Jobs Appeal, Sermon
JOB X. 7.
Thou knoweſt that I am not wicked: And there is none that can deliver out of thine hand.
THIS Text contains the Sum and Marrow of the grand Controverſie betwixt afflicted Job and his cenſuring Friends: They will needs prove Job to be a wicked man. The Devil and Job's Friends ſpeak the ſame Language, only Satan preſumes upon it, That if God will touch Job's Fleſh, he will curſe him to his Face; ch. 2.5. His Friends uncharitably accuſe him as one that had curſed God, or committed ſome ſcandalous Sin, and therefore God did ſo ſeverely touch his Fleſh.
Againſt this Charge Job makes his Appeal to the heart-ſearching God, and ſaith, Thou knoweſt that I am not wicked.
The latter part of the Text ſpeaks, 1. A Conceſſion; I may for all my Integrity be in God's Hand; i.e. in the correcting Hand of God. 2. An Aſſertion; None can deliver out of thine hands; q d. I may continue long under it, and no power in Heaven and Earth can reſcue me, except God himſelf ſet me at liberty.
A word of the former, tho' the latter be the Subject aſſigned to me: [Thou knowest] The words are very emphatical in the firſt Language; foreign i.e. It is upon thy knowledge that I am not wicked; q. d. Thou haſt not this Knowledge from without, i. e. from Reports or Hearſay; no, thy Knowledge is from thy ſelf, it's internal, immediate, and therefore perfect and infallible.
Obj. 1. GOD exactly knows every Man's ſtate and frame: His Knowledge is not conſequent but concomitant of his Search; Jer. 17.9 Acts 15.8, 18.All thing's are naked and opened unto the Eyes of him with whom we have to do, Heb. 4.13. GOD's Line ſoundeth Man's Depth; himſelf anatomizeth all our parts, our Perſons and Actions are manifeſt to God now, 2 Cor. 5 1… 11and ſhall be laid open before Angels and Men at the great day.
Thou knoweſt that I am not wicked.] Haer… Rege…ts prec…tium impre…i tamen dici non poſſunt nec deb…nt. Merc.He ſaith not that I am not a Sinner; alas, there's too much Sin in me, Sin (ſaith an Interpreter) ſticks in the Regenerate, yet they cannot or ought not to be called wicked; God gives the Denomination from the better part: The beſt Saints are but Sinners, the worſt Saints are not wicked; they are indeed Sinners by their remaining Corruption, but godly by receiv'd Renovation.
The word here [That I am not wicked] is a Verb, [foreign] quod non imple egerim; as David, Pſ. 18.21. And have not wickedly departed from my God; i. e. in a courſe of ſinning.
The Phraſe alſo imports a being condemned and caſt at God's Bar, as a wicked man, Pſ. 109.7. when, he is judged let him be condemned [Erat improbus] let him go forth as a condemned Malefactor. I dare appeal to the All wiſe Heart-ſearching God, that I am not ſuch an one.
Doct. 1. That a truly gracious Soul dare Appeal to God, that he is not wicked.
The Child of God makes God Witneſs of his Integrity; when Enemies ſcorn, Satan accuſeth, Conſcience nips, and God himſelf keeps at a diſtance, then the devout Soul can ſay as Job 16.19. Alſo now behold, my witneſs is in Heaven, and my Record is on high.
