as it were an house and by and by pulls it down If the bringing forth of some things is like the shooting up of Mushrooms quickly up and quickly down yet sure the Providence of God reacheth to these Mushrooms as well as to the Cedars of Lebanon There is no reason for â—oolish man to find fault with an All-wise God though he presents that on the stage of the World which hath not its imagined issue God hath wise Ends subordinate to his Glory in Dispensations of this nature 1. To let men know how the Lord he is God for things go according to his thoughts and not as men surmise and imagine according to the outward appearance of things O Lord saith the Psalmist how great are thy works and thy thoughts very deep A brutish man knoweth not neither doth a fool understand this when the wicked spring as gross and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish it is that they shall be destroyed for ever Psal 92. 5 6 7. For â—…y thoughts are not as your thoughts neither are your ways my ways saith the Lord for as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts Isa 15. 8 9. 2. To display his Soveraignty more or less as he pleaseth What if the Lord shall dash vessels made shake off the fruit ere it be ripe as in abortive Infants Is He therefore to be quarrelled with May not he break the vessels as Jer. 18. 6 O house of Israel cannot I do with you as this potter saith the Lord and say to the Fig-tree Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever Mat. 21. 19. 3. To bring to light the sins of men by a probable face of things Shimei discovers his rooted venom in the fruits of it when David was made at by Absolom Achitophel and their followers 2 Sam. 16. If there be a likelihood of this or that Error to have favour and profit annexed to it though it be a very gross or palpable one yea though a heap of them what villany doth appear on the deck which before lay close under the hatches of the ship What coining of Distinctions which the great Master of the Mint will censure as false and felonious to the Crown of Heaven The Lord then is wise in setting up such Pumps which being ply'd throw forth black and slimy waters 4. To exercise the graces of persons for the graces of Saints may be both proved and improved by a probable face of things So it was in Abraham's offering up of Isaac his faith fear obedience were displayed Gen. 22. 12. with Heb. 11. 17 18 19. 5. To punish men for their sins Probabilities in matters make way for vindictive Certainties Pharaoh from a Probability is intangled into the Lord's Net in the Red-sea Exod. 14. 3. The red waters become bloody ones to the Moabites whose wrong conclusion from probable Premises proved a bloody one 2 King 3. 22 23 24. 6. To teach men constant dependance on God Men point and God disappoints They propose but God disposeth The wind of Providence is variable and therefore men had need eye God in the voyage It is not so soon done as said We will go into such a City and continue there a year and buy and sell and get gain See James 4. 13 14 15. Lastly To lesson thankfulness for a display of Mercy in dashing-things likely to take place A Copy of Conveyance is cut in pieces and a fresh one is drawn by the hand of Providence for the good of the party Ruth's marriage with the Kinsman was dash't and well for her whom Providence had intended for a more ingenuous and pious man What is dash't holds in many cases for the best God hath regard to his when he seemeth to have none He dams up a Well and opens a better Spring for them Their business best succeeds when it is sometimes quite dash't As there are blessed disappointments so there is ground to bless God for such disappointments which come from the Heart as well as the hand of gracious Providence OBSERVATION XLI There is an over-ruling Conduct of Providence in bringing matters to their journey's end and that notwithstanding letts in the way and the length of the way CHAP. I. AS there is a dashing-work of Providence as hath before been shewed so there is an Accomplishing-work in regard of what the Lord wills or willingly suffers to be in the world What the Lord will have take place must notwithstanding impediments and delays for a time And this appears to be so if we consider 1. The Power of God 2. The Wisdom of God 1. Nothing is too hard for Infinite Power to bring about The greatest blocks in the way like a feather are blown away with the breath of Providence All letts like the thin film of Ice shall be dissolved by the warm Sun-beams of Providential Influences The Israelites had lien long in the Egyptian Fornace it was too hot a work for Moses and Aaron to pluck them thence by the hand of violence that was not the Lord's way of delivering them and yet the Lord saved the people out of the Land of Egypt Jude ver 5. The Jews met with opposers in the Temple-work it is said how upon an Order from Artaxerxes Rehum and Shimshai with their companions made them to cease by force and power Ezra 4. 23. and yet this work which lay dormant for some years was finish't at last see Ezra 4. 24. with Ezra 6. 15. John 2. 20. 2. God according to his Infinite Wisdom hath ways to bring about matters in his own time notwithstanding hindrances and delays for a time In 1 Sam. 6. 5. the Philistins took the Ark of God they have it but must not hold it it must be had home again and how shall this be Let the Lord alone who can find out a way for its conveyance though it be in the Countrey of the Philistins seven months as it is related 1 Sam. 6. 1. Suppose those Fifty thousand three-score and ten men who were slain upon the return of the Ark 1 Sam. 6. 19. had been slain in battel in order to the rescue of the Ark yet the same way God took to bring it home would have availed though the difficulty of having it home had been greater in the eyes of the men of Israel who in this case had fought to no purpose And what is said in this case of the Ark holds in other matters Our Cock-shell Capacity is not receptive of the Ocean of Divine Wisdom Let this Sun arise and it scatters the clouds and mists that are in our eye A thousand ways infinite Wisdom hath to effect matters though we see never an one CHAP. II. 1. SEE the reason why there is dejection and despondency Men have both their eyes fixed on Hindrances and Delays and not half an one open to the Providence of God Whilst David pores on Saul's Power Subtilty and
one and the bitter rivulets of the other flow from the Spring-heads of Providence Agur acknowledgeth this in that prayer of his recorded Prov. 30. 8. And so Job in his doxology or thanksgiving Job 1. 21. yea God himself doth attest this in his contest with Israel saying For she did not know that I gave her corn and wine and oyl and multiplied her silver and gold which they prepared for Baal therefore behold I will return and take away my corn in the time thereof and my wine in the season thereof and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness Hos 2. 8 9. 3. There is a proper and full object for faith and meditation to be conversant about Videmus ergo non posse fidem nostra stare firmam nisi semper occurrat nobis Providentia Dei quod scilicet in rebus confusis sciat cur tantum permittat licentiae reprobis deinde quorsum evasuri sint eorum conarus quis tandem futurus sit exitus Nisi ergo hoc nobis persuasum sit Deum arcanâ Providentiâ moderari res turbatas centies quotidie imo singulis momentis Satan excuteret nobis fiduciam quae debet quiescere in Deo Calv. in Hab. 1. v. 12. in order to the tranquillity of the soul and that in the midst of all the great concussions terrible aspects of second-causes windings and turnings of affairs that are or shall be in the world Let it be considered in whose hand the government of the world is and then though Heaven and Earth do come together a gracious heart and solid quiet will not be far asunder God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble therefore will not we fear though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea though the waters thereof roar and be troubled though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof Selah Psal 46. 1 2 3. The Lord is good a strong-hold in the day of trouble and be knoweth them that trust in him but with an over-running flood he will make an end of the place thereof and darkness shall pursue his enemies Nahum 1. 7 8. See more Rev. 2. 10. and 7. 2 3. PART II. THE various Considerations or Distinctions of Providence so termed for our better apprehension come now to be spoken unto and these may be ranged into several orders as 1. In respect of the Parts as some call them or Form as others term it namely supportation or upholding and gubernation 2. In respect of the Object about which Providence is conversant 3. In respect of the Mode or Manner how Providence is conversant about matters 4 In respect of the End Issues or Event of Providence Of these a little in their order CHAP. I. PROVIDENCE as upholding the Creatures may be considered 1. With respect to their Beings Neh. 9. 6. Job 33. 4. Psal 104. 30. Act. 17. 28. 2. With respect to their Well-beings Psal 105. 37. Psal 144. 12 13 14. Now opposite unto this Consideration of Providence is Providence considered as deserting As there is Providence upholding so there is Providence with-holding its influence Thou saith the Psalmist hidest thy face they are troubled thou takest away their breath they dye and return to their dust Psal 104. 29. and 102. ver 26. Deserting Providence respects 1. the beeings of things as such Psal 90. 5. Jer. 52. 13. Dan. 5. 30 31. 2. The well-being Egypt to be a Kingdom but a base or low one Ezek. 29. 14. Mephibosheth a Man but a maimed or lame one 2 Sam. 4. 4. Again Providence as Governing or ruling may be considered 1. By way of Motion direction and ordination of the Motion to such ends and uses as God intends Acts 17. 28. 1 Kings 11. 14. Ezra 1. 1. Gen. 50. 20. 2. By way of Inhibition or checking the Creatures in their operations and this is 1. Absolute or eminently controlling them Exod. 11. 7. Exod. 14 22. 2 Kings 19. 32. Dan. 3. 29. and 6. 22 23. John 19. 36. 2. Comparative partial or in part 2 Chron. 12. 7 8. Rev. 2. 10. CHAP. II. PROVIDENCE in regard of the Object is 1. General as it respects the whole world Psal 135. 6. Prov. 15. 3. Heb. 1. 3. 2. Special as it respects 1. Persons or intelligent natures 2. Things 1. As it respects Persons or intelligent Natures and so it comprehendeth 1. Angels and that 1. Good Heb. 1. 7. Acts 12. 11. 2. Bad who are subjected to Providence 1 King 22. 21 22. Job 1. 9 10 11. Mat. 8. 31. 2. Men and that 1. singly or particularly as Gen. 28. 12 13. Exod. 2. 6. 2. Conjunctively or relatively and that 1. in regard of Family-relation 2 Sam. 23. 5. 1 King 14. 10. 2. In regard of a Political combination as persons are united under this or that form of Civil Government all the Governments in the world are under a higher Government See Jer. 25. 15 to 27. 3. In regard of an Ecclesiastical or Spiritual Society Providence doth signally and more peculiarly respect the Church of Christ Deut. 26. 48. Psal 135. 4. 1 Tim. 4. 10. Again Providence respects Things as well as Persons and that 1. Animate which have life as Trees Herbs Fishes Fowls Beasts of the field Psal 104. Jonah 1 17. 4 6. Mat. 6. 26 28 30. 2. Inanimate without life Job 38. 22 23 c. Psal 48. 8. CHAP. III. PROVIDENCE in regard of the manner how conversant about its objects is variously distinguish't In the first place it is Effective or Permissive The former respecteth the production or bringing forth of whatever hath a real or proper beeing whether natural moral spiritual as James 1. 17. The later respects the anomy irregularity warping aside from the Rule of Righteousness and this as inherent or adherent to the natures motions actions of intelligent natures whether Angels or Men. This Permissive Providence is not a moral concession or legitimation or warranting from Heaven what is done but a not-hindring by way of physical or natural interposition or not-putting forth of a force inhibitive or curbing Neither is it a meer beholding the evils for there is an efficacy of Providence though not an efficiency as the Orthodox term it with respect to the sins of men and there is more in Permission than an idle contemplation of matters See Heb. 6. 3. 2 Sam. 12. 11. Again Providence is 1. ordinary which keeps the usual road or instituted order both in naturals and spirituals See Psal 19. 4 5. 6. Jer. 31. 35 36 37. Rom. 10. 17. 2. Extraordinary which is opposite to the former as John 10. 12 13. 2 Kings 20. 9 10 11. Acts 9. 3 4 5. Here if I might though I affect not innovations in Divinity I would distinguish Extraordinary Providence into that which is 1 Really and properly miraculous 2. Eminently and remarkably wondrous I may set forth this by an allusive Instance For a Child
to throw a strong Man to the ground and that by grappling with him hand to hand may well be interpreted miraculous there being no proportion of strength in the Child to that of a Mighty man And yet suppose the man is sitting according to a tottering posture in a Chair so that his body is in equal poâ—ze a small push of a child sends him head-long to the ground In like manner Providence by a wonderful conjunction of weak means in themselves and by opportune application of means brings forth a work very glorious See Judges 4. 21. and 7. 16 17 18. 2 Chron. 24. 23 24. Lastly Providenâ—e is distinguish't into immediate and mediate Immediate excludes the interposition or intervening of means instruments which God useth at other times as when the Lord himself preached to Adam Gen. 3. 9. Moses lives but not by the use of the creatures Exod. 34. 28. 2. Mediate when the Lord useth means 1. more common or general as the Angels for their ministry the Heavens and the Earth for Corn Wine and Oyl See Psal 148. and Hos 2. 21 22. 2. More peculiar and particularly destinated for such ends and purposes Isa 38. 21. Acts 10. 5 6. the Angel will not there take away Peter's work he willeth Cornelius to send for Simon Peter not Simon the Tanner for his Teacher Moreover Means in order to Effects and Consequents are 1. Necessary or definite which ordinarily work this way and no other as for the Sun to shine and give forth heat Psal 19. 4 5 6. 2. Contingent and indefinite whose effects before they exist might not so have been as considered with their next Causes though otherwise in respect of God his will to the contrary the said effects are necessary So the bones of Christ were not broken John 19. 31 32 33 with 36. CHAP. IV. PROVIDENCE in regard of the End Issues and Events hath its considerations 1. The End is ultimate or last and that is the Glory of God Rom. 11. 32 33 36. or intermediate which is the creatures serviceableness and usefulness according to its place or station in order to the former So the Heavens and the Earth are Caterers for Jezreel and that to the Lord's glory whose bounty and mercy are displayed in hearing the Heavens and the Earth for Jezreel Hos 2. ver 21 22. Again the Issues of Providence respecting matters are sometimes by way of furthering and succeeding things so that the ordinary particular End is attained so when God heareth the Heavens the Heavens the Earth the Earth the Corn and the Wine and Oyl and they hear Jezreel Hos 2. 21 22. Or secondly By way of dashing things notwithstanding a probability of such and such Ends though not of such Ends as Providence intendeth where and when the Lord crosseth disappointeth or thus dasheth in his Diâ—pensations See Isa 7. 5 6 7. Hag. 1. 6. 9 10 11. Lastly The Events of Providence are 1. Joyful which terminate in the good comfort happiness of the Creature Exod. 14. 30 31. Esth 9. 22. Or secondly Mournful or by way of smart distress tribulation as Exod. 14. 27 28. 2 Sam. 1. 12. Thus I have marshall'd up the several Distinctions or Considerations of Providence There are other subordinate Considerations of it yet reducible to some of the fore-mentioned Heads of Distinction or Consideration What those other Considerations are I may only point at Providence then may be considered as direct and collateral An instance for the former is the Lord 's stirring up Cyrus in order to the delivery of his people Ezra 1. An illustration for the later may be the Philistines invading the Land which at least in regard of any such thing intended by them was a by-blow for David's deliverance 1 Sam. 23. 