can we do better than to treasure up the Promises in our hearts, which are the most effectual persuasives to fulfil the one, and sustain the other? Here are laid up the true riches of a Christian, and his highest hopes on this side heaven. The materials which are collected here are all divine, and the disposition of them is elegant and regular; so that it is an easy matter to find something suited to the frame of our souls, or our present wants, on every occasion: And that soul who knows what a suitable promise is worth in an hour of darkness or temptation, will never think such a work as this, and such a various treasure, can have sufficient value set upon it. This is such a piece as I dare put into the hands. of every Christian, among all their divided sects and parties in the world. Here is no danger of error or mistake in point of orthodoxy, if the English be but truly translated from the sacred originals. The noisy controversies of the age, which eat out the vitals of true religion, have no room nor place here; for these sentences are the pure word of God, without any mixtures of the wit or reasonings with man. It is the least thing that I can do to show my gratitude to the pious author of this Collection, to tell the world how much I esteem it, how often it has given me consolation and support in the midst of my long infirmities and confinements in former years, when I was not capable of reading a whole page together in any writing: and there are multitudes of Christians that can bear the same testimony, to the value of this Collection of Promises, who have found it an effectual spur to duty, and a divine relief under surrounding sorrows. In order to a better improvement of these Promises, it may be very proper to read the Introduction first, which will teach even Christians of the lower rank, how to understand and apply all these discoveries of divine mercy. Those who have little leisure for reading, may find their account in keeping this book always near them, and with the glance of an eye, they may take in the riches of grace and glory, and derive many a sweet refreshment from hence, amidst their labours and travels through this wilderness. It is of excellent use to lie on the table in a chamber of sickness, and now and then to take a sip of the river of life, which runs through it in a thousand little rills of peace and joy. May this edition which brings it again into the world, be attended with still greater success: And I shall be glad to see such an evidence of growing Christianity and living religion among us, that such an assemblage of divine mercies which have been showered down from heaven in different ages, upon this wretched world, ever since the fall of man, comes into the relish and taste of mankind, so far as to be perused and prized by them. May the Holy Spirit of God who indited all these Promises, and our blessed Mediator, who by his ministry and by his blood has sealed and confirmed them all, render them every day more and more powerful and prevalent, to draw the hearts of men towards God, and to fit them for the enjoyment of these words of grace in their complete accomplishment in glory! Amen. NEWINGTON, I. WATTS. INTRODUCTION, CONTAINING Some Observations upon the Excellency and Use of the PROMISES, and Directions for the right Application of them. BESIDES the many other evidences the holy scripture carries in it, of a divine original, there are especially remarkable, the sublimity, excellency, and reasonableness, of the doctrines it teaches; the wisdom, holiness, and perfection, of the rules of life it lays down; and the strength and efficacy of those sanctions, with which it enforces its precepts. As the Threatenings have the greatest tendency to strike an awe upon the mind, and to lay a powerful restraint upon every irregular inclination; so the Promises are of such a nature, as most strongly to excite to, and give the greatest encouragement in, a course of piety and universal holiness. It is therefore with the highest reason the apostle says of them, that there are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust,' 2 Pet. i. 4. They are great and excellent; whether we consider the nature and variety of the blessings contained in them, the manner in which they are expressed, the certainty with which we may depend upon them, or their happy influence upon the mind. They contain blessings of all sorts, of the most excellent nature, and suited to every circumstance. As man is made up of body, as well as spirit, and the necessities of this present life must be provided for, as well as his happiness secured in the next; in the Promises abundant care is taken of both, and provision is made for the peace, comfort, and welfare of the Christian, both in this, and in the other world. He is assured of the several necessaries and conveniences of this life, in such a measure, as infinite wisdom sees best for him. And since we are exposed to various troubles and calamities, there are many Promises made with relation to them; either that we shall be preserved from those afflictions, or, if it be necessary we should be exercised with them, that we shall be powerfully supported under them, and in the best time and way delivered from them, after they have been made to answer the most excellent ends upon us. Nor is it easy to say, what a vast variety of consolations are provided for our relief in those trials. But, however valuable, considering the circumstances of our present state, the Promises relating to temporal enjoyments and afflictions may be, they are not to be compared with the excellency and glory of those spiritual and eternal blessings, with which we are blessed in Christ Jesus, and of which we have the most clear, full, and express Promises in the gospel. Therein, how great, how particular a regard is had to the condition of fallen, sinful man! What care is taken to ease the conscience under the burden of guilt, and the apprehensions of Divine wrath, by the most gracious promises of pardon and mercy! What assurances given of reconciliation ard acceptance with God, through the blood and intercession of the Redeemer! To what glorious |