wise ordering of all things in all places and at all times for these eyes are never shut the Lord is not a sleepy Watchman Behold he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep Psal 121. 4. My Father saith Christ to the Jews who were stumbled at the Miracle wrought on the sabbath-Sabbath-day worketh hitherto and I work Joh. 5. 17. The sense is Though God rested the seventh day from his work of Creation yet he hath not been at rest ever since and perpetually worketh hitherto in his Providence and yet none of you durst entitle Him a violater of your Sabbath and why then am I adjudged a violater for a doing my Father's work This I conceive with others to be the intendment of that place of Scripture and it plainly giveth to understand that God's Providential care in and over the World is permanent The Lord withdraws not his manu-tenency He upholds all things by the word of his power Heb. 1. 3. 2. From exemplifications in Scripture For if we cast an eye on this or that special draught of Providence we may trace the foot-steeps of the Almighty even there where we cannot see Him so visibly walk for a time Draughts of Providence are of two sorts 1. Some respect persons singly as in Joseph's and Job's case 2. Others respect parties collectively or the Body of a people a Community of a people as the Church of God in Egypt and Babylon and in times of the New-Testament under persecution Whoso shall take a right view of the cases of Saints thus instanced in will find the result to be commensurate to the Truth asserted He who diggeth the foundation for an house the deeper he digs the less visible he is to those who cast an eye towards the place where the digging-work is managed and whilst this work is on foot Is nothing done or doing because the side-walls are not reared and tile-stones are not hung There is a manifold working-hand of Providence God doth ripen persons for mercies and mercies for persons There is not only a work of the Shoo-maker whereby a Shoo is made of this or that proportion but there is a work of the Physician whereby the swollen hydropical foot is reduced to its regular shape and is fitted for the shoo If God under some dispensations carry on a work upon us though he do not this or that work for us till he see fit he is still at work and the work he intends is in its Second-causes it is latent there and comes forth from between the Curtains of antecedent preparations when the Lord's time is come The Israelites are in Egypt's Furnace where they must be melted and the hotter the Furnace is the nearer Moses is with his Pails of water to extinguish the Egyptian fires though the Israelites know no such matter see Exod. 2. 23 24. with Exod. 3. v. 7 8 9 10. Job in like sort is put into Heaven's Mortar where he is pounded and beaten to the end the sweet fragor or smell of his graces might come forth and after God hath taught him many a good lesson a prosperous condition is on the hand-gallop towards him it had its foot in the stirrop before he had friends they were not impoverish't as Job was they had hands to help and have hearts to help or set up a broken man in his estate when the time for so doing is come Every man also gave him a piece of money and every one an earing of gold Job 42. 11. And we have not only exemplifications of Saints but likewise of Sinners and that both singly considered as well as in a Body or Community Sinners ripen for Judgments and Judgments ripen for Sinners They by their sinning are digging their own graves with their own nails The pit is a digging for them though it be not quite finisht there is an until the pit be digged for the wicked Psal 94. 13. What a Bogg or Quag-mire then do sinners dance on the surface or top-turf breaks and what becomes of them with their insultations projects designs Then she that is mine enemy saith the Church shall see it and shame shall cover her which said unto me Where is the Lord thy God Mine eyes shall behold her now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets Mic. 7. 10. CHAP. II. 1. KNOW how to understand those passages in Scripture as to the Lord 's forgetting his people Psal 13. 1. Psal 77. 9. and that in Psal 44. 23. Awake why sleepest thou O Lord These are not to be understood as to an universal and absolute forget-getting and sleep of Providence for God hath not his Vacation-time He still holds the reins of Government in his hand all the world over Neither do they infer an absolute cessation of Providence in reference to that object-matter which the Lord to our apprehension seems to forget and lies dormant for there is a promoting-work of Providence which we see not and are not so sensible of for the present as hath been shewed and may further be shewed in the next Observation Besides such forgetting and sleep of Providence as it is such bespeaks the beauty of Providence in the way of bringing things to pass It is so far from inferring an inter-regnum or letting fall the Scepter of Government as that it is a glorious demonstration that God orders matters and that wisely whilst he seems to forget and be as one asleep As the Night as night falls under the Providence of God as well as the Day for there are the Ordinances of Heaven for the Night-season Jer. 31. 