A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

and that we do enjoy that Pledge of Gods Veracity in the Accomplishment of his Promises, which they attained not unto, shall we think it much, if they are exercised some part of that season, (as yet but a small time) in looking after the Accomplishment of other Promises? (3) Disappointment of appearing means is of the same nature. Long after the Promise given and renewed, the Law is in a solemn and glorious manner delivered unto the Church, as the Rule of their worship and the means of their Acceptance with God. Hence the Generality of the People did always suppose, that this was it, which would make all things perfect. Something indeed they thought might be added unto its Glory, in the personal coming of the Messiah: but the Law was still to be that which was to make all things perfect. And we may easily apprehend what a surprisal it was unto them, when it was made manifest that the Law was so far from effecting this promised state, that there was a necessity of taking it out of the way as a thing weak and unprofitable, that the better Hope perfecting the state of the Church might be introduced. Such Appearances are sometimes represented unto us of means highly probable for the Delivery of the Church, which after a while do utterly disappear, and things are rolled into a posture quite contrary unto the expectations of many. When there is an Appearance of what God hath promised, of what Believers have prayed for, it is no wonder if some do earnestly embrace it. But where God hath laid aside any means, and sufficiently declared that it is not his holy pleasure to use it in such a way, or unto such a length as we would desire for the fulfilling of his Promises, it is not Duty, but obstinacy and selfishness to adhere unto it, with any such expectations.

and that we do enjoy that Pledge of Gods Veracity in the Accomplishment of his Promises, which they attained not unto, shall we think it much, if they are exercised some part of that season, (as yet but a small time) in looking after the Accomplishment of other Promises? (3) Disappointment of appearing means is of the same nature. Long after the Promise given and renewed, the Law is in a solemn and glorious manner delivered unto the Church, as the Rule of their worship and the means of their Acceptance with God. Hence the Generality of the People did alwayes suppose, that this was it, which would make all things perfect. Something indeed they thought might be added unto its Glory, in the personal coming of the Messiah: but the Law was still to be that which was to make all things perfect. And we may easily apprehend what a surprizal it was unto them, when it was made manifest that the Law was so far from effecting this promised state, that there was a necessity of taking it out of the way as a thing weak and unprofitable, that the better Hope perfecting the state of the Church might be introduced. Such Appearances are sometimes represented unto us of means highly probable for the Delivery of the Church, which after a while do utterly disappear, and things are rolled into a posture quite contrary unto the expectations of many. When there is an Appearance of what God hath promised, of what Believers have prayed for, it is no wonder if some do earnestly embrace it. But where God hath laid aside any means, and sufficiently declared that it is not his holy pleasure to use it in such a way, or unto such a length as we would desire for the fulfilling of his Promises, it is not Duty, but obstinacy and selfishness to adhere unto it, with any such expectations.