26 27. Again Providence may be considered as more plain and obvious so that he who runs may read or more dark and intricate Moreover It may be considered as single or in part and as copulative as when the whole of a business is laid together Lastly It may be considered as concealing for a time or revealing bringing things to light These and the like Considerations being exemplified in the following pages I forbear enlargement here and so pass on to the Third Part of the Treatise PART III. THE Extent of Providence hath been touched by an enumeration of Creatures to which it extendeth as in the former Part of this Treatise hath been shewed To avoid then prolixity and repetition I shall here 1. Prove the extent of Providence to all the Creatures 2. Improve this Doctrine of General Extent by giving the Consectaries or Inferences from thence and under this later shall launch forth into some particular arms of this Sea where the passage may seem more difficult by reason of the noise of the Water-spouts the swelling of the waves and billows to the contrary And first then of the first CHAP. I. THE proof for the Extent of Providence appeareth divers ways as here briefly to be insisted on followeth 1. From express assertions in Scripture The assertions have their latitude they know no bounds of mans restriction so Neh. 9. 6. Thou even thou art Lord alone thou hast made heaven the heaven of heavens with all their host the earth and all things therein and thou preservest them all and the host of heaven worshippeth thee say that godly company there on their solemn Day of Humiliation v. 1 4. In the Ark God not only took care of Noah but of the creatures It 's an observable expression which is in Gen. 8. 1. And God remembred Noah and every living thing and all the cattel that was with him in the Ark. To this addâ— what the Lord himself asserteth to this purpose in the 38 39 40 41 chapters of Job 2. From God without whose will and against whose will the will of Purpose nor of Precept discovered in his Law-giving Rules for man nothing comes to pass Are not two sparrows saith Christ sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father Mat. 10. 29. Who is he that saith and it cometh to pass when the Lord commandeth it not Lam. 3. 37. 3. From the Creatures which because they are Creatures are not independent or exempted in point of dependency from the first Cause These saith the Psalmist wait all upon thee that thou mayst give them their meat in due season Psal 104. 27. See further other places of Scripture which are quoted upon other particular accounts though upon the general account of Providence they are repeated as Hos 2. 21 22. Acts 17. 28. 4. From the cognation or kinship of Providence with Creation Providence as was before intimated is a kind of continued Creation God not only gives the creatures their beds to lye on but bear with the phrase makes their beds As Creation therefore is extensive to the creatures without exception as Gen. 1. 25. so likewise is the Lord 's upholding them and governing them to
which is not denied and the like reconciliation may be found with the Will and Providence of God Look at what door the fore-knowledg of God goes out at without a justle at the wills of men at the same door the Will and Providence of the All-wise God can and do go forth 3. The Scripture hath plain and full instances of accord betwixt man's liberty and Divine Providence Saul acted freely in seeking his Father's Asses and yet the Lord had told Samuel before I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin 1 Sam. 9. 16. The King of Babylon resolveth and that freely having used his divination to go against Jerusalem and this holds correspondence with the threatnings of God by the Prophet against the Inhabitants of Jerusalem Ezek. 21. 18. 4. Man therefore acts freely because God hath constituted in him a freedom from coaction and brutish determination The Lord hath embellisht the foul of man with the noble faculties of Reason and Election so as that he differs from a Beast and hath a liberty in acting though not a liberty of absolute independency He who learns to swim puts forth his hands and feet freely though another hold and guide his head And this may serve by way of reply to that first Objection 2. It may be asked by some Would not this Doctrine make God the Author of sin Ans 1. Would not a denial of God's Providence about the Wills of men make them the Authors of Grace Surely such Doctrine which robbeth the Lord of his glory in working on changing and renewing the hearts of men is not of God Isa 26. 12. Phil. 2. 13. 1 Cor. 4. 7. 2. It may be replied then to the Objection with that of the Apostle to the like God forbid for then how shall God judg the world Rom. 3. 6. The holy God who made the house of man's soul and the several rooms thereof knows all the nasty corners of the sinner and can go in and out in his Providence without defiling the garment of his Holiness The Sun shines on the Dunghill and is not therefore a Dunghill-light Whatever the Assyrian was and his design was all bad enough yet God himself distinguisheth betwixt his own work and the Assyrians barbarous Villanies Isa 10. 12. We are not then to make a confusion where the Lord maketh a distinction What is proper to sinful and sinning man let man have what is proper to a Wise Just Powerful God let God have He that holds a stone and a piece of Cork under water is not because he withdraws his hand the proper intrinsecal cause of the one its sinking and the others its swimming for both stone and cork do equally participate in the hand the stone doth not therefore sink because the hand is withdrawn for then the cork should sink too and the cork doth not therefore swim for then the stone should swim too This may a little illustrate the matter to weaker capacities It 's a mystery and hath its knots yet it 's unreasonable therefore still to dispute and not to believe The Scripture doth plainly lay before us how God Men and the Devil had a concurrence in Job's case a work of Providence there was though not for the like end and in the like manner with a malicious Devil and plundering Sabcans and Chaldeans Providence knoweth how to do cleanly work by the foul hands of sinners Caiaphas was the Trumpet of a glorious Prophecy He is like a servant who broacheth a barrel in a drunken humour the Master of the house may well punish the servant for his lust and yet wisely order the vessel to be drawn forth for the use of the family It 's wonderful indeed to consider how the Lord's arrows are shot in men's bows and how he throws a Jewel in their Slings But so it is as it appears notably from that instance of Caiaphas See John 11. 50 51. with 47 48 49 53. The Consectaries from the Doctrine of Providence as here respecting the hearts of men are these 1. Absurd then is the conceit of those who would have men exempted from the influx and conflux of Providence The Creatures of a lower form are under the Law of Providence and that too in reference to man Psal 104. 14. And are not men much better than they as Christ argueth Mat. 6. 26. There is little reason and less divinity to deny the subjection of the greatest of men to the controlling Providence of God Daniel preached no such Doctrine at Court he asserts before Belshazzar saying The God in whose hand thy breath is and whose are all thy ways hast thou not glorified Dan. 5. 23. 2. There is reason to eye God's Providence even then when men's hearts are hardned and filled with fury towards persons True it is God instilleth no venom of sin into their hearts but yet there is a wise and righteous hand of Providence in this case He turned their heart to hate his people to deal subtilly with his servants Psal 105. 25. Men would do well therefore not only to look upward to God but also inward on their souls and backward on their lives and may they not cry out then Men have done us wrong but God hath done us right The sons of Belial are injurious but the hand of Providence is righteous righteous righteous 3. It is a pious and prudent course to begin with God when we have to do with men especially in matters of greater consequence So did Esther she fasts and her Maidens the Ladies of Honour fast and the Jews in Shushan the Metropolitan City fast before she maketh her address to Ahasuerus Esth 4. 16. and surely there is encouragement so to do for the Lord can work more ways than we can imagine on the hearts of men sometimes he knocks out sparks of pity from flinty hearts Psal 106. 46. He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives At other times he awes startles and doth bring to pass great things by fears which take hold on men's souls with their tenter-hooks See Josh 2. 11. Act. 22. 29. 4. Know to whom the tribute of praise and thankfulness is due for what of Providence is displayed in the conveyance of mercies by a touch from Heaven this and that way on the hearts of men on earth David hath a song for God's delivering him out of the hand of Saul 2 Sam. 22. chap. Now one way of David's delivery was by an access of Providence to Saul's heart 1 Sam. 26. 25 c. with chap. 27. v. 4. The same man of God hath left records of God's Providence in his deliverance from Achish who look't on David as a mad-man and so slighted him without trial made or making sure work with him who though he had been under a phrensie for the present might after become a sober Captain to lead an Army against the uncircumcised see Psal 34. with 1 Sam. 21. 14 15. Austin relates how by
good Cause and a Divine Warrant to fight Benjamin and yet they were worsted and put to the rout Jacob had warrant to return to his Countrey a promise that God would deal well with him in that return Gen. 32. 9. and yet behold a Providence which seemingly clashed with the Promise Is this might Reason be ready enough to prompt Jacob in the ear to be dealt well with What! to have thy throat cut by Esau's Ruffians Here is a returning to thy Kindred indeed by returning to thy dust And yet Jacob's black cloud blows over and the Promise and the Providence do more sweetly kiss each other than the two Brethren do In the next place consider consider the Subject and so man is not much unlike Seneca's Harpesten who complained the room was dark when she was blind The light of Providence is not so taken in partly by reason of darkness in the understanding for we know but in part 1 Cor. 13. 9. and partly by reason of turbulent passions which being crossed in this or that dispensation do raise a sog or mist which cloud the understanding How is David transported on the death of Absalom 2 Sam. 18. 33. How doth Jonah's pride and passion hinder him from subscribing to the Wisdom and Mercy of God in sparing Niniveh see Jonah chap. 4. Men had need therefore watch against charming lusts and passions which otherwise will joyn their additional issue with the intrinsick darkness of the understanding and so like the Earth interpose between them and the light of Providence CHAP. II. 1. NO ground to throw by the observation of the Lord's Dispensations because our knowledg of them is not a comprehensive knowledg It is a dangerous inference from that of Peter speaking of Paul's Epistles in which are some things hard to be understood 2 Pet. 3. 16. to reject therefore the reading of the Sacred Scriptures The like inference here from the things hard to be understood in the course of God's Providence is of dangerous consequence What is said of the Scriptures how it is a River wherein the Elephant may swim and yet the Lamb may wade the same by way of proportion may be said as touching the Lord's Providential Dispensations some of which gravel the profoundest others are understood by the meanest for their instruction Haman's Councellors and his Wise Zeresh learn't a cautionary lesson in the School of Providence they bid him beware how he engage against a Mordecai a Child of Providence Esth 6. 13. The Apostle Paul informeth how there is a common Catechism of Providence for the World Rom. 1. 20. Moreover it may be well remembred here That some Dispensations of Providence which are dark for a time may after become light to the industrious and waiting Christian on his God When I thought to know this it was too painful for me until I went into the Sanctuary of God then understood I their end Psal 73. 16 17. Lastly Such mysteries and riddles of Providence the depth whereof we are not able to fathom yet by the light of God's word we are taught to subscribe unto and to rest contented by way of admiration where we cannot reach by way of comprehension Even so Father for so it seemed good in thy sight Mat. 11. 26. 2. No reason for any mortal man to pride himself in his attainments Though a man be got up on the Mountain of Providence and others are in the Valley yet that man is far enough from touching the sky Two things may check pride upon the account of knowledg here 1. The Angels in Heaven may learn by the Providences of God on earth That Heavenly Academy admits of an addition of experimental knowledg see Eph. 3. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 12. No man therefore knows so much but he may know more and to be lifted up with high apprehension of man's apprehensions is so far from being wise as an Angel of God as that the man lies open to the condemnation of the Devil as the Apostle teacheth 1 Tim. 3. 6. But 2 dly he who hath an high conceit about his knowledg in Divine Dispensations may quickly be mistaken in matters and pay deer for his mistake We find how a good Prophet by a pretended Providence of an Angel's appearing is prevail'd on to do otherwise than he should have done and that to the loss of his life 1 King 13. 18 24. Though a man therefore have made more progress in the search of Word and Providence than others yet let him remember his knowledg is rather a twilight-one than Meridian and let him according to that in Psal 2. 11. serve the Lord with fear and rejoyce with trembling 3. From this learn to bid an hearty welcome to such means helps furtherances as God vouchsafeth for the better understanding of his dispensations This inference is rational from the premised Theses or Positions The Cripple needs his Crutches and no reason to throw them away till he can go without them There are two moving Considerations here 1. It is dis-ingenuous to do otherwise Shall God offer thee Spectacles for thy weak sight and wilt thou throw them against the wall or trample them under thy feet It was the aggravating sin of the Gentiles That they did imprison the notions of Providence which God had sent as guests into their hearts They held the truth in unrighteousness saith Paul Rom. 1. 18. Pharaoh had Moses and Aaron together with Catechising-Plagues and yet he continues as block-headed a King as ever sate upon Egypt's Throne and just it was with God that such a Block should float on the waters where Israel saw the great work which the Lord did upon him and his Egyptians Exod. 14. 31. 2. Herein is a display of Wisdom To use kindly these Guests I mean Hâ—lps and Furtherances for the better taking in of the mind of God in his Dispensations Abraham was no loser by entertaing the Angels as his Guests He learnt that in their company which otherwise he had been ignorant of Gen. 18. 17. It 's wisdom then to set open the window-leaves for Heaven's light to come in on our Understandings Whoso is wise and he shall understand these things prudent and he shall know them for the ways of the Lord are right and the just shall walk in them Hos 14. 9. OBSERVATION II. Gods Decree Will or Purpose is the original bottom or foundation of his Dispensations in the world CHAP. I. THE truth of this may be cleared on this wise 1. There are Allusions or Similitudes it Scripture which according to their proper scope and drift declare this In Psal 139. 16. In thy book all my members were written Jer. 18. 4. So he made it again another vessel a seemed good to the Potter to make it And it Zech. 6. 1. the Chariots there come out from between two Mountains This Text iâ— Et hic aptissime nobis pingitur consilium Dei quoniam antequam res in actum erumpant sunt quasi inclusae
