CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

Argum. 2 A Second Argument is from the Covenant of grace and Gods sure mercies, which are made to such, and this makes them stand like Mount Zion, yea firmer, for at the day of Judgement that shall be shaken, but these will go safe through the fiery Trial: This Magna Charta, of which you have several branches or promises every where, is clearly laid down, Jer. 32.39, 30. God there promiseth first the Conversion of his people, He will write his Law in their inward parts, and then he promiseth Perseverance, He will put his Fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from him: God there promiseth he will never turn from them, and he will so graciously affect their hearts as they shall never turn from him, and this Covenant the Prophet calls an Everlasting Covenant, it shall last above the Sun and Moon, it shall not be like the former Covenant that was broken, and indeed it must needs continue, for it promiseth all those qualifications which may enable to persevere, and perseverance it self▪ For whereas it may be thought Gods own Children may through careless, negligent, and slothful walking, undo themselves, God saith, He will put his fear in their hearts, as being the special Antidote against Apostasy, for Blessed is he that feareth always, Prov. 28.14. It's a blessed thing not to be in a doubtful perplexing fear, that is a cursed, hellish thing, the portion of Cain and Judas ▪ but in a filial, godly Fear, as Joseph was, when he said, How can I do this, and sin against God? Now sin can never come in at the Gate while Fear is the Porter; Therefore above all things God saith, He will put his Fear in their ⟨p. 359⟩hearts, and this promise is spoken so peremptorily and absolutely, that it's an absurd thing with the Arminians to suppose some condition on mans part that it may be made good, as if God indeed were ready to put his fear in their hearts, for his part nothing shall be wanting, only they must not put a stop to his munificence, for this is as if God had said, I will give you a will to fear me if you will, I will make you to will if you will, or I will make you to persevere if you will persevere; I will make you that you shall never depart from me, if ye will not depart from me; What a ridiculous and absurd sense would hereby be put upon this Glorious Promise;