35. so the dark Night when as to matters the Lord seems to sleep is reductive to His All-wise Model of Government The Seventy-years Captivity was a long Night of the Church's distress and yet thus it must be according to Ordinance of Providence Jer. 29. 10. 2. Let Saints be encouraged to work out their salvation with fear and trembling Phil. 2. 12. To be always abounding in the work of the Lord 1 Cor. 15. 58. and that because in so doing they in a sort resemble their Heavenly Father who hath not his Vacation-time and works one way though not another in ordering and bringing matters about in the World A Christian should be spiritually industrious He should be sometimes in one Duty sometimes in another If it be not a ploughing season for work without-doors yet it may be a threshing-one for work within-doors If he cannot pray as he would yet if he seriously sigh and groan at a Throne of Grace read a verse of Scripture think on it talk of it here is work and good work too and leight gains this way will make an heavy Purse OBSERVATION X. God doth some thing yea much whilst He seems to do little or nothing and doth little or nothing whilst men are in expectation of great matters to be done CHAP. I. THAT Providence speaks whilst it is in a sort silent and works whilst the work intended is at
not meet with mire and dirt here What is so if any I must own what is not so Providence will own I must confess the Subject may call for a Quill pluck't from the wing of a Seraphim and though that be so yet that is no apology to have Padlocks on our Tongues or Pens for the Tongue ought to be the Pen of a ready writer and the Pen the Tongue of a ready speaker to publish the wonderful works of him who is the blessed and only Potentate the King of kings and Lord of lords who only hath immortality dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto whom no man hath seen nor can see to whom be honour and power everlasting Amen 1 Tim. 6. 15 16. PREFACE THE word Providence hath its various imports or significations sometimes it is taken in a bad sense and so notes an unhappy fore-cast or contrivance in order to men's gratifying some lust or other so Rom. 13. 14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof Sinners are provident for their darling-corruptions They are wise to do evil but to do good they have no knowledg Jer. 4. 22. 2. Other-while the word is taken in a good sense and so it is applied or accommodated 1. To men 2. To God 1. As it is applied to men it notes or points at a Moral Virtue a Political Endowment and a Spiritual Grace A prudent man in ordering his affairs is all one with the provident man Paulus Sergius is stil'd a prudent man Acts 13. 7. Tertullus in his Oration doth politically use if not through flattery abuse the term Providence Very worthy deeds are done unto this Nation by thy Providence saith he to Felix Acts 24. 2. The Apostle Paul doth call for the exercise of Pre-consideration Prudence or Providence as a Theological Virtue or Grace to be made conscience of by Christians Rom. 12. 17. Provide things honest in the sight of all men And in 1 Tim. 5. 8. But if any provide not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the faith and is worse than an Infidel And thus as the word is applied to men 2. The term is transferr'd to God and so it is 1. Decretal Original Ordinative and is nothing else but the eternal Platform of things the original Draught or Copy of them Isa 40. 12 13 14. Acts 2. 23. Acts 4. 28. 2. Actual or Executive which is the Counterpane or Copy of that Copy and notes more than a meer inspection or looking thorow the wood or bushes of Second Causes and Contingent Events Abraham's belief doth note more than a meer insight when he saith to Isaac God will provide himself a Lamb for a burnt-offering Gen 22. 8. According therefore to this later acceptation of the word I may thus describe it as the description is founded on the Sacred Scriptures viz. Providence is a work of God whereby he sustains governs orders all the Creatures according to the good pleasure of his will to his own glory It is a work As there are the works of Creation so there are the works of Providence It is said Deut. 32. 4. His work is perfect And Psal 44. 1. We have heard with our ears our fathers have told us what work thou didst in their days in the times of old So Psal 77. 12. I will meditate also of all thy work and talk of thy doings And Isa 28. 