neque enim lutum figulo suo obstrepit atqui nos centuplo minus sumus quam lutum Calv. praelect in Ezek. c. 18. 3. What are parties like to get by contending but blows Wo unto him that striveth with his Maker let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth c. Isa 45. 9. The same Soveraignty of God should be a sacred goad to quicken to the exercise of grace For 1. The influences that Soveraignty hath had on Saints in Scripture are recorded to this end and purpose That others should write after so good Copies It is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good 1 Sam. 3. 18. I was dumb I opened not my mouth because thou didst it Psal 39. 9. 2. God's Soveraignty casts its particular aspects on the graces of Christians As there is Soveraign Justice so there is Soveraign Mercy and each bespeak the exercise of grace according to the nature of the dispensation More particularly there are these Graces on which as on the Christians Garden Soveraignty like the North-wind and South-wind may blow that the Spices thereof may come forth to allude to that in Cant. 4. 16. 1. A sweet submission of spirit in opposition to our own judgment or prescribing to God The will of the Lord be done said they Acts 21. 14. 2. Contentation in opposition to discontent at our own condition and envy at others who may have more gifts of the mind higher degrees of graces or more of the good things of this life than we have That is a remarkable passage Mat. 20. 15. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own Is thine eye evil because mine is good 3. Hopefulness of spirit under the greatest distresses whether outward or inward May not God exalt Soveraign Mercy Are there dry bones yet may they not live Ezek 37. 12 13. Is the heart as low as Hell in regard of fears sorrows c yet will not he who dwelleth in the highest Heavens take up his habitation in the lowest heart Isa 57. 15 16. 4. Love and thankfulness and that 1. with respect to smiling-dispensations whether they respect soul or body Who am I Lord said David upon a view of his mercies and what is my house that thou hast brought me hitherto 1 Chron. 17. 16. See moreover Psal 116. 1 2 3. and 1 Tim. 1. 12 13. 2. With respect to frowning ones That there is any mitigation and sanctification of them is ground of love and thankfulness for God might have exalted Justice to its height in thy afflictive-dispensarions It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not Lam. 3. 22. CHAP. II. 1. LET the meditation of God's Soveraignty be a soveraign allay to the breakings forth of ingratitude pride discontent envy dejection under his Administrations Consider 1. Is there not a â—wo unto them that go in the way of Cain Jude v. 11. And what was that which led Cain on in his way if it were not the first part of his way Was it not discontent at the Lord's Dispensation But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect and Cain was very wroth and his countenance fell Gen. 4. 5. 2. Whose judgment shall take place in matters the Lord 's who is infallible righteous supream or man 's who is made up of wants and weaknesses I know saith Job it is so of a truth but how should man be just with God if he will contend with him he cannot answer him one of a thousand Job 9. 1 2. 2. Exercise graces proper to be exercised with respect to God's Soveraignty Let the holding up of the finger of Soveraignty hush all noise and quicken you to your Lesson Be silent O all flesh before the Lord Zech. 2 13. Consider here three things 1. Is there any rational ground for a contrary carriage Behold he taketh away who can hinder who will say unto him What dost thou Job 9. 12. 2. Go down to the potter's house Jer. 18. 2 3 4. And what may you learn there Is not the Clay ductile pliable obediential to the hand of the Potter And should not a Christian labour more and more to have his Will moulded or fashioned to the Will of his Maker in point of holy submissions Carry back saith David to Zadock the Ark of God into the City if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord he will bring me again and shew me both it and his habitation but if he thus say I have no delight in thee behold here am I let him do to me as seemeth good to him 2 Sam. 15. 25 26. 3. The way to have God to be gracious is to exercise grace with respect to the Lord's Soveraignty to be displayed as he pleaseth There is a way of order though not of merit a way of our Duty though God doth sometimes notably exalt Soveraign Mercy when duty is neglected The Israelites provoked God at the sea even at the red-sea nevertheless he saved them for his Name 's sake that he might make his mighty power to be known Psal 106. 7 8. And though this be so yet men have no ground to neglect their duty Job his captivity is turned and God exalteth kindness to a wonder yet Job is reasoned first into an holy silence and sense of his failings see Job 42. OBSERVATION VIII There is a glorious display of the Power of God in the management of matters in the World CHAP. I. THE Power of God may here be considered four ways 1. In regard of God Himself 2. In regard of Human Power 3. In regard of the manner of being displayed 4. In regard of its extent or the various objects about which it is conversant First In the first place The Power of God may be viewed in regard of God himself and that 1. As a glorious Attribute of God As God is said to be Love 1 John 4. 16 so He is Power infinite God hath spoken once twice haâ—e I heard this That power belongeth to God Psal â—2 11. Touching the Almighty we cannot find him 〈…〉 â—s excellent in power and in judgment Job 37. â—3 The Apostle Paul speaks of the exceeding greatness of his Power Ephes 1. 19. 2. As conjoined with Wisdom According to this Consideration in regard of our apprehension God's Power is glorious in bringing matters to pass He is mighty in strength and wisdom Job 36. 5. Wisdom and might are his Dan. 2. 20. It is said That in Warlike affairs Policy surpasseth Power What cannot then both infinite Power and Wisdom accomplish though the Wisdom of Myriads of Achitophels assay the contrary Secondly The Power of God in regard of Human Power will appear the more transcendent if it be considered 1. That Human Power is derivative or borrowed from Him who is the blessed and only Potentate the King of kings and Lord of lords 1 Tim. 6. 15. Nebuchadnezzar was a great Monarch he had Kings subordinate to him
yet said Daniel to him Thou O king art king of kings for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom power and strength and glory Dan. 2. 37. All Nebuchadnezzar's Power waâ— but a Slip taken out of Heaven's Garden He was beholding to God who placed not only the Crown upon his Head but his Head also upon his Shoulders And not only the Power but the exercise of it also is mutatitious or borrowed So Christ to Pilate Thou couldst have no power at all against me except it were given thee from above John 19. 10. But 2. The Power of God is seen as glorious in compare with Human Power in that the Lord can and doth when he pleaseth dethrone the greatest Potentates of the World How quickly is a Nebuchadnezzar hurried from the Palace to the Park Dan. 4. 32. God is Judg he putteth down the one and setteth up another Psal 75. 7. And hence Moses speaking of the two Kings Sihon and Og whom God had caused to fall before his people Deut. 3. 21. annexeth a pertinent description of the Lord's Power saying O Lord God thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness and thy mighty hand for what God is there in heaven or in earth that can do according thy works and according to thy might v. 24. Thirdly The Power of God is to be considered in regard of the manner of its display and that three ways 1. Immediately or without means If there be wanting means yet there is never wanting power to bring about matters where and when God pleaseth without means He that made the World without a Tool can act without an Instrument If there be not an human arm to crush a Laban yet there is not wanting an hand from Heaven to restrain him so he acknowledgeth saying It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight saying Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad Gen. 31. 29. 2. Mediately by means and these though weak and improbable God checkt Egyptian-insolency by Frogs and Lice The blowing of the Trumpets of Rams-horns is as effectual to level the Walls of Jericho as if a thousand barrels of Gun-powder had been mined in under them Josh 6. 20. Gideon with his Three hundred men routeth the Army of the Midianites as well as if his Army had consisted of Three hundred thousand Judg. 7. 19 c. The Apostles being delegated by Christ to the preaching of the Gospel what multitudes are drawn into Christ by them who were to confront the world in that work as it was then adjudged Acts 16. 21. 17 6. 24. 14. 3. Contrary to the nature of means is the Power of God displayed He made the fluid Waters to stand up as a solid Wall for his people to pass by Exod. 14. 22. Fire shall flame and not burn Dan. 3. 26. Lions shall be hungry and yet not devour a Daniel Dan. 6. 22 23. An harsh and cruel Jaylor to a Paul and Silas shall become all kindness Acts 16. 23 24 33. Fourthly The Power of God in regard of the extent of it hath its consideration Thou hast saith the Psalmist a mighty arm strong is thy hand and high is thy right hand Psal 89. 13. With God all things are possible Mar. 10. 27. For with God nothing shall be impossible Luke 1. 37. And not only in the general is the Power of God marvellous but likewise more particularly if we view it with respect to 1. Spirituals 2. Temporals 1. The former the Apostle speaks of in 1 Ephes 1. 19. the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power As the Power of God was richly displayed in making the Heavens and the Earth so likewise is it in creating the new Heavens and new Earth Isa 65. 17. Look we into the new World and observe what a golden thread of Power is drawn thorow these following Pearls 1. Conversion-work regeneration or the new-creature declareth the Power of God Thy people shall be a willing people in the day of thy power Psal 110. 3. That the Wolf dwells with the Lamb and Leopard lies down with the Kid is from the Power of God Isa 11. 6. compared with Acts 9. 5. and 1 Cor. 6. 9 10 11. 2. The forgiving of sin and the mortification of it more and more do likewise hold forth the Encomiums and Praises of God's Power Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage he retaineth not his anger for ever because he delighteth in mercy he will turn again he will have compassion upon us he will subdue our iniquities and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea Mic. 7. 18 19. But that ye may know saith Christ to the Scribes that the Son of Man hath power to forgive sin c. Mat. 9. 16. For sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the law but under grace Rom. 6. 14. 3. The raising up of parties to a sense of God's love especially after a spiritual languishing falls slips conflicts with their darkness and cloudiness of spirit doth bespeak the Power of God in so doing Create in me a clean heart saith David and renew a right spirit within me restore unto me the joy of thy salvation Psal 51. 10 12. I create the fruit of the lips peace peace Isa 57. 19. 4. The vigorous sustentation of parties in the exercise of graces under sufferings doth proclaim the Power of God Be not thou writes Paul to Timothy therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord nor of me his prisoner but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God 2 Tim. 1. 8. See more Acts 4. 8 13. Rev. 2. 13. 5. The conflict of Saints with Satan doth witness the Power of God The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly Rom. 16. 20. The Devil is a roaring Lion 1 Pet. 5. 8. and yet he is not an irresistable Adversary for v. 9. it is said Whom resist stedfast in the fuith 6. Perseverance in grace even unto glory doth exhibit a large testimonial of the power of God so 1 Pet. 1. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation 2. In the next place The Power of God is seen in Temporals What is the World but an Hall hung with this Cloath of Arras We may behold the Power of God in the meanest or least of Creatures Amongst other things observe the sparklings of this Diamond in two things 1. In point of Provision for parties How did God feed so many thousand and for many years and in a Wilderness of old See Numb 11. 21. Deut. 8. 2 3 4. As the Power of God was then seen so it is seen in a larger Wilderness the whole World in feeding
Oxen do all in a moment Remember that great man in whom unbelief was regent 2 Kings 7. He talks of Windows in Heaven and yet the Shop windows on earth were open the next day according to the Prophet's words v. 16. the great man saw the Market but it was no fair one to him for he was trodden to death v. 20. Remember his example not by way of imitation but caution 4. Treasure up more than ordinary dispensations of Providence in which thou hast had a share Hath thy Barrel of Meal wasted not nor thy Cruse of Oyl fail'd not according to that 1 Kings 17. 16. O forget not that hand of Providence which by that time that thou hadst taken out one handful and spent it did cast in another handful Hath God at any time check't a Laban calm'd an Esau crush't an Herod intending mischief O let such displays be written on the heart with a Pen of Iron and point of a Diamond OBSERVATION XIII As there is a general Order or Connexion of things so there 's a more special or signal Method of Providence in and about some Matters CHAP. I. THIS special Method may be considered 1. In regard of God's afflicting men for sin Men have their Method in sinning God hath his in punishing The blushing sinner at first after hath a brow of brass The walking in the counsel of the ungodly makes way for standing in the way of sinners and so for sitting in the seat of the scornful Psal 1. 1. Sin is progressive fresh-men or Novices in the Devil's School quickly aspire after the Doctor 's Chair And as the sinner hath thus his walk of vanity so the Lord doth ordinarily warn before he strikes There is a fiting of the Beacons before the Host or Army of Judgments is landed Sâ—e Gen. 6. 3. Luke 13. 34. 2. In regard of exalting parties and so there is an humbling and abasing work upon their hearts which is preambulatory or goes before As pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall Prov. 16. 18. so the fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom and before honour is humility Prov. 15. 33. Humble your selves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up James 4. 10. The humbling-dispensations which did betide Joseph David with others did lead the dance to exalting-ones 3. In regard of conversion from a state of nature to a state of grace and so there is conviction-work which like the needle enters the cloath Men leap not out of the warm bed of their Lusts into the lap of Evangelical Comforts The Israelites were stung with fiery Serpents ere there was a looking to the brazen Serpent Numb 21. 8. They who are not sensible of the bitings of sin will not regard a Saviour The pricking at the heart awakens men to consideration-work Acts 3. 37. 4. In regard of some more than ordinary service unto which God calleth persons whether for Church or State God is pleased to vouchsafe more than ordinary encouragement when he calleth persons to more than ordinary employment God was at the cost and charges of Miracle after Miracle when he sends Moses to bring his people out of Egypt Exod. 4. Joshua is told by God As I was with Moses so I will be with thee I will not fail thee nor forsake thee Josh 1. 5. Isaiah had an hard Chapter to read unto a stubborn people he was sensible of his own pollution difficulties there were not meerly in fancy's brow the Lord helpeth and encourageth him Isa 6. 5 to the end Paul had an hard task but the Lord sweetens all See Acts 9. 15 16. Acts 26. 15 16 17 18. 5. In regard of some afflictions with which by way of trial God may exercise some and so there 's a previous or preparatory work of Providence God is before-hand with some Cordial against some fainting-fit He strengthens the back before he lays on the burden Christ is transfigured on the high Mountain before Peter James and John Mat. 17. initio and this to corroborate them when he shall shortly be crucified and transfixed with a Spear on Mount Calvary they needed this display of Providence as bladders to bear up when they were like to be plunged even to a questioning whether Christ were the Messiah for so we read Luke 24. 21. but we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel In 2 Cor. 12. 4. mention is made how Paul was caught up into Paradise and in v. 7. there is a relation of one no good one who did catch at Paul's Comforts 'T was well for Paul that he was feasted in the Lord's Dining-room before he was had down into Satan's Dungeon of Temptations Had not the Coat of Mail been first put him on him the thorn in the flesh would have pierced and sorely grieved him To conclude this the Christian's Sun doth shine very gloriously before some notable Eclipse at hand CHAP. II. 1. SEE from whence it is that some judicious Christians do give a notable guess at the issues of matters They live nigh in point of communion to the great Landlord of the World and so know some of his ordinary walks hither and thither one while he useth to walk up the hill another while down into the valley this they know and take notice of Besides the great God is pleased sometimes to tell them whither he is a going Gen. 18. 17 And the Lord said shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do And Amos 3. 7. Surely the Lord will do nothing but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the Prophets It is said of Luther That he had a foresight of the Calamities to come on Germany The Reverend Vsher foretold the time of the late Tragedy in Ireland The Sermons of some pious Ministers have been better understood by their Hearers some years after They who seemed to talk in the Clouds have been acknowledged to speak from Heaven as to what hath fallen out on Earth 2. Beware of crossing and thwarting with such special Methods of Providence and that these ways 1. In not heeding warnings which is the too common sin of men who are as the deaf Adder as the Psalmist describeth Psal 58. 4. 2. In not being abased under humbling-dispensations Some are humbled but not humble Pharaoh had a proud heart notwithstanding all the Plagues Too much of Pharaoh-like heart is to be found where the Rod of God hath lighted For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth and smote him I hid me and was wroth and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart Isa 57. 17. 3. In not improving Convictions Some break Prison from them they with Cain build Cities or with Saul are for Musick few with Paul are wrestling at a Throne of Grace under them Acts 9. 11. Behold he prayeth 4. In a backwardness to set upon such particular work as God calleth unto Moses had encouragement to a miracle yet he draws
