A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

1. We see the greatness of the Condescension of God. Herein God considereth rather what is fit for our Infirmity, than his own glorious Excellencies. Such is the Sovereign Majesty of God, that it is enough for him to declare his Mind to his Creatures, to command what he would have done, and to forbid what he dislikes; but he addeth a Promise; and would indent with us in the solemn way of a Covenant, as if we were altogether free before the Contract. Now as if his Word were not enough, (though it be enough, he can as well deny his Nature as his Truth; he can do all things, but he cannot lie) he addeth his Oath. We take it ill to be forced to our Oath. That God should engage himself at all, is much, for he is Debtor to no Man. We account it a wrong to a Friend, to require a Bond of him for the assuming of a free Gift. God is willing to do any thing, not only for our Safety, ⟨p. 205⟩but Assurance, that the Comfort might be more strong, and remain with us in Life and Death. It is not acceptable to God, that we should always fluctuate, and be upon Terms of Uncertainty; therefore he was pleased to yield thus far.

2. What Reason we have to bind our selves to God. There was no need on God's part why God should bind himself to us; but great need on our part why we should bind our selves to God. We start aside like a deceitful Bow, and therefore we should solemnly bind our selves to God. Psal. 119.106. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy Righteous Judgments. We need the strongest Cords: we have sometimes Motions to Good, but they die presently, and come to nothing. Well then, out of Necessity, as well as out of Gratitude, let our Engagement in the Covenant answer to the Lord's: Only take heed of resting in it, and take heed of breaking it. Take heed of resting in it; remember, Peter's confident Promise would not bear him out; a rash and presumptuous Confidence is soon disappointed. What Feathers are we, for all our Vows and Oaths, when the Blast of a Temptation is let loose upon us! Take heed of breaking it, remember Ananias,