21. That he may do his work his strange work and bring to pass his act his strange act My Father worketh saith Christ John 5. 17. Of God So it is said Psal 111. 3. His work is honourable and glorious No Person of the blessed Trinity is excluded My Father worketh hitherto and I work asserteth our Saviour in the place fore-mentioned John 5. 17. The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters Gen. 1. 2. And â—… thus in the Creation there was an agency of the Spirit so in the works of Providence Isa 48. 16. and his Spirit hath sent me And Mat. 4. 1. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit Whereby he sustains So Psal 50. 12. Uphold me with thy free Spirit And Psal 66. 9. Which holdeth our soul in life And Heb. 1. 3. Upholding all things by the Word of his Power Governs and orders So Job 25. 2. Dominion and fear are with him Psal 22. 28. For the kingdom is the Lord's and he is the Governour among the nations Isa 9. 7. Of the encrease of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it and to stablish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this Jude v. 25. To the only wise God our Saviour be glory and majesty dominion and power from henceforth for ever All the Creatures Unto me every knee shall bow Isa 45. 23. All the Creatures are his hosts who is the Lord of Saboath Jam. 5. 4. For of him and through him and to him are all things Rom. 11. 36. According to the good pleasure of his will He hath done whatsoever he pleased Psa 115. 3 I even I am the Lord Isa 43. 11. My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure Isa 46. 10. Who worketh all things after the counsel of his will Ephes 1. 11. To his own glory God's glory is nothing else but the irradiation or sparkling forth of his divine excellency He consults the glory of his Attributes in his work of Providence His work is honourable and glorious Psal 111. 3. As then God acteth from himself and from no other so for himself his own glory ultimately For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen Rom. 11. 36. Having thus pointed at the Scriptures on which with the like others as a firm basis or bottom the Description standeth I shall now with my Coal draw out the lineaments of the ensuing Discourse which may be branch'd forth into Five Parts The First contains the Scripture-Arguments for the proof of what is here supposed namely That there is a Providence The Second takes in the various Considerations or Distinctions of Providence The Third treateth of the Object or Extent of Providence in regard of the several things it is conversant about The Fourth presents with Miscellaneous Aphorisms or Observations on the Providence of God The Last comprehends Directions for the better improvement of God's Providential Dispensations These are the Five general Parts and of these in their order according to that Providential phrase Heb. 6. 3. And this will we do if God permit A PROSPECT OF Divine Providence PART I. THAT there is a Providence 1. appears from those Sacred Hieroglyphicks Pictures or Representations thereof in Sacred Scripture He that shall climb Jacob's Ladder in his Meditations may behold the God of
of matters so in Jonah 4 8 9 10 11. 4. Forgetfulness who the Lord is and who man is that grumbles at his Maker Lam. 3 39. Rom. 9. 20. And as for the fruits they are none of the best but bad enough Men are ready to flag in duty yea to throâ— Ergo ne nobis forâ—e contingat impingere adversus Deum quasi cum ipso confligere discamus cohiberâ— nostram temeritatem id tempestivè antequam forociat siâ—… ergo atque nobis obrepunt cogitationes quae Deo aspergant aliquam notam ignominiae eas citissime compescamus quia si admittimus paulatim nos irretient donec nos pertrahant ad extremam hanc vesaniam ut nulla religio vel pudor nos teneat quin palam blateremus adversus Deum Calv. praelect in Ezek. c. 18. it off Psal 73. 13. Mal. 3. 14. yea in the way to blaspheme God see Job 2. 9. Mal. 3. 13. Rev. 16. â— OBSERVATION VII God's Soveraignty displayed in his Dispensations should be a golden Bitt to check man's corruption and a sacred Goad to quicken to the exercise of Grace CHAP. I. THE Soveraignty of God whereby as Absolute Lord he doth whatsoever he pleaseth Psal 115. 3. hath its latitude or extent it is like the Sun which is not confined to one part of the Zodiack but his going forth is from the end of the heaven and his circuit unto the ends of the earth I shall therefore consider it largely as it is expresly or implicedly absolutely or respectively in some particulars displayed A view then we may take of it 1. In Spirituals 2. In Temporals In Spirituals and so 1. In Election of a person to life and glory by Jesus Christ Was not Esau Jacobs brother saith the Lord Mal. 1. 