relgneth is good news to Zion's friends There are four props for sinking-spirits under black clouds 1. Jesus Christ hath his glorious Titles which are not empty ones His Name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor the Mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace Isa 9. 6. He is the Prince of the kings of the earth Rev. 1. 5. 2. The Holy Spirit as an Omnipotent Agent sweetly concenters in or joins issue with Christ in the ordering and management of matters see Zech. 4. 7. John 14. 26. and 16. 7 8. 3. All the promises of God are yea and amen in Christ 1 Cor. 1. 20. There is a promised presence of Christ with his people Mat. 28. 20. Rev. 1. 13 20. 4. Notwithstanding all the furies of men and devils the sad face of things Christ will gloriously discharge the Supream Office of governing the World and bring all to an issue every way glorious see 1 Cor. 15. 24. Rev. 19. 11 12 c. OBSERVATION XV. The Angels are capacious Wheels which move in the great Clock of the World or There is a subordinate Agency of Angels in bringing about Matters in the World CHAP. I. THAT the Angels have their influences appears 1. From Titles Appellations Descriptions given to and of them These are they whom the Lord hath sent to walk to and fro thorow the earth Zech. 1. 10. Are they not all ministring Spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation Heb. 1. 14 The Devil likewise with his Attendants are set forth as busie Peripateticks walkers to and fro the earth Job 1. 7. 1 Pet. 5. 8. 2. From the Effects or work done by them There is a transcendency of operation to be noted The Bed of ordinary Second Causes is shorter than that this or that Effect can stretch it self on it The Egyptians are witnesses for this for the Lord cast upon them the fierceness of his anger wrath and indignation and trouble by sending evil angels among them Psal 78. 49. An Angel of the Lord in a night smote in the Camp of the Assyrians an Hundred fourscore and five thousand 2 Kings 19. 35. 3. From Exemplifications and that in matters of publick concernment and also personal What an influence good Angels have on the publike Affairs of the world may be proved from Ezek. 1. Dan. 4. 23. and 10. 13. Mat. 1. 19. And that evil Angels have their influences yet not absolute arbitrary ones may be collected from 1 Kings 22. where the Prince of darkness is a lying spirit in the mouth of the false prophets and so the warr there goes on The Agency of Angels is extensive to persons singly considered Jacob sees Angels ascending and descending his Ladder Gen. 28. 12. These winged Coursers attend the meanest Saint The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them Psal 34. 7. and well for Saints it is so for the evil Angels are for playing small games as well as greater ones We read of two men possessed of Devils Mat. 8 28. The woman of Canaan cries out Have mercy on me O Lord thou son of David my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil Mat. 15. 22. 4. From the particular work specified about which Angels are versant Intimations there are in Scripture both as to good and bad Angels they have each their shops where they may be found hard at work in this world First The good Angels may be consider'd with respect to good and bad ones in the world Their work is to do the Lord's work and that as it respecteth the Lord's people divers ways 1. Good Angels promote Gospel-work in order to persons being brought to the means of grace or the means of grace to them Cornelius was willed by an Angel to send for Peter Acts 10. 3 5. A Vision appeared to Paul in the night There stood a man of Macedonis and prayed him saying Come over into Macedonia and help us Acts 16. 9. The Angels know the state of the Countrey and have thâ—iâ— influence on the Gospel-Seeds-men for the casting of the Seed in this or that plat of ground Yea 2. The good Angels become truly Angelical Doctors in discovering or intimating the will of God about matters and comforting the troubled spirits of his servants Instances there are to this purpose 2 Kings 1. 3 15 Dan. 7. 16. Rev. 17. 7. Mat. 1. 20. Acts 27. 23 24. 3. Good Angels are Saints Guardians Defenders under God Lot had experience of this Gen. 19. 11 16. My God saith Daniel hath sent his Angel and hath shut the Lions mouths that they have not hurt me Dan. 6 22. Their preservation as the Lord pleaseth is a part of the Angels commission as it is asserted Psal 91. 11 12. This Satan knew and therefore urged it though in a majmed sense and to a bid end Mat. 4. 6. 4. Good Angels are encouragers and helpers on of God's Saints in that work unto which God calleth them So in Elisha his case 1 King 19. 5 6 7. So Paul encouraged to appear before Cesar Acts 27. 24. Abraham tells his fervant saying He shall send his angel before thee Gen. 24. 7. 5. Good Angels may sometimes be employ'd in afflicting God's professed people they as Heaven's Chirurgeons are taken up in launcing and cutting-work When thousands fell by the Pestilence an Angel of the Lord is seen with a drawn sword 1 Chron. 21. 14 15. An Angel threatens Zacharia saying Tbou shalt be dumb Luke 1. 20. It 's probable the Angel might smite him with dumbness as the Angels smote the Sodomites with blindness Lastly Whatever other work the good Angels do they are not wanting at death and after death Lazarus dies and is carried by the Angels into heaven Luke 16. 22. And whether their care be not versant about the carkass yea the dust of a believer is not to be denied A contention we read of about the body of Moses Jude v. 9. At the resurrection the Angels gather together the Elect from the four winds from one end of Heaven to another Mat. 24. 31. In the next place The Ministry of good Angels respects bad or wicked ones in the world and that 1. By way of inhibition check or reproof The Angel of the Lord said unto Balaam Wherefore hast thou smitten thine asse these three times Numb 22. 32. 2. By way of compassion or doing some office of kindness There is a voice of distressed nature as well as the voice of grace which comes up before the Lord. Ismael hath a share in Angelical kindness when like to perish for want of water Gen. 21. 16 17 18 19 20. 3. By way of smart and punishment for defaults They are executioners of divine wrath The Sodomites were smitten with blindness Syrians destroyed by an Angel of the Lord And though human creatures shall be instruments to burn the Whore of Babylon yet that may include the Ministry of Angels they may prepare the â—ewel and blow
the bellows for seven Angels are said to pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth Rev. 16. The second branch of the discourse of the Ministry of Angels respects the evil ones These have their shops in the world and their shops are dark ones The evil Angels are Rulers of the darkness of this world Eph. 6. 12. Now how the evil Angels have their influences both as to godly and ungodly men in the world I shall in brief touch and so pass to the accommodation or improvement of the whole that hath been said First The Devil hath his design against pious ones and that divers ways 1. In tempting them to sin He hath his wiles Eph. 6. 11. He labours not only to catch young birds but old ones too with his chaff net and lime-twigs David was an experience◠Saint yet Satan stood up against Israel an◠provoked David to number Israel 1 Chron. 21. 1. the sad success of that temptation 〈◊〉 have there recorded in the after-verses 2. In disquieting them one way or other though he hath not matter of just charge to draw up up against them The Devil is the trouble-house of the Christian's quiet He is the accuser of the brethren Rev. 12. 10. both he and those who are acted by him are false witnesses risen up and lay things to a Saint's charge that he knew not Psal 35. 11. Go we to that good Apostle Paul and he will tell us he cannot be quiet for a buffeting devil 2 Cor. 12. 7. 3. In impeding and hindring them in some particular good work intended by them The Devil throws blocks in their way He hath his turn-pikes and barricado's to obstruct the Christian in his course Wherefore we would have come unto you even I Paul once and again but Satan hindred us 1 Thes 2. 18. 4. In afflicting of them in their outward man body relations estate when God sees fit to chastise and exercise his people on this wise A clear and full exemplification for this we have in the first and second chapters of Job God is wise in such dispensations He knows how to make a bright Saint by the Devil 's dusky Cinders and to fetch out a spot of a Saint's Garment by Hell's Black-Soap Secondly Satan hath his design on wicked men or such who are destitute of a principle of Grace within and that 1. In staving them off from what is good He works with might and main that they may not come to the knowledg of God as God ought to be known But if our Gospel be hid i◠is hid to them that are lost in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine unto them 2 Cor. 4. 3 4. The Devil holds up his monstrous and uglifying-glasses before the sinner's face he fills their heads with prejudices against the good ways of God his Messengers People who shall be look't on as troublers of a Nation City Parish Family that are only the wakeners thereof 1 Kings 18. 17 18. 2. In posting them on in what is evil He will have them be positive as well as negative sinners not only not to act for God but against him though in not acting for God there is an acting against him but not such an aggravated acting The Masters of the Pythoness-Damsel become Persecutors of Paul and Silas Act. 16. 16 19 c. Judas becomes the betrayer of his Lord and Master Joh. 13. 27. Satan entred into him and many Grandees of this world become Satans Hang-men He hath his influences on them for he doth not in mens shape cast Gods Servants into prison and yet is said to do it Rev. 2. 10. 3. In being ready and forward enough to hasten the destruction of them theirs what they have The Devil is for making men more twofold Children of Hell and cares not how soon he can secure most of his Agents in the prison of Hell Satan hath his end if he can double mens guilts under the smarts of which he is an instrument in inflicting He delighteth in mischief and needs not a motive to perswade an Ahab to go up and fail at Ramoth-Gilead see 1 Kings 22. 20 21 22. CHAP. II. 1. LOOK after an interest in Jesus Christ For 1. Hereby the evil Angels need not be dreaded Christ the victorious one breaks the bow and spear of Hell Satan had experience of the Power and Valour of the Christian's Generalissimo in that Wilderness-Conflict Mat. 4. The Devil with all his Forces shall not tread down the weakest Soldier in Christ's Army to the nethermost Hell I give unto them saith Christ eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand Joh. 10. 28. 2. As the evil Angels need not be dreaded as enemies so the good Angels the glistering Courtiers of Heaven may be look't on as friends It is said of Jacob He went on his way and the Angels of God met him Gen. 32. 1. The good Angels will be found good and faithful friends to those who are good they were Jacob's Guard and the way to have a Jacob's Guard is to have a Jacob's God 2. Believe more and live more the Orthodox Doctrine of the agency of Angels It may put most to the blush that they live as if so be there were neither good nor bad Angels The practise of most holds little correspondence with their belief It concerns then persons to mind their duty and that in respect both of good and bad Angels 1. In respect of good Angels and so 1. bless God for the Ministry of good Angels If sheep oxen with other creatures ordained for the use of man do oblige man by way of thankfulness to God why not the good Angels who are ministring spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation Heb. 1. 14. It well becomes men to praise God for angels though we are not to pray to angels for as good as they are they like not such a service Judg. 13. 16. Rev. 19. 10. 'T was the evil angel who would be a worshipful Devil Mat. 4. 9. If it be said here There is not such an appearance of good angels as of old and therefore I◠there an agency of good angels A. 1. There is no reason to be stumbled at the different dispensation of things then and now Jesus Christ the Prince of angels is come Heb. 1. 1 2. We have the Scriptures the Canon of them enlarged 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. If a Master set down his will for the management of such or such a Farm what if he do not ever and anon send messengers for signifying this or that about the Farm The Church is not now in its non-age and so stands not so in need of visible helps as a pillar of cloud and of fire as of old Exod. 13. 21. Heb. 12. 18. The
burnt up the sheep Job 1. 14 15 16 17. The Gadarens Swines Traditur utile non pro voluntate daemonum sed ut tali facto innotescat quomodo in homines saeviunt quomodo quaerunt mortes hominum qui sic porcos ut perderent quaesierunt Chrysologus Ser. 9. miss a good market when the Devils become their drivers and though the owners of the Swine had a loss yet had they improved the Lords taking off the bridle of restraint they had been gainers see Mat. 8. OBSERVATION XVI Not only Angels but likewise other Creatures are at the beck or controll of Divine Providence CHAP. I. THAT the Angels both good and bad are at the check of the Almighty hath been collaterally at least evidenced in the fore-going Observation What hath been said of their ministry is to be understood in way of subserviency to the Lord The evil Angels though they act evilly yet act not absolutely without the permission of the Holy One. The Lord hath them in the chain of Providence and though they are at times prisoners at large yet prisoners still see 1 King 22. 22. Job 1. 12. 2. 6. Mat. 8. 32. Luk. 22. 31 32. 2 Cor. 12. 7. Rev. 2. 10. And as for the good Angels they are the winged coursers of heaven ready to do the will of their Lord. Ezek. 1. 6 11 14. Dan. 10. 11. Luk. 1. 19. They have a connatural principle within confirmed by grace which renders them obsequious to Gods command and hence we are to propound them as patterns for ready compliance with the will of God as that passage Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven doth imply Mat. 6. 10. There is no need then in further dilating on this Now that other Creatures are at the powerful beck and controll of God is to be spoken to And this appears divers ways 1. From the appellation attributed to God in Scripture He is stiled Lord of Hosts and that some hundreds of times as some observe The often repetition of this Title may import the transcendent verity and the usefulness of this Meditation namely That all the Creatures are under His command to be lorded over by Him when and how he pleaseth 2. From the consideration of the Creatures as Creatures What are the Creatures in their Beeings and Operations but results ebbings and flowings of his Divine Will for he spake and it was done he commanded and it stood fast Psal 33. 9. The words of men are wind in comparison of what the Lord saith 'T was but a word and a world of old The same powerful speech of the Almighty is heard still in the world 3. From an exemplary induction for consider the Creatures as thus distinguisht 1. Some are without sense and yet these have the sense to obey the Lord for he saith to the snow Be thou on the earth likewise to the small rain and to the great rain of his strength Job 37. 6. Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth and my right hand hath spanned the heavens when I call unto them they stand up together Isa 48. 13. See Psal 35. 7. Psal 147. 15. Mat. 8 27. 2 Other creatures of corporeal existence which have sense are at the beck of God and these may be distinguisht 1 into such which have sense only without the addition of a rational principle being swayed by natural instinct 2. Into such which together with sense have reason or understanding as man hath Now not only the creatures of the former rank or order whether they be flying-fowls after their kind or fishes moving in the waters after their kind or beasts cattel creeping things after their reâ—pective kind but also Man as the top and flower of the Creation are within the verge of Divine Providence The Psalmist doth not only observe the Providence of God with respect to Angels Psal 104. 4. but likewise with respect to creatures without sense v. 10 14 16 19. and the creatures which have sense only as the fowls of heaven v. 1â— 17. fishes or water-creatures v. 25 26. the beasts of the field v. 11 14 18 21. yea Man that noble piece of the Creation and Center to which the creatures in regard of their services as lines are directed to is there takeâ— notice of v. 14 15. And thus according to the Psalmist here the creatures are not without their bridles and these bridles are in the hanâ— of Divine Providence CHAP. II. 1. LEARN from hence what a God the Lord is He is such an One whose Dominion is extensive all the World over The greatest in the World are at his check or controll With him is strength and wisdom the deceived and deceiver are his he leadeth Counsellors away spoiled and maketh the Judges fools He looseth the bond of kings and girdeth their loins with a girdle He leadeth princes away spoiled and overthroweth the mighty He removeth away the speech of the trusty and taketh away the understanding of the aged He poureth contempt upon princes and weakneth the strength of the mighty Job 12. 16 c. 2. See the vanity of Idolaters Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain Or can the heavens give showers Art not thou he O Lord our God therefore we will wait upon thee for thou hast made all these things Jer. 14. 22. See 1 Cor. 8. ver 4 5 6. 3. Observe an Argument for the proof of Christ's Deity He lords it over the Creatures they give homage to Him The winds and sea obey him Mat. 8. 26 27. The fig-tree withereth at the blast of his lips Mat. 21. 19 20. The owner of the Colt straightway sends him if Christ hath a purpose to use him Mat. 11. 3 5 6. Jesus Christ is the spiritual Joseph to whose sheaf all the sheafs of the world bow or do obeysance See Phil. 2. 10. 4. Take notice whence it is that the worm Jacob is not crusht to pieces by the wild beasts of the world The Lord is he who curbs and restrainâ—â—s he pleaseth The Psalmist notes this saying When they were but few men in number yea very few and strangers in it the Land of Canaan when they went from one nation to another from one kingdom to another he suffered no man to do them wrong yea he reproved kings for their sakes saying Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm Psal 105. 12 c. 5. Despond not in spirit as touching the conversion of the vilest and most wretched ones whether they are Relations or others God can and in his due time will make them throw down their weapons if they do belong to the election of grace Barren sinners may become fruitful Saints The Lord can turn Lions into Lambs Matthew the Publican becomes an Apostle of Christ Luke 5. 27 28. Brutish Corinthians are washed sanctified justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6. 11. 6. Be
towards Heaven Twelfthly There are the sallies of Providence in regard of some glorious Discovery of God to the Soul by way of consolation Every day is not in this sense a Christian's gaudee-day Jacob had a golden dream indeed when in it Behold I am with thee and will keep thee saith the Lord to him Gen. 28. 15. That passage of signal Providence was never to be forgotten by Jacob it was of use to him thorow his whole life it was not an every-day's Providence though he had experience of God's Providence every day In 1 Kings 12. 9. God's appearing twice to Solomon is there taken notice of Paul was caught up into the third Heaven 2 Cor. 12. 2. I make no question but divers Saints of God have had somewhat like experience of God's out-goings towards their souls There are some high-days of Providence if I may so term them and oh that such high-days where and when they are may not puff up persons Lastly There are the sallies of Providence in regard of Death and that as they respect 1. The fore-running warning preparatory-intimations of Death Moses and Joshua sang sweetly like Swans before their death Christ observes that Providence in the woman's anointing his feet with ointment of Spikenard Let her alone said he to grumbling Judas against the day of my burying hath she kept this Joh. 12. 7. Memorable service of English-Generals under Sir John Norrice p. 46. It is recorded of Sir Anthony Wingfield slain at Brest in Britain in the year 1594 That at his last going into Britain he so disposed of his Estate as if he were never to return and the same day or day before his death took such order for his debts as if he had a presage of his end Some have fore-told the day of their death others have dropt such passages at times when no visible signs of death then as after have been better understood by their sorrowful Friends 2. These Death-sallies respect the kind of death The Lord takes some out of the world in way of Martyrdom as Stephen Acts 7. 59. James Acts 12. 2. Others dye a natural death and that notwithstanding all the attempts of men to the contrary This was Luther's case who dies in his bed do Emperor and Pope what they can to the contrary 3. These Death-fallies respect assistance against Satan then The Devil is busie then I have always saith a pious Divine observed Mr. John Barlow in his Ser. on Psal 73. 24. pag. 50. that when Satan most tempteth the truly religious they seldom recover that sickness he hath great skill to discover how nature is weakned and therefore taketh the fittest time for the purpose It 's reported of Mr. Pemble how the Tempter assaulted him by way of syllogism on his death-bed as was understood by Pemble's denying sometimes the Major other-whiles the Minor-Proposition Our Saviour Christ when the time of his Passion drew nigh said to his Apprehenders This is your hour and power of darkness Luke 22. 53. And what darts Satan shot at him in the bows of People Soldiers the Malefactor may be understood Luke 23. 34 to 40. As the temptations may be more than ordinary then so are the sallies of Providence in a way of assistance It is said in reference to Christ when the bitter Cup was in his hand there appeared an Angel from Heaven strengthning him Luke 22. 43. The Lord helps his people in shooting this gulph They will be out of gun-shot in a little time and Death will be the death of temptations The Sheep shall not be pluck't out of Christ's hand though Satan catch at them John 10. 28. 4. And lastly These Death-sallies respect Comforts at death which are dispenced after a more than ordinary sort to some as in Stephen's case Acts 7. 55. The learned and pious Rivet in his last hours seems to have had a turf of the Heavenly Inheritance a first-haâ—sel of Heaven a dawning of the joyful day of Eternity And thus far of the Sallies of Providence in regard of Death and other matters as hath been insisted on The Improvement of such Sallies follows CHAP. II. 1. OBSERVE and note well the Sallies of Providence If Gold-filings are with care paper'd up much more are the Wedges of Gold to be choicely laid up under Lock and Key It is observable how there is a note of attention or observation prefixt to the Narratives of the Sallies of Providence in the Sacred Scripture see Gen. 28. 12. Gen. 37. 15. 1 King 14. 10. 2 King 19. 7. Psal 78. 20. Acts 10. 19. 2. Be thankful to God for what share you have had in the signal Sallies of Providence on your behalf Hath Providence stept in for thy help holp up thy Cart when it was overturn'd or suddenly suppli'd thee with a firm Wheel for a broken one What remains now but the celebrating the Name of God with Halelujahs The Israelites had their Song for that Sally at the Red-sea Exod. 15. 1. We read of the Writing of Hezekiah King of Judah when he had been sick and was recovered of his sickness Isa 38. 9. Paul is affected with the Lord 's delivering him out of the mouth of the Lion 2 Tim. 4. 17. 3. Learn from the meditation of the Sallies of Providence to trust God both for thy self and Relations God's Saints have so done their faith in running backward hath fetch'd a leap forward So David in 1 Sam. 17. 37. So Paul 2 Tim. 4. 18. Abraham had an eye to the Sallies of Providence for his Son's marriage Gen. 24. 6 7. he useth the means sends his servant on a Nuptial-Embassie and so acquiesceth in God's Providence The Sallies of Providence on the behalf of Children are the best portion They who can leave little or nothing to Children yet if they leave them an interest in the Sallies of Divine Providence do leave them enough what is wanting one way these Sallies of Providence make up another way Oh that Parents therefore would take less care by taking more care less care for the Earth and more for Heaven The way to have things go well is for Parents and Children to have God for their God or to be reallly godly But of this in the next Meditation Nititur ergo Abraham promissione docet omnia gerenda esse in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fidei sive magnum sive exile appareat Sic nos quoque discamus Deo reddenda committenda esse omnia sive singularia sive usitata summa infima ut laetemur fortes simus in Domino omnem solicitudinem in eum projicientes Videtur res sordidâ— obscoena propemodum apparare filio nuptias sed in quanto pretio honore est in oculis Abrahae adeo ut non dubitet de Angelorum praesentia cura praesidio Lutâ— ad locum OBSERVATION XXIV PROVIDENCE hath its Courts in which the sons of men have their different stations CHAP. I. AS in the Temple of
old there were divers places appropriated to persons so in the great House of Providence some are the Children and have their lodgings others Servants and Scavengers who though they have some relation to the House yet are not members of the House comparatively with others There are three Courts or Circles in which men may be considered 1. There is the large and outmost Circle of common or general Providence Here all men the worst of men even the Pagan-Pagans may be placed The Lord maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust Mat. 5. 45. Nevertheless he left not himself without a witness in that he did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons filling our hearts with food and gladness saith Paul to the Paganish people at Lystra Acts 14. 17. 2. There is the intermediate Circle of special or limited Providence which respects members in common of the visible Church Unto the Jews were committed the Oracles of God Rom. 3. 2. they are called the children of the Kingdom inasmuch as God honoured them with his Worship and Ordinances Matth. 8. 12. 3. There is the inmost Circle of peculiar and singular Providence In this Circle are the Elect of God and Called of him in Christ Jesus The former Circle is a visible one this invisible the former of larger circumference than this later for many are called but few are chosen Mat. 22. 14. The Apostle Paul doth describe this by the notion of an house in which are vessels of divers sorts not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and of earth some to honour and some to dishonour 2 Tim. 2. 20. To what hath been said of these different Courts may be added what doth further appear from Rom. 2. where two things are observable 1. The different descriptions of parties there The Gentile is set forth in his colours v. 14 15. the Jew or formal Professor in his v. 17 28. the sincere Saint in his v. 28 29. 2. The different aggravation of sin there The Gentile's sin is aggravated in that he fights against the displays of a Deity in his Conscience which accuseth him v. 15. The Jew or Formalist hath his sin aggravated in that he oppugneth higher discoveries from Heaven v. 21 22 23 24. And consequently He who hath the highest Discoveries hath sin in that respect aggravated the more as in David his case 2 Sam. 12. compared with Psal 51. CHAP. II. 1. QUARREL not with God because all are not within the inmost Circle of Providence Corrupt Reason is ready to enter its plea against God as the Apostle intimates Rom. 9. 19. But whatever the pleas of Reason are yet they are without reason for reason it is that the discoveries of God in Scripture should be decisive in matters And here to silence Cavils there are Four things considerable 1. Is there ground to dispute with the Almighty for his not making all the Creatures of one or two specifical Kinds The Lord needed not direction from man in the creation of several sorts of creatures according as they are brought forth on the Stage of the World Gen. 1. His Will and Wisdom is to check man's Peevishness and Folly The Lord saith Solomon hath made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evil Prov. 16. 4. It is true that the Lord hath not made the wicked as wicked by way of positive efficiency yet he hath consulted with the glory of his Justice in the wicked's existency and that by way of antecedent permission or permissive antecedency It is not from a defect of Power in God as if Stones could not be turned into Children unto Abraham as the Baptist asserts Mat. 3. 9. The Lord's Will is the Supream reason why the Creatures are different both in regard of their natural and moral consideration No reason is there then for man to cavil at the difference there is natural or moral amongst the Creatures 2. Hath mortal man without the least impeachment of cruelty a liberty to appoint such and such young beasts some for the Plough others for the Pail and others for the Shambles And shall it be deni'd to the Almighty if he shall appoint not all but some to obtain salvation by Jesus Christ 1 Thess 5. 9. There is unquestionably a distance by Myriads of Myriads between Man and an Infinite God That distance between Man and the Beasts is but as the Tenth thousand part of an Atom in comparison of the whole World yea not that in comparison of the other distance between Man and the Lord Jehovah To quarrel then at the Lord's Prerogative is for a man to allow that in himself which he will not on the other hand allow to his Maker and Soveraign Disposer 3. What if the Lord had wholly excluded men from his grace and favour and instead of them magnified his grace towards the lapsed Angels Had he been unjust cruel partial therefore No no and if so then it follows that he who might pass by all the sons of men without wrong done to them is not to be censured because he takes compassion only on some and the rest are hardned see Rom. 11. 5 7. 4. Men come not into the inmost Circle of Divine Providence because they cannot but because they will not A man is told That if he travel on in such a road his throat will be cut for there the Cut-throats are in ambush if this man will on his own perverse will is in fault A man is sick and this or that Remedy is prescribed and he will not make use of it he dies of the disease but the moral disease of his wilfulness may be rather termed the cause of his death This is the Sinner's case He is a resolv'd man for his own ways How long ye simple ones will ye love simplicity and the scorners delight in their scorning and fools hate knowledg Prov. 1. 22. And Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life To wave then disputes about the Lord's Purpose There is enough in man to apologize for God in regard of man 's not being within the inmost Circle for go to the Gentile who never heard of Jesus Christ and so by way of proportion make a judgment of the cases of others whose ears the joyful sound of the Gospel hath fill'd but their hearts are empty of grace or goodness and there will be no reason to multiply words without knowledg for what saith the great Apostle of the Gentiles Rom. 1. 21. Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkned We have here the judgment of the great Doctor of the Gentiles who had taken cognizance of the matter and his decision will the better appear if a Comment which a learned man hath on this Text be alledged Doct.
