a

times for you.

your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot : Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last

1 Pet. i. 17-20. “ Behold my servant whom I uphold, mine elect in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my spirit upon him, he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor

lift

up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break : and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.” Isai. xlii. 1-3.

“ Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation : he that believeth, shall not make haste.” Isai. xxviii. 16.

I could adduce many more collateral texts from Scripture, in support of my

doctrine, but must here close my argumentation, with an humble and earnest request, that the reader would not condemn the work, on account of an unguarded expression, or even sentiment; but rather judge from the whole tenor of the doctrine, with candour and impartiality, in such a manner as he will look back upon with approbation, when sickness seizes, medicine fails, and the icy arms of death encircle him.

"The thought of death indulge;

Give it its wholesome empire! let it reign,
That kind chastiser of thy soul in joy!
Its reign will spread thy glorious conquests far,
And still the tumults of thy ruffled breast:
Auspicious era! golden days, begin!

The thought of death shall, like a god, inspire.
And why not think on death? Is life the theme
Of every thought? and wish of every hour?
And song of every joy? Surprising truth!
The beaten spaniel's fondness not so strange.
To wave the numerous ills that seize on life
As their own property, their lawful prey;
Ere man has measur'd half his weary stage,
His luxuries have left him no reserve."

THE

HEAVENLY REPOSITORY;

OR, A

COLLECTION OF THE
MOST PRECIOUS AND GONSOLATORY*

SCRIPTURE PROMISES,

BROUGHT INTO

ONE COMPENDIOUS VIEW,

FOR THE

COMFORT OF BELIEVERS,
(Particularly wbile on tbeir sick and dying beds)

AND THE

CONVICTION OF UNBELIEVERS.

“He is faithful that promised.” Heb. x. 23.

PREFACE.

The present collection of Scripture promises, is a most appropriate supplement to the Rights of God," and the best vindication of the impartiality of the great Jehovah. The numerous instances wherein they have been fulfilled, has a tendency to remove the doubts of the philosophical unbeliever; and their application to the true believer's heart, is a reviving cordial, while travelling through this miserable world; they are in short, his choicest riches and highest hopes, this side heaven. To those who know the benefit of a suitable promise in the hour and power of darkness and temptation, this collection will be a celestial treasure; and will be a most pleasurable and profitable companion for the merchant in his counting-house, the lady in her parlour, or the sick man in his chamber; where, with the glance of an eye, they may derive heavenly refreshment, and may participate the joy of angels. By neglecting the promises of God, many a sincere Christian has been filled with solicitude and anxiety, both about the concerns of this life, and the apprehensions of death; and thus have been, by their own inattention,deprived of the best comforts of religion through life, and at the hour of death. The gracious promises of God were given for our comfort and support, in the hour of trouble and temptation. Why should we then, rob our souls of promises so sweet, so pleasant, so precious? and which "should be written on the table of our hearts!" Many serious people, while on their sick and dying beds, are deprived of the most divine consolation, for want of reading, or having the promises of God applicable to their condition, read to them, by some social and sympathetic friend. The reason is obvious: viz. As most people are not Scriptarians, they might search the Bible for an hour before they tound one appropriate promise. Hence, out of one hundred who depart this life scarcely one has the consolatory promises of God applied to their disconsolate minds, at the awful hour of death; although calculated to be a balm for every wound, a cordial for every fear. I do therefore, from the purest motives, most humbly entreat thee, O reader, who may be the owner of this book, and was I in thy presence, I would on my bended knees implore the same favour, namely; that you would be so kind, as to read the following promises of "support in death, and happiness after death," to any of your relatives, friends, or acquaintances, or even neighbours, who may be on the borders of eternity. This act of kindness may be the source of supreme happiness to yourself, as well as them. And I would also most humbly entreat the respectable inembers of that excellent and benevolent institution, called "The Philadelphia Society for alleviating the miseries of indigent sick persons," grant me, or rather, to grant the indigent sick under their compassionate notice, and whom they periodically visit and relieve, the same favour.

"to

THE HEAVENLY REPOSITORY.

[Ye who love the Lord, remember through life, and when you lay upon your dying beds, the great happiness you will enjoy immediately after death, which is herein promised to you, by him who cannot lie. Therefore read these promises, or get them repeatedly read to your comfort ; and O! thank with supreme gratitude, the God who promised, and the compassionate Redeemer, who purchased by his precious blood, so many blessings for the chief of sinners.]

Ps. lxxxiii. 24. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. fob iii. 17. There the wicked tease from troubling, and there the weary be at rest. Ver. 18. There the prisoners rest together, they hear not the voice of the oppressor. Isa. lyii. 2. He shall enter in

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