This may ſeem a Paradox, but it's a great Truth, that the holieſt Saint on Earth dare not juſtifie himſelf before God, yet he dare ſtand before God to juſtifie his Integrity. This muſt be underſtood in an evangelical ſence, not in a legal, thro' Chriſt the Mediator, not as in himſelf, according to the Covenant of Grace, not of Works. A great Divine ſaith, Journal Armour, par. 2 p. 88.The Goſpel-Covenant relaxeth the rigor of the Law, which called for compleat Obedience, by reſolving all that into this of Sinecrity and Truth. When we go upon the Tryal for our Lives before Chriſt's Bar, the great Inqueſt will be, whether we have been ſincere or not; he means not that Sincerity is ſet up in Chriſt's Room, but as it is evidential of our Intereſt in him: Hence ſaith Job, Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity, Job 31.16. He means a Goſpel-balance, for by the works of the law ſhall no Fleſh be juſtified; nor doth he mean, Gal. 2.10.that God muſt weigh him before he know him, but it's ſpoken after the manner of Men: Hence David ſaith, Pſ. 139.23, 24. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts, and ſee if there be any wicked way in me: There is Sin in me, too much Wickedneſs in my naughty Heart, God knows, but I dare appeal to thee, that there's no wicked way, or way of Wickedneſs, i. e. no ordinary Road, nor any uninterrupted Path of Sin in me; it doth not make a Thorow fair of my Soul. I give it many a turn, and dare appeal to thee, that I would be gladly rid of it.
All, I ſhall do in this point, is, to propound and anſwer this weighty Caſe of Conſcience. Queſt. How may a Chriſtian make it out in his Appeal to God, that he is not wicked? I confeſs, this is a great Queſtion, and hard to be reſolved, but I ſhall follow the Scripture-line in repreſenting the Good Soul's Caſe in his Appeal to God.
1. Lord, thou knoweſt I am not as I have been, there's a great change wrought in my Heart and Life; a turn I have had, thou knoweſt, whether it be ſaving or no, whether from the power of Satan to God; but I can ſay, ſuch Acts 25 18.1 Cor. 6.11.ſuch a one I was, but I am not I, a new Frame I am put into, thou knoweſt whether it be the new Creature; 2 Cor. 5.17.the Stream of my Affections runs in another Channel, thou knoweſt whether in the Channel of Grace, and Heavenwards.
2. Thou knoweſt I have made a ſolemn Covenant with thy ſelf; thou knoweſt the time, place, manner, inducements, ends, witneſs of this Covenant; I did ſtudy the Nature of this Covenant, Pſal. 73.25. Iſa. 41.5.2 Cor. 8.5.and felt the Pulfe of my Soul, whether I was cordial in it, and I thought I choſe thee only to be my chiefeſt Good and utmoſt End, and gave up my ſelf entirely to thee, when there was no witneſs beſides God and my own Conſcience; thou knoweſt whether I had any Reſerves, Diſtinctions, Evaſions in this ſolemn Tranſaction; I have given thee the Keys of my Heart, and am glad of ſuch a Gueſt and Lord.
3. Lord, Iſal. 66.18.thou knoweſt I do not regard Iniquity in my Heart, I cannot look pleaſantly upon it; there is a ſecret diſlike of every Sin, not only as Soul-damning, but as God diſhonouring; Pſal. 119.104.I hate every falſe way, as contrary to the Law of God; yea, methinks I find an Antipathy to it, as contrary to my new Nature; tho' ſuited to my carnal Palate, yet Grace raiſeth my Stomach againſt it, for the intrinſick Evil in it, as well as Conſequence of it, I hate it, tho' delectable, profitable; yea, and abhor what is evil, Rom. 11.9. Jude 23.…even the garment ſpotted by the Fleſh.
4. Lord, thou knoweſt I do daily reſolve and pray againſt Sin, Mat. 6.13.all Sin, of Heart and Life, thy ſelf is privy to my earneſt ſupplications, that I may not be led into Temptation, Pſal. 141.3, 4. Gen. 39.9.or left under the power of it; Lord, ſet a watch before my mouth, encline not my heart to any evil thing: Pſal. 17.3.God forbid I ſhould do this or that wickedneſs, and ſin againſt God. I am purpoſed that my mouth (hand, feet) ſhall not tranſgreſs. God hath heard my Prayer, and known my Vows againſt this and that particular Luſt, to which I was formerly addicted, Pſal. 18.23.and hope I can ſay as David, I was alſo up… … before him, and I kept my ſelf from mine iniquity, it prevails not over me.