Chaloner in Sermon entitled God's Bounty and the Gentiles Ingratitude The alledging of God's bountiful declaring of himself in my Text saith he was to remove an objection which the Gentiles might urge in their own defence it is not expresly set down but tacitly implied in that it is refuted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because being a rational particle and here used as instructive so that whereas the Gentiles would perhaps have pleaded ignorance to excuse their Idolatry the Apostle shews them that their ignorance was crassa affectata gross and affected such as the Pope now a days enjoins his subjects and such as by the tenures of Philosophy doth augment rather than diminish an offence for besides that to excuse ignorance is required First That it be not gotten by man's own fault as theirs was in Adam 's transgression Secondly That they bewail their own ignorance and acknowledg it and desire to be enlightned by the Spirit of God Thirdly That God be obliged by Covenant to restore them to that light which they wilfully lost It is further exacted That they make good use of that light of nature which is left them and suffer it not grosly to be extinguished iâ— which the Gentiles most of all offended Secondly Look after a place then in the inmost Circle of Providence An interest in God as reconciled in and through Jesus Christ is the Pearl of great price to be look't after The Merchant in the Parable parts with all for the Pearl Mat. 13. 45 46. As this Pearl is worth a man's looking after so a man should not be discouraged from seeking it for 1. The Grace of God is extensive to the Plough as well as Scepter neither Prince nor Peasant are excluded That direction of Peter Give diligence to make your calling and election sure 2 Pet. 1. 10. concerns men of all ranks there is neither Greek nor Jew circumcision nor uncircumcision Barbarian Scythian bond nor free but Christ is all and in all Col. 3. 11. 2. What objection a person makes as a pull-back from looking after this Pearl because of vileness and unworthiness may be answered if consideration be had how they who are in the inmost Circle of Providence might have made the like objection yea had greater shew of discouragement The woman of Canaan had a treble seeming repulse and yet is a prevailer She who was called Dog gathers up some crumbs of comfort under Christ's Table Mat. 15. 22 c. Lastly There is a necessity of getting into this inmost Circle Neither Civility nor Common-gifts will bring the soul to Heaven without the new birth and then without the inheritance incorruptible undefiled that fadeth not away reserved in heaven as 1 Pet. 1. 3 4. the sounding brass and the tinckling cymbal will make no musick in the Heavenly Quire 1 Cor. 13. 1 2 3. From the consideration then of the danger of abiding in a state of unregeneracy reason as the Lepers in another case Why sit we here until we dye 2 Kings 7. 3 4. If it be enquired here What concerns persons in order to their getting into the inmost Circle of renewing-Providence I answer in brief negatively and positively 1. Pass not a false judgment about this Circle distinguish betwixt Lamps and Oyl in the Lamps Mat. 25. 3. Self-conceit and Deceit did undo the Pharisees John 9. 49. Put not therefore Presumption for Faith a few of Esau's Tears for Repentance a Civil-life for sound Reformation Formality for Religion 2. Resist not the motions of God's Spirit This was the sin of the Jews Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears ye do always resist the Holy Ghost said Stephen to them Acts 7. 51. Many turn the deaf ear unto the whisperings of the Holy One. There is a striving of the Spirit both immediately and mediately in the Ministry of the Word with the spirits of men so Gen. 6. 3. Oh take heed then of fighting against Heaven this way In the next place positively and so 1. Be inquisitive after the way of salvation Whither is thy beloved gone O thou fairest among women whither is thy beloved turned aside that we may seek him with thee say the Daughters of Jerusalem Cant. 6. 1. Sirs what must I do tâ— be saved said the Keeper of the Prison to Paul and Silas Acts 16. 30. 2. Take time to consider of your ways When God carries on a good work on men they consider and bethink themselves of their courses see Jer. 8. 6. with Jer. 31. 18 19. Hâ—s 14. 1 2 3. Luke 15. 17 18. 3. Improve all awakening and rouzing Dispensations of Providence Some if they are sick or otherwise afflicted are for an Ekron-message 2 Kings 1. 2. they talk of Witches but eye not God nor have recourse to his servants Suppose Satan be let loose on them yet there is a voice of God in the roaring of the Devil An evil spirit in the daughter of the woman of Canaan is an occasion of good both to Mother and Daughter Mat. 15. 22. 4. Follow Convictions with an eye had to God to period them in sound Conversion Paul was convinced of his sins and what is said of him Behold he prayeth Acts 9. 11. Paul is now striking on the Anvil whilst the iron is hot He soars aloft now at a Throne of Grace and so avoids temptations Larks whilst they sing above in the air are not in danger of the Fowler 's Net There are four Nets with which and in which the Devil labours to entangle persons under convictions 1. The Net of Worldly Cares Cain builds houses Gen. 4. 17. The care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choak the word Mat. 13 22. 2. The Net of Carnal Fears It is said in the Parable of the seed Mat. 13. 21. when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word by and by he is offended Satan hath his art in scaring persons from godliness and that by aggravating the displeasure of persons great ones the multitude and friends or near relations He thus becomes a roaring Lion in the way 3. The Net of Carnal Jollity Some sing and drink and play away the Convictions of Conscience Saul is for his Musick when Conscience jarrs 1 Sam. 16. 17. 4. The Net of vain Opinions It 's no new thing for persons looking after God to be disquieted by reason of tares sown by some so Acts 15. 1. It hath been observed how the Sectaries in Germany did dog at the heels the fresh reception of the Gospel in places Galeacius Carracciolus was in danger of seducers in his first looking after the ways of God Let then those who have escaped these Nets and so recovered into the inmost Circle of Regenerating and Stablishing-Grace be thankful to God and let others who have any of these Nets before them look up to the God of all Grace for wisdom to avoid them A Praying Paul hath Orthodox and good Ananias sent to direct him and confirm him in the way
of God Acts 9. 17 18. OBSERVATION XXI The Motions Stirrs Alterations in the World have oftentimes the Concerns of God's People at the bottom of them or There is a subserviency of the Civil Affairs of State to the Affairs of God's Church or People CHAP. I. BEFORE the Circles or Courts of Providence were spoken of here we have a display of Providence as it refers to those who are or may in time come to be in the inner and inmost Circle of Providence And that the motions in the World have a reference primarily to those who are called out of the World or to be called appears First From plain Assertions in Scripture Thus saith the Lord your Redeemer the Holy One of Israel For your sake I have sent to Babylon and have brought down all their Nobles and the Chaldeans whose cry is in their ships Isa 43 14. And except saith Christ those days should be shortned no flesh should be saved but for the elects sake those days shall be shortned Mat. 24. 22. 2. From the interwoven types and Historical passages in Scripture to this very end and purpose Thus God instructed Abraham by the smoaking Furnace what would be the case of his people and what would be the issue of all Gen. 15. Ezekiel's Vision of the Wheels runs hand in hand with the former times being distinguish't both agree as to the motions in Egypt and in Babylon and that as the Jews are concerned in those motions of State Ezek. 1. Daniel by various types is lesson'd of the Monarchies what Beasts they are and how it would be with the Sheep of the Lord's pasture Dan. 7 8 9 10 11 12. John in the Revelation is informed Quemadmodum enim in Veteri Testamento Daniel secundum Imperiorum successiones tum Christi adventum praesignavit tum Ecclesiae Judaicae fata digessit ita rem Christianam Apocalypsis Romani quod adhuc post Christum superfuturum esset Imperii rationibus admetiri censenda est nec eventus abnuit Mede in Apoc. Com. pag 12. of the state of the Church under the Roman Power These types are in a sort an History of things and besides these there are passages by way of narrative which prove the thing here aimed at for look we into the motions of State As Domestick and Forreign and the truth of this will appear Saul is laid aside and David advanced to the Throne and what is intended in this see 1 Sam. 15. 28. with 1 Chron. 13. 3. Cyrus is advanced but to what end the Lord informs saying For Jacob my servant's sake and Israel mine elect I have eveâ— called thee by name Isa 45. 1. and how Cyrâ—… did answer this Prophetical History or Historical Prophecy of himself if it may be so called see Ezra 1. where we have the actual History Again consider not only of Historical passages referring to the members but of such which refer immediately to Christ the Head and so to the Church and which are the truth of this Observation Two things may be noted here 1. The previous Alteration at that time when Christ came He was born in the days of Herod the King Mat. 2. 1. Who this Herod was and how the Prophecy of Jacob Gen. 49. 12. was accomplish't is known to those who list not to be contentious 2. The great Tax imposed by Augustus is another thing observable This made way for Christ's birth at Bethlehem and that as foretold to be see Luke 2. Augustus in this Tax pays Tribute to the King of Heaven He brings stones to build God's Temple whilst he intends the raising of his Exchequer His Political Action hath its Ecclesiastical Aspect 3. From particular Demonstrations Political motions have their references to the people of God divers ways 1. By way of castigation for their sins When the children of the Kingdom wax wanton no wonder if some become Scourges for the afflicting of them Moses prophetically speaks of this But Jesurun waxed fat and kicked c. Deut. 32. 15. What follows then see v. 23. I will heap mischiefs I will spend mine arrows upon them And in v. 25. The sword without and terror within shall destroy both the young man and the virgin the suckling also with the man of gray hairs Moses who thus descants was no false Prophet the Israelites might find how a Prophet had been amongst them 2 Kings 17. 6 7. 2 Chron. 36. 14 15 16 17. If we look into following Ages we shall find that the house hath been foul ere the Lord of the house hath taken the Besom in hand and providentially delivered it into the hands of persecuting ones Thus Eusebius relates Eccles Hist lib. 8. c. 10. But after that our affairs through in much liberty ease and security degenerated from the natural Rule of Piety and after that one pursued another with open contumely and hatred and when that we impugned our selves by no other than our selves with the armour of spite and sharp spears of opprobrious words so that bishops against bishops and people against people raised sedition c. then persecution came on It was wholsome advice therefore which Bradford in the Marian-days gave to the City of London Let the anger and plagues of God most justly fallen upon us be applied to every one of our deserts that from the bottom of our hearts every one of us may say It is I Lord that have sinned against thee it is my hypocrisie my vain-glory my covetousness uncleanness carnality security idleness unthankfulness self-love and such like which have deserved the taking away of our good King of thy Word and true Religion of thy good Ministers by exile prisonment and death it is my wickedness that causeth success and encrease of Authority and Peace to thine enemies 2. By way of subversion or vindictive punishment for affronts and injuries offered to the people of God God orders some to be Scourges to others who have been Scourges to his people Nebuchadnezzar is the Sword of the Lord against Egypt Ezek. 29. 18 19 20. and what Egypt was to the House of Israel we have in v. 6. where it is said All the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the Lord because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel The Kings of the earth are to hate the Whore and to make her desolate and naked eat her flesh and burn her with fire Rev. 17. 16. If it be asked Why the Whore of Babylon is so roughly to be handled A reason there is v. 6. I saw saith John the woman drunken with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus Christ It is observed how the Turks have fallen in on some places and possest themselves of such places from whence the Protestants have been expelled by the Papists Bloody Popery hath vengeance belonging to it The more catholick and repeated are the insolencies and cruelties of Papists the greater ground of support and comfort
have godly Protestants and that because the Lord hath his time to make inquisition for blood see Psal 9. 11 12. 3. By way of Diversion God doth sometimes in his Providence fill both the heads and hands of men full with work and so they are not at leisure to persecute his people Saul cannot follow his game in hunting David as a Partridg on the Mountains there was another hunting-match provided the Philistines had invaded the Land 1 Sam. 23. 27. with 1 Sam. 26. 20. Both ancient and modern Histories do furnish with exemplifications to the like purpose Providence hath thrown in a bone of contention and so there hath been a diversion and that without sometimes of an utter subversion of persons 4. By way of Conversion of parties or propagation of the truth in and by such motions stirrs or alterations as fall out in Kingdoms The Romans had the Jews under their yoak and that makes way for Christ's yoak to be put on the necks of some of the Soldiers for the Soldiers demanded of the Baptist saying And what shall we do Luke 3. 14. Cornelius was a Centurion of the band called the Italian band Acts 10. 1. In the Commotions of Germany some of the Spanish Soldiers became Gospellers as Lavater reports Ex Hispanis Militibus qui armis Germaniam religionis causa superioribus annis vexarunt non pauci ad fidem conversi quidem Martyres Christi facti sunt In lib. Prov. Sol. Com. c. 16. v. 17. 2. By way of purgation from sin and higher measures of sanctification God knows how to carry on his work whilst other kind of work is carri'd on by men They who are good become better by the sanctified evils of smart which befall them By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged and this is all the fruit to take away his sin Isa 27. 9. The motions in the Babylonian State and after in the Persian as they were the Lord's Hammer to knock down the Babylonians who held captive the Lord's people had this tendency namely the cautioning of the Jews against sin and that because the Lord had frowned on them in the Babylolonian and smiled on them in the Persian So intimates Ezra saying And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great trespass seeing that our God hath punished us less than our iniquities deserve and hast given us such deliverance as this should we again break thy commandments c. Ezra 9. 13. 14. CHAP. II. 1. TAKE notice of the care and love of God towards his people God forgets not the good of his people in the motions and commotions that are in the World Saints under their black clouds see not this and are ready to say otherwise But Zion said The Lord hath forsaken me and my God hath forgotten me Isa 49. 24. But what saith God Can a woman forget her sucking-child that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb yea they may forget yet will not I forget thee v. 25. 2. Learn how Divinity will see beyond State-Policy A right view of matters taken as to the Church is a prognostick how things may probably go in the general as to the State As there are different motions in the Affairs of State so these different motions have their correspondency with the different temper of a people professing godliness If hypocrisie instead of serious piety and other sins spread as a Gangrene no wonder if there are frowning-aspects one way or other Isa 10. 6. If serious prayer to God together with humiliation and reformation are made conscience of then hopes there are that he who hath torn will heal and he who hath smitten will bind up Hos 6. 7. 3. Give not way to inordinate fears unbeliefs and despondencies of heart in the midst of all the tossings and tumblings of affairs of the world Let persons mind their duty and let God alone to govern the world There are these quieting considerations 1. All the Affairs of the World are subjected to Christ who is the Head of the Church Eph. 1. 22. Now if Christ be thus the Head he is not without eyes he sees yea foresees what is to be done and he is not without sense sensible he is what is done in way of affront to his Members Whilst Saul was a persecuting he saith Saul Saul why persecutest thou me Acts 9. 4. Suppose a man's head did reach up so high as the Heavens he would feel the injury offered not only to a limb but to the least of his toes Though Christ the Head in regard of his bodily-presence be above the Clouds yet he hath a sense and feeling of what is done to the least of his Saints 2. The Christian hath a very large Charter or Grant of all things to work for good Rom. 8. 28 The Church hath a very large Joynture not only the pleasant Vineyards but the wild Copses of the World bring in a very rich Income to her All is hers for good 1 Cor 3. 22. and God thinks nothing too good for her I am the Lord thy God the Holy One of Israel thy Saviour I gave Egypt for thy ransom Ethiopia and Sheba for thee since thou was precious in my sight thou hast been honourable and I have loved thee therefore will I give men for thee and people for thy life Isa 43. 3 4. 3. God hath made that which is a Saint's Priviledg namely an holy quietness of heart under the stirs of the World to be a Saint's Duty in Psal 112. 7. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. Compare this with Luke 21. 9. But when ye shall hear of warrs and commotions be not terrified And that in John 14. 1. Let not your hearts be troubled ye believe â—… God believe also in me See further Phil. 4. 6. OBSERVATION XXVI PROVIDENCE outwits the Church's Enemies in their Policies or Contrivances against the Church CHAP. I. HOW God's Care is over his people in the Motions and Commotions that are in the World hath been touched Here it will not be impertinent to make an inquisition into an outwitting work of Providence as it respects the Adversaries of the Lord's people And the truth of the present Observation will appear three ways First From Comparisons in Scripture the scope of which are to set forth the Providence of God as baffling and be-fooling men's Policies and Devices against his people So Psal 124. 7. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowler the snare is broken and â—e are escaped And in Psal 7 Behold he travelleth with iniquity and hath conceived mischief and brought forth falshood he made a pit and iâ— fallen into the ditch which he made his mischief shall return upon his own head and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own paâ—… v. 14 15 16. 2. From Exemplifications of such whose sinful Policy hath
