Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applied unto unconverted sinners, and saints…Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applyed unto unconverted sinners, and saints…

ALTHOUGH this Promise may have respect unto the Gracious dealing of God with the People of the Jews after their Return from the Captivity, yet hath it so only as it was Typical of the Redemption of the Church by Jesus Christ: But it belongs properly to the Times of the Gospel, when the Righteous were to flourish, and it is a Promise of the New Covenant, as is manifest, in that it is not only given unto Believers, but is also extended unto their Seed and Off-spring, which is an assured Signature of New Covenant Promises. And here is, (1.) A supposition of what we are in our selves, both before and after our Conversion unto God, namely, as thirsty, dry, and barren Ground. We have nothing in our selves, no ⟨p. 40⟩radical moisture to make us flourishing and fruitful. And as it is before, so it is after Conversion; We are not sufficient of our selves, our sufficiency is of God, 2 Cor. 3. 5. Being left to our selves, we should utterly wither and perish. But, (2.) Here is the blessed Relief which God in this Case hath provided; he will pour the sanctifying Water of his Spirit, and the Blessing of his Grace upon us. And this he will so do, as to cause us to spring up as among the Grass, as Willows by the water courses. There is nothing of a more eminent and almost visible growth, than Willows by the water courses. Such shall be the Spiritual growth of Believers under the Influences of these Promises; that is, they shall be fat and flourishing, and still bring forth fruit. And other Promises of the same Nature there are many; but we must observe two things concerning them, that we may be satisfied in their Accomplishment. As,

1. THE Promises of the New Covenant, as unto the first Communication of Grace unto the Elect, are absolute and inconditional; they are the executive conveyances of Gods immutable Purposes and Decrees: And what should be the condition of the Communication of the first Grace unto us? Nothing that is not Grace can be so. If it be said, that this also is of God in us, which is the Condition of the Communication of the first Saving Grace unto us, then I would know whether that be bestowed on us without any Condition; if it be, then that is the first Grace, as being absolutely free; if it be not, then what is the Condition whereon it is bestowed, concerning