2. Yea it may be answered and his elder brother too and yet the children being not yet born neither having done good or evil that the purpose of God according to election might stand not of works but of him who calleth Jacob have I loved and Esan have I hated Neither is there unrighteousness with God in passing by the one and chusing the other for be saith unto Moses I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion oâ— whom I will have compassion Rom. 9. 11 13 14 15. Thus the Apostle in that Divine Tract of Predestination asserteth Replies to Objections and wades farther on in the Controversie in the following Verses and speaks particularly of the Soveraignty of God in v. 20 21. On which Aquinas comments saying About the election of the good and the reprobation of the bad a two-fold question may be moved One in the general Why God will harden some and have compassion on others The other is special or particular Why he takes compassion on this and harden that man There may be a reason of the former assigned but not so of the later unless The meer will of God An illustration of which we have in human affairs for if any willing to build an house should have many stones alike and equal gathered together therâ— may some reason be assigned why he placetâ— some above some below from the End intended Because to the perfection of the Housâ— which he intendeth to build there is required a Foundation which hath stones below and likewise the top of the Wall which hath stones above the others but why he dotâ— place these stones above and these below hatâ— not any reason unless Because the Artificer â—… Mason will have it so Thus Aquin. 2. In the conveyance of the means of grace to some and not so to others He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and his judgments unto Israel he hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgments they have not known them praise ye the Lord Psal 147. 19 20. And this is not only Old-Testament Doctrine but also New the Lord directs Paul and Timothy where and where not they are to preach the Gospel Now when they had gone thoroughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia after they were come to Mysia they assayed to go into Bythinia but the Spirit suffered them not and they passing by Mysia came down to Troas and a vision appeared to Paul in the night there stood a man of Macedonia and prayed him saying Come over into Macedonia and help us and after we had seen the vision immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the Gospel unto them Acts 16. 6 c. 3. In conferring gifts and endowments on some and not on others All are not alike subjects of such and such qualifications Balaam prophesieth Numb 23. Ahitophel is a reputed Oracle for wisdom and counsel in Israel 2 Sam. 16. 23. Many will say to Christ in that day Lord Lord have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name done many wonderful works Mat. 7. 22. The Apostle Paul supposeth That some like Lead may have a very specious stamp of some gifts and yet be Lead still 1 Cor. 13. 1 2. 4. In planting saving-grace in the hearts of some not so in the hearts of others It is given unto you saith Christ to the Disciples to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven and to them it is not given Mat. 13. 11. Our Saviour speaks of two sorts of branches some fruit-bearing ones others not so John 15. 2. The Author of the Epistle to the Hebrews doth tacitly distinguish of professors when he saith But beloved we are perswaded better things of you and things that accompany salvation Heb. 6. 9. 5. In calling home by his grace some at one time of their life and in a different way in point of circumstances others not so Some their ship arriveth sooner at the Port of Grace and are brought in with gentle gales others after a long coursing up and down meet with rough winds and so are landed at last Josiah Jeremiah John the Baptist Timothy may serve as instances on the one part Manasseh Paul with others may be exemplifications on the other Some are sweetly won into the Vinyard others are driven and as it were hunted in and at different seasons for we read of the morning the third hour the sixth ninth and eleventh Mat. 20. 6. In giving larger measures of grace to some not so to others Some are smoaking flax and bruised reeds Mat. 12. 20. Others grow as the Lilly and cast forth their rootslike Lebanon their branches spread and their beauty is as the Olive-tree and their smell as Lebanon Hos 14. 6 7. John rangeth Christians into little children fathers and young-men 1 John 2. 12 13. Why they who are the children are not the young men the young men the fathers and why the fathers are not the young men and young men the children the one in one place the others in the other is supreamly
