivii. 2. I will cry unto God most hig-h; unto God, that performeth all thing's for me. Is. Ixv. 21. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vine- yards, and eat the fruit of them. Ver. 22. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat; for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long- enjoy the work of their hands. Ver. 23. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring- forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their ofTspi-ing" with them. Job, xi. 15. Thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear. \ev. 17. And thine ag-e shall be clearer than the noon-day: thou shalt sliine forth, and thou shalt be as the morning*. Job, xxii. 28. Thou shalt also decree a thing-, and it shall be established unto thee; and the lig-ht shall shine upon thy ways. 36 CLiRKB ON THK X. Plenty and Riches. Dent. xi. 14. I will give you the ra.n of your land in his due season: the first rain ar:i the latter rain; that thou maj^est g-ather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. Ver. 15. And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cat- tle, that thou mayest eat and be fvdl. Deut. xxviii. 12. The Lord shall open unto thee his g-ood treasure, the heaven to g-ive thee rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand; and thou shalt lend unto my nations, and thou shalt not borrow. Deut. XXX. 9. And the Lord thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of the land for g'ood — for the Lord will ag^in rejoice over thee for g'ood, as he rejoiced over thy fath-Ts. Deut. xxviii. 11. Jwb, xxii. 24. Thou shalt lay up g-old as dust, and the g-old of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. Ver. 25. And shalt have plenty of silver. Ps. cvii. 88. He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly, and suffereth not their cattle to decrease. Ps. cxii. 3. Wealth and riches shall be in his house, and his i-ig-hteousness endureth for ever. PROMISES. 37 Prov. iii. 16. In her [/. e. Wisdom's] left hand are riches and honour. Prov. viii. 18. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and rig-liteousness. Ver. 19. My fruit is better than gold, and my revenue than choice silver. Prov. XV. 6. In the house of the righteous is much treasure. Isa. XXX. 23. Then sliall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the gi'ound withal, and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pas- tui'es. XI. Of Children. Deut. vii. 13. He will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee he will also bless the fruit of thy womb. Deut. XXX. 9. And the Lord thy God will make thee plenteous, in the fruit of thy body. Job, v. 25. Thou shalt know that thy seed shall be great, and thine off spring as the gi-ass of the earth. Ps. cxxvii. 3. Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Ver. 4. As arrows in the hands of a mighty man, so are children of the youth. \'er. 5. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. Ps. cxvi. 14. The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children. 38 CLAKKE OTV THE XII. A Blessing upo?i all the Good Frofes sions of Man. Ex. -xxiii. 25. And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread and thy water. Dent. xxvi. 11. And thou shalt rejoice in every g-ood thing-, which the I,ord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house. Deut. xxiii. 3. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed slialt thou be in tlie field. Ver. 4. Blessed sliall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy g-round, and the fruit of thy cattle; the increase of th}' kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Ver. 5. Blessed shall be thy basket and tliy store. Ver. 6. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and bless- ed shalt thou be wlien thou g-oest out. Ver. 8. The Lord shall command a blessing- upon thee in thy store-houses, and in all that thou settest thv hand inito: and he shall bless thee in the land, which the Lord thy God g-iveth thee. Ps. xxxvii. 16. A little that a rig-hteous man hath, is better than the riches of many wicked. Prov. X. 22. The blessing-s of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Prov. XV. 16. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, tl\an g-reat treasure and trou- ble therewith. Eccl. ii. 26. God doth g-ive to a man thai IS good in his sig-ht, wisdom, and knowled.ice. PROMISES. 39 and joy: but to the sinner he g-'iveth travail, to gatlier and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. Eccl. iii. 13. Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of his labour, it is the gift of God. Eccl. V. 19. Every man, to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion and to rejoice in liis labour; this is the gift of God. ^'er. 20. For he shall not much remember the days of his life; be- cause God answereth him in tlie joy of his heart. XIII. A Blessing vpon the Children of the Fiona. Deut. iv. 46. Thou shalt keep the statutes, that it may go well wltli thee, and thy chil- dren after thee. Deut. v. 29. Prov. xiii. 22. A good man leaveth an in- heritance unto his children's children; and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Prov. xiv. 26. In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence; and his children shall have a place of refuge. Prov. xi. 21. The seed of the righteous shall be delivered. Prov. XX. 7. The just man walketh in his integi'ity : his children are blessed after him. Ps. cii. 28. The children of thy servants 40 CLARKK ON THE shall continue, and their seed shall be estab- lished before thee. Ps. cxii. 2. His seed shall be mighty upon earth; the g-eneration of the uprig-ht shall be blessed. Ps. XXV. 13. His seed shall inherit the earth. Ps. xxxvii. 25. I have been young- and now am old, yet have I not seen the rig-hteous forsaken, nor his seed beg-g-ing- bread. Ver. 26. He is ever merciful and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Ps. cxlvii. 13. He hath blessed thy chil- dren within thee. Jer. xxxii. 39. I will g-ive them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the g-ood of them, and of their chil- dren after them. XIV. A Blessing upon the Families of Piety. Job, V. 24. Thou shalt know also that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation and shalt not sin. Job, viii. 6. If thou wert pure and upright, surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy rig-hteousness prosperous. Ver. 7. Thoug-h thy beginning were small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase. Ps. cxxviii. 3. Thy wife shall be as a fruit- ful vine by the sides of thine house; thy chil- dren like olive plants round about thy table. Ver. 4. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed PROMISKS. 41 that feareth the Lord. Ver. 5. The Lord shall bless thee out of Sion; and thou shall see the g-ood of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Ver. 6. Yea, tliou shalt see thy chil- di'en's children, and peace upon Israel. Prov. iii. 33. He blessed the habitation of the just. Prov. xii. 7. The house of the rig*hteou9 shall stand. Prov. xiv. 11. The tabernacle of the up- rig"ht shall flourish. CHAPTER II. PR03IISES RELATING TO TROUBLES IN LIFE, I. In general. Of preservatioji from trouble. — .Tob, v. 19 He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. Ps. xxxi. 13. The Lord preserveth the faithful. ^ Ps. xxl) C For this shall every one that is godly pri.^ unto thee, in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters, they shall not come nigh unto 42 CLARKE OK THE him. Ver. 7. Thou art my hiding- place, thou shalt presei-ve me from trouble: thou shal' compass me about with song-s of de- liverance. Ps. xci. 10. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plag"ue come nig-h thy dvv^el- ling-. Prov. xli. 21. There shall no evil happen to the just. Prov. xvi. 19. The way of the slothful man is an hedge of thorns; but the way of the rig*hteous is made plain. Deliverance out of trouhle. — Job, viii. 20. Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers. Ver. 21. Till lie fill thy mouth with laug-hing-, and thy lips with rejoicing-. Job, xi. 16. Thou shalt forg"et thy miser}'', and remember it as waters that pass away. Job, xxxvi. 16. Even so would he have re- moved tliee out of the straig-ht into a broad place, where there is no straig'htness; and that which sliould be set on thy table, should be full of fatness. Ps. XXX. 5. His ang-er endureth but a mo- ment: in his favoiu- is hfe: weeping- may en- dure for a nig-ht, but joy cometh in the' morning. Ps.* xxxiv. 19. Many are the afflictions of the rig-liteous, but the Lord delivereth hini out of them all Ps. xlii. 11. Why art thou cast down, O PROMISES. 43 my soiiP and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and niv God. Ps. Ixviii. 13. Thoug-h ye have lain among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wing's of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with vellow g-old. Ps.' Ixxi. 20. Thou wdiich hath showed me great and sore ti-oubles, shalt quicken me ag'ain, and shalt bring- me up ag-ain from the deptlis of tlie earth. Ps. xviii. 27. Thou wilt save the afflict- ed people, but wilt bring- down hig'h \ooks. Ver. 28. For thou wilt lig-ht my candle? the Lord my God, will enlig-hten my dark- ness. Ps. cxlvi. 8. The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind, the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down. Ps. cvii. 19. They cry unto the Lord in their trouble; he delivereth them out of tlieir distresses. Ps. cxxvi. 5. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Ver. 6. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing- precious seed, shall doubtless come ag-ain with rejoicing', briiig-ing his sheaves with him. Prov. xxi. 8. The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in Ms stead. Prov. xii. 13 The wicked is snared by the 44 CLARKE ON THt transgression of his lips? but the just shall come out of trouble. Prov. xxvi. 16. A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up ag-ain. Jer. xxix. 11. I know the thoug-lits that I think towards }-ou, saith the Lord; thoug-hts of peace, and not of evil, to g-ive you an ex- pected end. Jer. xxxi. 12. Their soul shall be as a wa- tered g-arden, and they shall not sorrow any more. Ver. 13. I will turn their mourning" into joy, and will comfort them, and make tliem rejoice from their sorrow. Hos. vi. 1. Come, and let us retiu-n un- to the Lord, for he hath torn, and he will heal US; he hath smitten, and he will bind U9 up. Support under troubles. — Ps. ix. 9. The Lord will be a refugee for the oppressed, a re- fug-e in times of trouble. Ps. xxii. 24. He hath not despised uor ab- horred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid liis face from him; but when he cried unto liim he heard. Ps. xxvii. 14. Wait on the Lord; be of good coin-ag-e, and he sliall streng-then thine heart: wait, I saj', on the I>ord. Ver. 12. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. Ps. xxxvii. 24. Thoug-h he fidl, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord up- holdeth him witli his hand. Ver. 39. The PK0MISE9. 45 salvation of the rig"hteoiis is with the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. Ps. xviii. 2. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer: my God, my streng-th, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my liigh tower. Ps. xlvi. 1. God is our refug-e and strength, a very present help in trouble. Ver. 2. Therefore, we will not fear, thoug-h thf earth be removed, and thoug-h tlie moun- tains be carried into the midst of the sea. Ver. 3. Thoug-li tlie waters thereof roar, and be troubled; thoug-li the mountains shake with the swelling- thereof Selah. Ps. Iv. 22. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall ne- ver suffer the righteous to be moved. Ps. xxx'i. 7. I will be glad and rejoice in tliy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble: thou hast known my sold in adver- sities. Exod. iii. 7. I have surely seen the afflic- tion of my people whicli are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their task- masters: for I know their sori-ows. Ps. xli. 1. Blessed is he tliat considereth the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. Ps. Ixxi. 3. Thou hast given command- ment to save me, for thou art my rock and mv fortress. 45 CLARKE OX THE Ps. cxii. 4. Unto the uprig"ht there ariseth light in tlie darkness. Ps. cxxxvi. 23. Who remembered us in our low estate; for liis mercy endure th for ever. Ps. exxxviii. 7. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, tliou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy riglit hand shall save me. Ps. Ixxiii, 26. My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strengtli of my heart. Ps. xlv. 14. The Lord upholdeth all tliat fall, and raiseth up all that are bowed down. Isa. XXV. 4. Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his dis- tress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, wiien the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Isa. xxvii. 8. In measiu-e, when it shoot- etli forth, thou wilt debate with it: lie stay- eth liis rough wind in the day of the east wind. Job, xxxiv. 23. He will not lay upon mar more tlian his right, that he shoidd enter into judgment with God. Is. 1. 10. Who is the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of liis ser- vants, tliat walketii in darkness and hath no PROMISES. 47 lig-ht' let him trust In the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Lam. iii. 31. The Lord -will not cast off for ever. Ver. 32. B\it thoug-h he cause grief, yet will he have compassion; according" to the multitude of his mercies. Ver. 33. For he doth not afflict willing^ly, nor grieve the children of men. Jer. XXX. n. I am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee: I will correct thee in mea- sure, and will not leave thee altog-ether un- punished. Jer. xvi. 19. O Lord, my refug-e and my fortress; and my refug-e in the day of my af- fliction. Mic. vii. 8. Rejoice not ag-ainst me, O mine enemy, when I fall I shall arise : when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. Ver. 9. I will bear the indig-nation of the Lord, because I have sinned ag-ainst him, un- til he plead my cause, and execute judg-ment for me: he, will bring- me forth to the hg-ht, and I shall behold his rig-hteousness. Nah. i. 7. The Lord is g-ood, a strong- hold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them that trust in him. Matt. xi. 28. Come unto me, all ye that la- bour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. John, x^i. 33. These thing-s I have spoken unto you, that in me ye mig-ht have peace: 48 CLARKE OS THE in the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of g-ood cheer, I have overcome the M'orld. 2 Cor. iv. 8. For as the suffering's of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also, abound- eth by Christ. 2 Cor. iv. 8. We are troubled on evei7 side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair. Ver. 9. Persecuted, bul not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. II. Promises in Sichiess, Old Jge, &c. Of dtliverance from sickness. — Exodus, xxiii. 25. Ye shall sei've the Lord your God, and I will take away sickness from the midst of thee. Exod. XV. 26. If thou wilt dilig'ently heark- en to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is rig-ht in his siglit, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these dis- eases upon thee which I have broug-lit upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord that healeth thee. Job, xxxiii. 24. He is gracious vmto him, and saith, deliver him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom. Ver. 25. His flesh shall be fresher tlian a child's: he shall return to the da}S of his youth. Ver. 26. He shall pray unto God, and he will be fa- \ ourable unto him, and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his i'RO:mises. 49 righteousness. Ver. 28. He will deliver his soul from g-oing- into the pit, and his life shali see the lig-ht. Ps. xci. 3. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. Ver. 5. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by nig-ht, nor for the arrow that flieth by day: Ver. 6. Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noon-day. Ps. ciii. 3. Who forgnveth all thine iniqui- ties; who healeth all thy diseases. Deut. vii. 15. The Lord will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Eg-ypt upon thee. Jer. xxxiii. 6. Behold, I will bring- health and cure, and I will cure them, and will re- veal unto them the abundance of peace and truth. Support wider sickness. — Ps. xli. 3. The Lord will strengthen liim upon the bed of lang-uishing-: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. Ps. cxvl. 6. The Lord preserveth the sim- ple: I was broug-ht low and he helped me. In child-hearing. — 1 Tim. ii. 15. Notwith- standing", she shall be saved in child-bearing-, if they continue in faith and charity, and ho- liness with sobriety. Deut. vii. 13. He will bless the fruit of thy womb. Gen. xlix. 25. Even by the God of thy 4 50 CLARKE OJf THE Father, vho shall help thee; and by the Al- mig-hty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessing's of the deep that lieth under, blessing's of the breasts, and of the womb. In old age. — Ps. Ixxi. 9. Cast me not off in the time of old ag'e; forsake me not when my strength faileth. Is. xlvi. 4. And even to your old ag'e I am He, and even to hoary hairs will I carry you: 1 have made, and I will bear? even I will carry and will deliver you. Prov. xvi. 31. The lioary head is a crown of g"lory, if it be found in the way of rig'ht- eousness. rn. Deliverance from Famine and tVant. Job, v. 20. In famine he shall redeem thee from death. Ver. 22. At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh. Ps. xxxiii. 18. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him; upon them that hope in his mercy. Ver. 19. To deliver their souls from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Ps. xxxii. 19. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. Ps. cxlvi. 7. Which giveth food to the hungry. Is. xli. 17. When the poor and needy seek PROMISES. 51 water ai ' there is none, and their tongnie fail- eth for X. «irst; I the Lord will head them, I the God \jf Israel, will not forsake them. Ezek. xxxvi. 29. I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. Ver. 30. And I will multiply the frait of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among- the heathen. Zech. X. 1. Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain, so the Lord shall make brig"ht clouds, and g"ive them showers of rain, to every one gi-ass in the field. Ps. cvii. 9. He satisfieth the long-ing" soul, and filleth the hvmg-ry soul with g-oodness. Hab. iii. 17. Thoug-h the fig^-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines: the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flocks shall be cut ofl' from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stall. Ver. 18. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord: I will joy in the God of my salvation. Matt. iv. 4. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. IV. Deliverance from War and Enemies. Deliverance from war. — Deut. xx. 4. The Lord your God, is he that g-oeth with you, to fig-ht for you ag-ainst yom* enemies, to save you. Deut. xxiii. 14. 52 CLA^RKE OS THE Job, V. 20. In war he shall redeem thee from the power of the sword. Ps. Ix. 12. Throng-h God we shall do va- liantly, for he it is that shall tread down our enemies. 2 Chron. xlii. 12. Behold, God himself is with us for our captain. Prov. iii. 25. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it Cometh. Ver. 26. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being" taken. Is. xli. 11. Behold, all they that were in- censed ag"ainst thee, shall be ashamed and con- founded: they shall be as nothing-; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Ver. 12. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war ag-ainst thee shall be as nothing- and as a tiling of noug-ht. .]er. xxxix. 17- I will deliver thee in that day, saith the Lord, and thou shalt not be g-iven into the hand of the men of whom tliou art afiaid. Ver. 18. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fidl by tlie sword; but thv life shall be for a prey unto thee, be- cause thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. Deliverance from enemies. — 2 King-s, vi. 16. Fear not, for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. PROMISES. 53 2 Chron. xiv. 11. Lord, it is nothing- with thee to help, wliether with many, or with them that have no power. 2 King-s, xvii. 39. The Lord your God ye shall fear, and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all youi" enemies. Ps. xvii. 7. Show thy marvellous loving- kindness, O thou that savest by thy rig-ht hand them which put their trust in thee, from those that rise up ag-ainst them. Ps. xxvii. 5. In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me: he shall set me upon a rock. Ver. 6. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his taber- nacle, sacrifices of joy; I will sing", yea, I will sing- praises unto the Lord. Ps. xxxvii. 32. The wicked watcheth the rig-hteous, and seeketh to slay him. Ver. 33. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judg-ed. Ver. 40. And the Lord shall help and deliver them: he will deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. Ps. xcvii. 10. He preserveth the souls of his saints; he deli vereth them out of the hand of the wicked. Ps. xcii. 8. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he sees his desire upon his enemies. Ps. cxviii. 7. The Lord taketh my part 54 CLARKE OJT THE with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon my enemies. Ps. exxv. 3. The rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the rig-hteous, lest the rig"hteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. Job, viii. 22. They that liate thee shall be clothed with shame, and the dweHing"-place of the wicked shall come to nought. Prov. xvi. 7. When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Is. liv. 15. Whosover shall gather ag-ainst thee, shall fall for thy sake. Ver. 17. No wea- pon that is formed ag^ainst thee shall prosper; and every tong-ue that shall rise ag-ainst thee in judg-ment, thou shalt condemn. This is the heritag-e of the servants of the Lord, and their rig"hteousness is of me, saith the Lord. Deut. xxviii. 7. The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up ag-ainst thee, to be smit- ten before thy flice: they shall come out ag-ainst thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. Luke, xviii. 7, 8. Shall not God aveng-e his own elect, which cry day and nig-ht unto him, thoug-h he bear long- with them? I tell you tliat he will aveng-e them speedily. Acts, xviii. 10. I am with thee; and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee. Heb. xiii. 6. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Ps. cxviii. 6. PROMISES. 55 Luke, i. 71. That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. Ver. 74. That he would grant unto us, that we being" delivered out of the hands of our enemies, mig"ht serve him without fear. Ver. 75. In holiness and rig-hteousness before him, all the days of our life. V. From Oppression and Injustice. Exod. xxii. 26. If thou at all take thy neig'hbour's raiment to pledg-e, thou shalt de- liver it to him by the time that the sun g-oeth down. Ver. 27. For that is his covering* onlv, it is raiment for liis skin: wherein shall he sleep? And it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that 1 will hear; for I am g-ra- cious. Ps. xii. 5. For the oppression of the poor, for the sig-hing" of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. Ps. XXXV. 10. All my bones shall say, Loixl, who is like vmto theei* which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong" for him; yea the poor and the needy, from him that spoil- etli him. Ps. Ixxii. 4. He shall judg-e the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppres- sor. Ver. 14. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence; and precious shall then- blood be in his sight. 56 CLAllKE ON THE Ps. cix. 31. He shall stand at the rig"ht hand of the poor, to save him from those that con- demn his soul. Ps. cxlvi. 7. Which executeth judg-ment for the oppressed. Eccl. V. 8. If thou seestthe oppression of the poor, and violent perverting" of judg- ment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is hig-her than the highest reg-ardeth, and there be hig-her than they. Is. liv. 14. In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppres- sion, for thou shalt not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come nigh thee. VI. From Slanders^ Reproach and Persecution. Job, V. 21. Thou shalt be hid from the scourg-e of the tong-ue; neither shalt thou be afraid of the destruction when it cometh. Job, xi. 15. Thou shalt hft up thy face without spot. Ps. xxxvii. 6. He shall bring- forth thy rig-hteousness as the lig-ht, and thy judg^nent as the noon-day. Ps. xxxi. 20'. Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pa- vihon, from the strife of tongues. Ps. hai. 3. He sliall send from heaven, and %ave me from the reproach of him that would PBOMISES. 57 swallow me up: Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. Reproach. — Is. li. 7. Hearken unto me, ye that know rig'hteousness, the people in whose heart is my law: fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their reviling's. Ver. 8. For the moth shall eat them up like a g-arment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my rig^hteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from g-eneration to g-enera- tion. Matt. V. 11. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Ver. 12. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for gi'cat is your reward in heaven. Heb. xi. 26. Esteeming- the reproach of Christ gi-eater riches than the treasures of Eg-ypt; for he had respect unto the recom- pense of the reward. 1 Pet. iv. 14. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of g'lor} and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your pai-t he is g-lorified. VII. From Witchcraft. Numb, xxiii. 23. Surely there is no en- chantment ag-ainst Jacob, neither is there any divination ag-ainst Israel. 90 CLAHKE 0:X THE VIII. Promises to the Stranger. Dent. X. 18. He loveth the strang-er, in giv- ing him food and raiment. Ps. cxlvi. 9. The Lord preserveth the atrang-ers. Ezek. xi. 16. Thus saith the Lord God, Althoug-h I have cast them fai* off among- the heathen; and althoiig-h I liave scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuai'v, in the countries where they shall come. IX. To the Poor and Helpless. Ps. ix. 18. The needy shall not always be forgotten; the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. Ps. Ixviii. 10. Thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor. Ps. Ixix. 33. The Lord heareth the poor. Ps. cxxxii. 15. I will satisfy her poor with bread. Is. xiv. 30. The first-born of the poor shall feed; and thq needy shall lie down in safety. Ps. Ixxii. 2. He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor w"ith judg- ment. Ver. 12. He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. Ver. 18. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of tlie needy. Ps. cii. 17. He will regard the prayer of ^e destitute, and not despise their prayer. PROMISES. 59 Ps. cvii. 41. He setteth the poor on high from affliction, and maketh his families like a flock. Ps. cxiii. 7. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill. Jer. XX. 13. Sing- unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evil doers. Job, V. 15. He saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mig-hty. Ver. 16. So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth. Job, xxxvi. 15. He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in op- pression. Jam. i. 9. Let the brother of low degi-ee rejoice, in that he is exalted. Jam. ii. 5. Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heii-s of tlie kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him. Luke, xvi. 25. Abraham said. Son, remenv- ber that thou in thy life tmie receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tor- mented. X. To the Fatherless and Widow. Exod. xxii. 22. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child Ver. 23. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at &11 60 CLARKE OK THE unto me, I will surely hear their cry. Ver. 24. And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. Deut. X. 18. He doth execute the judg- ment of the fatherless and widow. Ps. X. 14. The poor committeth himself unto thee: Thou art the helper of the father- less. Ver. 18. To judg-e the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress. Ps. Ixviii. 5. A father of the fatherless, and a judg-e of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Ps. cxlvi. 9. He relieveth the fatherless and widow. Prov. XV. 25. The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but he will establish the border of the widow. Prov. xxiii. 10 Remove not the old land- mark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless. Ver. 11. For tlieir Redeemer is mig-hty : he shall plead their cause with thee. Jer. xlix. 11. Leave thy fatherless chil- di-en,* I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows ti-ust in me. * Though the Chaldee Paraphrase understands these words as a promise to the families of the Jews, in their captivity; others, more agreeable to the context, look upon them as a tlireatening against the Edomites, and thus join them to the 10th verse, and render them: There is none to say. Leave thy fatherless children, &c. PROMISES. 61 Hos. xiv. 3. In thee the fatherless findeth mercy. * XI. To the Childless. Ps. Ixviii. 6. God setteth the solitary in families. Ps. cxiii. 