great glory shall dwell, as that we should possesse it, this promise is as precious as it is great. Hence it is, that in the Scriptures the testimonies of God are extolled, whose promises are exceeding great above all riches, Psal.119. 14. Above gold and silver, and all precious things, as we often read in the Psalmes and Proverbs. Use 1. This may serve to exhort us, both in judgement, affection and all our endeavours, to carry our selves answerable to these divine promises, as to the most precious thing that is, as we are admonished, Prov.2. 4. To seeke them as silver, and search for them as for hid treasures. And Prov. 8. 10. to receive them, and not silver, &c. And to be more delighted with these then with the sweetest gifts, to get these promises at any price, how great soever, though we sell all that we have, as it is in the parable of the Merchant, who found a precious Jewell. 2. To comfort those Christians that are poore in spirit, even in this present world; for though they have nothing excellent in these outward things, yet they have those exceeding great & precious things provided by God for them. They are in this like unto that heire, of whom Paul makes mention, Gal.4.1. Doct. 4. By vertue of these promises we are made partakers of the divine stature.
Now by nature is not meant the essence of God, but those perfections, whereof we have a representation made by the Spirit Epist. 1. c.2.v.9. They are called the vertues of God, and in their places, it is called the life of God, the Image of God, and the Spirit of God. And this nature is communicated by vertue of the promises, because the promise of the Gospell in this differs from the Law, for the Law considered in it selfe is a killing Letter, and the ministration of death in respect of sinners, but the Gospell is the ministration of the quickning Spirit, 2 Cor.3 6 7,8.
Reason. Because the Spirit of God together with the Gospell worketh our salvation.
Vse 1. This may serve to direct us, to examine our selves whether the promises of God have beene effectuall in us yet or no? for if we have nothing in us above naturall men, or our corrupt nature, wee are yet strangers to the promises of God.