a stand may be thus evidenced 1. From the secret and invisible agency of Angels about that work which Providence in time brings forth on the stage The living Creatures are said to have the hands of men under their wings on their four sides Ezek. 1. 8. Hands are the instruments for action and these are vailed over with wings These hands are at work though men see them not And thus the Angel informs Daniel how he had been hard at work in the Court of Persia though Daniel knew no such matter Dan. 10. 12 13. 2. From some under-ground foundation laid of matters There is a seed sown but it is yet under the clods Little doth mortal eye see how Providence will bring both the sticks ends together which at present lies straight Who of the Israelites thought that when Moses was born and preserved by Pharaob's Daughter a rescue from Egyptian insolency was remotely born with him and bred up with him in Pharaob's Court 3. From Prognosticks or rather Fore-runners of a work which as they have a reference to a work so they hasten it more or less Consider here a work of Providence 1. As a work of Mercy 2. As a work of Wrath or Judgment As a Work of Mercy and so conviction of sin humiliation serious supplication have their influences The work may in some respect be said to be done whilst these are doing The provend'ring of the Horse the trimming and tackling the Ship the whetting of the Sythe do contribute to the journey voyage and mowing of the grass When the Jews consider their ways hearkeâ— to the Prophet Haggai set on Temple-work the work of blessing of them is â—… hand Hag. 2. 19. From this day will I bless you Again as a work of Justice and so irruptions of sin insolency in men's wicked courses taunting at Zion's Songs Lethargical security horrid blasphemy do set forward a work of vindictive Justice which though it seem to take a nap yet wiâ—… awaken to the terror of the sons of Beliâ—… See Ezek. 16. 49 50. Psal 75. 4 5 6 7 8 Psal 137. 3. with 8 9. Zech. 1. 11 15 18 19 20 21. Mic. 7. 10. In the next place God doth little or nothing whilst men are in expectation of great matters to be done And this holds 1. In regard of the kind of things Atque itain diem hodiernum neg ant venisse Christum suum quia non in sublimitate venerit dum ignorant in humilitate primo fuisse venturum Tert. lib. adversus Judaeos The Jews had a conceit of a Temporal Monarchship which the Messiah should erect and hereupon Jesus the Son of Mary is rejected A spice at least of this Opinion had taken the Heads of the Disciples Acts 1. 6. they ask a question there which an answer given to Pilate might well resolve John 18. 36. The Papists have a conceit of Antichrist to come of the Tribe of Dan who shall do wonders and so overlook Antichrist to a wonder It 's pity they are so sharp-sighted as not to see wood for trees As John told the Levites and Priests in reference to Christ saying There standeth one among you whom ye know not John 1. 26. the same may be said but in a contrary sense to Papists The Anabaptists of Germany said they had converse with God and a command from Him Sleid. com lib. 3. p. 44. That all wicked ones being slain they should constitute a new World in which only the godly and innocent should live and bear the sway But what was the monstrous and bloody birth of that Conceit is not unknown to those who know any thing in History Men had need then be very cautious what foundation they build on for matters expected for they who look for I know not what to take place in the World will see it I know not when And this leads to the next particular 2. In regard of Time It is supposed that the thing expected hath solid foundation but yet persons are out in the timing of the thing Moses is to deliver God's Israel out of Egypt but it is not then when in the vigour of his age he slew the Egyptian Acts 7. 24 25 30. Christ is to come to judgment but not when the Thessalonians through an erroneous conceit taken up did expect as Paul giveth them to understand 2 Thess 2. 1 2 3. Some have vented their opinion about the downfall of Antichrist the Calling of the Jews c. but the time expir'd when it should be according to their imagination hath been a confutation sufficient Reason there is therefore to beware of Pretorian assertions in this kind lest otherwise Religion be damnified and exposed to derision 3. In regard of the manner or way of God's doing what is to be done and in his time for doing It becometh not persons to confine the Lord to this or that way of working David is to conquer a Goliah but it is not by fighting in Saul's Armour but with his Sling and stones taken out of the Brook 1 Sam. â—7 Naaman is to be cleansed but not in Naaman's fancied way 2 Kings 5. 11. God doth great things for his distressed ones sometimes he takes one way sometimes another There is more than one Stair-case to the Chamber where he feasts his friends His infinite Power and Wisdom brings about matters beyond the shallow apprehensions of men Hear what he saith I will bring the blind by a way they knew not I will lead them in paths that they have not known I will make darkness light before them and crooked things straight these things will I do unto them and not forsake them Isa 42. 