9. He maketh the barren women to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Is. Ivi. 4. Thus saith the Lord unto the eu- nuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the thing's that please me, and take hold of my covenant. Ver. 5. Even unto them will I g'ive in mine house, and within my walls, a place and a name, better than of sons and of daug-hters: I will g'ive them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. XII. To the Prisoner and Captive. Ps. Ixviii. 6. He bring-eth out those which are bound with chains. Ps. cxlvi. 7. The Lord looseth the pri- soners. Deut. XXX. 4. If any of thine be driven out unto the utmost parts of heaven, from thence will the Lord thy God g-ather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee. Ps. Ixix. oo. He despiseth not his pri- soners. Ps. cvii. 14. He broug-ht them out of dark- ness, and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. 62 CLARKE ON THE Is. li. 14. The captive exile hasteneth, that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail. Is. xlix. 25. Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mig"hty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for 1 will contend with him that contendeth with them, and I will save thy children. Jer. XV. 11. Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to en- treat thee well in the time of evil, and in tlie time of affliction. XIII. Of Deliverance from Death. Job, xxxiii. 28. He will deliver his soul from g'oing- into the pit, and his life shall see tlie lig-ht. Ps. Ixvni. 20. He that is our God, is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord be- long- the issues from death. Ps. Ixvi. 8. O bless our God, ye people; and make the voice of his praise to be lieard. Ver. 9. Who holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. Ps. cii. 19. From heaven did the Lord be- hold the earth. Ver. 20. To hear the gi-oan- ing" of the prisoner, to loose those who are appointed to death. Ps. cvii. 18. Their soul abhorreth all man- ner of meat, and they di-aw near unto the PROMISES. 63 gutes of death. Ver. 19. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble; he saveth them out of their distresses. Ps. cxvi. 15. Precious in the si-ght of the Lord is the death of his saints. Ps. xci. 7. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nig-h thee. Ps. ix. 13. Thou that liftest me up from the gates of death. 1 Sam. ii. 6. The Lord killeth, and maketh alive; he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. Deut. xxxii. 39. See now, that I, even I am He, and there is no God with me; I kill, and I make alive : I wound, and I heal : nei- ther is there any that can deliver out of my band. 64 CLABKE ON THE CHAPTER III. rSOMlSES OF SPIBITUAL BIESSIKGS IS THIS LIFE. I. In General. FsA-Lx, XXV. 10. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. Ver. 14. The secret of the Lord is w ith them that fear him, and he will show them his covenant. 2 Pet. i. 3. According- to his divine power hath he g-iven unto us all thing's that pertain unto life and g-odliness, throug-h the know- ledg-e of him that hath called us unto glory and virtue. Ver. 4. Whereby are g-iven un- to us exceeding- great and precious pro- mises. n. Of Justification, Pardon and Reconcili- ation. Jxistification. — Is. xlv. 25. In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. / Is. liv. 11. By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Ezek. XXX vi. 25. I will sprinkle clean wa- PROMISES. 65 ter upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will i cleanse you. Rom. iii. 24. Being- justified freely by his grace, throug-h the redemption that is in Je- sus Christ. Rom. V. 1. Being- justified by faith, we have peace with God, tiiroug-h our Lord Je- sus Christ. Ver. 9. Being- justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath throug-h him. Ver. 18. By the rig-hteousness of one, the free g-ift came upon all men unto justifi- cation of life. Ver. 19. For by the obedi- ence of one, shall many be made rig-hteous. Rom. viii. 1. There is, therefore, now, no condemnation to them wliich are in Christ Je- sus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. 2 Chron. v. 21. He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we mig-ht be made the rig-hteousness of God in him. Acts, xiii. 39. By him, all that believe, are justified from all tliing-s, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Tit. iii. 7. That being- justified by his grace we shovild be made heirs according- to the hope of eternal life. Pardon of sin. — Ex. xxxiv. 7. Keeping mercy for thousands, forg-iving- iniquity, and transgi'ession and sin. Ps. Ixv. 3. As for our transgressions, thou slialt purg-e them away. S f)6 CLARKE OTT THE Ps. ciii. 9. He will not always chide, nei- ther will he keep his ang-er for ever. Ver. 10. He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded vis according" to our iniquities. Ver. 11. As the heaven is hig-h above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. Ver. 12. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our trans- gressions from us. Ps. cxxx. 4. There is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. Ver. 8. He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. Is. xxxiii. 24. The inhabitants shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forg'iven their iniquity. Is. xliii. 25. I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Is. xliv. 22. I have blotted out as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me, for I have redeemed thee. Mic. vii. 18. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of ills heritag-e; he retair.eth not his ang-er for ever, because he delig-hteth in mercy. Ver. 19. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us: he will subdue our iniquities: and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Heb. X. 17. Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. PBOMIS£S. G7 Ps. xxxii. 1. Blessed is he whose trans- gression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Ver. 2. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputetli not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no. guile. Jer. xxxi. 34. I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sins no more. Heb. viii. 12. I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their in- iquities will I remember no more. Matt. xii. 31. All manner of sin and blas- phemy shall be forgiven unto men. Ver. 32. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him. Luke, vii. 47. Her sins, which ai-e many, are forgiven, for she loved much. Ver. 48. And lie said imto her, thy sins are forgiven. Ver. 50. Thy faith hath saved thee: go in peace.* Of the most heinnus sins. — Is. i. 18. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Of all sms. — Ps. ciii. 3. He forgiveth all thine iniquities: he healeth all thy diseases. Jer. xxxiii. 8. I will cleanse them from all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned against me; and will pardon all their iniquities whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. • See Repentance, Part II. Chap. I. Sec. 2. 68 CLARKE ON THE Ezek. xxxili. IG. None of the sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him. Of backsliding^. — .ler. iii. 12. Return thou backsliding- Isi-ael, saith the Lord, and I will not cause mine anger to flJl upon you. Ver. 22. Return, ye backsliding- children, and I will heal your backsliding-s. Hos. xiv. 4. I will heal their backsliding-s, 1 will love them freely. Pardon through Christ. — Is. liii. 5. He was wounded for ovn- transg-ressions, he was bruis- ed for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. Ver. 6. All we like sheep have g-one astray, we have turned every one to his own v/a}-, and tlie Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Zech. xiii. 1. In that day there shall be a foimtain open to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and un- cleanness. Matt. i. 21. He shall save his people from their sins. Acts, xiii. :18. Throug-h this man is preach- ed unto vou the forg-iveness of sins. Eph. i. 7- In whom we have redemption throug-h his blood, the forg-iveness of sins, according- to the riches of his g-race. Gal. i. 4. Who g-ave himself for our sins. 1 Tim. i. 15. This is a fiiithful saying-, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Chi'isT came into the world to save sinners. PROMISES. 69 1 Cor. XV. 3. Christ died for our sins, ac- cording- to the Scriptures. Heb. i. 3. When he had by himself purged our sins. Heb. ix. 26. He hath appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself Yer. 28. Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. Heb. X. 14. By one offering" he hath per- fected for ever them that are sanctified. John, i. 29. The La;nb of God, which ta- keth away the sin of the world. Matt. xxvi. 28. This is my blood, which is shed for many, for the remission of sins. 1 Jo'nn, i. 7. The blood of .!esus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. Ver. 9 If we con- fess our sins, he is faithful and just to for- give us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrig"hteousness. 1 John, ii. 1. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Fatlier, Jesus Christ the rig"hteo'is. Ver. 2. He is the propitiation for our sin^;: and not for ours only, but for the sins of the wliole world. Ver. 12. I write to you little children, because your sins are for- g-iven you, for liis name's sake. 1 John, iii. 5. He was manifested to take away our sins. I Pet. ii. 24. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being- dead to sin should live unto rig-hteous- ne«s: by whose stripes ye were healed. YQ CT.AUKE OX THE Rev. i. 5. That loved us, and washed us from o\ir sins in his own blood. Reconciliation. — Is. xxviii. 15. Let him take hold of iTiy strength, that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me. Rom. V. 9. Being- now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath throug-h him. Ver. 10. For if when we were ene- mies we were reconciled unto God, much more being- reconciled we shall be saved by his life. 2 Cor, V. 18. All thing-s are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath g-iven to us the ministry of recon- ciliation. Ver. 19. To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling- the world to himself, not imputing' to them their trespasses. Eph. ii. 13. Now in Christ Jesus, ye who somet'mes were afar off, are made_ nig-h by the blood of Christ. Ver. 13. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition be- tween us. Ver. 14. Having- abolished in his flesh, the enmity, even the law of command- ments, contained in ordinances, for to make in himself, of twain, one new man, so making peace: Ver. 16. And that he mig-ht i*econ- cile both imto God in one body by the cross, having- slain the enmity thereby: Ver. 17. And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nig-h. Col. i. 21. You that were some time alien* PROMISES. 71 ated, and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled. Ver. 22. In the body of his flesh throug-h death, to present you holy and unblamable, and un- reprovable in his sig-ht. Ver. 23. If ye con- tinue in the faith, g-rounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the g-ospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven. Heb. ii. 17. Tliat he might be a merciful and faithful hig-li priest, in thing's peitaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. III. Adoption. Jer. xxxi. 9. I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first born. Is. Ixlli. 16.' Doubtless thou art our Father though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Is- rael acknowledge us not: thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer; thy name is from everlasting. Is. Ixiv. 8. But now, O Lord, thou art our Father: we are the clay, and thou our pot- ter; and we are all the work of thine hand. Rom. viii. 14. As many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God.^ Ver. 15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received tlie spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father. 72 CLARKE ON THE Rom. ix, 26, And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there shall they be called the children of the living- God. 2 Cor. vi. 18. 1 will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daug-hters, saith the I.ord Almig-hty. Gal. iii. 26. Ye 'are all the childi-en of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal. iv. 4. God sent forth his Son. Ver. 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we mig-ht receive the adoptioji of sons. Ver. 7. Wherefore thou art no more a ser- vant, but a son: and if a son, then an heir of God throug-h Chi-ist. Eph. i. 5. Having" predestinated us to the adoption of children by Jesus Clu'ist to him- self, according- to the g-ood pleasure of his w.ll Ver. 6. To the praise of the g-loi}- of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted throug-h the beloved. John, i. 12. As many as received him, to them g-ave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on liis name. 1 John, iii. 1. Behold what manner of love hath the Father bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God? Ver. 2. Behold, now are we the sons of God. rV, Union and Communion with the Church. Heb. xii. 22. Ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of tlie living- God, PROMISES. 73 the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumera- ble company of ang-els. Ver. 23. To the g-eneral assembly and church of the first born, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect. Ver. 24. And to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling-, that speaketh better tiling's than that of Abel. Phil. iii. 3. For we are the circumcision, which worship ^od in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus. Gal. iii. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is nei- ther male nor female; for ye are all one in Jesus Christ. Ver. 29. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs ac- cording- to the promise. Gal. iv. 26. Jerusalem, which is above, is free, which is the mother of us all. Ver. 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the chil- di'en of promise. 1 John, i. 3. That which we have seen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fel- lowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. Eph. ii. 12. That at that time ye were without Christ, being- aliens from the com- monwealth of Israel, and strang-ers from the covenants of promise, having- no hope, an'l without God in tlie world. Ver. 13. But now 74 CLAHKE OTf THE in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were afar off, are made nig-h by the blood of Christ. Ver. 19. Now therefore ye are no more stran- gers and foreig-ners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. Ver. 22. In whom [Christ] you also are build- ed tog-ether for an habitation of God through the spirit. Rom. xi. 17. Thou being* a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among- them, and with them partakest of tlie root and fatness of the olive ti-ee. V. Free Access to God, with Acceptance. Eph. ii. 18. Throug-h him we both have an access by one spirit unto the Father. Epli. iii. 12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 1 Pet. ii. 4. To whom, coming- as unto a living- stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious. Ver. 5. Ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God, by .Tesiis Clirist. Heb. X. 19. Having- therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. Ver. 20. By a new and living way, which he hath conseci-ated for us, tlirough tlie veil, tliat is to say, his flesh. Epli. i. 6. Whei-ein he hath made us ac- cepted throug-h the beloved. PBOMISES. 75 Ezek. XX. 40. In mine holy mountain, I will accept them, and there will 1 require your ofiering-s. Ver. 41. And I will accept you with your sweet savoui*. VI. Of Hearing Prayer. Job, xxii. 27. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee. Ps. iv. 3. But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear, when I call unto him. Ps. xxxiv. 6. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his trouble. Ver. 15. The eyes of the Lord are upon the rig-hteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. Ver. 17. The rig-hteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of tlicir troubles. Ps. 1. 15. Call upon me in the dav of trou- ble, I will deliver thee, and thou shalt g-lorify me. Ps. Ixv. 2. O thou that hearest pra\'er, unto thee shall all flesh come. Ps. xci. 15. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him. Ps. cxiv. 19. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. Prov. XV. 29. The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. 76 CLAllKE OX THE Is. XXX. 19. He will be very graciovis unto thee, at the voice of thy cry: when he shall hear it, he will answer tliee. Is. Iviii. 9. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shalt answer: thou shalt cry, and he shall say, here I am. Is. Ixv. 24. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and whilst they are yet speaking", I will hear. Jer. xxix. 12. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall g-o and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. Zecli. xiii. 9. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, it is my people, and they sliall say, the Lord is my God. Matt. vii. 7. Ask, and it shall be given yon. Seek, and ye shall find: Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Ver. 8. For every one that asketh receiveth: and he that secketh findeth: and to him that knocketh it sliall be opened. Ver. 11. If ye then, being" evil, know how to g-ive g-ood g-ifts unto your chil- dren, how mucli more sliall your Fatlier which is in heaven, g-ive g-ood thing-s to them that ask him? Matt, xxi, 22. And all thing's, whatsoever ye sliall ask in prayer, believing-, ye shall re- ceive. John, XV. 7. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, Iind it shall be done unto you. PROMISES. 77 John, xvi. 23. And in tliat day ye shall ask me nothing-: verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in mj name, he shall g-ive it you. Ver. 24. Hitherto have ye asked nothing- in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John, xiv. 13. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Fa- ther may be g-lorified in the Son. \ er. 14 If ye shall ask any thing- in my name, I will do'it. James, v. 1.5. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Ford shall raise him vip: and if he have committed sins, they sliall be forg-iven him. Ver. 16. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for ano- tlier, tluit ye may be healed; the effectual fervent prayer of a rig-hteous man availeth much. 1 Jolm, iii. 22. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his com- mandments, and do those tilings that are pleasing- in his sig-ht. 1 Joim, V. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask any thing- according- to his will, he heareth us. Ver. 15. And if we know tiiat he hear us, what- soever we ask, we know that we have the pe- titions that we desired of him. Ver. 16. If any man see his brotlier sin a sin, which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him hfe for tliem that sin not unto dertth. 78 CLARKE ON THE VII. Of Sanctifying Grace in General. Ps. Ixxxiv. 11. The Lord God is a sun and shield: and the Lord will g"ive grace and glory: no g-ood thing- will he withhold ft-om them that walk uprig-htly. John, xvii. 17. Sanctify them throug-h thy truth: tliy word is truth. Ver. 19. And for tlieir sakes I sanctify myself, that tliey also mig"ht be sanctified throug-h the truth. Eph. ii. 10. We are his workmanship, cre- ated in Christ Jesus unto g-ood works, which God hatli before ordained, that we should walk in them. Phil. ii. 13. For it is God wnich worketh m you both to will and to do, of his g-ood pleasure. Pl\il. iv. 13. I can do all thing-s throug-h Christ, which streng-theneth me. 2 Thess. ii. 13. We are bound to g-ive thanks always to God for you, brethren, be- loved of the I-ord, because God hath from the beg-iiniing", chosen you to salvation, throug-h sanctification of the spirit, and be lief of the ti-uth. Col. i. 12. Giving- thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in lig-ht. Ver. 22. Yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh throug-h death, to present you holy and unblamable, and unreprovable in his sight. PROMISES. 79 1 Thess. V. 23. And the ven" God of peace sanctify you wholly. And I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserv- ed blameless, unto the coming- of our Lord Tesus Christ. Tit. ii. 14. Who g'ave himself for us, that he mig-ht redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zea- lous of g-ood works. Jer. xxxi. 33. This shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, af- ter those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts: and 1 will be their God, and tliey shall be my people. Luke, i. 74. That he would grant unto us, that we being- delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear. Ver. 75. In holiness and rig-hteousness before him, all the days of our life. 1 Cor. vi. 11. And such were some of you: out ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Je- sus, and by the spirit of our Giod. 2 Cor. iii. 18. But we all, with open face, beholding as in a glass the gloiy of the Lord, are changed into the same image; from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord. VIII. Particularly of Converting Grace. Deut. XXX. 6. And the Lord thy God, will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy 80 CLAUKE ON THE seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and witli all tliy soul, that thou mayest hve. Jer. xxiv. 7. And I will g-ive them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord, and they sliall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. Jer. xxxi. 18. Turn thou me, and I shall be turned, for thou art the Lord my God. Ezek. xi. 19. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit Nvithin yon? and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will g-ive them an heart of flesh. Ver. 20. That they may walk in my stat ites, and keep mine ordinances, and do them; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. Ezek. xxxvi. 26. A new heart also will I g-ive you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. Tit. iii. 5. Not by works of rig-hteousness which we have done, but according- to his mercy lie saved us, by the wasliing- of re- generation, and renewing- of the Holy Ghost. The grace of repentance. — Ezek. xx. 43. And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled, and ye shall loath yourselves in your pnoMisKs. 81 own sight, for all tlie evils that } e have com- mitted. Ezek. xxxvl. 31. Then shall ye remember your own evil way, and your doings that were not good, and sliall loath yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities, and for your abominations. Matt. ix. 13. I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Acts, v. 31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand, to be a Prince and Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts, iii. 26. Unto you first, God having raised up his Son Jesus, and sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. Zech. xii. 10. They shall look upon me whom they have pierced. The. grace of faith. — John, vi. 45. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard and learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Phil. i. 29. Unto you it is given to beheve in Christ. Eph. ii. 8. For by grace ye are saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Grace to fear God. — Jer. xxxii. 40. I will g^ve them one heart, and one way, tliat they may fear me for ever. 6 82 CLARKE OK THE IX. Knowledge, Wisdom, &c. Knowledge. — Prov. ii. 5. Then shall thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Ver. 9. Then shaltthou understand rlg"hteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. Prov. xxxviii. 5. Evil men understand not judgment: but they tliat seek tlie Lord un- derstand all things. Is. ii. 3. He will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Is. xxix. 18. And in that day shall tlie deaf hear the words of the book, and tlie eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. Ver. 24. They also that eired in spirit, shall come to understanding, and tliey that murmm-ed shall learn doctrine. Is. XXXV. 8. And an high way shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called tlie way of holiness: the unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for those: the way- faring men, though fools, shall not err there- in. Is. lii. 6. My people shall know my name: tlierefore they shall know in that day, that I am he that speaketh. Is. xxxii. 3. And the eyes of them that see, shall not be dim; and the eai-s of them that hear, shall hearken. PIIOMISES. 83 Is. xlii. 7. To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners fi-om the ])rison, and tliem that sit in darkness out of the prison house. Jer. xxxi. 34. And they shall teach no more every man his neig-libour, and every man his brotlier, saxing-, Know the I,ord: for tliey sliall all know me, from the least of tliem unto the greatest of them, saitli the Loi-d. IIos. vi. 3. Then shall we know, if we fol- low on to know the t>oi-d. Matt. xi. 25. I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and eai"th, because thou hast hid these tliing-s from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 2 Cor. iv. 6. God who commanded the lig-ht to sliine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to g-ive the lig-ht of the know- ledg-e of the g-lory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. 1 John, V. 20. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hatli g-iven us an under- standing" tliat we may know him that is ti-ue, even in his Son Jesus Christ. Luke, 1. 77. To g-ive knowledg-e of salva- tion unto his peoide, by the remission of their sins. Ver. 78, Throug-h the tender mercy of our God; whereby the day-spring fi'om on high hatli visited us. Ver. 79. To give lig-lit to them tl\at sit in darkness, and in tlie shadow of deatli, to guide our feet in the way of peace- 84 CLARKE ON THE John, viii. 12. Then spake Jesus again uii- to them, sr»ying-, I am the light of the world' he that followetli me, sliall not walk in dark nes"-, but shall have tiie light of life. 1 Cor. ii. 14. The natural man receiveth not tlie things of tlie spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neitlier can he know them, because tliey are spiritually discerned. Ver. 15. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things. Wisdom. — Prov. ii. 6. The Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. A'er. 7. He layeth up soimd wisdom for the righteous. James, i. 5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, tluit gi\eth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Eccl. ii. 26. For God giveth to man that is good in his sight, wisdom and knowledge. Divine teaching. — Ps. xxxii. 8. I will in- struct thee, and teach tliee in the way which tliou shalt go; I will guide tliee with mine eye. Ps. XXV. 8. Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. Ver. 12. AVhat man is he that feareth the Lord'' him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. John, vii. 17. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. Divine guidance. — Ps. xxiii. 3. He restor- PROMISES. 85 eth my soul: he leadetj^ me in the paths of rig-hteoi isness, for his ijame's sake. Ps. Ixxiii. 24. Thou shalt g-uide me with thy counsel. Is. xlix. 10. He that hath mercy on them shall lead them; even by the springs of wa- ter sliall he g^iide them. Is. Ivii. 11. And the Lord shall g-uide thee continually. Is, Ixi. 8. r will direct their work in truth. Deut. xxxii. 10. He led him about, he in- structed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. Ver. 11. As an eag-le stirretli up her nest, fluttereth over her Aoung- ones, s]:>read- eth abroad her wing-s, taketh them, bearetli them on her wings, so the Lord alone did lead him. Is. XXX. 21. Thine ear sliall hear a word beliind thee, saying. This is tlie way, walk ye in it, when ye turn unto the right hand, and when }e turn to tlie left. Mility fur good discourse. — Prov. x. 31. The mouth of tlie just bringeth forth wisdom. Ver. 32. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable. Is. xxxii. 4. The heart of the rash shall un- derstand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly. Prov. xvi. 1. The preparations of the lieart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. 1 Cor. xii. 8. To one is given by the spirit 86 CLARKE OS THE the word of wlsdomfrto another, the word of knowledge, by the same spirit. Luke, xxi. 15, I will g-ive you a mouth, and wisdom, which all yoiu* adversaries shall not be able to g-ainsay or resist. X. Of the means of Grace. Is. XXX. 20. And t1\oug-li the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of af- fliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers. Is. xlix. 9. They shall feed in the ways and their pastures shall be in all hig-h places. Ver. 10. They sliall not hung'er nor tliirst, neither shall the heat nor sun smite them. Ps. xxiii. 2. He maketh me to lie down in g-reen pastures: he leadeth me beside tlie still waters. Ts. lii. 7. How beautiful upon the moun- tfjns are the feet of him that bring-eth g'ood tiding-s, that publislieth peace, that bring-eth g"ood tiding-s of g"ood, tliat publishetli salva- tion, that sayeth unto Zion, Thy God reig-n- eth. Ver. 8. Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice, with the voice tog"ether sliall they sing": for they shall see e}e to eye, when the Lord shall bring" ag-ain Zion. Is. Ivi. 7. Tiien will T bring- to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prajer: their burnt-offering-s and the sa- PROMISES- 87 crifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. Is. Ixii. 6. I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor nig-ht. Is. xli. 18. I will opei^ rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the vallies; I will make the wilderness a p(;ol of water, and the dry land spring's of water. Jer. iii. 15. I will give } ou pastors accord- ing to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jer. xxxi. 12. Their souls shall be like a watered garden. Ver. 14. And I will satiate the soul of the priest with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my g'oodness, saith the Lord. Ezek. xxxiv. 15. Twill feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord. Eph. iv. 11. He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. Ver. 12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Chi-ist. Ver. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. A blessing upon the ordinances. — Ps. xxxvi. 8. They shall be abundantly satisfied with tlie fatness of tliine house; and tliou shah OO CLARKE ON THE make them drink of the river of thy plea- sures. Ver. 10. For with thee is the foun- tain of hfe: in thy lig'ht sliall we see lig"ht. Ps. Ixiii. 2. To see tliy power and thy g"lo- ry, so as I liave seen thee in the sanctuary. Ver. 3. Because tliy loving- kindness is better than life: my lips shall praise tliee. Ver. 4. Thus will I bless thee while 1 live: I will lift up my hands in tliy name. Ver. 5. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fiit- ness: and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. Ps. Ixv. 4. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach \mto thee, tiiat he may dwell in tliy courts: we shall be satisfied with tlie g"oodness of tliine house, even of tliy holy temple. Ps. Ixviii. 24. They have seen thy g-oing-s, O God; even the g-oing-s of my God, my king-, in the sanctuary. F's. Ixxxiv. 4. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will still be praising- thee. \er. 10. For a day in thy coiu-ts is better than a thousand: I liad rather be a door keep- er in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Ps. Ixxxix. 15. Blessed is the people that know the joyful soui\d; they shall walk, O Lord, in the lig-ht of thy countenance. Ver. 16. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day; and in thy rig-httousness sliall tliey be exalteif. PROMISES. 89 Ps. xcii. 13. Those that he planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God. Cant. ii. 3. I sat under his shadow with great delig-ht, and his fruit was sweet luito my taste. Is. xii. 3. With joy shall we draw water out of the wells of salvation. Is. xlviii. 17. I am the Lord which teach- etli thee to profit. Is. Ix. 7. They shall come with acceptance upon mine altar, and I will g-loi'ify the house of my glory. Matt, xviii. 20. Where two or three are gathered tog-ether in my name, there I am in the midst of them. XI. Of Grace against Sin and Temptation. Of Grace to mortify sin. — Hos. xiv. 8. Ephraim shall say. What have 1 to do any more with idols i* Gal. V. 16. Walk in the spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesli. .lohn, viii. 32. Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free, [i. e. from sin, Ver. 34.] John, XV. 2. Every branch that beai-etli fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Grace against temptation. — Rom. viii. 37. In all these tilings we are more than con- querors, through him that Uned us. 90 ClAHKE ON THE 1 Cor. X. 13. God is faithf\il who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also miike a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 2 Cor. xii. 9. My grace is sufficient for thee; for my streng-th is made perfect in weakness. Heb. ii. 18. In that he himself hath suffer- ed, being" tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. 2 Pet. ii. 9. The Lord knoweth how to de- liver the g-odly out of temptations. 1 John, iv. 4. Ye are of God, little chil- dren, and have overcome them: because gi-eater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. Eccl. vii. 18. He that fcareth God shall come forth of them all. To preserve from the enticement of sinners. Prov. ii. 12. To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man tliat speaketh froward thing-s. Ver. 16. To deliver me from the strangle woman, even from the strring"er that flattereth with her woi-ds. Victory over the world. — John, xvi. 33. Be of g-ood cheer, I have overcome the world. John, xvii. 15. 1 pi-ay not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil. Gal i. 14. Who gave himself for our sins. PROMISES. 91 that he might deliver us from this present evil world. Gal. vi. 14. By whom [Christ] the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 1 John, V. 4. For whosoever is born of God, overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. " Ver. 5. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that belie veth that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John, iv. 4. Ye are of God, little chil- dren, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. Victory over the devil. — Gal. iii. 15. I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel. Luke, xxii. 21. Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. Ver. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. Rom. xvi. 20. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. 1 John, ii. 14. I have written unto you young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 1 John, V. 18. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not, but he thut is be- gotten of God keepeth himself, and th^c wicked one toucheth him t)ot. 92 CLARKE ON- THE James, iv. 7. Resist the devil and he wiD flee from you. XII. Stre7igfh, Courage, and Resolution. Is. xii. 2. Behold God is my salvation: I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my streng-th and my song-, he also is become my salvation. Is. xl. 29.' He g-iveth power to the faint and to tliem tliat hath no mig-ht, he increas- eth streng-th. \'er. 30. Even the AOutlis shall faint and be weary, and the young- men shcdl utterly fall. Yer. 31. But they that wait upon tlie Lord shall renew their streng-tli: tliey shall mount up with wing's as eag-les, tliey shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and i\ot faint. Is. xhi. 3. A bniised reed shall he not break and tlie smoking- flax shall he not quench; he shall bring- forth judg-ment unto truth. Ps. xxxi. 24. Be of g-ood coiu-ag-e, and he sliall streng-then your heart, all ye that hope in tlie Lord. Ps. Ixvlii. 35. O God, thou art terrible, out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that g-iveth streng-th and power unto his peo- ple. Zecli. xii. 8. In that day the Lord shall defend the inlmbitants of Jerusalem, and he that is feeble among- them at that day, shidl be as David, and the house of David shall be PROMISES. 93 as God, as the ang-el of the Lord before them. Job, xi. 15. Thou shalt be steadfast, thou shalt not fear. Is. XXXV. 3. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Ver. 4. Say to them that are of a fearful lieart: be strong-, fear not; behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense, he will come and save you. Zech. X. 12. I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the Lord. 2 Cor. xii. 9. My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Joel, iii. 16. The Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. 2 Tim. i. 7. God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. XIII. Fruiffulness, and increase of Grace. Jer. xxxi. 12. And their sovds shall be as a watered garden, and they shall not sorrow any more at all. Hos. xiv. 5. I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. Jolin, XV. 1 Every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring forlii more fruit. Ver. 5. He that abideth in mc. 94 CLARKB ON THE and 1 \n him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing*. 2 Pet. i. 8. [f tliese tiling's be in you, and abound, they make you that ye sliall neither be barren, nor vmfruitful in the knowledge of our r.ord Jesus Christ. In old (tire. — Ps. xcii. 14. They shall still bring- foilh fruit in old age: they shall be fat and flourishing. Jncredse of Grace. — Job, xvii. 9. The right- eous also sliall hold on hisway,andhe that hath clean hands shall lie stronger and stronger. Ps. Kxxiv. 7. 'I'hey go from strength to sti'cng'th, every one of them in Zion appear- etli liefore Ciod. Ps. xcii. 12. 'I'he righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a ce- dar in Lebanon. Prov. iv. 18. The p:ith of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto tlie jierfect day. Mai. iv. 2. But unto you that fear my name, sh;dl the Son of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings: and ye shall go forth, and grow up, as calves of the stall. Matt. xiii. 12. Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abimdance. James, iv. 6. But he giveth more grace: wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace imto the humble. The grace of meekness. — Is. xi. 6. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leo* PROMISES. 95 pard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf, and the young- lion, and the fatling- to- g-ether, and a little child shall lead them. Ver. 7. The cow and the bear shall feed, and their young- ones shall lie down tog-ether: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. Ver. 8. And the sucking- child shall play upon the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice den. Ver. 9. I'liey shall not hurt nor destroy in all m)^ holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the watei-s cover the sea. XIV. Crrace to persevere. John, X. 28. And I will give unto th-m eternal life, and they shall never perish, nei- ther shall any pluck them out of my hand. Ver. 39. My Father that g'ave them me is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. John, xvii. 11. Holy Father, keep throug-h thine own name those whom thou hast g-iven me, that they may be one, as we are. Rom. viii. 'jrt. 1 am persuaded, that nei- ther death, nor life, nor ang-els, nor princi- palities, nor powers, nor thing-s present, nor thing-s to come. Ver. 39. Nor heig-ht, nor depth, nor any other creature sliall be abie to separate us from the love of God, which 's in Christ Jesus our Lord. 96 CLARKE ON THE 1 Cor, i. 8. Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that }^e may be blameless ui tlie day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. i. 21. He which establ'sheth us w'th \ ou in Christ, and liath anointed us, is GolL Phil. i. 6. Being- confident of tliis veiy thing-, that he which hathbeg-un a g-ood work in vou, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 1 Thess. V. 23. I pray God your whole spi- rit, and soul, and bod}-, be preserved blame- less unto the com>;\g- of our Lord Jesus Clirist. Ver. 24. Faitliftu»,is he that calletli you, who also will do it. 2 Thess. iii. 3. The Lord is faithful, who shall establisli you and keep vou from evil. 2 Pet. i. 10. Wherefore t!ie ratlier, bre- thren, g-ive dilig-ence to make your calling- and election sure; for if ye do these thing-s, ye sliall nev er fall. 1 Pet. i. 5. Who are kept by the power of God throug-lj faith unto salvation. Prov. X. 25. The rig-hteous is an everlast- ing- foundation. Jude, 24. Unto him that is able to keep you from falling-, and to present you faultless before the presence of his g-lory with exceed- ing-joy. 1 John, V. 18. We know that whosoever is born of God, slnneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and the wicked one toucheth him not. pnoMisKs. 97 Ps. cxxxviii. 8. The Lord will pei feet that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, en 1 ireth for ever: foi-sake not the works of thine own hands. Ps. xciv. 18. ^yhen 1 said, my foot slippeth, thy merc\', O Lord, held me up. XV. Sanctified Jfflictims, Deut. vii' 5. As a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee. Job, V. 17. Happy is the man whom God coiTecteth; therefore despise not tJiou the chastening" of the Almig-lity. Ver. 18. For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he wound- eth and his hands make whole. Ps. xciv. 12. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law. Ver. 13. That thou mayest g-ive him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be dig"g"ed for the wicked. Ps. cxix. 67. Before I was afflicted I went asti-ay: but now have I kept thy word. A^er. 71. it is g-ood for me that I have been afflict- ed: that I mig-ht learn thy statutes, Ver. 75. I know. O Lord, thy judgments are rig-Jit, and thou in faitlifulness hast afflicted me. Prov. iii. 12. Whom the Lord loveth, he correcteth, even as the Father the Son in whom he delighteth. Is. i. 25. 1 will turn my hand \ipon thee, and purely purg-e awa}- thy cU-oss, and take away all thy sin. 98 CLARKB Olf THE Is. xlviii. 10. Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Rom. V. 3. We g-lory in tribulations also, knowing- that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope. 1 Cor. xi. 32. When we are judg-ed we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 2 Cor. iv. 16. For which cause we faint not; but thoug-h our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. Ver. 17. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Phil. i. 19. I know that this shall tin-n to my salvation through yoiu- prayer and the supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ. Heb. xii. 6. Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom hereceiveth. Yer. 7. If ye endure cliasten- ing, God dealeth with you as with sons: for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? Ver. 10. They verily, for a few days chasteneth us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Ver. 11. Now no chasten- ing for the present seemethto be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness, unto them which are exercised thereby. PROMISES. 99 Rev. iii. 19. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. James, i. 3. The trying" of your faith, work- eth patience. Ver. 12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation : for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 1 Pet. i. 7. That the trial of your faith be- ing much more precious than of g"old that perisheth, thoug"h it be tried with fire, mig-ht be found unto praise and honour, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Qhrist. Dan. xi. 35. Some of them of understanding shall full, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end. Dan. xii. 10. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried. Zech. xiii. 9. I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as sil- ver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried; they shall call on my name, and I will hear them; I will say, it is my people; and they shall say. The Lord is my God. XVI. Grace to the Children of Israel. Gen. xvii. 7- I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Ver. 9. Thou shalt keep 100 CLARKE OH THE my covenant therefore; thou and thy seed after thee, in their g-enerations. Dent. XXX. 6. And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine lieail, and the heart o'^ 'I \- seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thu.t heart, and with all thy soul, that thou may est live. Is. xliv. 3. I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing- upon thy oiispring". Ver. 4. And they shall spring- up as anior.g tl»e grass, as willows by tlie water courses. Ytv. 5. One shall say, I am the Lord's: and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob, and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel. Is. liv. 18. All thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children. Acts, ii. 39. The promise is unto you, and to your children. Acts, xvi. 31. Beheve on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Mark, x. 14. Suffer httle children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God. Ver. 16. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. 1 Cor. vii. 14. Now are they [your childrm] holy. FBOIBIISES. 101 XVn. Promises of an Interest in God. As our God. — Gen. xvii. 7. I will establish my covenant, to be a God unto thee. Lev. xxvi. 12. And 1 will walk among* you and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. Ps. xlviii. 14. This God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our g-uide even unto death. Is. xli. 10. Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. Ezek. xxxiv. 24. I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David, a prince among" them. Ver. 31. Ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are mine, and I am your God, saith the Lord. 2 Cor. vi. 16. I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Heb. viii. 10. I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people. Rev. xxi. 3. God himself shall be with them, and be their God. Heb. xi. 16. God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he hath prepared for them a city. Is. liv. 5. For thy Maker is thine husband, (the Lord of Hosts is his name) and thy Re- deemer the Holy One of Israel! the God of the whole earth shall he be called. 102 CLARKE ON THE Jer. XXX. 22. Ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. Our Portion. — Ps. xvi. 5. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup. Ps. Ixxiii. 26. My flesh and my heart fail- eth, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Lam. iii. 24. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul, therefore will I hope in him. Gen. XV. 1. 1 am thy shield, and thy ex- ceeding* gi'eat reward. Of Glory. — Is. xxviii. 5. In that day shall the Lord of Hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty unto the residue of his people. Of his presence with us. — Exod. xxxiii. 14. My presence shall g-o with thee, and I will give thee rest. Ps. cxl. 13. The uprig"ht shall dwell In thy presence. Numb, xxiii. 21. The Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king" is among* them. Is. xli. 10. Fear thou not, for 1 am with thee. John, xiv. 23. If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Deut. xxxi. 8. The Lord, he it is that doth go before tliee, he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee. 2 Chron. xv. 2. The Lord is with you while FHOMISCS. 103 ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you. Joel, ii. 27. And ye shall know that T am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the l>oi-d your God, and none else: and my people shall never be. ashamed. Ezek. xxxiv. 30. This shall they know that I the Lord thy God am with them. His love. — Deut. vii. 13. He will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee. Ps. iv. 3. The Lord hath set apart him that is g-odly for himself Ps. xlii. 8. He shall command his loving kindness in the day-time. Ps. cxlvi. 8. The Lord loveth the rig-hteous. Prov. XV. 9. He loveth him that foUoweth after rig-hteousness. Is. xliii, 4. Since thou wast precious in my sig-ht, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee. I«5. xlii. 5. As the brideg-room rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee. Jer. xxxi. 3. I have loved thee with an everlasting- love, therefore with loving- kind- ness have I drawn thee. Jer. xxxii. 41. I will rejoice over them to do them g"ood, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart, and witli my whole soul. Hos. xiv. 4. I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely. 104 CLARKE ON THE Zeph. iii. 17. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mig-ht; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in love, he will joy over thee with singing-. Is. Ixii. 4. Thou shalt be called Hephzi- bah, for tlie Lord delig-liteth in thee. John, xvi. 27. For ihe Father himself lov- eth you, because ye have loved me. John, xvii. 23. That the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me. Ver. 26. The love wherewith thou hast loved me, may be in them, and I in them. Rom. ix. 25. I will call her beloved, that was not beloved. Eph. ii. 4. For his great love wherewith he loved us. 2 Thess. ii. 16. Now our Lord Jesus Christ, and God, even our Father which hath loved us. 1 John, iv. 10. Herei)? is love, not that we loved him, but that he loved us. Ver. 16. We have known and believed the love that God hath to us, God is love; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. Ver. 19, We love him because he first loved us. Ps. ciii. 4. Who crowneth thee with loving- kindness, and tender mercies. His mercy. — Ps. ciii. 13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. Ver. 17. The mercy of the PROMISES. 105 Lord is from everlasting- to everlastiiig-, upon them that fear him. Deut. iv. 31. The Lord thy God is a mer- ciful God: he will not destroy thee. Is. XXX. 18. Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious vmtoyou: and there- fore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you. Ts xlviii. 9. For my name's sake will 1 de- fer mine ang-er, and for my praise will I re- frain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Is. Ix. 10. In my wrath 1 smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on tliee. Jer. xxxi. 20. My bowels are troubled for him, and I will surely have mercy upon him. Exod. xxxiii. 19. I will make all my g-ood^ ness pass before thee, and T will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee, and will be g-racious to whom I will be g-racious, and will sliow mercy on whom I will show m.ei-cy. Job, xi. 6. God exacteth of thee less tlian tliine iniquity deserveth. His hplp.—Viewt. xxxiii. 27. The eternal God is thy refugee, and underneath are the everlasting- arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee, and shall say, De- stroy thi^m. Ver. 29. Happy art tliou, O Israel! Who is like unto thee, O people, saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thy enemies shall be found liars unto thee, and thou shalt tread upon their hig-h places. 106 CLARKE OX THE Ps. xlvi. 11. The God of Jacob is oxir re- fuge. Selah. Ps. xl. 17. Thou art my help and my deliv- erer; make no tarrying", O my God. Is. xli. 10. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the rig-ht hand of my rig'hteousne.ss. Ver. 13. I the Lord thy God will hold thy rig-ht hand, saying- unto thee. Fear not, I will help thee. Ver. 14. Fear not thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel: I will help thee, saith the Lord and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. Hos. xiii. 9. O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thy help. Rom. viii. 31. If God be for us, who can be ag"ainst us. Hcb. xii. 6. We may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear wliat man can do unto me. His care. — Deut. xxxii. 11. As an eag-le stirrethup her nest, fluttereth over her young', spreadeth abroad her wing's, taketh them, heareth them on lier wing's: Ver. 12. So the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strang'e g-od with him. Ps. xxxiii. 18. The eye of the Lord is up- on them that fear him: upon them that hope in his mercy. Is. xlvi. 4. And even to your old og'e I am He; and even to hoaiy hairs will 1 c:u-ry youj PROMISES. 107 { have made, and I will bear; even I will car- ry and deliver you. Is. Ixiii. 9. In all their affliction he was af flicted, and the ang-el of his presence saved them: in his love and his pity he redeemed them, and he bare them and carried them all the days of old. Zech. ii. 8. He thattoucheth you, toucheth the apple of his eye. 1 Pet. V. 7. Casting- all your care upon him, for he careth for you. Matt. X. 30. The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Luke, xxxj. 18. There shall not a hair of your head perish. His covenanting with his people. — 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. He hath made with me an everlast- ing" covenant, ordered in all thing's, and sure; for this is all my salvation, and all my desire. Ls. Iv. 3. I will make an everlasting- cove- nant with you, even tUe sure mercies of David. Hos. ii. 19. I will betroth thee unto me for ever: yea, I will betroth thee unto me in rig-hteousness, and in judgnnent, and in loving- kindness, and in mercies. Yer. 20. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness, and thou shalt know the Lord. Ps. ix. 10. Thou Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Ps. xxvii- 18. The Lord forsaketh not his saints, they are preserved for ever. 108 rT,\T1KF, OV THE {'3. xcvi. 14. The T.ord will not cast ort his people, neither will he forsake his inher- itance. Is. xlii. 16. These things will I do unto Uiem, and not forsake them. Is. xlix. 14. Zion, saith the Lord, hath for- saken mc, and my f.ord hath forgotten me. V'er. 15. Can a woman forg-et her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, but I will not forget thee. Ver. 16. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands, thy walls are continually be- fore me. Is. xliv. 21. O Israel, thou shalt not be for- gotten of me. Is. liv. 10. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither sliall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith \\\r. Lord, that hath mercy on thee. Jer. xxxii. 40. I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not tui n away from them to do them good; but I will put my fear in their heax'ts, that they shall not depart from me. Lam. iii. 31. The Lord will not cast off for ever. Ver. 32. But though he cause giief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. Heb. xiii. 5. I will never leave thee nor forsake thee- PROMISES. 209 XVm. Promises of Christ Is. ix. 6. Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the g-overnment shall be upon his shouldere; and his name sliall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mig-hty God, tlie everlasting- Father, the Prince of Peace. Is. xlii. 6. I, the Lord, have called thee in rig"hteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and will g-ive thee for a cov- enant of the people, for a light of the Gen- tiles. Is. Iv. 4. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and comman- der to the people. Mai. iv. 2. But unto you that fear my name, shall the Son of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. John, iii. 16. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoso- ever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. Ezek. xxxiv. 23. 1 will set up one shep- herd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David: he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. Of all grace from Christ. — John, i. 16. Of his fulness have we all received, and gi-;i( e for gi-acc. Ver. 17- For the law was g^ven 110 CLATIKE ON THE by Moses, but grace and tnitli came by Jesui Christ. Is. xlv. 24. Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I rig-liteousness and streiig-th. Eph. i. 23. The fulness of him that fiUeth all in all. 1 Cor. i. 30. Of him are ye in Christ .Tesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, rig-ht- eousness, sanctification, and redemj^tion. Acts, V. 31. Him hatli God exalted with his rig-ht haiid, to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to g-ive repentance to Israel, and ibrgive- ness of sins. Ofrechmpfinn hy Christ. — 1 Pet. i. 18. Ve know that ye were not redeemed \\ ith cor- ruptible thing's, as silver and g-old, from yo\ir vain convei*sation, received by tradition from your fathers. A''er. 19. l^ut with the precio\is blood of Clirist, as of a lamb without blemish and witliout spot. Is xlii. 7. To open the blind eyes, and to bring- out the prisoners from the pi'son, and them that sit in darkness out of tlie prison liouse. Is. xHx. 9. That thou maycst say to the prisoners. Go forth; to them that are in daik- ness, show yourselves. Mark, x. 45. The Son of man came to g-ive his life a ransom for many. Eph. i. 7. In whom we have redemption rhroug-h his bloo'l, the forg-iveness of sins, icc»">rd\ng" to the riches of his ei-race. PROMISES. Ill Gal. iii. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the cui-se of the law, being- made a curSe for us. Gal. iv. 4. In the fulness of time God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made un- der the law. Ver. 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we mig^ht receive the adoption of sons. Heb. ix. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who, throug-h the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God, purg-e your conscience from dead works to serve the living- God? Ver. 15. And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testa- ment, that by means of death, for the redemp- tion of the transg-ressions that were under the First Testament, they which are called mig'ht receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Eph. V. 2. Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath g-iven liimself for us, an offering- and sacrifice to God, for a sweet smelling savour. 1 Cor. V. 7. Christ our passover is sacri- ficed for us. Rev. V. 9. Thou wast slain, and hast re- deemed us to God by thy blood. Life from him. — .John, v. 21. As the Pa- ther raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them, even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. John, vi. 57. He that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 112 CLARKE OIT THB John, xiv. 19. Because I live, ye shall live also. 2 Cor. xiii. 4. Thoug-h he was crucified throug-h weakness, yet he liveth by the pow- er of God: For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward 3^ou. Gal. ii. 20. I am crucified with Christ, nev- ertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ, liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and g-ave himself for me. Eph. ii. 1. You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Ver. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quick- ened us tog-ether with Christ (by grace are ye saved.) Rom. vi. 8. Tf we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. Ver. 11. Reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God, thi'oug-h Jesus Christ our Lord. Col. iii. 3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Ver. 4. When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in g-lory. 1 John, V. 12. He that hath the Son, hath life. John, X. 10. I am come that they might have Hfe, and that they mig-ht have it more abundantly. pnoMisES. Il3 2 Tim. i. 1. The promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus. His intercession. — Is. liii. 12. He made in- tercession for the transgressors. Rom. viii. 34. It is Christ who maketh in- tercession for us. Heb. vii. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing" he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Heb. ix. 24. Christ is not entered into the holy place made with hands, which are the figT.u-es of the true: but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. His love. — John, xv. 9. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: Continue ye in my love. John, xiii. 1. Having- loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. Ver. 34. A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. Eph. V. 2. Christ also hath loved us, and hath g-iven himself for us. His care of his Church. — Is. xl. 11. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall g-ather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom: and shall gently lead those that are with young-. Is. xhi. 3. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking- flax shall he not 8 114 CLARKE OK THE quench: he shall bring forth judg-ment unto truth. Eph. V. 25. Christ also loved the church, and g^ve himself for it. Ver. 26. That he mig-ht sanctify and cleanse it with the wash- ing- of water by the word. Ver. 27. That he mig-ht present to himself a g-lorious church, not having- spot or wrinkle, or any such thing- Ver. 29. For no man ever yet hated his own tiesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church. Rev. ii. 1. Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks. His presence with his people. — John, xiv. 18. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. Ver. 21. I will love liim, and will manifest myself to him. 1 John, i. 3. And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. Rev. iii. 20. Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. XIX. Promises of the Spirit. Prov. i. 23. Behold I will pour out my Spirit unto you, and I will make known my words unto you. Is. xxxii. 15. Until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field. PKOMISKS. 115 Is. Hx. 21. This is my covenant with them, saith the Lord, my spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. Ezek. XXX vi. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes; and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Luke, xi. 13. If ye then being* evil, know how to g-ive g-ood gnfts unto your children, how mucli more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask himi* John, iv. 14. Whosoever drinketh of the water that 1 shall g-ive him, shall never tliirst, but the water that I shall g-ive him, shall be in him a well of water springing- up into everhisting- life. John, vii. 38. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living- waters. Ver. 39. But tliis spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive. John, xiv. 16. I will pray Father, and he shall g-ive you another comforter, that he may abide with vou for ever. Ver. 17. Even the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot re- ceive, because it seeth him not, neither know- eth him: But ye know him, for he dwelleth witli you, and shall be in you. 116 CLARKE Oir THE Gal. iii. 14. That we mig-ht receive the promise of the s])irit throug'h faith. 2 Tim. i. 14. The Holy Ghost which dwell- eth in us. 1 Cor. ii. 12. Now we have received not the Spirit of tht; world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we mig-ht know the thing's that are freely given to us of God. His teaching. — Luke, xii. 12. The Holy Ghost shall teacli you in the same hour, what you oug-ht to sav . 1 Cor. ii. 10. God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit, for the Spirit sc-archeth all tliing-s, yea, the doep thing's of God. John, xvi. 13. When lie, the Spirit of Truth, is come, he will g-uidc you into all truth. 1 John, ii. 27. But the anointing- wliich you have received of him, abidetli in you: And ye need not that any man teach vou: But as the same anointing- teacheth you of all thing-s, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taug-Iit you, ye shall abide in liiin. His help in prayer. — Zech. xii. 10. I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of .lerusalem, the Spirit of g-race, and of supplications. Rom. viii. 15. Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Ver. 26. The Spirit helpeth our infirmities, for we know not what we sliould pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself niaketh inter* PROMISES. 117 cession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered, ^'er. 27. And he that search- eth the heart, knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh interces- sion for the saints, according" to the will of God. Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying", Abba, Father. Ps. X. 17. Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear. To witness our adoption. — Rom. viii. 16. The Spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of Goa. To seal our redemption. — 2 Cor. i. 22. Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 2 Cor. V. 5. Now he that hath wrought us for the self-same thing is God, who also hath given us the earnest of the Spirit. Eph. i- 13. After that ye believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Ver. 14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased pos- session, until the praise of his glory. Eph. iv. 30. Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Rom. v. 5. And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in 118 CLARKE ON THB our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. To be our Comforter. — John, xlv. 16. He shall g-ive you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. Ver. 18. I will not leave you comfortless; 1 will come to you. Of the Joys of the Holy Ghost. — Rom. xiv. 17. The king-dom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. XX. Of the Ministry of A?igek. Ps. xxxiv. 7. The ang-el of the Lord en- campeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. Ps. xci. 11. He shall g-ive his ang-els charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Ver. 12. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Matt, xviii. 10. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones, for 1 say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father, which is in heaven. Heb. i. 14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. XXI. That we shall he Kiiigs and Priests unto God. Exod. xix. 6.. Ye shall be unto me a king^ dom of priests, and an holy nation. PROMISES. 119 1 Pet. ii. 9. Ye are a chosen g-eneration, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous lig-ht. Rev. i. 6. And hath made us king's and priests unto God and his Father. Rev. V. 10. And has made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reigii on the earth. XXn. Peace of Conscience^ Comfort and Hope. Peace of Conscience. — Is. xxxiii. 17. The work of rig'hteousness shall be peace, and tlie effect of rig'hteousness, quietness, and assui'ance for ever. Is. Ivii. 19. I create the fruit of the lips; peace, peace to him that is afar off", and to him that is near, saith the Lord. Ps. Ixxxv. 8. He will speak peace to his people, and to his saints. Luke, vii. 50. Thy faith hath saved thee, g-o in peace. John, xiv. 27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I g'ive unto you: not as the world giv- eth g'ive I unto you. Phil. iv. 7. The peace of God which pass- eth all understanding-, shall keep your hearts and minds throug-h Christ Jesus. Ps. XXV. 13. ilis soul shall dwell at ease. Ps. cxlvii. 3. He healeth the broken in heail, and bindeth up their woimds. 120 CLARK-B OH THE Comfort. — Prov. xiv. 14. A g-ood man shall be satisfied from himself. Is. xii. 1. And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: thoug-h thou wast angry with me, thine ang"er is turned away, and thou comfortest me. Is. xlix. 13. God hath comforted his peo- ple, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. Is. li. 12. I, even I, am he that comforteth you. Is. liv. 7. For a small moment have I for- saken thee: but with g-reat mercies will I gather tliee. Ver. 8. In a little wratli I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting" kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer. Is. Ivii. 18. I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comfort unto him, and to his mourners. Is. Ixi. 1. He hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted: Ver. 2. To proclaim the ac- ceptable year of the Lord, and the day of veng-eance of our God: to comfort all that mourn: "N'er. 3. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning-, tlie g-arment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they mig-ht be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he mig-ht be g-loii- fied. Is. Ixvi. 13. As one whom his mother com- PROMISES. 121 forteth, so will I comfort you: and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. Jer. vi. 16. Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the g-ood way'' and walk therein; and ye shall find rest for your souls. John, xiv. 18. I will not leave you comfort- less: I will come to you. 2 Cor. i. 3. Blessed be God, even the Fa- ther of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. Ver. 4. Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able, to comfort them that are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Cor. vii. '6. God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming" of Titus. 2 Thess. ii. 16. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and g-ood hope throug"h grace. Heb. vi. 18. That by two immutable thing's, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we mig-ht have a strong" consolation, who have fled for refug-e to lay hold upon the hope set before us. Ver. 19. Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil. Ps. xciv. 19. In the multitude of my thoug-hts within me, thy comforts delig-ht my soul. 122 CLARKE ON" THE XXIIl. Delight and Joy in God. Neh. viii. 10. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Job, xxii. 26. Then shalt thou have thy dehg-ht in the Ahnig-hty, and shalt hft up thy face unto God. Ps. Iv. 7. Thou hast put gladness in my heart more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. Ps. Ixiii. 5. My soul shall be satisfied, as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. Ps. Ixiv. 10. The rig-liteous shall be g-lad in the Lord, and shall trust in him: and all the uprig-ht shall g-lory. Ps. Ixviii. 3. Let the righteous be glad: let them rejoice before God; yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Ps. Ixxxix. 14. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance. Ver. 16. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day, and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. Ps. xcvii. 11. Light is sown for the right- eous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Ps. cxviii. 15. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the right- eous. Ps. cxxvi. 5. They that sow in tears shaU reap in joy. Ver. 6. He tliat goeth forth and PROMISES.- 123 weepeth, bearing' precious seed, shall tloubt- less come ag-ain with rejoicing-, bringing his sheaves with him. Ps. xxxiii. 21. Our hearts shall rejoice in him, because we have tnisted in his holy name. Cant. i. 4. We will be glad and rejoice in thee; we will remember thy love more than wine. Is. ix. 3. They rejoice before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. Is. xli. 16. Thou shalt rejoice in the Lord, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel. Is. Iv. 12. Ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace. Is. Ixi. 7. For confision they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them. Ver. 10. I will gi-eatly re- joice in the Lord: my soul shall *be joyful in my God. Is. Ixv. 14. Behold my servants shall sing" for joy of heart. Is. li. 11. The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Ziou, and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and mourning sliall flee away. Hab. iii. 18. I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. John, XV. 11. These tilings have 1 spoken 124 CLARKE OTf THE unto you, that my joy mig"ht remain m you, and that your joy mig-ht be full. John, xvi. 22. I will see you ag-ain and your hearts shall rejoice, and your joy no man ta- keth from you. Rom. V. 2. We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 1 Pet. i, 8. Whom, having not seen, ye love: in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeak- able, and full of glory. XXIV. Support in death. Ps. xxiii. 4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Ps. xxxvii. o7. Mark the perfect man, and oehold the upright; for the end of that man is peace. Ps. xlviii. 14. For this God is our God, for ever and ever: he will be our guide, even unto death. Ps. xlix. 15. God will redeem my soul from tlie power of the grave; for he shall receive me. Ps. Ixxxiii. 26. My flesh and my heart fail- eth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my ])ortion for ever. Prov. xiv. 32. The righteous hath hope in hi3 death. PKOMISES. • 125 Is. XXV. 8. He will swallow up death in victory and the Lord God will wipe away tears froTii off all faces. Hos. xiii. 14. I will ransom them from the power of the gi-ave: I will redeem them from death: O death! I will be thy plague; O grave! I will be thy destruction. Rom. viii. 58. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor ang"els, nor prin- cipalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor thing's to come; Ver. 39. Nor heig-ht, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Cor. iv. 16. For which cause we faint not; but thoug-h our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 2 Tim. i. 12. I know whom I have believ- ed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him ag-ainst that day. Heb. ii. 14. That throug-h death he mig-ht destroy him that had the power of death; that is, tlie devil; Ver. 15. And deliver them, who, throug-h fear of dea^h, were all their life-time subject to bondage. 1 Cor. XV. 55. O death! where is thy sting-? O grave! where is thy victory? Ver. 56. The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. Ver. 57. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, through our Lord .lesus Christ 126 CLARKE ON THE CHAPTER TV. PBOmSES OF BLESSINGS JUl THE OTHER WOACD* I. Of Deliverance from Hell. Psalm, Ixxxvi. 13. Great is thy mercy to- wards me; and thovi hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.* Prov. X. 2. Rig-hteousness delivereth from death. Chap. ii. 4. Prov. XV. 24. The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell be- neath. Is. xlv. 17. Israel shall be saved in the Lord, with an everlasting" salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded, world with- out end. Rom. V, 9. Much more being" justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath throug-h him. 1 Thess. V. 9. God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. John, iii. 15. That whosoever believeth on him, should not perish, but have eternal life. * The word Hell, in these passages, is prolaably to be Hnderstood of death and the grave. PROMISES. 127 John, v'lii. 51. If a man keep my sayings, he shall never see death. Rev. XX. 6. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection; on such the second death hath no power. II. Of Happiness immediately after Death. Ps. Ixxiii. 24. Thou shalt gxiide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to g-lory. Job, iii. 17. There the wicked cease from troubling"; and there the weary be at rest. Ver. 18. There the prisoners rest tog-ether, they hear not the voice of the oppressor. Is. Ivii. 2. He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking- in his uprlg-htness. Luke, xvi. 25. Abraham said. Son remem- ber, that thou in thy life-time receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things, but now he is comforted, and thou art tor- mented. Luke, xxiii. 43. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, this day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. Phil. i. 21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Ver. 23. Having a desire to depart, and be with Christ, which is far better. 2 Cor. V. 8. We are confident, I say, and Mnlling rather to be absent from the body, aad to be present witli the Lord. 128 CLARKE Olf THG Heb. xil. 23. And to the spirits of just men made perfect. Rev. xiv. 13. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their la- bours, and theij' works do follo-w them. Ps. xlix. 16. God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave; for he shall re- ceive me. m. A Glorious Resurrection. Job, xix. 26. Thoug-h after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. Ver. 27. Whom I shall see for my- self, and mine eyes shall behold, and not ano- ther, thoug-h my reins shall be consumed within me. Is. xxvi. 19. Thy dead men shall live toge- ther, with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust, for thy dew is as the dew of herbs; and the earth shall cast out the dead. Dan. xii. 2. Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth, shall awake; some to ever- lasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Ps. xvi. 9. My flesh also shall rest in hope. Ver 10. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption. Luke, XX. o5. They which shall be ac- counted worthy to obtain that world, and PROMISES. 129 the resarrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriag-e. Ver. 36, Neither can they die any more; for they are equal unto the ang-els, and are the children of God, being" the children of the resurrection. John, V. 28. The hour is coming", in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice. Ver. 29. And shall come forth; they that have done g"ood, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. John, vi. 39. This is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath g-iven me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. Ver. 40. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one tliat seeth the Son, and beheveth on him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. Ver. 54. Whoso eat- eth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal hfe: and 1 will raise him up at the last day. John, xi. 25. I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. Rom. viii. 11. If the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead, dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your moi-tal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you. 1 Cor. XV. 21. Since by man came death, by man also came the resuiTection of the 9 130 CLAKK>: ON THE dead. Ver. 22. For as i?i Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Ver- 42. So also is the resui-rection of the dead: it is sown in conniption, it is raised in incor- ruption. Ver. 43. It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in g-lory: it is sown in weakness, it is i-aised in power. Ver. 44. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. Ver. 49. As we have borne tlie imag-e of the earthl}-, we shall also bear the imag-e of the heavenly. Ver. 51. Behold I show you a mystery: we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be chang-ed. Ver. 52. In a moment, in the twinkling" of an eye, at the last trump, (for the trumpet shall sound,) and the dead shall be i-aised incorruptible, and we sliall be chang-ed. Ver. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortxdity. Ver. 54. So wlien this corruptible shall have put on incoiTup- tion, and this mortal shall have put on im- moi-tality; then shall be broug-ht to pass tlie saying" that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 2 Cor. vi. 2. Do not you know, that the saints shall judg-e the world? Ver. 3. Know ye not, that we shall judg-e ang-els? 2 Cor. v. 1. We know, that if our earthly house of tliis tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building- of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Ver. 2. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to PRi>.MIS£S. 131 be clothed upon with our house, which is from hea\en: Ver. 3. If so be that being clothed, w'e shall not be found naked. Ver. 4. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being* burdened; not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that moital- ity mig-ht be swallowed up of life. 2 Cor. iv. 14. Knowing-, that he which hath raised up the Lord Jesus, shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. Phil. iii. 21. AVho shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned hke unto his glorious body, according to the w^orking, whereby he is able even to subdue all things to himself. 2 Thess. iv. 14 If we beheve that Jesus died, and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him. Ver. 15. For this we say unto you, by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive, and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent tliem which are asleep. Ver. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Ver. 17. Then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. 2 Tim. i. 10. Jesus Christ hath abolished 132 CLARKE ON THE death, and hath broug-ht life and imniortality to lig-ht, through the g-ospel. IV. Of Everlasting Happiness in Heaven, 1 Cor. ii. 9. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Rom. ii. 7. To them who by patient con- tinuance in well doing, seek for glory, and honom*, and immortality, eternal life. Ver. 10. Glory and honour, and peace to every man tliat worketh good; to the Jew first, and tl\en to the gentile. Rom. V. 10. We shall be saved by his life. Ver. 17. The)' which receive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall Feign in life by Jesiis Christ. 2 Thess. i. 5. That ye may be accounted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer. Ver. 7. To you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven by his mighty angels. Ver. 10. He shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe in that day. Ver. 10. That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. John, xiv. 2. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you: I go to prepare a place for PROMISES. 13.1 you. Ver. 3. And if I g"o and prepare a place, I will come ag-ain and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. Heb. iv. 9. There remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God. Heb. ix. 28. Unto them that look for him, shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. 2 Pet. iii. 13. "VVe, according- to his pro- mise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth rig-hteousness. 1 Pet. i. 9. Receiving- the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Ver. 13. Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and hope to the end for the gi-ace that is to be broiig-ht unto you at the revelation of Je- sus Christ. Rev. ii. 10. Be thou faithful \mto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev. iii. 4. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their g*ar- ments, and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. Rev. vii. 15. They are before the throne of God, and serve him day and nig-ht in his temple; and he that sitteth on the throjie shall dwell among- them. Ver. 16. They shall hung-er no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun lig-ht on them, nor any heat. Ver. 17. For the I.amb which is in the midst of the throne shall l'^4 OLAHKE OX THK Feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Rev. xxii. 5. There shall be no nig-ht there, and they need no candle, neither lig"ht of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light, and thev shall reign for ever and ever. Is. Ix. 19,"20. 1 .lohn, iii. 2. Now we are the sons of God: and it dotli not yet appear what we shall be; but we know, that when he sliall appear, we shall be like him^ for we shall see him as he is. ,Iohn, xvW. 22. The glory which thou gay- est me, I have given them, that the)' may be one, even as we are one. "N'er. 24. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which tliou hast given me. Freedom from all sorrow in heaven. — Rev. xxi. 4. God sliall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither sliall tliere be any more pain: for the foi-mer things are passed away. Is. Ix. 20. The Lord shall be thine ever- lasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. Matt. vi. 20. Treasures in heaven, where neither moth doth corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal. Rev. xxii. 3. And there shall be no curse. Gi'eat pleasure and joy in heaven. — l*.s. xvl. 1 1. Thou wilt show me the path of hfe; in thy presence is fulness of jo)', at thy rig-ht hand there are pleasures for evermore. Matt. XXV. 21. I will make thee ruler over many thing's: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Jude, 24. He is able to present you fault- less before the presence of his g"lory, with exceeding" joy. Glory in Heaven. — Matt. xiii. 43. The rig-liteous shall shine forth as the sun in the king'dom of their Fatlier. Dan. xii. 3. They that be wise sliall shine as tlie brightness of tlie firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever. Rom. viii. 17. If children, then lieirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs witli Christ; if so be tliat we suffer with him, that we also may be glorified together. Ver. 18. The sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory whicli shall be revealed in us. Ver. 30. AVhom he jus- tified, them he also glorified. 2 Cor. iv. 17. Our light afflictiort, which is but for a moment, worketh for us u far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Ver. 18. While we look not at the tilings which are seen, but at the things whicli are not seen: for the things which are seen, are 136 CLARKE OS THt temporal; but the thlng-s wliich are not seen, are eternal. 1 Pet. iv. 13. That when his g'lory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with ex- ceeding- joy. Col. iii. 3. When Christ, who is our life, sliall appear then shall ye also appear with him in g'lory. The kingdom of Heaven. — Matt. xxv. 34. Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the king-dom prepared for you from the founda- tion of the world. Luke, xii. 32. It is j'our Father's g-ood pleasure to g"ive you the king-dom. 2 Pet. i. 11. An entrance shall be minis- tered unto you abundantly, into the everlast- ing king"dom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Tim. iv. 18. The Lord will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. Luke, xxii. 29. 1 appoint unto you a king- dom, as my Father hath appointed luito me. Xqv. 30. That ye ma\' eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. The heavenly inheritance. — Eph. i. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlighten- ed; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of tlie glory of his inheritance in the saints. 1 Pet. i. 3. AVho hath begotten us again, unto a lively hope by tlie resuirectiou of Je- PROMISKS. lo7 sus Christ from the dead. Ver. 4. To an iiiheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fudeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. The enjoyment of GOD. — Ps. xvii. 15. As for me, 1 will behold thy face in rig-hteous- ness; I sliall be satisfied when I awake, with thy likeness. Ps. xxxvi. 9. With thee is the fovmtiiin of life; intlw lig-ht we shall see lig-ht. 1 Thess. iv. 17. So shall we be ever with the Lord. Rev. xxii. 3. The throne of God and the lamb sliall be in it, and his servants sliall serve him. Ver. 4. And they shall see his face, and his name shall be in their foreheads. Eternal life.— Matt xxv. 46. The rig-ht- eous shall g-o away into life eternal. John, vi. 47. Verih', verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting- life. See verses 51, 54. Rom. vi. 23. Tl\e g-ift of God is eternal life, throug^h Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 John, ii. 25. This is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. 1 John, V. 11. God hath g-iven to us eter- nal life; and this life is in his Son. Ver. 13. That ye may know that ye have eternal life. 138 CUIRKX OK TBI PART n. Promises to several Graces and Dut'us. CHAPTER I. PROMISSS TO DUTIES OF THE FIRST TABLS. I. To Faith in Christ. Isaiah, xxviii. 16. Behold, I lay in Slon for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a pre- cious corner stone, a sure foundation. He that believeth shall not make haste. 1 Pet. ii. 6. He that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Is. xlv. 22. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth. Mark, ix. 23. If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. John, i. 12. As many as received him, to them g^ve he power to become the son", of God, even to them that believe on his name. John, iii. 16. God so loved the world, that he gave his only beg-otten Son, that whoso- ever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Ver. 18. He tliat be- PROMISES. 139 fieveth on him is not condemned. Ver. 36. He that bclieveth on the Son hath everlasting life. John, vi. 47. John, xii. 46. I am come a lig-ht into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. Luke, vii. 50. Thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace. Acts, X. 53. To him give all the prophets witness, thatthroug'h his name, whosoever be- lievetli on him, shall receive remission of sins. Acts, xvi. 31. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Rom. ix. 33. Behold, I lay in Sion a stum- bling- stone, and rock of offence, and whoso- ever believeth on him, shall not be ashamed. Rom. iv. 5. To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Rom. X. 4. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believ- eth. Gal. iii. 9. They which be of faith, are blessed with faithful Abraham. Ver. 7. They which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. Ver. 22. The scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Ver. 39. We are of them that believe, to the saving of the soul. •140 CLARKE Oir THE Heb. X. 38. The just shall live by faith. Eph. ii. 8. By grace are ye saved through faith. Heb. vi. 12. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and pa- tience inherit the promises. 1 Tim. iv. 10. We trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe. John, XX. 29. Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. Matt. xi. 28. Come unto me, all ye that la- . hour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. John, vi. 35. And Jesus said unto them, 1 am the bread of life; he that cometh unto me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thii-st. Ver. c)7. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in nowise cast out. 1 Pet. ii. 4, 5. To whom coming as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious; ye, also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacri- fices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. See Justification, Parti, Chap. III. Sect. II. Confessing Christ. — Matt. x. 32. Whoso- ever snail confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. Horn. X. 9. If thou shalt confess with thy PROMISES. 141 mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart, that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Ver. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 1 John, iv. 15. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. n. To Repentance. 2 Chron. vii. 14. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray; and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forg-ive their sin. 2 Chron. xxx, 9. The Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from yo\i, if ye return unto him. Ps. xxxvii. 27. Depart from evil and do g-ood, and dwell for evermore. Prov. i. 23. Turn ye at my reproofs: be- hold I will pour out my spirit upon you; I will make known my words unto you. Jer. iv. 14. 6 Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall vain thoughts lodge within thee> Is. Iv. 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he wiU 143 CLARKE 0» THE have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Jer. xviii. 8. If that nation against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thoug-ht to do unto them. Jer. xxvi. 3. If so be they will hearken, and tiu-n every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of tlie evil which 1 pvn*pose to do unto them, because of the evil of their doing-s. Ver. 13. Amend your ways and your doing's, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced ag-ainst you. Jer. xxxvi. 3. That they may return every man from his evil wa^ . +hat I may forgive tlieir iniquity, and their sm. Ezek. xviii. 21. If the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and rig-ht, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Yer. 22. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be once mentioned unto him: In his rig"hteousness that he hath done, he shall live. Ver. 23. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die, saith the Lord God, and not that he should return from his ways and live? Ver. 30. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not prove your ruin. Ver. 31. Cast away from you aU your transgressions, whereby you PROMISES. 143 have transgressed, and make you a new heart, and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ver. 32. For i have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore tui*n yourselves, and live ye. Ezek. xxxiii. 14. When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin and do that which is lawful and rig-ht: Ver. 15. If the wicked restore the pledgee, g-ive ag-ain that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity: he shall surely live, he shall not die. Ver. 16. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him; he hath done that which is lawful and rig"ht. Ver. 19. If the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and rig-ht, he shall live thereby. Joel, ii. 12. Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting", and with weep- ing-, and mourning". Ver. 13. And rend your hearts, and not your g"arments, and turn unto the Lord your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to ang"er, and of g-reat kind- ness, and repenteth him of the evil. Ver. 14. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing" behind him, even a meat- offering", and a drink-offering: unto the Lord your God? Zech. i. 3. Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of Host!',, and I will tiu-n unto you, saitb the liOrd of Hosts. Mai. iii. 7. 144 CLAKKE OS THK Job, xxii. 23. If thou return to the Al- mig-hty, thou shalt be built up; thou shalt put away iniquity far fi-om thy tabernacles. Eph. V. 14. Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give tliee lig-ht. Acts, ii. 38. Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Chnst, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost. Acts, iii. 19. Repent ye therefc»-e, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing- shall come from the presence of the Lord. To Ihem that mourn for the wickedness of the land. — Ezek. ix. 4. Go throug-h the midst of the city, and set a mark upon the fore- heads of them that sig-h, and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst of it. Ver. 6. Slay utterly old and young-. But come not near any man upon whom is the mark. Repenting in affliction. Deut. iv. 30. When thou art in tribulation, and all these thing-s are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shall be obedient to his voice; Ver. 31. (For '•he Lord thy God is a merciful God, ) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forg-et the covenant of thy fathers, which he sware imto them. Deut. XXX. 2. If thou shalt return unto the I'ROMISES. 145 Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice, ac- cording" to all I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and \\itl\ all thy soul; Ver. 3. Then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations wliither the Lord tiiy God hath scattered thee. Ver. 8. And thou shalt return, and obey the voice of the Lord, and do all his commandments, which r command thee this day. Job, xxxiii. 27- He looketh upon men, and if any say I have sinned and perverted that which was rig-ht, and it profited me not; Ver. 28. He will deliver his soul from g'oing" into the pit, and his life shall see the light. Hos. vi. 1. Come, and let us return unto the Lord; for he hath torn, and he will heal us: He hath smitten, and he will bind us up. Confession of sin. — Ps. xxxii. 5. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord: and thou forg"avest the iniquity ot my sin. Prov. xxviii. 13. Whoso confesseth and foi'- saketh his sins shall have mercy. 1 .John, i. 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forg"ive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrig-hteousness. .ler. iii. 12. Return, thou backsliding- Israel, saith the Lord, and I will not cause mine an- .ger to fall upon you; for I am mercifvd, saith the Lord, and I will not keep ang-er for ever. Ver. 13. Only acknowledg'e thme miquity, 10 146 CLAllKE OV THE that thou hast transgi'essed against the Loi <1 thy God, and hath scattei-ed tliy ways to tlit strang-ers under ever}^ green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the Lord. Luke, XV. 2L The son said unto him, Fa- ther, 1 have sinned against lieaven, and in thy sight, and am no more woilliy to be call- ed thy son. Ver. 22. But tlie fatlier said to his servants, bring forth the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. III. Obedience Exod. xix. 5. If ye will obey my voice in- deed, and keep m}' covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all peo- ple. Lev. XXV. 18. Ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them^ ye shall dwell in the land in safety. Ver. 19. And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye sluill eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety. Deut. iv. 1. Hearken, () Israel, unto the statutes, and unto tlie judgments which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. Ver. 6. Keep therefore and do ihem, for this is your wisdom, and your understanding in the siglit of tlie nations, which sliall hear all these sta- tutes, and say, surely this great nation is a wise and understanding jieople PUOMISES. 147 Deut. V. 29. O that there were such a heart in them, tliat they would fear me and keep all my commandments al\va}s, tliat it niig-ht be well with them, and witli their children for ever. Deut. vi. 3- Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it,- that it may be well with thee, and tliat ye may increase mightily, as tlie Lord God of thy fathers hath promised th.ee in the land which flowetli with milk aiul honey. Ver. 18. Thou shalt do that which is g-ood and right in the sig-Jit of tlie f-ord, that it may be well witli thee, and tliat tliou mayest g-o in and possess the g-ood land, wliicli the Lord swear unto tliy fatliers: Ver. 19. To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as the Lord hath s])oken. Deut. vii. 12. It sliall come to pass, if we hearken unto these judgements, and keep and do tliem, that the Lord thy God sliall keep thee iMito the covenant which he sware unto thy fatliers. Deut. xi. 27. A blessing-, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which [ command you this da/. Deut. xxix. 9. Keep therefore the words of this covenant and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do. Deut. XXX. 15. See, I have set before thee tliis day g"ood and evil: Ver. 16. In that I command tliee this day to love the Lord thy God, to v/alk in his ways, and to keep hw 148 CLARKE ON TilE commandments, and his statutes, and his jiidg-ments, that thou mayest hve and multi- ply; and the Lord thy God shall bless thee, in tlie land whither thou g-oest to possess it. Deut. xxxii. 46. Set your hearts unto all the words which I tcstif}- unto you this day; which ye shall command your children to observe, to do all the words of the law. Ver. 47. For it is not a vain thing- for you, because it is your life; and tliroug-h tliis thiiig" ye shall prolong" your days in the land whither you g-o over Jordan to possess it. 1 Sam. xii. 14. If ye will fear the Lord and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel ag-ainst the commandment of the Lord; then shall both ye, and also the king" that reig-neth over you, continue following" tlie Lord jour God. 1 King's, ii. 3. Keep tlie charg"e of the Lord tliy God, to walk in his ways, to keep h;<5 statutes, and liis commandments, and h.is judgments, and his testimonies, that thou mayest prosper in all that tliou doest, and' whithersoever thou turnest thyself. I Chron. xxii. 12. The Lord g"ive thee wisdom and understanding", and g"ive tliee charg"e concerning" Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God; A'er. 13. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and ju(lg"ments which tlie Lord charg-ed Moses with con- cerning" l that do his commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter through &ie gates into the city. PROMISES. 1:>1 Phil. iv. 9. Those things which ve have both learned and received, and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you. Rom. ii. 13. The doei-s of the law shall be justified. Obeying Christ. — Exod. xxiii, 22. If thou shalt indeed obey his [the ang-el's] voice, and do all that I speak; then will I be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary to thine adversaries. Is. 1. 10. Who is among- you that feareth the I.ord, that obeyeth the voice of his ser- vant, that walketh in darkness and hath no hg-ht? Let him trust in the name of tlie Lord, and stay upon his God. Matt. vii. 24. Whosoever heareth these saying-s of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him luito a wise man, which built his house upon a rock. Ver. 25. And the rain descend- ed, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock. Heb. v. 9. He became the author of eter- nal salvation to all them that obey him. John, v. 24. He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlast- ing- lii*e, and shall not come unto condemna- tion, but is passed from death unto life. John, viii. 51. If a man keep my saying", he shall never see death. 152 CLAHKE ON THE John, XV. 10. If ye keep my commaml- ments, ye shall abide m my love. IV. To Sincerity and Uprightness 1 Chron. xxix. 17. I know also, my God, Uiat thou hast pleasure in uprig-litness. 2 Chron. xvi. 9. The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong" in behalf of those whose heart is perfect towards him. Job, viii. 6. Iftliou wert pure and uprig-ht, surely now he woidd take for thee, and make the habitation of thy rig-hteousness prosperous. Ps. xi. 7. The rig"liteous Lord loveth right- eousness; his countenance doth behold the uprig-ht. Ps. XV. 1. Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? Ver. 2. He that walketh uprig-htl}-, and work- eth rig-hteousness. Ps. xviii. 25. With an upright man thou wilt show tliyself upright. Ps. xxxvii.'lS. The Lord knoweth the days of the upright; and their inheritance shall be for ever. Ps. cxix. 80. Let my heart be found in thy statutes, that I be not ashamed. Ps. cxxv. 4. Uo good, O L.ord, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts. Prov. ii. 7. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to tliem tliat PBOMISKS. 153 w^alk uprig"htly. Ver. 21. The iiprlg-ht shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall re- main in it. Prov. X. 29. The way of the Lordisstreng-th to the uprig-ht. Prov. xi. 3. The integi-ity of the upright shall guide them. Ver. 6. The righteousness of tlie upright shall deliver them. Ver. 20. Such as are upright in their ways are his de- light. Prov. xiii. 6. Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way. Prov. xii. 22. They that deal truly are his deliglit. Prov. XV. 8. The prayer of the upright is his deliglit. Prov. xxi. 18. The wicked shall be a ran- som for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. Prov. xxviii. 10. Whoso causeth the right- eous to go astray in an evil way, he sliall fal' himself into his own pit; but the upright shall have good things in possession. Ver. 18. Whoso ualketli uprightly shall be saved. Ver. 20. A faithful man shall aboimd with blessings. 1 Jolm, iii. 21. If o\ir hearts condemn us not, tlien have we confidence towards God. Rom. xiv. 22. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that tiling which he alloweth. Mic. ii. 7. Do not my worrls do good to him that walketh uprightly } 154 CLARKE ON THE V. To the Love of God. Exod. XX. 6. Showing" mercy unto thou« sands of them that love me and keep my commandments. Deut. vii. 9. God keepeth covenant and mercy with thern that love him, unto a thou- sand g-enerations. Judg-. V. 31. Let them that love him be as the sun, when he g-oeth forth in liis mig-ht. Neh. i. 5. God keepeth covenant and mer- cy for them that love him. Ps. xxxvii. 4. Delig-ht thyself in the Lord, and he shall g"ive thee the desire of thine heart. Ps. xci. 14. Because he hatli set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him. Ps. cxlv. 20. The Lord preserveth all them that love him. Rom. viii. 28. All thing's work together for gH3od to them that love God. 1 Cor. ii. 9. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heurt of man, the thing's which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Cor. viii. 3. If any man love God the same is known of him. James, ii. 5. Heirs of the king-dom, which he hath promised them that love him. Deut. xi. 13. And it shall come to pass it you hearken dilig-ently to my commandments PROMISES. 155 which I command you this day, to love tlie Lord your God, and serve him with all your sold; Ver. 14. That I will g"ive you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain, and the latter rain, that thou mayest g-ather in thy corn, and tliy wine, and thine oil. Dan. ix. 4. O Lord, the g-reat and dread- ful God, keeping" the covenant, and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments. To the love of Christ. — Prov. viii. 17. I love them that love me. Ver. 21. That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, and 1 will fill their treasures. John, xiv. 21. He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father; and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Eph. vi. 24. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. James, i. 12. The crown of life, which he hath promised to them that love him. 2Tim.iv. 8. The crown of rig-hteousness, which the Lord the rig-liteous judg-e shall g-ive to them that love his appearing". VL Tb Trusting, and Hoping in, and Pci' tiently Waiting on God. Ps. ii. 12. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Ps. xxvii. 14. Wait on the Lord; be of g"ood courage, and he will strengthen thy heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. 156 CLARKE OX TH3 Ps. xxvi. 1. I have trusted in the Lord, therefore I shall not slide. Ps. xviii. 30. He is a buckler to all those that trust in him. Ps. xxxi. 19. O how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee! which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee, before the sons of men! Ver. 24. Be of good courage; and he shall strengthen your hearts, all ye that hope in the Lord. Ps. xxxiv. 8. O taste and see that the Lord is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Ps. Ixxxiv. 12. Ps. xxxiv. 22. The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants, and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate. Ps. XXX vii. 3. Trust in the Lord, and do good: so shalt thou dwell in the land; and verily thou shalt be fed, Ver. 9. Those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inlierit the earth. Ver. 40. The Lord shall help and deliver them: he will deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. Ps. xl. 4. Blessed is fhe man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as tiu*n aside to lies. Ps. Ivi. 4. In God I will praise his word; in God I have put my trust: 1 will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Ps. cxii. 7. He shall not be afraid of evil PBOMISES. 157 tidings; his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. Ver. 8. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. Ps. cxxv. 1. They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be re- moved for ever. Ps. cxlvi. 5. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Prov. xvi. 3. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thought shall be established. Ver. 20. Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. Prov. xxviii. 25. He that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat. Prov. xxix. 25. Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord, shall be safe. ' Js. XXV. 9. Lo! this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord, we have waited for him, we shall be glad, and rejoice in his salvation. Is. xxvi. 3. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. Ver. 4. Trust ye in the Lord for ever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. Ver. 18. Blessed are all they that wait for him. Is. xlix. 23. They shall not be ashamed that wait for me. Is. Ivii. 13. He that putteth his trast in me, 158 CLARKE ON THE shall possess the land, and inherit my holy mountain. Jer. xvii. 7. Blessed is the man that trust- eth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. Ver. 8. For he shall be as a tree plant- ed by the waters, and that spreadctli out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat Cometh, but her leaves si:iall be g"reen; and shall not be careful in the year of droug-ht, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Neh. i. 7. The Lord knoweth them that trust in liim. Lam. iii. 25. The Lord is g-ood unto them that wait for him, to the soul that steketh him. Ver. 26. It is g-ood that a man should both hope, and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Mic. vii. 7. I will look unto the Lord, 1 will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. 1 Pet. V. 7. Cast all your care upon him, for he careth for you. Rom. viii. 24. We are saved by hope. Vn. To the fear of God. Ps. XXV. 14. The secret of the Lord is with them tliat fear him, and he will show them his covenant. Ps. xxxi. 19. O how gi-eat is thy g:oodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee. PROMISES. 15y Ps. Ixxxv. 9. Surely his salvation is nig-h them that fear him. Ps. ciii. 11. As the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy towards them that fear him. Ps. cxv. 13. He will bless tliem that fear the Lord, both small and great. Ps. cxxviii. 1. Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord, that walketh in his ways. Ps. cxlvii. 11. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him. Prov. xiv. 27. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Ver. 26. In the fear of the Lord is strong- confidence, and his children shall have a place of refug-e. Prov. xvi. 6. By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. Prov. iii. 7. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. Ver. 8. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Prov. xix. 23. The fear of the Lord tend- eth to life, and he that hath it shall abide satisfied: he shall not be visited witli evil. Eccl. viii. 12. It shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him. Mai. iv. 2. Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of Rig-hteousness arise with healing- in his wing-s. Luke, i. 50. His mercy is on them that fear him from generation to g-eneration. 160 CLARKE OX THE Acts, X. 35. In every nation he that feareth him, worketh rig-hteousness, is accepted with him. Acts, xiii. 26. Whosoever among" you fear- eth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. Honouring God. — 1 Sam. ii. 30. Them that honour me, I will honour. Prov. iii. 9. Honour the Lord with thy sub- stance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase. Ver. 10. So shall thy barns be fill- ed with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. VIII. To Prayer. Job, xxxiii. 26. He shall pray unto God, and he shall be favourable unto him, and he shall see his face with joy. Exod. xxxiv. 24. Neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt g-o up to ap- pear before the Lord thy God, thrice in the year. Ps. X. 17. Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare thine heart; tliou wilt cause thine ear to hear. Ps. vi. 9. The Loi-d hath heard my suppli- cation; the Lord will receive my prayers. Ps. xviii. 3. I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies. Ps. Iv. 17. Evening, morning, and at noon PROMISES. 161 will I pray, and cry aloud, and he shall hear my voice. Ps. Ixxiii. 28. It is good for me to draw near to God. Ps. Ixxxvi. 5. Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy to all them that call upon thee. Ver. 7. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee, for thou wilt answer me. Ps. cxlv. 18. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him; to all that call upon him in truth. Jer. xxxiii. 3. Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty tilings, which thou knowest not. Joel, ii. 32. Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered. Rom. X. 12. The same Lord over all, is rich unto all that call upon him. Ver. 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. James, iv. 8. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Job, xxii. 21. Acquaint thyself with him, and be at peace; for thereby good shall come unto thee. Ezek. xxxvi. 37. I will yet for this be in- quired of by the house of Isi-ael, to do it for them; I will increase them with men hke a flock. Heb. iv. 16. Let us therefore come boldly 11 162 CLARKE OIT THE unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. See Promises of Hearing" Prayer, Part L Chap. III. Sec. VI. To seeking God.— Dent. iv. 29. If thou shalt seek tlie Lord thy God, thou shalt find him; if thou seek him with all thy heart, and with all thy soul. 1 Chron. xxviii. 9. If thou seek him, he will be found of thee. Job, viii. 5. If thou would seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication unto the Almig-hty. Ver. 6. If thou wert pure and uprig-ht, surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy rig-hteousneai prosperous. Ps. ix. 10. Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Ps. Ixix. 32. Your heart shall live, that seek God. Is. xlv. 19. I said not unto the seed of Ja- cob, seek ye me in vain. Jer. xxix. 13. Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Hos. X. 12. Seek the Lord till he come, and rain rig"hteousness upon you. Amos, V. 4. Seek ye me, and ye shall live. Lam. iii. 25. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him: unto the soul that seeketl) him. Acts, xvii. 27. That t!iev should seek the PROMISES. ' 163 Lord, if happily they might feel after him, and find him. Heb. xi. 6. He that cometh to God, must believe that he is; and that he is a re warder of all them that dilig-ently seek him. 2 Chron. xv. 2. The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; if ye seek him, he will be found of you. Ezra, viii. 22. The hand of our God is upon all them for g-ood that seek him. Secret Prayer. — Matt. vi. 6. Thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Pi-aising God. — Ps. Ixix. 30. I will praise the name of God with a song, and will mag- nify him with thanksgiving. Ver. 31. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. Ps. xcii. 1. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High! Ver. 2. To show forth tliy loving kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. Ps. cxxxv. 3. Praise ye the Lord, for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name, for it is pleasant. Desires of Grace. — Matt. v. 6. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after right- eousness; for they shall be filled. Is. Iv. 1. Ho, every one that thirstetb. 164 CLARKE ON THE come ye to the waters, and he that h^.th no money! come ye, buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price. John, vii. S7. Jesus stood, and cried, say- ing", if any man tliirst, let him come unto me, and drink. Ver. 38. He that believeth on me, as tlie Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of water. Rev. xxi. 6. I am Alpha and Omeg-a, Ihe beg-inning" and the end; I will g-ive imto him that is athirst, of the fountain of the water of life freely. Rev. xxii. 17. And let him that is athirst come: and whosoever will, let him take the water of life fi'eely. Ps. Ixxxi. 10. Open thv mouth wide, and I will fill it. IX. To Wisdom and Knowledge, and the study of it. To the wise. — Prov. iii. 13. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom; and the man that g-etteth understanding-. Ver. 14. For the merchandise of it is better tlian the merchan- dise of silver, and the g-ain thereof tlian fine g-old. Ver. 15. She is more precious than rubies; and all the thing's thou canst desire, ai'e not to be compared unto hei-. Ver. 16. Leng-th of days is in her rig'ht hand; and in her left hand riches and hono\u'. Ver. 17. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all PROMISES. 165 her paths are peace. Ver. 18. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her; and happy is every one that retaineth her. Ver. 35. The wise shall inherit g-lory. Prov. iv. 6. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Ver. 8. Exalt her, and she shall pro- mote thee: she shall bring" thee to honour when thou dost embrace her. Ver. 9. She shall g-ive to thine head an ornament of grace; a crown of g-lory shall she deliver to thee. Prov. i. 5. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning-; and a man of understand- ing- shall attain imto wise counsels. Prov. viii. 35. Whoso findeth me, [wis- dom] findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Prov. ix. 12. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself Prov. X. 17. He is in the way of life, that keepeth instruction; but he that refuseth re- proof, erreth. Prov. xii. 8. A man shall be commended according- to his wisdom. Prov. xiii. 15. Good understanding- gives favour. Prov. xix. 8. He that g-etteth wisdom, lov" eth his own soul; he that keepeth under- standing-, shall find g-ood. Prov. xvi. 20. He that handleth a matter wisely, shall find good. Ver. 22. Under- 166 CLARKE ON THE Standing is a well-spring- of life to him that hath it. Prov. xi. 29. The fool shall be sei-vant to the wise in heart. Prov. XXI. 20. There is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling- of the wise. Prov. xxiv. 3. Tliroug-h wisdom is an house builded, and by understanding- it is establish- ed: Ver. 4. And by knowledg-e shall the chambers be filled with all precious and plea- sant riches. Ver. 5. A wise man is strong-, yea, a man of knowledg-e increaseth strength. Ver. 13. My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honey-comb, which is sweet to thy taste. Ver. 14. So shall the know- ledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off. Prov. xxviii. 26. Whoso walketh wisely shall be delivered. Eccl. vii. 12. A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. Eccl. vii. 12. Wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. Dan. ii. 21. He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know un- derstanding. Dan. xii. 3. They that he wise shall shine FROXISES. 167 as the brightness of the firmament. Ver. 10. The wise shall understand. Hos. xiv. 9. Who is wise, and he shall un- derstand these thing's? Prudent, and he shall know tliem? Ps. cvii. 43. Whoso is wise, and will ob serve these things, even they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord. Eccl. X. 10. Wisdom is profitable to direct To the love and study of wisdom. — Prov. ii. 3. If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding: Ver. 4. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures: Ver. 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Prov. iv. 13. Take fast hold of instruction, let her not go, keep her, for she is thy life. Prov. viii. \7. 1 love them that love me, and chose that seek me early shall find me. Prov. xix. 20. Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. Hos. vi. 3. Then shall we know, if we fol- low on to know the Lord. 2 Chron. i. 11. And God said to Solomon, because this was in thy heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast thou asked long life; but hast asked wisdom, and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge ray people, over whom I have made 168 CLARKK ON THE thee king": Ver. 12. Wisdom and knowledg-e is granted unto thee: and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour. To the knowledge of God and. Christ. — Ps. xci. 14. I will set him on hig-h, because he hath known my name. John, xvii. 3. And this is life eternal, that they may know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. 2 Pet. i. 2. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, throug-h the knowledg-e of God, and of Jesus our Lord. Ver. 3. According- as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and g-odliness, throug-h the knowIedg-e of him tliat hath called us to g^lorv and virtue. To learning of Christ. Matt. xi. 29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. X. To a due regard to the IVord of God. To hearing and reading the word. — Prov. viii. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching" daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. Is. ii. 3. Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths. Is. Iv. 2. Hearken dihgently unto me, and cat ye tliat wliich is good, and let your souJ PBOMISES. 160 delight, itself in fatness. Ver. 3. Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear, and your soul shall live: And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Ver. 10. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and return- eth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring" forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: Ver. 11. So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not re- turn unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto 1 sent it. Ver. 12. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace. John, v. 39. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me. Mark, iv. 24. Unto you that hear, shall more be given. Ver. 25. For he that hath, to him shall be given, and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. Rom. i. 16. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that beheveth. Rom. X. 17. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 1 Cor. i. 21. It pleased God, by the fool- ishness of preaching, to save them tJmt be- lieve iro CLARKE ON THE James, i. 21. Wherefore lay apart all filtlv iness, and superfluity of naughtiness, and re- ceive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls. Rev. i. 3. Blessed be he that readeth and they that hear the words of this pro])hecy, and keep those thing-s wliich are written therein. 2 Tim. iii. 15. The holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, throug-h faith which is in Christ Jesus. Heb. iv. 12. For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two- edg-ed sword, piercing" even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and maiTOw, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Ps. xix. 7. The law of the Lord is per- fect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Ver. 8. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. Ver. 11. Moreover, by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward. Ps. cxix. 105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ver. 130. The entrance of thy words giveth light, it giveth understanding unto the simple. Prov. iv. 23. The commandment is a lamp, and the law is a light, and reproofs of instruc tion are the way of Ufe. PROMISES. 171 Loving the word. — Ps. cxix. 165. Great peace have they which love thy laWj and nothing- shall offend them. Ps. cxii. 1. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delig-hteth gi-eatly in his com- mandments. I Pet. ii. 2. As new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. TVembling at theword. — Prov. xiii. 13. He that feareth the commandment shall be re- warded. Is. Ixvi. 2. To this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. XI. To Meditation. Dent. xi. 18. Ye shall lay up these words in yonr heart, and in your sord, and bind them for a sig-n upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. Ver. 21. That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in tlie land which the Lord swear unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth. Josh. i. 8. The book' of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt medi- tate therein day and nig-ht, that thou mayest observe to do according" to all that is written therein: For then shalt thou make thy wav prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 172 CLARKE ON THE Ps. cxix. 9. "Wherewith shall a youn,^ man cleanse his way? By taking" heed thereto, according" to thy word. Vs. xxxvii. 31. The law of God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. Ps. i. 2. His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and nig-ht. Ps. Ixiii. 5. My soul shall be satisfied as with maiTow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips; Ver. 6.- When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. XII. To Fasting Joel, ii. 15. Blow the trumpet in Sion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. Ver. 16. Gather the people; sanctify tlie congre- gution; assemble the elders; gather the chil- dren, and those that suck the breast; let the bridegroom go forth out of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet- Ver. 17. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep be- tween the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, &c. Ver. 18. Then will the I.ord be jealous for his land, and pity his people. Fastltig in secret. — Matt. vi. 17. Thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face. Ver. 18. That thou appear not to men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret; PROMISES. 173 and thy Father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Xin. To Baptism. Mark, xvi. 16. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved. Acts, ii. 38. Repent, and be baptized, eve- ry one of you in the name of Jesns Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the g-ift of the Holy Ghost. Acts, xxii. 16. Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling upon the name of the Lord. Rom. vi. 3. Know ye not, that as many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death? Ver. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also shoidd walk in newness of life. 1 Cor. xii. 13. By one spint we are all bap- tized into one body, whether we be Jews or g-entiles, whether we be bond or free. Gal. iii. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Col. ii. 12. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of Crod, who hath raised him fr«m the dead. 174 CLABKE OX THX 1 Pet. ili. 20. Wherein [i. e. the ark] few, that is, eig-ht souls, were saved by water. Ver. 21. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth now also save us (nol the put- ting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God) by the resun-ection of Jesus Christ. XIV. To the Lord's Suppei . John, vi. 54. Whoso* eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. Ver. 55. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. Ver. 56. He tliat eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. Ver. 57. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Fa- ther; so he that eateth me, even he shall hve by me. Ver. 63. It is the Spirit that quick- eiieth, the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. Is. XXV. 6. And in this mountain shall the Lord of Hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wine on the lees, of fat things full of maiTOW of wines on the lees well refined. * Thou2;h this be a figurative expression of faith in Christ's Death, yet it is applicable to the particular exer- eiae of it at the Lord's Table. • 175 XV. To Good Discourse. Prov. xii. 6. The mouth of the upright shall deliver them. Ver. 14. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. Ver. 18. The tongue of the wise is health. Prov. xiii. 2. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth. Prov. XV. 4. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life. Ver. 23. A man hath joy by the an- swer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good is it. Prov. xvi. 24. Pleasant words are as an honey-comb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Mai. iii. 16. Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard it; and a book of remembrance was open before him, for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. Ver. 17. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when 1 make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man sjmreth his own son, that serveth him. The government of the tongue. — Prov. xiii. 3. He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his life. 176 CLARKE ON THE Prov. xiv. 3. The lips of the wise shall pre- serve them. Prov. xxi. 23. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from trou- ble. Matt. xii. 57. By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be con- demned. 1 Pet. iii. 10. He that will love life, and see g-ood days, let him refrain his tongue from evil; and his lips that they speak no guile. XVI. To Watchfulness. Luke, xii. 37. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching: Verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. Ver. 38. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. Rev. xvi. 15. Behold, I come as a thief: blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Prov. xxii. 5. Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward; He that doth keep his soul, shall be far from them. Prov. xxviii. 14.' Happy is* the man that feareth always; but he that hardeneth his ijeart, shall fall into mischief. PRoinisES. . 177 XVn. To them that keep Good Company. Prov. xiii. 20. He that walketh with wise men, shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Prov. xviii. 17. Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of liis friend. Avoid evil company. — Ps. i. 1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sin- ners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Prov. ix. 6. Forsake the foolish, and hve: and go in the way of imderstanding-. 2 Cor. vi. 17. Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will re- ceive you. XVIII. To them thai perform their Oaths. Ps. xvi. 1. Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? Ver. 4. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. Ps. xxiv. 4. He who hath not lifted up his soul to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully; Ver. 5. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salva- tion 12 178 CLARKE OJT THE XIX. To the Keeping of the Sabbath. Exod. XX. 11. The Lord blessed the Sab- bath day, and hallowed it. Is. Ivi. 2. Blessed is the man that doth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it: that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting" it, and keepeth his hand from doing- any evil. Ver. 6. The sons of the strang-er that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his ser- vants; eveiy one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting" it, and taketh hold of my cov- enant. Ver. 7. Even them will I bring- to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burn'c-offering-s, and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar: For mine house shall be called a house of prayer unto all people. Is. Iviii. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing- thy pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delig-ht, the holy of the Lord, honourable, and shalt hon- our him, not doing" thine own ways, nor find- ing- thine own pleasure, nor speaking" thine own words; Ver. 14. Then shalt thou de- lig"ht thyself in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride upon the hig-h places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritag-e of Jacob thy father: For the mouth of the Lord hath spo- ken it PROMISES. 179 Ezek. XX. 20. Hallow my Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God CHAPTER n. PROMISES TO DUTIES OF THE SECOKD TABLE. [. To obedience to Parents. Ephesians, vi. 1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Ver. 2. Honour thy father and thy mother (which is the first commandment with promise.) Ver. 3. That it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long- on the earth. Col. iii. 20. Children, obey your parents in all things? for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 1 Tim. V. 4. But if any widow have chil- dren, or nephews, [grand children] let them learn to show piety at home, and to requite their parents; for tliat is good and acceptable before God. Prov. i. 8. My son, hear the instruction of thy father; and forsake not the law of thy mother. Ver. 9. For they shall be an orna- 180 CLARKE ON THE ment of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. Prov. vi. 20. My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother. Ver. 21. Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. Ver. 22. When thou g-oest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou wakest, it shall talk with thee. Jer. XXXV. 18. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, the God of Isi-ael, because ye have obeyed the command of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according- to all that he hath commanded you; Ver. 19. Therefore thus saith the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, Jonadab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever. n. To Good Education. Deut. xi. 19. And ye shall teach them, your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way; when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Ver. 20. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy g-ates; Ver. 21. That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to g"ive them, as the days of heaven, upon the earth. Gen. xviii. 19. For I know him, [Abraham] that he will command his children and his pnoMisEs. 1S1 household after him, and they shall ieep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement, that the Lord may bring- upon Abi*aham that which he hath spoken of him. Prov. xxii. 6. Train up a child in the way he should g-o: and when he is old he will not depart from it. To correcting of cnildren. — Prov. xxii. 15. Foolishness is bound in the heart -of a child; but the rod of coiTection shall drive it far from him. Prov. xxiii. 13. Withhold not con-ection from the child; for if thou beatest him with the rod he shall not die. Ver. 14. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. Prov. xxix. 15. The rod and reproof gnve wisdom; but a child left to himself bring-eth his mother to shame. Ver. 17- Correct thy son, and he shall g-ive thee rest: Yea, he shall g^ve delig-ht unto thy soul. III. To a Good Wife. Prov. xi. 16. A gracious woman retaineth honour, and a strong- man riches. Prov. xii. 4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but she that maketh ashamed, IS as rottenness in his bones. Prov. xiv. 1. Eveiy wise woman buildeth her house. Prov. xxxi. 10. Who can find a virtuous 182 CLARKE OS THE woman? for her price is far above rubies. Ver. 25. Streng-th and honour are her clotli- ing-, and she shall rejoice in time to come. Ver. 28. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband, also, and he praiseth her. Ver. 30. Favour is deceitful, and beau- ty is vain; but a woman thatfeareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Ver. 31. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the g-ates. rv. To Faithful Servants. Pro v. xvii. 2. A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame; and shall have part of the inheritance among" the brC' thren. Prov. xiv. 25. The king-'s favour is toward a wise servant. Prov. xxvii. 17. Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fr it thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured. Eph. vi. 5. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according" to the flesh, with fear and trembling", in sing"leness of your heart, as imto Christ: Ver. 6. Not with eye service, as men-plcasers; but as servants of Christ, doing" the will of God from the heart. Ver. 7. With g"ood-will doing" service, as to the Lord, and not vmto men: Ver. 8. Know- ing" tha.t whatsoever g"ood thing" any man do- eth, the same shall he receive of tuu LorO. whetlier he be bond or free. PROMISES. 183 Col. iii. 22. Servants, obey in all things yciir masters according" to the flesh, &c. Ver. 24. Knowing- that of the Lord ye shall re- ceive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. V. To Good Kings and Magistrates. Prov. xvi. 12. The throne is established by righteousness. Prov. XX. 28. Mercy and truth preserve the king-, and his throne upholden by mercy. Prov. xxix. 14. The king- that faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be estab- lished for ever. VI. To Obedient Subjects. 1 Pet. ii. 13. Submit yourselves to eveiy ordinance of men for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme; Ver. 14. Or unto governors as imto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well. Ver. 15. For so is the will of God, that with well-do- ing, ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. VII. To Faithful Ministers. Luke, xii. 24. Who is that faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of 184 CLARKE ON THE meat in due season. Ver. 43. Blessed is that servant whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing". Ver. 44. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. Matt, xxviii. 20. Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you: And, lo, 1 am with you alway, even to the end of the world. 1 Tim. iv. 16. Take heed, unto thyself, and to thy doctrine,- coiitinue in them: for in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Pet, V. 2. The elders which are among you, I exhort, feed the flock of God which is among you, taking tlie oversig-ht thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lu- cre, but of a ready mind. Ver. 3. Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ciMimples to the flock. Ver. 4. And when til, chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall re- ceive a crown of glory that fiideth not away. Dan. xii. 3. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars, for ever and ever. John, iv. 36. And he that reapeth, receiv- eth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eter- nal; that both he that soweth, and he that ••eapeth may rejoice together. Vs. cxxxii. 16. I will clothe her priests PROMISES. 185 with salvation; and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. Jer. i. 7. The Lord said unto me, say not, I am a child: for thou shalt g-o to all that I send thee; and whatsoever I command thee, thou shalt speak. Ver. 8. Be not afraid of their faces, for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith tlie Lord. Ver. 19. l^hey shall fig-ht ag-ainst thee, but shall not prevail ag-ainst thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee. Jer. XV. 19. Thus saith the Lord, if thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee, but return not thou unto them. Ver. 20. And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brazen wall, and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee, &c. Ver. 21. And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked; and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible. Jer. XX. 11. The Lord is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecu- tors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed, for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten. Ezek. ill. 8. Behold, I have made thy flice strong against their faces, and thy forehead sti'ong against their foreheads. Ver. 9. As 186 CXAKRX ON THE an adamant, harder than flint, have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dis- mayed at their looks, thoug-h they be a rebel- lious house. Matt. X. 19. And when they shall deliver you up, take no thoug-ht how or what you shall speak; for it shall be g-iven you in that same hour what ye shall speak. Ver. 20. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. Luke, xxi. 15. I will gnve you a mouth, and wisd6m, which all your adversaries shall not resist. VIII. To them that receive and hearken to Ministers. Matt. X. 40. He that receiveth you, re- ceiveth me; and he that receiveth me, re- ceiveth him that sent me. (See John, xiii. 20.) Ver. 41. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a pro- phet's reward: and he that receiveth a rig-ht- eous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man's reward. Luke, xi. 16. He that heareth you, hear- eth me. IX. To Love and Unity. "- Ps. cxxxiii. 1. Behold how good and plea- sant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Ver. 2. It is like the precious oint- ni'^nt upon the head, that ran down upon PROMISES. 187 the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skills of his garments. Ver. 3. As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: P'or there the I.ord commanded the blessing-, even iife for evermore. 1 John, ii. 10. He that loveth his brother, abideth in the lig-ht, and there is none occa- sion of stumbling- in him. John, xiii. 35. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. 2 Cor. xiii. 11. Be perfect, be of good com- fort, be of one mind; live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. To the peace-makers. — Matt. v. 9. Blessed ai*e the peace-makers; for they shall be call- ed the children of God. Prov. xii. 20. To the counsellors of peace is joy. 1 Pet. iii. 10. He that will love life, and see g-ood days. Ver. 11. Let him seek peace, and ensue it. Love to God's people. — 1 John, iii. 14. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. 1 John, iv. 12. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in lis. Ps. XV. 1. Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle ? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill. Ver. 4. He in whose eyes a vile person is 188 CLARKE OW THE contemned: but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. Ps. cxxii. 6. Pray for the ]>eace of Jerusa- lem: they shall prosper that love thee. Heb. vi. 10. God is not unrighteous to for- get your work and labour of love, which ye have showed towards his name in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister. X. Tb the Charitable, the Merciful, and the Liberal to God's Ministers. Deut. XV. 10. Thou shalt surely give him, [thy poor brother:] and thine heart shall not be grieved, when thoii g-ivest unto him; be- cause that for this thing- the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all tliat thou puttest thine hand unto. Ps. xli. 1. Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Loixl will deliver him in time of trouble. Ver. 2. The Lord will presei-ve him and keep him alive, and he shall be blessed upon the earth; and thou wilt not deliver him into the will of his enemies. Ver. 3. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing-; thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. Ps. cxii. 9. He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his rig-hteousness endureth for- ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. Ver. 5. A g-ood man showeth favour and lendeth; he will g-uide his affairs witfi discre- tion. Ver. 6. Surely, he shall not be moved PROMISES. 189 for ever; the rig-hteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. Ps. xxxvii. 25. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous for- saken, nor his seed begging bread. Ver. 26. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Prov. xi. 24. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. Ver. 25. The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself Ver. 27. He that diligently seeketh good, procureth favour. Prov. xiv. 21. He that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. Prov. xix. 17. He that hath pity on the poor, lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Prov. xxii. 9. He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. Prov. xxviii. 8. He that by usury and im- just gain increaseth his substance, he sliall g-ather it for him that will pity the poor. Ver. 27. He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack. Eccl. xi. 1. Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days. Ver. 2. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil sliall be upon the sarth. 190 ClARKE OH THE Is. xxxii. 8. The liberal deviseth liberal thing's, and by liberal things he shall stand. Is. Ivili. 7. Is it not [tlie fast that I have chosen] to deal thy bread to the hungiy, and that thou bring" the poor that ai-e cast out to tliy house? when thou seest the naked, that tliou cover him; and that thou hide not thy- self from thine own flesh? Ver. 8. Then shall thy light bi'eak forth as tlie morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord sliall be thy reward. Ver. 10. If thou draw out thy soul to the hun- giy, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day. Ver. 11. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Matt. X. 42. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones, a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple; verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Matt. XXV. 34. Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand. Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Ver. 35. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me dnnk: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: PROMISES. 191 Ver. 36. Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me : I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Ver. 40. Verily, I say unto you, insomi ich as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Mark, x. 21. Go thy way, sell whatever thou hast, and give it to the poor, and thou shalt have treasures in heaven. Luke, vi. 38. Give, and it shall be given un- to you; g-ood measure, pressed down, and shaken tog"ether, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be mea- sured imto you again. Luke, xi. 41. Give alms of such things as y^e have; and behold all tilings are clean unto )^OU. Luke, xii. S3. Sell that you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags wliich wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approaclieth, neither moth corrupteth. Luke, xvi. 9. And I say unto you, make to yourselves friends of the mammon of un- righteousness; that when ye fall they may re- c iive you into everlasting habitations. Luke, xiv. 13. When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the bhnd; Ver. 14. And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense tliee; for thou 192 CLAHKE ON THE shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. 2 Cor. ix. 6. He which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly: and he which soweth bountifully, shall rea]i also bountifully. \'er. 7. God loveth a clieerful giver. 2 Cor. viii. 12. If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not. 1 Tim. vi. 17, 18. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distri- bute, willing to communicate; Ver. 19. Lay- ing up in store for themselves a good founda- tion against the time to come, that they may hold on eternal life. Heb. xiii. 16. To do good, and to commu- nicate, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 2 Cor. ix. 8. God is able to make all grace to abound towards you, that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound in every good work. Ver. 10. N'ow he that ministereth seed to the sower, both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your right- eousness. To . the supporting God's ministers and wor- ship. — Gal. vi. 6. Let him that is taught in the word, communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Ver. 7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man PROHISES. 193 soweth, that shall he also reap. Ver. 8. For he that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption: but he that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap life everlasting". Mai. iii. 10. Bring- ye all the tithes into tlie storehouses, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith, saitli the Lord of hosts, if I will not open to you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a bless- ing, that there shall not be room enoug-h to receive it. Ver. 11. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not de- stroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your wine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. Ver. 12. And all nations shall call you blessed; for ye shall be a delig-htsome land, salth the Lord of hosts. Prov. iii. 9. Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase. Ver. 10. So shall thy barns be fill- ed with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. To alms in secret. — Matt. vi. 3. When thou dost an alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand dotli: Ver. 4. That thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret, will reward thee openly. 7b the merciful — Matt. v. 7. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Ps. xviii. 