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

That by two Immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lye, we might have a strong Consolation, who have fled for Refuge to lay hold upon the Hope set before us.

Two things in general the Apostle further designs in this Verse. (1) That the Declaration which God had made of the Immutability of his Counsel in this matter was every way sufficient and satisfactory. (2) What was the especial End and Design which he had therein, towards the Heirs of Promise?

For the first, He doth it by declaring the Evidence given and the Nature ¹of it, which consisted in two Immutable things. [Greek or Hebrew] is an Act or Deed, such as we make and deliver when we convey any thing from one to another. An Instrument of an Assurance. This is the Promise and the Oath of God. Security is given by them; both from their own Nature, and also because they are two; two Witnesses whereby the thing intended is established. But what need was there of two such things? Is it because one of these was weak, infirm, alterable, such as may be justly challenged, or excepted against; that the other is added to strengthen and confirm it? No, saith the Apostle, both of them are equally Immutable. Wherefore we must still carry along with us, the infinite and unconceivable Condescension of God in this matter, who to obviate our Temptations, and relieve us under our weaknesses, is pleased to give this Variety unto his Divine Testimony, which he did ex Abundanti; not only beyond what he was any way obliged unto, but whatever we could desire or expect.

For the first, He doth it by declaring the Evidence given and the Nature ¹of it, which consisted in two Immutable things. is an Act or Deed, such as we make and deliver when we convey any thing from one to another. An Instrument of an Assurance. This is the Promise and the Oath of God. Security is given by them; both from their own Nature, and also because they are two; two Witnesses whereby the thing intended is established. But what need was there of two such things? Is it because one of these was weak, infirm, alterable, such as may be justly challenged, or excepted against; that the other is added to strengthen and confirm it? No, saith the Apostle, both of them are equally Immutable. Wherefore we must still carry along with us, the infinite and unconceiveable Condescension of God in this matter, who to obviate our Temptations, and relieve us under our weaknesses, is pleased to give this Variety unto his Divine Testimony, which he did ex Abundanti; not only beyond what he was any way obliged unto, but whatever we could desire or expect.