16. CHAP. II. 1. FROM God's doing something whilst he doth nothing Learn 1. To do something by doing nothing against God Let not the silence of Providence be an occasion of crying-sins That servant who said in his heart My Lord delayeth his coming and began to beat the Man-servants and Maidens and to eat and to drink and to be drunken was cut in sunder Luke 12. 45 46. And 2. As to do nothing against God so to do something positively for God to His glory and in obedience to Him It behoveth persons under such a position of Silent Providence to consider of their sins to be humbled for them turn from them and so sweetly to wait the issues of Providence Our God shall come and shall not keep silence saith the Psalmist Psal 50. 3. and what improvement is made of that assertive Doctrine you may see 1. By way of terror to those who abuse the silence of Providence in v. 21. These things hast thou done c. and in v. 22. Now consider this ye that forget God lest I tear you in pieces and there be none to deliver 2. By way of implicit Exhortation and Consolation to such who keep close to God in the way of holy walking with Him and before Him v. 23. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me and to him
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-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
was not by and by setled The holy Dove builds not the Nest of Comfort amongst Thorns and Nettles these must down ere Consolations come from above David cries out of broken bones Psal 51. 8. he is an humble supplicant for the light of God's countenance and the joy of salvation v. 8 9 10 11. and no wonder for broken bones are not by and by healed and the nigh-shipwrack't vessel by and by rigg'd Job's quiet and comfort was handed in by degrees God answereth him out of a Whirlwind chap. 38. and after vindicates him from the calumnies of his friends accepts his performances and turns his captivity as it is declared in chap. 42. 3. From the wise Ends of God in the gradual process of Mercies What these are may be touched 1. To correct for sin The Chariot of Providence moves no faster because men throw the logs of sin in the way There is no reason for men to complain that God is slow in delivering when they are swift in sinning The hand of the Lord is not shortned that it cannot save c. but your sins have separated between you and your God and your sins have hid his face from you Isa 59. 1 2. The Israelites Wilderness-sins made the Wilderness-journey forty years which might have been performed in forty days 2. To exercise faith prayer patience by this gradual process Jacob is a Wrestler before he is a Prevailer Hannah prays believes and waits ere she hath a Samuel There is a connexion of Duties with Mercies though not a connexion of Merit on our part If Providence give in Mercies before seeking of them there is ground to adore Soveraign Mercy no reason to neglect Duty for time to come 3. To fit for Mercies The Scabbard must be fitted for the Sword otherwise the Sword though it have a golden Hilt will cut the Scabbard or fall out of it to the danger of him who girds it on There is the strong Wine of Mercies which weak heads are not able to bear It 's hard for a man to go over the high golden Bridg of Mercies and not be giddy-headed The Israelites were not by and by fitted for Canaan nor Joseph for Egypt's Dignity nor David for the Royal Diadem noâ— a Novice for â—…e Ministry lest being lifted up with pride be fall into the condemnation of the devil as the Apostle saith 1 Tim. 3. 6. 4. To teach the lesson of thankfulness For 1. The gradual process of Providence in Mercies doth lay forth the Mercy by piece-meal before the eye God could have created the World in one day but he took six to the end men might take the fuller view of the glorious work of Creation The same method in the work of Providence serves to the like end Moses when the Israelites are to take possession of Canaan doth rehearse the several stages of their journey Numb 33. A Mercy indeed is better viewed in its walk than in its leap 2. God's bestowing things gradually doth inure to the exercise of the grace of Thankfulness Every little of mercy doth deservedly call forth the Lord's praises The slaying of Sihon King of the Amorites and Og King of Bashan was a preamble for further thankfulness to the Israelites Deut. 3. 1 2. 3. The very laying of the foundation of the Temple was ground for the Priests and Levites praising and giving thanks unto the Lord as is recorded Ezra 3. 10 11. 