25. With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful. 13 194 CI.A.RRE ON THE Prov. iii. 3. Let not mercy and ti-uth forsakf* thee; bind them about thy neck, write them upon the table of thine heart. Ver. 4. So shalt thou find favour and g-ood understanding" in the sig-ht of God and man. Prov. xi. 17. The merciful man doeth g-ood to his own soul; but he that is cruel, troubleth his own flesh. Deut. xxiv. 12. If the man be poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledg-e. Ver. 13. Ir any case thou shalt deliver him the pledgee aguin when the sun gr)eth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee; and it shall be rig-hteousness unto thee before tlie Lord thy God. XI. To the giving and receiving of Reproofs. To the reproving faithful. — Prov. xxiv. 25. To them that rebuke him [the wicked] shall be delig-ht, and a g-ood blessing shall come upon them. Prov. xxviii. 23. Ke that rebuketh a man, afterwards shall find more favour tlian he that fiattereth with his tongaie. To them that regard reproof — Prov. xiii. 18. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refu- seth instruction; but he that regardeth re- proof shall be honoured. Prov. XV. 31. The ear that heareth the re- proof of life, abideth among" the wise. Ver. 32« He that refuseth instruction^ tlespiseth PROMISES. 195 his own soul; but he that heareth reproof, getteth understanding". Prov. XXV. 12, As an ear-ring- of gold, and an ornament of fine g"old, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. Xn. To Forgiving Injuries. Prov. XX. 22. Say not thou, I will recom- pense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee. Prov. XXV. 21. If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, g-ive him water to drink: Ver. 22. For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee. Rom. xii. 20. Matt. V. 44. Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you; and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute yo\\: Ver. 45. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matt. vi. 14. If ye forg"ive men their tres- passes, your heavenl} Father will also forg-ive you. Mark, xi. 25. And when ye stand praying", forgive, if ye have oug-ht against any; that your Father also which is in heaven, may for- give your trespasses. Luke, vi. 36. Love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing aga' n; 196 CLARKE OTT THE and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the hig-hest: For he is kind unto the unthankful, and to the evil. Ver. 37. Forg-ive, and ye shall be forg-iven. 1 Pet. iii. 9. Not rendering- evil for evil, nor railing" for railing'; but contrary wise, blessing: knowing- that ye are thereunto call- ed, that ye should inherit a blessing-. To purity. — Matt. v. 8. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Ps. xxiv. 3. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? and who shall stand in the holy place? Ver. 4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart. Ps. xviii. 26. With the pure thou wilt show thyself pure. Ps. Ixxiii. 1. Truly God is g-ood to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. 2 Tim. ii. 21. If a man therefore purg-e himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every g-ood work. Tit. i. 15. Unto the pure all tliing-s are pm*e. XrV. To Diligence. Prov. X. 4. The hand of the dilig-ent raaketh rich. Prov. xii. 24. The hand of the dilig-ent shall bear rule; but the slothful shall be un- der tribute. Ver. 27. Tlie substance of a PROMISES. 197 diligent man is precious. Ve/. 11. He that tilleth, his hand shall be satisfied with bread. Prov. xiii. 4. The soul of the slug-g-ard de- sireth, and hath nothing-; but the soul of the dilij^ent shall be made fat. Ver. 11. Wealth pot'cen by vanity shall be diminished; but he tnat g-athereth by labour shall increase. Prov. xiv. 23. In all labour there is profit. Prov. xxi. 5. The thoug-hts of the dilig-ent lend only to plenteousriess; but of every one that is hasty, only to want. Prov. xxii. 29. Seest ♦thou a man dilig-ent in his business; he shall stand before king-s, he shall not stand before mean men. Prov. xxviii. 19. He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; but he that fol- loweth after vain persons, shall have poverty enoug-h. To improving our falents. — Matt. xxv. 23. Well done, g-ood and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few thing's; I will make thee ruler over many thing-s: Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Ver. 29. Unto every one that hath shall be g-iven, and he shall have abundance. Matt. xiii. 12. XV. To the Just and Honest. Deut. xvi. 20. That which is altog-ether just shalt thou follow, tliat thou may est live And inherit the land which tlie Lord thy God giveth thee. Deut xxv. 15. Thou shalt have a perfect 198 CLARKE ON THF and just weig-ht; a perfect and just measure shalt thou have; that thy days may be length- ened in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Prov. xi. 1. A false balance is an abomina- tion unto the Lord; but a just weight is his delig-ht. Prov. XV. 27. He that is greedy of g^in, troubleth his own house; but he that hateth g-ifts, shall live. Prov. xvi. 8. Better is a little with rig-hte- ousness, than great revenues without rig-ht. Prov. xxviii. 20. A faithful man abounds with blessing-s; but he that maketh haste to be rich, shall not be innocent. Prov. xxi. 3. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Prov. xii. 21. There shall no evil happen to the just; but the wicked shall be filled with miscliief Is. xxxiii. 15. He that walketh rig'hteous- ly, and speaketh uprig-htly; he that despiseth the guin of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding- of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing" of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing" evil: Ver. 16. He shall dwell on high; his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him, his waters shall be sure. Ezek. xviii. 5. If a man be just, and doth that which is lawful and right: Ver. 17. And hath not oppressed any, but hath re- PROMISES. 199 stored to the debtor his pledg-e; hath spoiled none by violence; hath g-iven his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment: Ver. 8. He that hath not g-iven forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase; that hath witiidi-awn his hand from ii\iquity; hath executed true judgement between man and man; Ver. 9. Hath walked in my sta- tutes, and hath kept my judg-meuts, to deal truly: he is just, he shall surely live, saiththe Lord. Ps. XV. 5. He that putteth not out his mo- ney to \isury, nor taketh a reward against the innocent: he thaf doth these thing's shall never be moved. XVI. To Truth. Ps. XV. 1. Lord, who shall abide in thy ta- bernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? Ver. 2. He that speaketh the truth in his heart. Prov. xii. 19. The lip of truth shall be es- tablished for ever; but a lying" tong-ue is but for a moment. Ver. 22. Lying" lips are an abomination to the Lord; but they that deal ti'uly are hijj delight. 1 Pet. iii. 10. He that will love life, and see good d lys, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Ps. xxxiv 12, lis. 200 CLARKE Om THE XVn. To Candour. 7b judging. — Matt. vii. 1. Jiidg-e not, that ye be not judg-ed. — Ver. 2. For with what judg-ment ye judg-e, ye shall be judg-ed; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be mea- sui-ed to you again. In speaking. — Ps. xv. 1. Lord, who shall dwell, &.C. Ver. 3. He that backbiteth not with his tong-ue, nor doth evil to liis neig-h- bour, nor taketh up reproach against his neighbour. XVrn. 7b Contentment and Mortijicatio^i. Prov. xiv. 30. A sound heart is the life of the flesh, but envy the rottenness of the bones. Prov. xxiii. 17. Let not thine heart envy sinnei*s; but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. Ver. 18. For, surely the!'e is an end, and thine expectation shall not be cut off. 1 Tim. vi. 6. Godliness with contentment IS great gain. Heb. xiii. 5. Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have: For he hath said, 1 will never leave thee nor forsake thee. 7b mortification. — Rom. vii. 13. If ye rnoMiSES. 201 tliroiigh the spirit do mortify the deeds of tlie bod}', ye sludl live. Matt. v.'29. If thy ri^ht eye offend thee, phick it out, and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee, that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Ver. 30. And if tliy rig"ht hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee, that one of thy members s]\ould perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. To the Spiritually minded. — Rom. viii. 6. To be carnally minded, is death; but to be spiritually minded, is life and peace. CHAPTER m. PROMISES TO DUTIES BELONGIIirG TO BOTH TABLES. I. To the Meek, Humble, Contrite. To the Meek. — ^Psalm, xxii. 26. The meek jhall eat, and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him; your heart shall live for ever. Ps. XXV. 9. The meek will he g^iide in judgment, and the meek will he teach his way. 202 CLARKE ON THE Ps. xxvii. 11. The meek shall inhei-it the eai'th, and shall delig-ht themsehes in the abundance of peace. Matt. V. 5. Blessed are the meek, for tliey shall inherit the earth. Ps. cxlvii. 6. The Lord lifteth up the meek. He casteth the wicked down to the ground. Ps. clxix. 4. The Lord taketh pleasure in his people; he will beautify the meek with his salvation. Zeph. ii. 3. Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judg- ment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger. Is. xi. 4. With rigliteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth. Is. xxix. 19. The meek shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the holy one of Israel. 1 Pet. iii. 3. Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of ap- parel: Ver. 4. But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible; even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. Prov. xiv. 29. He that is slow to wratli, 13 of great understanding. Prov. XV. 18. He that is slow to anger, ap- PHOMISES. 203 peasetli strife. Ver. 1. A soft answer turn- eth away wrath. Prov. xvi. 32. He that is slow to ang-er, is better than the mig-hty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city. Prov. xix. 11. The discretion of a man de- fnrreth his anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. Prov. XX. 3. It is an honour to a man to cease from strife. To the humble. — Job, xxii. 29. He shall save the humble person. Ps. ix. 12. He forgetteth not the cry of the humble. Ps. X. 17. Lord, thou hast heard the desir** of the humble. Ps. cxxxviii. 6. Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. Prov. iii. 34. Siirely, he scorneth the scorn- ers; but he giveth gi-ace to the humble. James, iv. 6. Wherefore he saitb, he resist- cth the proud, but giveth grace unto the hum- hie. 1 Pet. V. 5. Prov. xi. 2. When pride cometh, then Cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom. Prov. XV. 33. The fear of the Lord is tlie instruction of wisdom; and before honour is li umility . Prov. xviii. 12. Before destruction, the heart of man is hearty; and before honour is hu- mility. 204 CLARKE ON THE Prov. xxix. 23. A man's pride shall bring him low; but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Prov. xvi. 19. Better is it to be of an hum* ble spirit witli the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Prov. xxii. 4. By humility, and the fear of the Lord, are riches, honour, and life. Matt, xxiii. 12. Whosoever shall exalt him- self shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Luke, xviii. 14. Matt, xviii. 4. Whosoever shall humble him- self as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. To the contrite and mourners. — Ps. xxxiv. 18. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heai't, and saveth such as be of a con- trite sp irit. Ps. li. 17. The sacrifices of God are a bro- ken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Ps. xlvii. 3. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Eccl. vii. 3. Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. Is. Ivii. 15. 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. rnoMisE^ 205 Is. Ixvi. 2. To this man will I look, even to him that Is of a poor and contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Matt. V. 3. Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Ver. 4. Bless- ed arc they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. II. To them that Suffer for Righteousness* sake. Matt. V. 10. Blessed are they which are per- secuted for rig-hteousness' sake; for theirs is the king-dom of heaven. Ver. 11. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil thing's ag"ainst you falsely, for my sake. Ver. 12. Rejoice, and be exceeding- g"lad, for gi*eat is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matt. X. 39. He' that findeth his life, shall lose it; and he that loseth his life, for my sake, shall find it. Matt xix. 29. Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my lame's sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 2 Cor. iv. 9. Persecuted, but not forsaken. 2 Tim. ii. 12. If we suffer, we shall also reig-n with him. Rom. viii. 17. If so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also g-lorified tog-ether. Ver. o5. Who shall separate us from the love 206 CLAHKE 07f THE of Clinst; Shall tribulation, or distress, or per- secution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? Ver. 36. (As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long"; we are ac- counted as sheep for the slaug-hter.) Ver. 37. Nay, in all these thing's we are more than con- querors through him tliat loved us. Heb. X. 34. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves, that ye have a better and an enduring substance. Ver. 35. Cast not away therefore, your confi- dence, which hath great recompense of re- ward. 1 Pet. iii. 14. If ye suffer for righteousness* sake, happy are ye; and be not afi-aid of tlieir ten'or, neither be troubled; Ver. 17. For it ia better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well-doing, than for evil-doing. 1 Pet. iv. 12. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened imto you; Ver. 13. But rejoice, insomuch as ye are pailakers of Christ's suffering; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. Ver. 14. If ye be re- proached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. To them that are excommunicated unjustly. *— Is. Ixvi. 5. Hear the word of the Lord, ve PROMISES. 207 that tremble at his word: your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said. Let the Lord be g-lorified; but he shall appear to your joy, and tliey shall be ashamed. Luke, vi. 22. Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the son of man's sake. Ver. 23. Rejoice ye in that day; and leap for joy, for, behold, your reward is gi*eat in heaven. III. To Patience and Submission. Lam. iii. 26. It is g-ood that a man should both hope, and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Ver. 27. It is g-ood for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Ver. 28. He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him. Ver. 29. He putteth his mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope. Ver. 31. For the Lord will not cast off for ever. Heb. X. 35. Cast not away your confidence, which hatli gi-eat recompense of reward. Ver. 36. For ye have need of patience, tliat after ye have done the will of God, ye mig-lit receive the promise. Ver. 37. For yet a lit- tle while, and he that shall come, will come, and will not tany. Heb. vi. 12. That ye be not slothful, but 208 CLARKE OIT THE followers of them, who through faith and pa- tience inherit the promises. Jam. i. 2. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptation: Ver. 3. Knowing- this, that the trying- of your faitli worketh patience. Ver. 4. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be per- fect and entire, wanting- nothing-. Ver. 12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Rom. v. 4. We g-lory in tribulation, know- ing- that tribulation worketh patience: Ver. 4. And patience, experience; and experience, hope. Prov. X. 28. The hope of the rig-hteous shall be g-ladness. 1 Pet. V. 6. Humble yourselves under the mig-hty hand of God, that ye may be exalted in due time. James, Iv. 10, Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James, v. 7- Be patient, brethren, unto the coming- of the Lord. Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long- patience for it, imtil he re- ceive tlie early and the latter rain. Ver. 8. I?c ye also patient, establish your hearts: for the coming- of the Lord draweth nig-h. Ver. .11. Behold, we count them happy which endui-e. Ye have heard of the pa^ PROMISES. 209 tience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, that the Loi-d is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. 1 Pet. ii. 20. If when ye do well, and suf- fer for it, ye take it patiently, this is accept- able with God. IV. To Perseverance. Matt. X. 22. He that endureth to the end shall be saved. Chap. xxiv. 13. John, viii. 31. If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. Ver. 32. And ye shall know the ti*uth, and the truth shall make you free. John, XV. 7. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 1 Cor. XV. 58. My beloved brethren; be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Gal. vi. 9. Let us not be. weary in well doi'^g; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Heb. X. 23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, for he is faith- ful tliat promised. Ver. o5. Cast not away your confidence, which hath gi*eat recom- pense of reward. 1 John, ii. 24. Let that abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If thai 14 210 CLAIIKE ON THE whicli ye have heard from the begnnn'uig shall remain in you, ye shall also continue in the Son, and in the Father. Ver. 28. And now, little children, abide in him, that when he shall appear, ye may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 2 John, ver. 8. Look to yourselves, that we lose not the thiiigfs which we have wrought, but that we receive a full rewaj-d. Ver. 9. Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God: He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Son. Rev. ii. 10. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. To him that overcometh. — Rev. ii. 7. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. Ver. 11. He that overcometh, shall not be hurt of the second death: Ver. 17. To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the hidden manna; and I will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no ; nan knowetli, saving he that receiveth it. Rev. iii. 5. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life 5 but I will confess his name before vr\y Father, and before his angels. Ver. 12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the tem- ple of my God, and he shall go no more out'. PROMISES. 211 tnd I will write upon him the name of my (lod, and the name of the city of my God, wliich is New Jerusalem, wlxich cometh down out of heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new name. Ver. 21. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne; even as 1 also overcame and am fcet down with my Father in his throne. Rev. xxi. 7. He that overcometh shall in- herit all tilings; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. APPENDIX OF TBE PROmCZSES, KELATING TO THE STATE OF THE CHURCH. 1 . Of the enlargement of the Churchy and the spreading of the Gospel and Kingdom of Christ through the world. Psalms, ii. 8. Ask of me, and I will give thee the Heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy pos- session. Vcr. 9. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Ps. xxii. 27. All the ends of the earth shall remember, and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before him. Ver. 28. For the kingdom is the Lord's; and he is the g'overnor among the nations. Ps. Ixvii. 2. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving- health among all na- tions. Ver. 7. God shall bless us, and aU PROMISES. 2l3 the ends of the earth shall fear him, Ps. Ixviii. 31. Princes shall come out of Eg}'pt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God. Ps. Ixxii. 8. He shall have dominion from sea to sea, and fi'om the river unto the ends of the earth. Ver. 11. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him. Ver. 17. His name shall endure for ever; his name shall be continued as long" as tlie sun; and men shall be blessed in him; all nations shall call him blessed. Ver. 19. Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Ps. Ixxxvi. 9. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy name. Ps. cii. 15. The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. Ver. 16. When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. Ps. ex. 3. Thy people shall be wiUing in the day of thy power, in the beau- ties of holiness from the womb of the morn- ing: thou hast the dew of thy youth. Is. ii. 2. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the moun- tains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. Ver. 3. And many people shall go and say. Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his path? ; For out of Zion shall go forth the law, 214 CLARKE ON THE and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Micah, iv. 1, 2. Is. xi. 10. In that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people: to it shall the Gentiles seek, and his rest shall be g-lorious. Is. xl. 3. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straig-ht in the desert a hig-hway for our God. Ver. 4. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be brong-ht low; and the crooked shall be made straig-ht^ and the roug-h places plain. Ver. 5. And the g-lory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it tog"ether: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Is. xlii. 1. Behold my servant, whom I up- hold; mine elect, in whom my soul delig-ht- eth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he shall bring" forth judgment to tDe Gentiles. Ver. 4. He shall not fail nor be discourag-ed, till he have set judgroent in the earth; and the isle shall wait for his law. Ver. 6. 1 the Lord have called thee in rig-hteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a lig-ht of the Gentiles. Ver. 7. To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoner from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison- house. Is. xl/. 23. I have sworn by myself, the word is g-one forth out of my mouth in rig-ht* PROTrtlSES. 215 eousness, and shall not return, that anto me every knee shall bow, every tong-ue shall sv.'car. Ver. 24. Surely, sluill one say, in the Lord have I rig"hteousness and strength: even to him shall men come, and all tluil ai-e incen- sed ag"ainst him shall be ashamed. See Ver. 14. Is. Hi. 10. The Loi-d hath made bare his hrvly ai-m in the eyes of all nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Is. liii. 10. When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong- his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Ver. 11. He shall see of the ti-avail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; by his knowledg-e shall my rig-ht- eous servant justify many! for he shall bear their iniquities. Ver. 12. Therefore will I di- vide him a portion with the gi'eat, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong-. Is. Ixv. 17. Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former shall not be remembered nor come into mind. Is. Ixvi. 8. Who hath heard such a thing-? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For a.s soon as Zion travailed she brought forth her children. Ver. 9. Shall I bring- to the birth, and not cause to bring forth, saith the Lord: Shall I cause to brin^ forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. Ver. 18. It shall come, that I will gather all nations •nd tongues: and tliey shall see my glory. 216 CLARKE 017 THB Ver. 19. And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those tliat escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither hive seen my glory; and they sliall de- clare my gl^ry among the Gentiles. Ver. 20. A.nd they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto tlie Lord out of all nations. Ver. 23. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship be- fore me, saith the Lord. Dan. ii. 44. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the king- dom shall not be let to other people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Dan. vii. 13. And I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the ancieiit of days, and they brought him near before him. Ver. 14. And there was given him domi- nion ard glory, and a kingdom, that all peo- ple, nations, and languages, should serve hira, Ver. 27. And the kingdom, and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven shall be given to the people oi the saints of the most high, whose kingdom ia an everlasting kingdom, and all domirions shall serve and obey him. PROMISES. HIT Zech. li. 10. Sing and rejoice, O daug-hter of Zion; for lo, I come, and 1 will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. Ver. 11. And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the Lord of Hosts hath sent me unto thee. Zech. viii. 21. And the inhabitants of one city shall g-o to another, saying-, let us g"o speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of Hosts! I will g-o also. Ver. 22. Yea, many people, and strong- nations shall come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. Ver. 23. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, in those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold, out of all lang-uag-es of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying-. We will g-o with you; for we have heard that God is with you. Zech. xiv. 9. And the Lord shall be king over all the earth; in that da/ shall there be one Lord, and his name one. Mai. i. 11. From the rising of the sun, even to the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering; for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of Hosts. Matt viii. 11. T say unto you, that many 21 S CLAHKE ON THE shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and .Fa- cob, in the klng-dom of heaven. Chap. xxiv. 14. The Gospel of the king-dom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. John, xii. 32. And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men after mc. Rev. xi. 15. And the seventh ang-el sound- ed, and there were g-reat voices in heaven, saying-, the king"doms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reig-n for ever and ever. See Rev. vii. 9, 10. Rev. xii. 10. II. Glory of the Church. Ps. xlv. 13. The king-'s daug-hter is all glo- rious within; her clothing" is of wroug-ht g-old. Chap, xlviii. 2. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the Great King". Ver. 12. Walk about Zion, and g-o round about her; tell the towers thereof; Ver. 13. Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her pa- laces, that ye may tell it to the g-enerations following". Chap. Ixxxvii. 3. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Is. xlvi. 13. I will bring near my righteous- ness; it shall not be far off, and m}- salvation shall not tarry; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. Is. liv. 11. O thou afflicted, tossed with pnoi«isEs. 219 tempest, and not comforted, behold 1 will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foun- dations with sapphires. Ver. 12- And I will make thy Avindows of agates, and thy gutes of carbuncles, and all tliy boi-ders of pleasant stones. Is. Ix, 1. Arise, shine, forthylig-ht is come, and the g-lory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Ver. 2. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gi'oss darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. Is. Ixii. 2. The Gentiles shall see thy rig-ht- eousness, and all king's thy g'lory; and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Ver. 3. Thou shalt also be a crown of g'lory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Rev. xxi. 10. And he carried me away in the spirit, to a great and hig-h mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusa- lem, descending- out of heaven from God. Ver. 11. Having- the g-lory of God: And her lig-ht was like unto a stone most precious; even like a jasper-stone, clear as crystal. See Ver. 18, 21. Ver. 22. And I saw no'tem- pie therein; for the Lord God Almig-hty, and the Lamb, are the temple of it. Ver. 23. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it; for the g-lory of (^od did lighten it, and the Lanib is the light 220 CLARKE ON THE thereof. Ver. 24. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it; and the king's of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. Ver. 25. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day; for there shall be no night there. Ver. 26. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. in. Promises of the Increase of Light and KnowledgCy and of the means of Grace. Is. xi. 4. The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Is. XXV. 6. And in this mountain shall the Lord of Hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of maiTow, of wines on the lees well refined. Ver. 7. And he will de- stroy in this mountain the face of the cover- ing cast over all the people, and the veil that is spi-ead over all nations. Is. lii. 7. How beautiful upon the moun- tains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salva- tion, that saith unto Zion, thy God reign- eth. Ver. 8. Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. PROMISES. 221 Is. liv. 13. And all thy childien shall be taught of the Lord. Dan. xii. 4. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. IV. Promises of Purity ^ Holiness^ and Right- eousness in the Church. Is. xxxiii. 5. The Lord is exalted, for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness. Ver. 6. And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure. Is. xlv. 8. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righte- ousness; let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together:^ 1 the Lord have created it. Ps. Ixxxv. 10. Mercy and truth are met to- gether: righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Ver. 11. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Ver. 13. Righteousness shall go before him, and shall set us in the way of his steps. Is. Ix. 21. Thy people shall be all righte- ous; they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that 1 may be glorified. Is. Ixi. 11. As the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the 222 CtAHKE ON THE Lord God will cause rig-hteousness and praise to spring- forth before all the nations. Mai. iii. 43. He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purg-e them as ^old and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in ng-hteousness. Ver. 4. Then shall the offering- of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former yeare. Ps. Ixxii. 5. They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throug-hout all g-enerations. Rev. xix. 8. And to her [the Lamb*s wife] was granted, that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white : for the fine linen is the rig-hteousness of tlie saints. V. Promises of Peace, Love, and Unity. Is. ii. 4. And they shall beat their swords into ploug-hshares, and their spears into pruning-'hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. is. xi. 6. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf, and the young- lion, and the fatling" together, and a little child shall lead tl\em. Ver. 7. And the cow and the bear shall feed: their yoimg ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. Ver. 8. And the sucking child PROMISES. 223 shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cock- atrice den. Ver. 9. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain. Ver. 13. The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and die adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. Ps. Ixxii. 3. The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills by righteousness. Ver. 7. In his days shall the rig-hteous flourish; and abundance of peace, so long" as the moon endureth. John, xvii. 20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me throug-h their word: Ver. 21. That they all may be one, as thou. Father, art in me, and I in thee; that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe thou hast sent me. Ver. 22. And the glory which thou guvest me, I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one. Ver. 23. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Eph. iv. 16. From whom [Christ] the whole body fitly joined together, and com- pacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying" of itself in love. 224 Cti.RR£ OS THB VI. Promises of the Submission and the De- struction of the Enemies of the Church. Ps. ex. 2. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: Rule thou in the midst of thy enemies. Ver. 5. The Lord at thy rig'ht hand shall strike through kings, in the day of his wrath. Ver. 6. He shall judge among the heathen: he shall fill the places with dead bodies: he shall wound the heads over many countries. Is. xi. 4. He shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Is. xli. 11. Behold, all they that were in- censed against thee, shall be ashamed and confounded; they shall be as nothing: and they that strive with thee shall perish. Ver. 12. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. See Ver. 15, 16. Is. xlix. 24. Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? Ver. 25. But thus saith the Lord, Even the captive of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be deliver* ed; for I will contend with him that con* tendeth with thee, and I will save tliy chil« dren. Ver. 26. And I will feed them that op- press thee with their own flesh, and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with ruoMisEs. 225 sweet wine ; and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour, and thy Redeemer, the mighty one of Jacob. Is. lix. 19. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Is. Ix. 14. The sons also of them that afiiicted thee, shall come bending unto thee ; and all they that despised thee, shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee. The City of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel. The Destruction of Antichrist, and of Baby- lon, ^c.—2 Thess. ii. 8. Then shall the wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth, and destroy with the brightness of his coming. See Dan. vii. 24, 25, 26. Rev. xiv. 9. If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand ; Ver, 10. The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture, into the cup of his indignation. Rev. xviii. 2. Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird. &ee to the end of the chapter. Rev. xix. 19. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together, to make war against him that sat on 15 226 CLARKB ON THE the horse, and ag-ainst his arm}'. Ver. 20. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wroug-l\t miracles before iiim, with wiiich he deceived them tliat had receiv- ed the mark of the beast, and them that wor- shipped hisimag-e: these both were cast ahve into a lake of fire, burning- with brimstone. VII. Promises to the Favour and Submission of Kings to the Kingdom of Christ. Is. xhx. 7. Thus saith the Lord, the Re- deemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom men despiseth, to him whom the na- tions abhon-eth, to a servant of rulers, king-s shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord tliat is faitliful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. Ver. 23. And king-s shall be thy nursing- fa- thers, and the queens thy nursing- mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their faces toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet, and thou shalt know that [ am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. Is. lii. 15. So shall he sprinkle many na- tions; the king's shall shut their mouths at him; for that which had not been told them, shall they see; and that which they had not heai'd, shall they consider. Is. Ix. 3. And the g-entiles shall come to thy lig-lit, and king's to the brig-htness of thy ris- ing. Ver. 10. And tlie sons of strang-ers shall build up thy walls, and then- kings shall mift. PROMISES. 227 ister unto thee; for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have 1 had mercy on thee. Ver. 11. Therefore thy g-ates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor nig-ht, that men may bring" unto thee the forces of the gentiles, and that their kings may be brouglit. Ver. 16. Thou shalt sucic the milk of the gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings; and shalt know, that 1 the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, tlie Mighty One of Jacob. VIII. Promises of the Security, Tranquillity, and Prosperity of the Church. Is. iv. 5. And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud, and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. Ver. 6. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day-time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. Is. liv. 14. In righteousness shalt thou be established: Thou shalt be far from oppres- sion, for thou shalt not fear: and from terror, for it shall not come near thee. Ver. 15. Be- hold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee, shall fall for thy sake. Ver. 17. No weapon that is formed against thee, shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise 228 CLAUKE OS THE aguinst thee in judgment, thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and tlieir rig-hteousness is of me, saith tlie Lord Is. Ixv. 18. Be ye g'lad, and rejoice for ever in that which I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. Ver. 19. And I will re- joice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people; and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. Is. li. 3. The Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places, and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and g^ladness shall be found, tlie sin thanksgiving- and the voice of melody. Ps. cii. 13. Thou shalt arise, and have mer- cy upon Zion; for the time to favour her, yea, the set time is come : Ver. 14. For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof Ver. 16, When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. Is. Ixvi. 10. Rejoice ye witli Jerusalem, and be g"lad with her, all ye that love her; rejoice for her with joy, all ye that mourn for her. Ver. 11. That ye may suck and b« satisfied with the breasts of her consolation that ye may milk out and be delighted witt the abundance of her glory. Ver. 12. Foi thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the gentiles like a flowing stream; then shall ye PROMISES. 229 suck, yo shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees. See Ver. 13, 14. Jer. xxxiil. 6. In his days Judah shall be saved., and Israel shall dwell safely. Matt. xvi. 13. Upon this rock will I build nriy church, and the g-ates of hell shall not prevail against it. Dan. vii. 27. And the kingdom and do- minion, and the greatness of the king'dom under the whole heaven, shall be g-iven to the people of the saints of the Most Hig-h, whose king'dom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve him day and night. IX. Promises of the Perpetual Continuance of the Church. Is. lix. 21. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord, my spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put into thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. Is. xlvi. 22. For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. Jer. xxxi. 35. Thus saith the Lord, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the or- dinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by right, which divideth the sea, when 230 CLARKE ON THE the waves thereof roar; the Lord of Hosts is his name. Ver. 36. If those ordii^ances de])art from before me, saith the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease fi-om being* a nation before me for ever. Ver- 37. Thus saith the Loi-d, if heaven above can be measured, and tlie foundations of the earth searched out be- 3ieath; I will also cast off the seed of Israel, for all that they have done, saith the Lord. See Chap, xxxiii. 20, 21, 22, 25, 26. Dan. vii. 14. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his king-dom that which shall not be destroyed. Matt, xxviii. 20. Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. X. Promises of the Conversion and Restora tion of the Jews. Jer. XXX. 9. They shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king-, whom I will raise up unto them. Ver. 10. Therefore fear thou not, O my scn-ant Jacob, saith the Lord, neither be thou dismayed, O Israel; for lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest and quiet, and none shall make him afraid. See to the end uf the Chapter. Jer. XX vi. 1. At the same time, saith the Lord, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people. Ver. 4. PROMISES. 231 Ag^m I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel; thou shalt ag-ain be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the danc*^ of them that make merry. Ver. 10. Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, lie that scattereth, Israel will g-ather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. Ver. 17. There is hope in thine end, that thy children shall come ag-ain to their own bor- der. Ver. 31. Behold, the day is come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Ver. 32. Not according- to the cov- enant that I made with her fathers, &c. Ver. 03. But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel. After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in her inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my peo- ple. Ver. 38. Behold the day is come, saith the Lord, that the city shall be built to the Lord, from the tower Hananiel, unto the g-ate of the corner. See the whole Chapter. Jer. xxxii. 41. Yea, I will rejoice over them, to do them g-ood, and I will plant them in this land assuredly, with my whole heart, with my whole soul. See from verse S7, to the end. Jer. xxxiii. 7. And I will cause the capti- vity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them as at the first Vei. 8. And I will cleanse tliem from all theii 232 CtARKE ON THZ iniquities, &c. Ver 9. And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good tliat I do unto them, Sec. Ver. 15. In those days, and at that time, will I cause the branch of rig-hteousness to grow up unto David, and he shall execute judgment and justice in the land. Ver. 16. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Je- rusalem shall dwell safely; and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, the Lord our righteousness. Ver. 24. Considerestthou not v/hat this people have spoken, saymg, the two families which the Lord hath chosen, he will even cast them off, &c. Ver. 25. Thus saith the Lord, if my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth: Ver. 26. Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for 1 will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them. To the same purpose, see the whole Chapter. See also Chapter 1, 4, 5, 19, 20. Ezek. XX. 34. I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand. Ver. 55. And 1 will bring you Into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face. Ver. 37. And I will cause you to pass under the rod. PROMISES. 233 and I will bring" you into the bond of the co- venant. Ver. 38. And I will purg-e out from among" you the rebels, and them that trans- g-ress ag-ainst me. Ver. 40. In my holy moun- tain, in the mountain of the heig-ht of Israel, saith the Lord God, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me, and there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the first fruits of your oblations, with all yo'ar holy tiling's. See also verse 41, 44. Ezek. xxxiv. 23. And I will set one shep- herd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David: he shall feed them, and be their shepherd. Ver. 24. And 1 the Lord will be their God, and my servant Da- vid a prince among" them: I the Lord have spoken it. Ver. 28. And they shall no more be a prey among- the heatlien, neither shall the beasts of the laud devour theni; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid. Ver. 29. And I will raise up for them a plant of renown. See also verse 11, 16, and from verse 21, to the end of the chapter. Ezek. xxxvi. 11. I will multiply upon you [the mountains of Israel] man and beast, and they shall increase and bring- fruit: and will settle you after your old estates, and I will do better unto you than at your beg"inning"s, and ye shall know that I am tlie Lord. Ver. 24. I will take you from among- the heathen, d gadier you out of all countries, and will 234 CLARKE ON THE bring you into your own land. Ver. 25. Then will 1 sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthi- ness and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. Ver 26. A new heart also will I g"ive you, &.C. Ver. 33. In the days that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities, I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded. See the whole chapter; as also chapter 37. Ezek. xxxvii. 25. And they shall dwell in the land that I have g-iven unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children, for ever, and my servant David shall be their prince for ever. Hos. i. 10. Yet the number of the cliildren of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, ye are the sons of the living- God. Ver. 11. Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be g-athered tog-ether, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: gi-eat shall be the day of Jezreel. Hos. iii. 4. The children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without ?i prince, and without a sacrifice, and without PROMISES. 235 an image, and without an ephod, and witli- out a seraphim. Ver. 5. Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the Lord their God, and David their king", and shall fear the Lord and his g-oodness in the lattei days. Joel, iii. 1. Behold in those days, and in that time when I shall bring- ag-ain the capti- vity of Judah and of Jerusalem. Ver. 2. I will also g-ather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them for my people, &c. Ver. 17. So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling- in Zion, my holy mountain: then sliall Jerusalem be holy, and :here shall no more strang-ers pass throug-h her any more. Ver. 20. Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to g-eneratlon. See also verse 7, 14, 16, 18, 21. Amos, ix. 14. And 1 will bring again the captivity of my people Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them. Ver. 16. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land, which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God. Obad. ver. 17. Upon mount Zion shall be vleliverance, and there shall be holiness, and the house of Jacob shall possess their posses sions. Ver. 21. Mich. ii. 12. I will surely assemble, O Ja- cob, all of thee? I will surely gather th« 236 CLARKE ON THE remnant of Israel, I will put them tog-ether as tlie sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise, by reason of the multitude of men. Ver. 13. The breaker is come up before them; they have broken up, and have passed throug-h the gate, and are gone on by it; and tlieir king shall pass before them, and the Lord on the head of them. Mich. V. 3. Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth, hath brought forth; then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. Ver. 4. And he shall stand and feed in the strengtli of the Lord his God, and they shall abide, for now shall he be great imto the ends of the earth. Ver. 7. And the rem- nant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people, as a dew from the Lord, as the show- ers upon the grass that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men. Ver. 13. Thy graven images also will I cut ofl", and thy standing images out of the midst of thee, and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hand. See the whole chapter, and chapter iv. and chapter vii. 14, 17. See aiso, Zeph. iii. 9. to the end. Zech. ii. 10. Sing and rejoice, O daughters of Zion; for lo, I come, I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. Ver. 12. And the Lord shall inherit Judah, his portion in the rioly land, and shall choose Jerusalem again. PHOMISES. 237 Zech. X. 6. And I will strengthen the house of Jiidali, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring- them ag-ain to place them; For I have mercy upon them, and they shall be as thoug-h I had not cast them off; for I am the Lord their God, and will hear them. Zech. xii. 6. In that day will I make the g^o- vernors of Judah like a hearth of fire amonij the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all tlie people round about, on the rig-ht hand, and on the left; and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again, in her own place, even in Jerusalem. Ver. 10. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon tlie inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplications; and they shall look upon me, whom they have pierced, &c. See the v/hole chapter. Zech. xiv. 11. And men shall dwell in it, [i. e. all the land] and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safe- ly inhabited. See the whole chapter. Luke, xxi. 24 Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the g-entiles. until the times of the entiles be fulfilled. 2 Cor. iii. 15. Even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Ver. 16. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. Kom. xi. 2. God hath not cast away his peo- ple, which he foreknew. Ver. 12. If the fall uf tliem be the riches of the world, and the 238 CLARKE ON THE dmiinishing of them the riches of the gentiles^ how much more their fulness? Ver. 15. For if the casting" away of thembe thereconciUng of the world, what shall the receiving- of tliem be, but hfe from the dead? Ver. 23. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in ag-ain. Ver. 24. How much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted in their own olive tree? Ver. 25. For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery (lest ye should be wise in youi own conceit) that blindnesj; in part is happen- ed unto Israel, until the fulness of the gentiles be come in. Ver. 26. Then all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the deliverer, and shall turn away the ungodliness from Jacob. Ver. 27. For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. Ver. 28. As concerning the Gospel, they are enemies for your sakes; but as touching the election, they are beloved fop the Father's sake. Vei*. 29. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. See also ver. 30. 31. Ver. 32. God hath conclud- ed them all m unbelief, that he might liavc mercy upon all. Ver. 33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding CONCLUSION. That God will perform all his Promises. Deutehonomv, vii. 9. Know, that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him, and keep his command- ments, to a tliousand g-enerations. Numb, xxiii. 9. God is not man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, tliat he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it! Or hath he spoken, and shall not he make it g"ood? Josh, xxiii. 14. Ye know in all your hearts, and in all your souls, tliat not one thing- hath failed, of all the g-ood things which the Lord yoiu- God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath fail- ed thereof. 1 Kings, viii. 56. Ps. xviii. 30. The word of the Lord is tried. Ps. Ixxxix. 34. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Ps. cv. 8. He hath remembered his covenant for ever, which he commanded to a thousand generations. Ps. cxix. 89. P'orever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Ver. 90. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations. Ver. 160. Thy word is true from the begin- ning. 240 CLAKKE ON THE Is. XXV. 1. Thy counsels of old are faitliful- ness and truth. Is. xlvi. 11. I have spoken it, I will also bring- it to pass: I have proposed il, I will also do it. Heb. vi. 18. That by two immutable thing-s, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we mig-ht have sti-ong consolation, who have fled for refuge, to lay hold upon the hope set be- fore us. Heb. X. 23. He is faithful that pro- mised. FINIS. CONTENTS. PART I. Cmtaining the Several Blessings promised to the Good CHAPTER I. PROMISES OF TEMPORAL BLESSISGS, Page 1. General Promises, - - - 23 2. Promises of Temporal Blessings in General, " ' ". ' ?^ . Particularly of Food and Raiment, ib. 4. Of Long Life and Health, - 27 5. Of Safety under the Divine Protection, 28 6. Peace, 32 7. Direction, ----- 33 8. Honour, ib- 9. Success and Prosperity, - - 35 10. Plenty and Riches, - - - 36 11. Children, 37 12. A Blessing upon all a Good Man has, 38 13. A Blessing upon his Children, - 39 14. A Blessing upon his Family, - 40 16 242 CHAPTER n. PROMISES RELATING TO THE TROUBLES Of LIFE. Page 1. In General, - - . - 41 Of Preservation from Trouble, - ib. Of Deliverance out of Trouble, 42 Of Support under it, - - 44 2. Promises relating* to Sickness, - 48 in Child Bearing", - - 49 in01dA,?e, - - . 50 3. Of Deliverance from Famine and Want, ... - 51 4. Of Deliverance from War, - ib. and Enemies, - 52 5. from Oppression and Injustice, . ... 55 6. Of Deliverance from Slander, - 56 from Reproach, 57 7. from Witchcraft, ib. 8. Promises to the Stranger and Exile, 58 9. to the Poor and Helpless, ib 10. to the Fatherless and Widow, 59 11. to the Childless, - - 61 12 to the Prisoner and Captive, ib. 13. of Deliverance from Death, 62 24J CHAPTER m. mOMISES OF SFIBITUAL BLXSSIKGS IK THIS UFX. Page 1. In General, - . - - 64 2. Of Justification, ... ib. Of Pardon of Sin, - - -65 of the most heinous Sins, 67 of all Sins, - - ib. of Backslidings, - 68 Of Pardon through Christ, - ib. Of Reconciliation, - - - 70 3. Adoption, . ... 71 4. Union and Communion of the Church, , . . . 7i 5. Free Access to God with Acceptance, 71 6. Of Hearing- Prayer, . . . 75 7. Of Sanctifying Grace in general, 78 8. Particularly of Converting Grace, 79 of the Grace of Repent- ance, - - - 80 of the Grace of Faith, 81 of Grace to fear God, ib. 9. Of Knowledge, - - - - 82 Of Wisdom, .... 84 Of Divine Teaching, - - ih. Of Divine Guidance, - - tb. Of Ability for good Discourse, - 85 10. Of tiie Means of Grace, - - 86 Of a Blessing upon them, - - 87 11. Grace against Sin and Temptation 89 244 Page Grace to mortify Sin, - - 89 Against Temptation, - ib. 11. Grace to preserve from the Entice- ments of Sinners, - - 90 Against Victory over the World, - - - ih. Victory over the Devil, 91 12. Strength, Courage, and Resolution, 92 13. Fruitfulness and Increase of Grace, 93 Particularly in Old Age, 94 Increase of Grace, - ih. The Grace of Meekness, ih. 14. Grace to Persevere, - - - 95 15. Sanctified Afflictions, . - 97 16. Grace to the Children of Believers, 99 17. An Interest in God, - - - 101 As our God, - - ih. As our Portion, - 102 Our Gloiy, - - ih. Of his Presence, - ib. His Love, - - 103 His Mercy, - - 104 His Help, - - 105 His Care, - - 106 His Covenanting with his People, - - 107 That God will not for- sake them, - - ih. 18. An Interest in Christ, - - 109 — All Grace from Him, - - ib — Redemption by Him, - - 110 245 Page. — Life from Him, - - - 111 — His Intercession, - - - 113 — His I^ove, . - - - ib. — His Care of his Church, - ib. — His Presence with his People, 114 19. Promises of the Spirit, - - ib. His Teaching", - - 116 His Help in Prayer, - ib. To witness our Adoption, 117 To seal our Redemption, t^. To be our Comforter, 118 Joy in the Holy Ghost, ib. 20. The Ministry of Angels, - - ib, 21. That we should be Kings and Priests to God, - . - , ib. 22. Peace of Conscience, - - 119 Comfort and Hope, . - - ib. 23. Delight and Joy in God, - - 122 23. Support in Death, - - 124 CHAPTER rV PROMISES OF BLESSINGS IN THE OTHER WORLD. 1. Deliverance from Hell, - - 126 2. Happiness immediately after Death, 127 3. A Glorious Resurrection, - - 128 4. Everlasting Happiness in Heaven, 132 Pai-ticularly Freedom from all Sorrow, - 134 24b Fage Great Joy, 135 Glory, - - - ib. A kingdom. 136 An Inheritance, ib. The Enjoyment of God, and Eternal Life, i3r PART n. Promises to Several Graces and Duties. CHAPTER I. PROMISES TO DUTIES OF THE FIBST TABIB. 1. To Fdth particularly in Christ, - 138 To Confessing Christ, - - 140 2. Repentance, - . - - 141 To them that Mourn for the Wickedness of the Land, 144 To Repentance in Affliction, ib. To Confession of Sin, - 145 3. Obedience, - - - - 146 Obeying Christ, - - 151 4. Sincerity and Uprightness, - 15'2 5 Love of God, - - - - 154 Love of Christ, - - . - 155 247 Page 6. Trusting-, Hoping" in, and patiently Waiting" on God, - - - 155 r. The Fear of God, - - - 158 Honouring God, - - 160 8. Prayer, ----- ib. Seeking God, - - - - 162 Secret Prayer, - - - - 163 Pi-aising God, - - - - ib. Desires of Grace, - - - ib. 9. Wisdom and Knowledge, - - 164 The Love and Study of Wisdom, 167 The Knowledge of God and Christ, 168 Learning from Christ, - - ib. 10. Hearing and reading the Word of God, ----- tb. Loving the Word, - - - 171 Trembling at it, - - - ib. 11. Meditation, - - - ■ ib. 12. Fasting, 172 Fasting in Secret, - - - ib. 13. Baptism, 173 14. The Lord's Supper, - - - 174 15. Good Discourse, - - - 175 Government of the Tongue, ib. 16. Watchfulness, - - - - 176 17. Keeping Good Company, - 177 Avoiding Evil Company, - - ib. 18. Performing Oaths, - - - t6. 19. Keeping the Sabbath, - - 178 248 CHAPTER n. VBOmSES TO DUTIES OF THE SECOITS TABLB. Page 1. obedience to Parents, - - 179 2. Good Education, - - - 180 The Correcting of Children, 181 3. A Good Wife, ... - ib. 4. Faithful Servants, - - - 182 5. Good King's and Ma^strates, - 183 6. Obedient Subjects, - - - t7). 7. Faithful Ministers, - - - ib. 8. To them that receive and hearken to Ministers, - - - 186 9. Love and Unity, ... ib. to the Peace-makers, - 187 to God's People, - - ib. 10. To the Charitable, the Merciful, and Liberal, - - - - 188 — To Supporting God's Worship and Ministers, - - - 192 — To Alms in Secret, - - 193 - The Merciful, - - - ib. 11. Reproving Faithfully, - - 191 "■ And regarding Reproof ib. 12. Forgiving Injuries, - - - 195 13. Purity, 196 14. Diligence, ... - ib. Improving Talents, - 197 15. The Just and Honest, - - ib. 16. Truth, 199 249 Page 17. Candour in Judg-ing-, - - 200 Candour in Speaking-, - - ih. 18. Contentment and Mortification, ib. Spiritually Minded, - - 201 CHAPTER III. PROMISES BEtONGINO TO BOTH TABLES. 1. To the Meek, - - - - ih. And to the Humble, - 203 The Contrite and Mourners, 204 2. To them that Suffer for Rig-hteous- ness» Sake, - - - 205 To them that are unjustly Excom- municated, ... 206 3, Patience and Submission, - - 207 4. Perseverance, .... 209 To him that overcometh, 210 AN APPENDIX OF PROMISES RELATING TO THE STATE OF THE CHURCH. 1 . Of the enlargement of the Church, and Spreading- of the Gospel and King-dom of Chi-ist through the World, - ... 212 2. The Glory cf the Cluu-ch, - - 218 250 Page S. Increase of Light, &c. and Means of Grace, 220 4. Increase of Purity, Holiness and Righteousness, ... 221 5. Peace, Love, and Unity, in the Church, - - - - 222 6. Submission and destruction of the Enemies of the Church, - 224 • Destruction of Antichrist, and of Babylon, - - - 225 7. Favour, and Submission of Kings to the Kingdom of Christ, - 226 8. Security, Tranquillity, and Prosperi- ty of the Church, - - 227 9. The Perpetual Continuance of the Church, , ... 229 10. The Conversion and Restoration of the Jews, - , - - 230 CONCLUSION. That God will perform all his Promises, 239 DATE DUE «lM«i< W«\"o 12 01005 1037