ut infatuet consilium Achitophelis Martyr man into a fool 2. There is a notable description of out-witting Providence in regard of the devices of men against the Church He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh the Lord shall have them in derision Psal 2. 4. This laughter here after the manner of men is attributed to God It may point at three things 1. Sedateness or Tranquillity God is not affected in the least by way of perturbation with the devices and politick contrivances of men An Army of expert Soldiers is not moved to behold a company of Children making towards them with Reeds in their hands They therefore who have composed spirits when wicked ones are busie in their Cobweb-work do the more resemble Him who sits in the Heavens and thus laughs 2. Ability or Facility to dash their designs A wise man who laughs at the project of an Adversary seeth the vanity of the project He needeth not enter into a deep contemplation how to counterwork so shallow an Invention 3. Perspicacity or insight into the case of the Snarers snared by the very course they take A wise man who sees in some measure the end of business at the beginning of it well may laugh when the Adversary shall make a rod for his own back The Lord gives sinners line and so they are entangled to their own sorrow Thus he that sitteth in the Heavens laughs no reason for them who have the Lord of Heaven for theirs to weep unless it be for sinning against their Lord. OBSERVATION XXVII Whilst men go on their own Errands they do God's Business or Men in pursuing their own Ends bring about the Ends of Providence CHAP. I. THE truth of this appears 1. From God's threatning and punishing of men for such matters the doing whereof though not the so doing in regard of the Agents had its warrant from the Lord. Jehu was the Sithe-man of Providence to mow down the House of Ahab Thou said the Prophet to him shalt smite the house of Ahab 2 Kings 9. 7. Jehu hath a bloody-commission yet righteous in regard of God but sinfully executed by Jehu whose end was selfish and therefore the Lord threatens saying I wil◠avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu Hos 1. 4. 2. From Exemplifications and that 1. In Civils Men have their Aims Ends the Lord hath his Saul seeks the lost living goods of his Father and in seeking is brought to Samuel according as God had before spoken to the Prophet saying To morrow about this time I wil◠send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin 1 Sam. 9. 16. Cyrus is a ravenous bird yet what is said of him see Isa 46. 1. calling a ravenous bird from the east the man that executeth my counsel from a far countrey 2. In Sacreds God hath his end and men have theirs the Action is one and the same the End different Some prophesie in Christ's name and yet are rejected at the great day Christ distinguisheth between gold and dross prophesying in his name and for their own names doing good and working iniquity whilst they do that which is materially good see Mat. 7. 22 23. Again Exemplifications there are of this wherein we may behold the work of Providence carried on sometimes more immediately sometimes more remotely There is work managed at first-hand and at second and third-hand The Philistins have their End in invading the Land they intended not the relief of David at that nick of time neither the making way for David to the Throne in the slaughter of Saul at another time see 1 Sam. 23. 26 27. 1 Sam. 31. with 2 Sam. 2. Lastly Exemplifications there are 1. Of Utitur ergo Deus in salutem suorum irrationabili item insensibili creatura tanquam jumento vel instrumento quae jam expleto opere nusquam erunt Utitur creatura rationali sed malevolâ quasi disciplinae virgâ quam correcto filio in ignem projiciet tanquam farmentum inutile Utitur angelis hominibus bonae voluntatis tanquam commilitonibus coadjutoribus suis quos peractâ victoria amplissime munerabit Bernardus de gratia libero arbitrio such who mind no such thing as the Lord's work in what they do They think on what lies before them A Lust and not a God or rather a Lust which is their God dictates to them The Assyrian meaneth not so neither doth his heart think so but it is in his heart to destroy and out off nations not a few Isa 10. 7. 2. Of such who mind directly the dashing of what is to take place according to God's will Joseph's brethren whilst they endeavour the crossing of the divine dream do cross their crossing Gen. 37. 19 20. CHAP. II. 1. OBSERVE hence how men act freely without compulsion and yet infallibly as the work to be done holds correspondence with the purpose of God whether secret or declared We may say truly in this case as the High-Priest in another What further need have we of witnesses Mat. 26. 65. behold their own confessions and acknowledgments do witness their spontaneous actings Who talks more of his liberty and what he doth and will do than the Assyrian Isa 10. 8 to 15 And yet what is said of tho Assyrian Soveraign Monarch There is the Lords I will send him against an hypocritical nation v. 10. yea this great Axe and Saw is but an Ax and Saw and in the hand of the great God v. 15. 2. Despond not how this or that shall be brought about which shall make for God's glory and his distressed people's good Providence can find tools enough in the world to do the work of Providence Many a man works blindfold in the Shop of Providence and whilst they strike aside the Anvil they shall hit right stroaks on it It may be observed how men's interests are so interwoven as that they shall do that or forward that which otherwise would not be done In Charles the fifth's days Emperor of Germany the case of the Protestants was very low the grave was made there only seemed nothing else but the tolling the Bell for the Funerals Maurice on a sudden like a great Bell is raised and the thundering-noise hereof frights Charles the fifth out of Germany See Fynes Moryson Itinerary part 3. p. 184. And if we would know what hands were at the Bell-rope even the hands of Ferdinand the Emperor his own brother who being chosen King of the Romans that is the ordinary Successor of the Emperor and like to be forced to resign the same to Philip the Son of Charles is said to have encouraged Maurice in that attempts whereby Charles the fifth was conquered after all hi◠Conquests the Protestants relieved and Ferdinand promoted to the Empire his Brother Charles resigning to him and be taking himself to a Monastry 3. Observe how God can and doth out-wit men in their Policies by their Policies Providence knows how to
party against them namely That they were the conquered people of Christ The Scripture had foretold of what should be and so what might make against them makes for them They were overcom'd and yet did overcome by their faith and patience The Wild-Boar of the Forest did chase them to their Father's House A time comes when Christ plays the mighty Huntsman and so slays the slayer to the glory of His Vindictive Justice Nam cum Episcopus Tolosanus stragi intercedens eos qui adhuc residui intentoriis forte manserant misso quodam religioso ut tanto quasi Dei irati contra eos pronunciantis flagello convicti jam tandem feritate depositâ ad fidem quam vocant Catholicam converterentur illi verò se populum Christi victum retorquentes hoc quasi clypeo tentationis impetum frustrati sunt atque ad unum omnes à recurrentium Militum manu intersecti fortiter occubuerunt Thirdly There is a glorious dissplay of Providence in timing both Mercies and Judgments Mercies are timed and so timed as that they are oftentimes inhanced from the season for them God did remember Joseph in the Butler's forgetting of him for Joseph is reserved till he be more fitted for release and till Pharaoh be at a loss about his dreams for the Magicians could not interpret them unto Pharaoh Gen. 41. 8. The like may be observed in Daniel's case between whose intended slaughter and advancement there was but a little time Dan. 2. 13. with following verses Moreover the time of Mercy doth sometimes lead to or point at some duty which the Lord graciously recompenceth at such time The day of setting upon Temple-work is a day of God's blessing them from thence Hag. 2. 18 19. It is observed how the English had victory given Fox Acts and Mon. in the History of Edward the sixth unto them on that very day and hour Images were burnt at London And as for Judgments the Lord times them The Assyrians goes not against an hypocritical Nation till God sends them Isa 10. 6. God knows how to make a Calamity a double one in regard of the timing of it That passage in Mat. 24. 20. doth plainly attest so much Moreover the day of Calamity may point out at sin committed on the day that Calamity is inflicted While the word a proud one was in the king's mouth there fell a voice from heaven c. Dan. 4. 31. Time is sometimes a Glass to behold the sin committed then or before at such a time which hath its recourse when the Judgment is inflicted The day week month of Smart may point to the day week month of Sin before The Second Branch of the Observation refers to Places And here three Propositions likewise offer themselves to consideration First Some Places are Monuments of Providence in regard of what falls out there Surely saith Jacob the Lord is in this place and I knew it not he set up a pillar and called the name of the place Bethel Gen 28. 16 17 18 19. See moreover for this purpose Numb 21. 3. 1 Sam. 7. 12. 1 Chron. 22. 1. Secondly There is much of Providence in going to Places and in absence of parties from Places A Levite lodgeth at Gibeah Judg. 19. 14. and what falls out there is the desolation of Benjamin no less than the lives of Twenty and five thousand Benjamites pay the shot or discharge that Levite's Quarters Judg. 20. 46. In 2 Sam. 20. 1. there happened to be there a man of Belial whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri a Benjamite and he blew the Trumpet of Sedition Nathan Sadock Benaiah Solomon are not at that Seditious Feast of Adonijah Abiathar Joab are and they had better fasted than thus feasted as the sequel of the story doth declare 1 King 1. There was much of Providence in Saul's coming to Jabesh-Gilead for their help 1. Sam. 11. 11. Thirdly Both Mercy and Wrath may be read in legible Characters on Places and at Places The Providence of God is seen in way of Mercy as it respects the place it self in blessing of it as he did the land of Canaan to the Israelites And the same Providence is displayed in way of mercy at places and that in doing good to the souls of men and to the outward man too Many of the Jews which came to Mary at Bethany and had seen the things which Jesus did believed on him John 11. 45. The blind man is in the way nigh Jericho and Christ there passeth by and healeth him Luke 18. 35. And as Mercy is thus displayed so Wrath likewise The Lord turneth rivers into a wilderness and the water-springs into dry grounds a fruitful land into barrenness for the wickedness of them that dwell therein Psal 107. 33 34. The Brethren of Ahaziah are on their progress to visit Ahab's children at Samaria they are met with by Jehu and slain at the pit of the shearing-house even two and forty men 2 Kings 10. 13 14. King Joram is providentially drawn forth from Jezreel and met Jehu in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite 2 Kings 9. 21. he is slain by Jehu and his body is thrown on that very plat according to the word of the Lord as Jehu makes the observation v. 25 26 of the same chapter CHAP. II. 1. FROM the Lord 's timing of matters learn 1. What ground there is for wicked ones to consider of their ways God not only times Punishment but so times it as that it may become double punishment God hath turned the Glass of his Long-suffering in Heaven how many sands are run out and how many are to run out they know not this let them know That God will come in way of punishing if they come not in way of repenting he will come even to a sand When the iniquity of the Amorites is full vengeance steps in Gen. 15. 16. There is a MENE God hath numbred thy kingdom and finished it for a Belshazzar Dan. 5. 25. And as the Lord timeth Wrath so there is a stinging timing of it Wicked ones have a spring-tide of Wrath when they expected it not so it was foretold of Babylon Isa 47. 9. But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day the loss of children and widowhood they shall come upon thee in their perfection c. And in v 11. Therefore shall evil come upon thee thou shalt not know from whence it ariseth and mischief shall fall upon thee thou shalt not be able to put it off and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly which thou shalt not know 2. What ground is there for godly ones to wait on God in this Providence for mercy God hath his timing of mercy and so timing of it as may the more commend the mercy There is a blessed season to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones Isa 57. 15. John's Disciples came to Christ in a seasonable
as was before intimated in the woman of Samaria's coming to the Well So when the Jaylor was troubled about his Prisoners then was the Lord's time to let him see what a slave he was to Satan Acts 16. 27 28 29. 3. Sometimes the observing of a Providence in way of conviction may lead on to further matters as in Nicodemus his case John 3. 2 c. 4. Sometimes some strong impulse upon the heart sways So likely it was in the Shunamite-woman go she must to the Prophet who raiseth her son for her from the dead 2 King 4. 22 23. It is said of Mr. Dod how he could not be quiet but must at night away to a man's house where coming the man was about to destroy himself and so a stop was put to the Tragedy Thirdly In regard of the Issue which respects 1. What is seen 2. What is not seen till afterwards Now the issue of what is seen may be considered 1. As succesless Saul sought the Countrey for the Asses but found them not 1 Sam. 9. 4. after he was told of them by Samuel but he goes home without them They who came to apprehend Christ were led to a conviction but apprehend him not John 7. 45 46. 2. As succesful and that in regard of what was intended Naaman comes for a cure and hath it his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child and he was clean 2 Kings 5. 14. In the next place The issue of what is not seen may be considered 1. Purely 2. Mixtly If we consider it purely or singly and so smart or punishment is the issue of some undertakings though men imagine no such matter The Philistins are for keeping holy-day to their Dagon Sampson is called for to make them sport and their House of Mirth becomes the House of Mourning Judg. 16. Again Favour or Mercy may be the issue So Naaman he went home wiser for Heaven than he came Matthew was sitting at the Receit of Custom and there Christ calls him Luke 5. 27. Who would have thought that the Publican going to the Custom-house or some standing in the Market should be called to be one of the Cash-keepers of Heaven's Treasure or a Pay-master of better Riches abroad in the World The issue in a way of mercy was wonderful And as the issue is singly considered by way of frown or smile so sometimes it is Mixt. There is both Vinegar and Honey in it Joseph his brethren were both afflicted and comforted in their Egypt journey for Corn for their Families Providence hands Gold out of the Mine and withal some scaring-gushes of Water may affright them who labour in the Mine of this or that business of concernment CHAP. II. 1. OBSERVE the wonderful display of Providence in these leadings Luther fell soul at first on the filthy lucre of those of the Church of Rome in the matter of Indulgences after like Ezekiel he saw greater abominations Ezek. 8. 6. It is in this case as with a stone glided along upon the waters one Circle is Dei enim Providentia causas effecta convertit quae alioqui naturâ sunt disjunctissima neque quicquam est quod oculos Dei quibus omnia subjiciuntur ordinantur possit fallere Pet. Mart. introductory to another Man acts but the Lord makes Connexions and they are wonderful in the issue 2. Learn how God is holy and righteous in the ordering of things notwithstanding the intervention of men's sins before things are brought about Whilst men mind their own work they forward Heaven's design Joseph can behold a holy wise good God in his Chain albeit some of the links thereof were very crooked and had a great deal of rust adhering to them Gen. 50. 20. 3. See how the Enemies of the Church are outwitted in their designs against the Church they are led by what they do see and mis-led to their ruin They whet the knife which cuts their own throat they are gathered together against Zion and yet the Lord gathers them as sheaves to be threshed in the floor they know their own projects but know not the thoughts of the Lord neither understand they his counsel see Mic. 4. 11 12 13. 4. Take notice what a prop here is for Faith from the consideration of a side-wind-influence of Providence The Lord can provide for and protect in such a way as a person doth not imagine There is a Joseph in Egypt that furnisheth the brethren with Corn in time of Famine There are ways God hath whereby wicked men shall be shields to Saints against the thrusts of their own swords O how admirable are the leadings of God by what is seen to what is not seen How do Saints sometimes stumble and so see the Jewel which there lies before them OBSERVATION XLIII Hindrances in matters through Providence when and where the Lord so pleaseth become Furtherances CHAP. I. THE verity of this Assertion is seen 1. In Spirituals 2. In Temporals In Spirituals and that 1. In matters of Personal Concernment 2. In matters of Publick referring to God's Church 1. In matters of Personal Concernment Thus a man 's own sins and yet no thank to sin are a foundation for his humility and ground for an holy watchfulness A Christian riseth by his fall Peter after his denial of his Master is modest in his profession of his love to Christ see John 21. 15. with Mat. 26. 33 35. And as sin is an hindrance to spiritual good and yet the Lord orders all for good so Satan means no good to a child of God The Devil is the great Blood-sucker yet is Heaven's Leech Providence knows how to use him to the glory of Providence That Foe of the Christian shall become in a sort the Christian's Friend thus professeth the Apostle Paul saying And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of revelations there was given to me a thorn in the flesh a messenger of Satan to buffet me c. 2 Cor. 12. 7. Sic infatuatus Satan dum obesse molitur magis etiam prodest quod impedire conatur expeditum potius reddit quam impeditum Gloria haec est Sapientiae Providentiae Doi Musculus in locum 2. In matters referring to the Church of God There are not wanting obstructions to the Church's peace and comfort What through Oppositions Errors Apostacies God's people are not a little distressed and yet their case though sad is not desperate for 1. The Mountains of Opposition become Plains according to that in Zech. 4. 7. The Persian Power and Authority there intended shall no longer mountain it against the Church but countenance the afflicted A Prohibition is given from hindring Temple-work and a positive Act is drawn up for the furthering of it as is recorded Ezra 6. 6 7 c. And though some who do furiously oppose do not depose their fury yet the wrath of man shall praise the Lord Psal 76. 10 It is to