3. Hâ—reby Parties are taught how to value the full crop of Mercy The Husbandman's joy in the Harvest transcends his joy for pleasant showers before the Harvest His waiting makes way for his prizing what he waits for Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth James 5. 7. Canaan after a long Wilderness-journey is the more valued by the Israelites CHAP. II. 1. FROM the gradual process of Providence in Judgments behold the folly and stupidity of sinners They are secure though Judgments have had their real as well as verbal Preface God hath shewed the Rod and smitten with it and yet they promise themselves Golden Mountains when they are ascending desolate ones like Agag who said Surely the bitterness of death is past 1 Sam. 15. 33. It was said of Ephraim Strangers have devoured his strength and he knoweth it not yea gray-hairs are here and there upon him yet he knoweth it not Hos 7. 9. Oh how sad is the case of stupid sinners who consider not how lesser Judgments are but par-boilings for greater ones 2. From the gradual process of Providence in Mercies learn 1. To observe the first foot-steps of Mercy Men should be as forward in their observation as Providence is in operation The way to see the great things of Providence is not to despise the day of small things Zech. 4. 10. 2. To watch against Pride and Impatiency if a Mercy come not by and by Behold his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him but the just shall live by his faith Hab. 2. 4. It 's wisdom for persons to crush that which may crush the Mercy An head swollen with pride and vanity will not be receptive of the Crown of Mercy 3. To improve the first-fruits of Mercy He that improves the dawnings of Mercy may behold the glorious day of Mercy Jesus answered and said unto Nathaniel Because I said unto thee I saw thee under the fig-tree believest thou Thou shalt see greater things John 1. 50. OBSERVATION XLVI PROVIDENCE doth make a sudden change of the face of things or There is a Leap as well as a soft and gentle Walk of Providence in matters CHAP. I. VVHAT hath been before said of the gradual process of Providence is not so to be understood as contradictory to the Liberty and Royal Prerogative of the Lord in sudden alterations Moreover the gradual Caeterum si respicimus ad Dei consilium nunquam motam facit novit enim omnes temporum articulos in ipsâ tarditate semper accelerat utcunque non apprehendat hoc caro Calv. in Hab. c. 2. v. 23. workings of Providence are consistent with sudden alterations made by Providence A strong wind unexpected comes and the Trees full of ripe fruit have their thin and lean face in a moment Now that there are such sudden alterations both as to Judgments and Mercies may be evidenced as followeth 1. There is a sudden change of the face of things in regard of a black and ruful face of things to take place and this will appear 1. From the full and elegant similitudes by which this sudden change is painted forth in its genuine and proper colours So in Isa 30. 13. Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall swelling out in a high wall whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant Other full and pregnant allusions there are as to the withering of the grass when the spirit of the Lord bloweth on it Isa 40. 7. the cutting off like the foam on the waters Hos
7. 7. the travel of a woman with child whose pangs are sudden as well as sure 1 Thes 5. 3. 2. From Instances and Exemplifications The old World had a new face though a sad and weeping one and that in the space of forty days Gen. 7. 17. The Sun was risen upon the Earth when Lot entred Zoar then the Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven as it is Gen. 19 23. 24. There are seven years of Famine after seven years of Plenty in Egypt Gen. 41 29 30. The house of the Lord and the King's house and all the houses of Jerusalem and all the houses of the great men are burnt with fire Jer. 52. 13. In a morning shall the king of Israel be cut off Hos 10. 15. For in an hour so great riches is come to nought Rev. 18 17. 2. There is a sudden change in the face of things in regard of a pleasant and smiling-face of things to take place And this will appear 1. From Predictions and Intimations on this wise in Scripture So in Isa 66. 8. Who hath heard such a thing Who hath seen such things Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day or shall a nation be bork at once For as soon as Zion travelled she brought forth her children This may refer to the Jews release from the captivity and Psal 126. may be a comment on it If it shall be extended further that phrase of the Apostle in Rom. 11. 15. doth give us to understand what a sudden and glorious change the Lord can make in the World by way of addition to his Church And as God can and will encrease the number of his people so likewise decrease the number of their adversaries so in Rev. 18 8. