Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/149

 The Doctrine arising herehence.

Doct. 1. Gods promises carry in them the vertue of a gift.

Reason. Because they make the thing promised certainly to belong unto those, to whom it is promised. For although it be not yet actually in their possession, yet it is that power that is certainly produced into act. The cause is, 1. The truth of God that promiseth. 2. The Divine Power which accompanieth Gods promises, wherof mention was made in the former verse. Vse 1. This may serve to refute those that make Gods promises wholly to depend upon mans will. 2. To comfort all the faithfull, that they may be of good courage, and have a firme hope in the good things that are promised by God. Doct. 2. Gods promises are of things exceeding great.

Hence it is that the Scripture often speakes of the wondrous things of Gods word, Psal. 119.18. And it evidently appears by the things themselves, if they are well weighed and considered; whether we look unto the divine properties which breake forth in the things promised, or their divine effects. For wonderfull is the mercy, and power, and providence whereupon they depend; and the effects also are wonderfull, for many of them are such, that they do so transcend mans capacity, that they seeme unto many utterly unpossible and incredible: as the resurrection, immortality, and life everlasting. Vse 1. This may serve to condemne the stupidity of those, that are nothing moved or taken with these things that are so great and wonderfull. 2. To exhort us, to labour and strive in our prayers with David, that our eyes may be more and more opened, to be able to see the wonderfull nature of them. Doct. 3. Gods promises are as precious unto us, as they are great in themselves.

So they are distinguished: for if God had promised that he would make another World, yet so, as that it should nothing pertaine unto us, this indeed had been an exceeding great promise, but nothing precious unto us; but when he so promised a world to come, wherein immortality and