be observed that the Church of God hath thriven by Oppositions So attests Paul Phil. 1. 12. The things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the Gospel The like Tertullian As often as we are mowed we are sowed The same Nec quicquam tamen proficit exquisitior quaeque crudelitas vestra illecebra magis est sectae Plures efficimur quoties metimur à vobis Tertul in Apolog. Quicquid enim Papa quicqu id Caesareani molirentur contra Evangelium id omne Christus in Evangelii commodum convertit Bulla Papae sulmen Caesaris non consternarunt sed animarunt homines ad Evangelium amplexandum Scult in Annal. part 1. p. 117. Prodiit saevissima bulla à Pontifice nihil aliud quam exacerbavit incendium sequutum est etiam saevius Caesaris Edictum qui totus in hanc rem propensus est ea res linguas quorundam calamos coercet at non mutat animos Erasmus in Epistola Ibidem p. 75. correspondency of Providence in after-times with foregoing-times may be noted It is left on record how the Popes Bull and the thundering Edict of the Emperor in Luther's days did rather encourage to than discourage from a closure with the Gospel 2. As for Errors and Heresies with which the Church of God is often pestered These are an occasion whereby the Truths of God Ita nihil obsistere divinae gratiae potest quo minus id quod voluerit impleatur dum etiam discordiae ad unitatem trahunt plagae in remedium vertuntur ut Ecclesia unde metuit periculum inde sumat augmentum Ambros lib. 2. de Vocat Gent. shine the more glorious It is conceived by some The occasion of John his writing the Gospel was the Errors broached by Ebion and Cerinthus who did play the Devils with the God-head of Christ Paul's Pen walks to Corinth when Disorders and Error in that point of the Resurrection had an unhappy rise there He withal informs saying There must be also Heresies among you that they which are approved may be made manifest among you 1 Cor. 11. 9. Truth and Godliness like a Torch burn the brighter being thus beaten We had not had such deep searches into Truths had not the Spirit of Error possest the heads of men Scarce an Error but hath had some Treatise or other written against it 3. Apostasies from the Church of Christ are matter of lamentation yet the Lord knows how to render these as useful to others for their encouragement and confirmation in the ways of God God's Judgments on Apostates are a Beacon set on fire to warn others What befel Judas Mat. 27. 5. might be of great use to the Disciples and others at Jerusalem as Peter intimates Acts 1. 18 19. Arrius was a Firebrand but how extinct when he voided his bowels History doth mention Spira whom I judg not as to his final state God might carry him to Heaven through the gates of Hell was on the rack of a tormenting-conscience I make no question but his Tragedy had a considerable influence to promote the Truth through God's Providence Spira's declining set forward Vergerius his enclining to the ways of the Gospellers * Ibi cum esset spectator fuit hujus tam miserabilis exempli quod diximus Eo permotus quum iram Dei qua miser ille perculsus fuit propter abnegatam veritatem coram ipse vidisset magisque confirmari câ—epit tunc plane constituit relicta patria posthabitisque rebus omnibus in voluntarium exilium abire potius eo proficisci ubi Christum libere profiteri posset Sleid. com 1. lib. 21. As there was a Providence in Vergerius his being there where poor Spira was hung up in the chains of a tormenting-conscience so there was no less of Providence in his improving of that sad spectacle 2. In Temporals Hindrances become Furtherances Instances there are in divers cases As 1. In Marriage so a likely progress was made in Ruth's disposal to the Kinsman Boaz tells of him and promiseth he will see what will be done Ruth 3. 13 18. and accordingly Boaz convenes the man who providentially came by before the Elders of the City the business of the Purchase is broke to him and by and by all is broke to pieces howbeit this hindrance is a furtherance of marriage with a better man even Boaz himself as we have the story in the fourth Chapter of Ruth 2. In impoverishments or losses Men may be the better fitted for prosperity by sanctified adversity The Lord who makes poor to a wonder can make rich to a miracle The Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than the beginning Job 42. 12. 3. In Sickness which may make way for further Health as God is pleased to order it and sanctifie his Dispensation Hezekiah dies not but hath a lease of fifteen years added to his life Isa 37. 5. An improved sickness may both physically and morally conduce to health A man learns in part to be his own Physician and to glorifie God more with his health than formerly 4. In Debasements and Reproaches Joseph is advanced and that by them who in their actings intended his utter downfall The sold Slave becomes a Prince in Egypt and his Mistress her defamation might after make for his reputation False aspersions do oftentimes redound to the glory of the aspersed and the infamy of the aspersers The lip of truth shall be established for ever but a lying tongue is but for a moment Prov. 12. 19. 5. In Defeats of Arms. It is noted in the Life of Tamerlan That what did fall out as probable letts did prove a furtherance for a Victory The loss of a battel is sometimes a preface to a compleat conquest The Israelites are smitten by the men of Ai Josh 7. 5. and their being smitten is an inducement to the men of Ai to be more forward than wise in the management of their next battel Josh 8. 16 17. It is then an experienced Observation That some lose by their Victories and others gain by their Defeats 6. In Journeys Jacob was to return to his Countrey there was an Esau in the way he comes forth with Four hundred men and well for Jacob that the wild Ruffians were under the command of Esau who hurts him not A general Rendezvouz might be preventive of plundering and butchering straglers see Gen. 32. and 33. CHAP. II. 1. THERE is no reason to be peremptory in concluding a nullity of matters because of some interponent hindrances Unbelief and Despondency do too often make a riot in the Soul God's word is questioned because there are great blocks in the way of his Promise Men look more to the blocks than to God who can remove them yea so play the Sacred Carpenter with them as to make an hepping-stock of them for an ascent to Favours intended What though the Hindrances be not only single but complicated ones Yet is any thing too
rashly or wickedly the works of Providence It 's no less dangerous than foolish to shoot arrows against the Heavens God's works call for man's veneration not blasphemous aspersion It was well spoken by Elibu on God's behalf Behold God exalteth by his power who teacheth like him Who hath enjoined him his way Or who can say Thou hast wrought iniquity Remember that thou magnifie his work which men behold Job 36. 22 23 24. Now more particularly take heed of censuring 1. The work of God's long-suffering towards the Sons of Violence and Fraudulence There are who break in pieces the Lord's people afflict his heritage slay the widow and the stranger and murder the fatherless Psal 94. 5 6 7. and yet no reason to attaque Providence as they in Mal. 3. 15. And now we call the proud happy yea they that work wickedness are set up yea they that tempt God are even delivered 2. The work of God's distinguishing-Mercy towards some let not this be branded as Injustice Partiality or Respect of persons The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works Psal 145. 17. That clause Friend I do thee no wrong Mat. 20. 13. will be fully unridled one day 3. The remarkable irradiations or beamings forth of Providence in matters Providence did notably own Nehemiah in that good work he was about yet Samballat Tobiah and Geshem saith he laughed us to scorn and despised us and said What is this thing that ye do Will ye rebel against the king Neh. 2. 19. How was Christ affronted by the Pharisees He casteth out say they devils through the prince of the devils Mat. 9. 34. Thus when the Apostles were full of the gifts of the Holy Ghost some mocked saying These men are full of new wine Acts 2. 13. Men would do well therefore to remember that prohibition Exod. 20. 16. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour If not against thy neighbour then not against the God of thy neighbour SECT X. LAstly Beware of extreams about Providence Extreams are of two sorts 1. In Opinion 2. In Practise 1. In Opinion and so some deny the concourse of the first Cause with second Causes And others on the other hand affirm the first Cause alone to work at the presence of second Causes Both these Extreams are oppugned and expugned by those learned men who write polemically of Providence It 's not my purpose to be controversal Beware then of Extreams in practise Some come not up to duty referring to this or that Dispensation of Providence Others run beyong their duty Men keep not the King of Heaven's high-way but go aside on the right hand or on the left and so Providence hath not their company A Providence very eminent there was in the return of those sent to spy out the Land of Canaan but how are the people affected One while Let us make us a Captain and let us return into Egypt said they one to another Numb 14 4. Another while say they Lo we be here and will go up unto the place which the Lord hath promised v. 40. God in his Providence sets up Saul to be King some despised him and brought him no Presents 1 Sam. 10. 27. Others were too hot and furious and would have the King's robe dipt in blood Bring the men say they that we may put them to death 1 Sam. 11. 12. Peter saith Thou shalt never wash my feet Joh. 13. 7 8. and after Lord not my feet only but also my hands and my head v. 9. Men have ground therefore to be watchful against extreams in matters for lame feet in not going after a Providence and Hind's feet in out-running a Providence become not judicious Christians Having spoken to the Directions cautionary I come in the next place to give a draught or summary of the Directions positive And here without a large Preamble take them as following in their several SECTIONS for the clearer understanding of them SECT I. 1. RESOLVE to take a serious view of the Lord 's Providential Dispensations A well biassed Resolution is the Spring of Action To the end therefore thou mayest be in good earnest consider of the Incentives or Motives which are as followeth 1. To note and observe the Works of God's Providence is a commanded duty Men are not left to a luke-warm indifferency whether they will observe or no. God hath otherwise discovered himself in his word Jer. 7. 12. But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh where I did set my name at the first and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel Here are two things 1. What God did do 2. What they are to do The Lord he works and they are not to be idle but to take a view of His work by taking a journey in their Meditations to Shiloh In Rev. 6. when the Book there of the Lord's Secrets is to be opened in a way of Providential Dispensation there is a Come and see a sight indeed not to be flâ—ghted for observe the Come and see is more than trebled v. 1 3 4 7. Râ—petitions of things in Scripture as they may intimate our dulness so the weight or importance of things thus repeated But 2. As it is commanded-work to observe the Lord's out-goings in his Providence so it 's commended and that three ways 1 By the variety of terms used to express this duty There seems to be a depth when so many fathom of Cordage go to the sounding of this duty An heap of words there are to set forth the excellency and emphatical importance of it Thus in Isa 41. 10. That they may see and know and consider and understand together 2. It is commended to us from the Author whose works we are to take a view of Come and see the works of God saith the Psalmist Psal 66. 5. What more in the World than the curious artifice of the Divine Attributes should court the eyes of men to dwell on And lastly It 's commended from the Practise of God's Saints It is commendable to do not as the most do but as the best do By faith the elders obtained a good report Heb. 11. 2. That faith there is comprehensive of Providence for its object as the Exemplifications given in the Chapter do give us to understand It 's recorded to the commendation of Mary That she had an observant eye on the Providence of God Luke 2. 19. 3. In the third place The singular advantages which attend the due observation of Divine Providence do invite to this duty If a man will consult his own good here is the way and this is the dore For 1. By a wise observing God's Providence a man is the more furthered in the knowledg of God Manasseh in the School of Providence is taught what he learnt not before Providence fetters him and kicks him as a Ball as far as Babylon and there he is catechised so as it is said of
him Then Manasseh knew that the Lord be was God 2 Chron. 33. 11 12 13. Holy Job though a knowing-man hath his knowledg elevated He learnt that on the Dung-hill which he did not in his Mannor-house I have heard saith he to God by the hearing of the ear but now mine eye seeth thee Job 42. 5. 2. Hereby a man is the better armed against sin Providence in a way of mercy is a good Rhetorician to disswade from sin Did not thy father it 's spoken to Shallum eat and drink and do judgment and justice and then it was well with him Jer. 22. 15. And Providence in way of wrath may serve as a counter-poyson against sin He may well be afraid of the black coal of sin knowing how Providence hath made it a burning-coal to the sinner as to Sodom of old see 2 Pet. 2. 6. see also Neh. 13. 25 26. 1 Cor. 10. 7 8 9 10. Moreover the observing of Providence doth antidote against sin as a man deserts not sinfully his appointed station knowing that there is a Providence of God watching over his people Should such a man as I flee saith Nehemiah ch 6. v. 11 This good man's heart was not in his heels for his eyes were fix't on God's Providence see v. 9 and 14. A like instance we have in Luke 13. 31 32. But lastly A man learns not to venture on sin for release from troubles and for the obtaining of good things knowing the variety of ways that Providence hath to help without a man's sin Thus David will not kill a King for a Kingdom the knowledg of the variety of ways which Providence had to send Saul out of the world is a pull-back to David The Lord saith he shall smite him or his day shall come to dye or he shall descend into battel and perish 1 Sam. 26. 10. 3. A third Advantage by observing Providence is Calmness and quietness of spirit in the midst of an unquiet world As he who can swim well is in the midst of curled waves he is in them but they are not in him so he who hath an holy dexterity in swimming in the sea of Providence the better bears out and bears up he is in trouble but trouble is not comparatively in him as in others He may sometimes take in a mouth-full of brinish-water but not a belly-full In Psal 46. we have a description of the Churches troubles the heathen raged the kingdoms were moved v. 6. yet we will not fear v. 2. And what is the ground of this fearlesness or composedness of spirit That we have in v. 7 and 8. The Lord of Hosts in with us the God of Jacob is our refuge Selah Come behold the works of the Lord c. It 's said of David when the people talk't of stoning him he encouraged himself in the Lord his God 1 Sam. 30. 6. The fiery furnace of the zealous King for his Image sets not the spirits of Shadrach Mesech and Abednego into a combustion they have a cool spirit though warm towards God and cast themselves on the Providence of God being perswaded that God would one way or other period the controversie Dan. 3. 16 17 18. Lastly Hereby the way of going out of the world is rendred the more easie and pleasant by observing the gracious out-goings of Providence towards a man in the world He may cheerfully go through death's dark Entry who hath had experience before of the Lord's company with him in the vale and shadow of death Good Jacob on his death bed looks back on the series or chain of God's Providence towards him and looks forward by faith to Providence as the Trustee for his posterity He blessed Joseph and said God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk the God which fed me all my life long unto this day the Angel which redeemed me from all evil bless the lads c. Gen. 48. 15 16. David being likewise to leave the world hath an eye on what God had done for him and on what he would do for his Family so in 2 Sam. 23. there is a recognition or account taken of what God had done for David v. 1. and in v. 5. David casts an eye on the Lord's Promise a fruitful Seed plot of gracious Dispensations Although saith he my house he not so with God yet he hath made with me an everlasting Covenant ordered in all things and sure although he make it not to grow And thus the way to dye comfortably as well as to live holily is to observe God's Providence judiciously SECT II. 2. SECURE an interest or propriety in the God of Providence as reconciled to the soul in and through Jesus Christ What the marrow of divine blessing is Peter gives us to understand in that Sermon of his made to the Jews Acts 3. 26. Vnto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities All outward blessings as they are commonly termed are but dry bones if this marrow of pardoning-grace be wanting Luther calls all the Turkish Magnificence Wealth Power but a crumb cast to a dog Varnish they say is no colour yet it sets off colours puts a beauty on them a propriety in God that varnisheth all the outward blessings of God This draws a golden thred through all thy Creature-comforts Thy food thy health thy rayment thy relations become double blessings this way yea thy wants thy sickness thy reproaches have lost their stings for if God be thine these are thine for thy good The Covenant of Grace hath made an happy conversion of troubles into Medicines and Providence hath undertaken the Cure a Physician able enough to perform what is so undertaken To sum up all then Good reason is there to look after this interest in God as reconciled for 1. Christless ones have no solid ground of any comfortable hopes in God Ephes 2. 12. 2. They who have God for their God have a filial right to the Promises which have gracious Providential dispensations in the belly of them they can go to God the Fountain of Providence and have their bottles filled I will saith David cry unto God most high unto God that performeth all things for me He shall send from heaven and save me c. Psal 57. 2 3. yea they have a pledg given them That their very stripes inflicted by Providence shall be healing ones so much doth that intimate in Psal 89. 30 31 32. SECT III. 3. GET more and more acquaintance with the holy Scriptures in order to proficiency in the School of Divine Providence Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom is Paul's Doctrine Col. 3. 16. If God's Word be received as our Inmate we shall not be such strangers to Providence as others are and that 1. Because the Scripture hath a finger to unty the hard knots of Providence A parallel or like Exemplification or something by