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day death and mourning and famine and she shall be utterly burnt with fire Again 2. From Instances or Exemplifications Joseph becomes an embellish't Jewel who a little before lay neglected in the Prison-rubbish Gen. 41. 14. Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon The Israelites are no longer Scavengers and Drudges in Egypt when the Lord's time is come for their delivery a sudden change there is for their delivery after some delays the Egyptians were urgent upon the people that they might send them out of the Land in haste for they said We be all dead men Exod. 12. 33. The Month in Eâ—ther's time was turned unto them from sorrow to joy and from mourning into a good day Esth 9. 22. The truly good people of God at Damascus have no little joy when their intended Persecutor becomes on a sudden a good and Orthodox Preacher Acts 9. 20. A sudden change there was in Peter's case they saw him and were astonishâ—d Acts 12. 16. CHAP. II. VVHAT little reason have sinners to be bold and confident in their ways How soon may all their Pomp Policy Strength like a stately Ship be blown up when Providence shall send its fire-ball into the Gun-room Remarkable are passages in Scripture to this Nam malic qui adhuc adversus justos in aliis terrarum partibus saeviunt quanto serius tanto vehementius idem omnipotens mercedem sceleris exsolvit quia ut est erga pios indulgentissimus pater sic adversus impios rectissimus judex Lact. lib. 1. Inst c. 1. purpose Hos 5. 7. Now shall a month devour them with their portions Psal 64. 7. But God shall shoot at them with an arrow suddenly shall they be wounded Psal 73. 18 19. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places thou castedst them down into destruction how are they brought into desolation as in a moment they are utterly consumed with terrors 2. As sinners have no reason to be bold and wanton having Providence for such an Enemy So Saints have no reason to be hopeless and heartless having Providence for such a Friend What though there be loss of Children plunderings by Chaldeans and Sabeans a body smitten with sore boils a state of elongation or alienation from friends in regard of love and friendship yea the terrors of God too within in the conscience as 't was Job his case yet it is but the turn of the hand of Providence and all is made up The Lord turned the captivity of Job ch 42. v. 10. And not only in personal cases is the Aphorism or Observation here useful but in the publick case of the Church of Christ So in Psal 46. 5 God is in the midst of her she shall not be moveâ— God shall help her and that right early And so in Rev. 11. the Witnesses are slain yet to the affrighting of the slayers they revive again the spirit of life from God entred into them ver 11. Let noâ— Christians then be despondent under their black Clouds the glorious Sun of Providence may quickly throw off its sable mantle and dart forth its Meridian beams to the admiration of those who have been without Sun-shine for many days OBSERVATION XLVII The Vse of means in matters is man's work the Issue or success of means is God's work CHAP. I. VVHAT hath been before said as touching the Lord's bringing about of matters his way or manner in working both gradually and on a sudden is not to be understood as if therefore the use of means were in vain on man's part the present Observation is a check to such a wrong Inference And whereas here it is said The use of means is man's work this is not so to be conceived as to deny a work of Providence in the very use of the means for there is a work of Providence in directing to the means and abilitating to use them The meaning then is nothing else but to point out man's duty and so to leave the result of matters to Providence And that the use of means is thus incumbent on man appeareth 1. Man will otherwise be found a violater of the Lord's Command Make thee an ark of Gopher-wood said God to Noah Gen. 6. â—4 Thus did Noah according to all that God commanded him so did he v. 22. Noah had been a transgressor had he neglected Ark-work and expected preservation without the use of means to be made conscience of by him The use of means is commanded both for the outward and inward man in respect of temporals as well as spirituals so teacheth the Apostle 1 Thes 4. 11. And that ye study to be quiet and to do your own business and to work with your own hands as we commanded you And in Phil. 2. 12. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling 2. It 's an ill requital of the Lord's kindness that when he honours man to be instrumental in matters this condescention of God is abused slighted and not esteemed as it ought to be The great God needeth not the choisest Tool for any work It is of his goodness that as he works
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