[1.] That we are not only to believe tJieir accoinplishmeut, but to be in the actual exercise of faith about it; for without this, we shall want a great supportment of patient long-suffering in every time of trial. And by this faith do we take in the power and comfort of things promised, things not actually enjoyed; for "faith is the sub- stance of things hoped for," Heb. xi. 1, — that which gives a previous subsistence in the mind and soul, as unto the benefit and comfort of them, of " the things hoped for." And those whose minds are exer- cised unto these things do know what benefit they have by such a
-648 THE DESIGN OF IMPENDENT JUDGMENTS.
perception of them. They are carried sometimes, by a way of believing, into communion with them who lived in the old world, as they had with us in the expectation of what we enjoy; and into the same kind of communion with those who hereafter shall enjoy the accomplish- ment of those promises which may yet be afar off.
[2.] This faith ought to be most firm when all things seem to con- spire in rendering the accomplishment of such promises not only im- probable, but also impossible, as unto present outward causes ; as in the state of things at this day in the world. There are no visible or appearing means of the fulfilling any of them, — yea, the whole world is joined in a conspiracy to defeat them ; but true faith riseth against those oppositions, and is prevalent against them all.
For, having God alone — his power, faithfulness, and truth — for its object, it values not the opposition that men can make against them. That shall be done in this kind which God is able to do, let men do what they please. God laughs all their proud attempts to scorn ; and so may the virgin daughter of Zion also.
(2.) It is our duty to i^ray for the accomplishment of all tlie pro- mises and predictions that are on record in the book of God con- cerning the kingdom of Christ and his church in this world. God will do these things ; yet for all of them he will be souglit unto b}^ the house of Israel. This hath been the practice of believers in all ages, both under the Old Testament and the New. Prayer for the accom- l^lishment of promises hath been the life-breath of the church in all ages; and faith hereby brings in gi'eat refreshment unto the soul. And the greatest evidence of its approach will be a plentiful effusion of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers, be they few or more at any time in the world, stirring them up and enabHng them to pray effectually and fervently for their accomplishment ; as in the example of Daniel, chap. ix. 1-3. Wherefore, —
(3.) There are three things considerable in such promises and pre- dictions:— [1.] The grace and mercy that is in them; [2.] The suitableness of that grace and mercy unto the state of believers at any time; [3.] The literal accomplishment of them in their outward circumstances. The two former belong unto us at all times, and we may plead with God in faith for the effects of them in all our trials and distresses.
With respect hereunto it is that the people of God have fiiith in him against the world, with all their enemies and oppressors, which they have been so reproached withal, as the Lord Christ was with his faith imto the same purpose, Ps. xxii. 8. When things seem to go evil with them, when they are shut up in the hands of their enemies and oppressors, as the Lord Christ was upon the cross, the world is ready to reproach tlicm with their confidence in God, and their o^\^l-
THE DESIGN OF IMPENDENT JUDGMENTS. GiO
ing themselves to be his people ; but they fjxint not herein. However things may go for a season, they are secured of the grace and mercv which is in the promises; which are suited unto all their wants, all that they can desire absolutely, yea, their full deliverance, when it is best for them. But, —
(4.) Remember, that, as unto the application of the accomplishment of such promises and predictions, in their outward effects, unto certain times and seasons, many have been wofully mistaken; which hath been the ground and occasion of very scandalous miscarriages. The world hath scarce seen greater outrages of sin and wickedness than have been countenanced by this pretence, that such or such a time was now come, and that therein such and such things were to be done by those who made such interpretations and applications. For when such a conceit befalls the minds of men, it sets them loose from all rules but their own inclinations. And many have, from such appre- hensions, fallen under sad and scandalous disappointments. Where- fore,—
(5.) Such an expectation or confidence of the events of promises, prophecies, and predictions, as hinders men from applying their minds thoroughly unto the present duties that God calls for, is heedfully to be watched against. I have heard many arguing and pleading for the strengthening of such confidences, but I never saw good effect of them. They please for the present; they profit not.