5. Lord, Rom. 6.….thou knoweſt I am daily ſeeking not only to lop off the Branches, but to ſtub up the Roots of Sin, to cut off Members that but weaken and mortifie the Body of Deam, to crucifie the Fleſh, with the Affections and Luſts. Gal. 5.24.Alas, it's not enough to ceaſe the Acts, but my Soul would weaken the Habits of Sin: Oh that the Old Man were crucified with Chriſt, that the body of Sin may be deſtroyed: Rom. 6.6.The only Conqueſt is wrought by Chriſt's Death and Reſurrection; I do find it is nothing but the Law of Life in Christ Jeſus that muſt make me free from the law of Sin and Death: he only came to deſtroy the works of the Devil.Rom. 8.2.1 John 3.8.
6. Lord, thou knoweſt I ſet my ſelf againſt ſecret and ſpiritual Sins; cleanſe thou me from ſecret ſins, Pſal, 19.12, 13as well as keep me back from preſunptuous ſins. I am afraid of Pride, hardneſs of Heart, lukewarmneſs, hypocriſie, vanity, formality, and all ſpiritual as well as fleſhly Wickedneſs. 2 Cor. 7 1.Now I underſtand by the Holy Law, Rom 7 7.that the leaſt motions of Sin in my Heart are evil, and deſerve Death; thou knoweſt whether I make not conſcience of thoſe Sins, which others make no reckoning of, even vain thoughts, Pſal. 119 113riſings …
7. Lord, thou knoweſt the Conflicts and Combats betwixt …, the fleſh luſting against the ſpirit, Gal 5 1. Cant. 6.…and the … the fleſh. Methinks I find within me as it … …panies of two Armies; Rom 6 14.my Corruption is not on the Throne, but in the Field; Sin hath not dominion over me: I am daily warring, and tho' I am oſt ſoiled by it, yet fall on again; it is not a King, but a Tyrant in me; I go daily armed into the Field, and muſt militate under the Banner of my dear Lord, and ſhall be Conqueror.
8. Lord, theſe Sins break my Heart, as they break out …r work within, they lye as an heavy load on my duplicate page duplicate page Conſcience, … 28. … 7.24.make me weary and heavy lan… … I cry, O wretched man that I am, who ſhall del… … from this body of death? Thou knoweſt the … Groan… my Sin hath coſt me; Pſal. 38 9Lord, all my deſire is … and my groaning is not hid from thee. One Sin ha… … oft me more than all my other troubles; Oh my br… Bones!
9. Lord, … 68 119 …9 1…thou knoweſt I love not the comp… of wicked men I bid them oft depart from me, not … of oſtentation, but for fear of infection; I would no… found among wicked men when my Lord calls: I'm … not ſate with vain perſons; Pſal. 25 4, 5yea, I have hated the con…ation of evil doors. I have oſt got either Guilt or Grief… … a needleſs aſſociating with them; I hope thou wi… …ot rank me with the wicked, whom I love not.
10. Lord, thou knoweſt I have loved the Society of thy Saints and Servants; … 110 63.I am a Companion … …ll them that fear thee, … 11… 63. Pſal … … 1….theſe I account the Excellent … …arth, in whom is all my delight. I am ſure wicked Men love not thy Children, and I am ſure they are paſſed from Death to Life that love the brethrem. I love them, becauſe they are ſo … thee, my Heavenly Father, bea… … image, tho' …oor in the World, and differ in … …om me, yet my Heart is towards them, and … …nverſing with them in God's Worſhip and ….
11. Lord, I love …, and … truly ſay, I love my Miniſter better … …ing, and the Word of God better for its Purity; …, ma…e me to know my Tranſgreſſions and my Sins. …I love … pal…ating, Job … 23but would have my wound ſearch'd to the bottom, Pſal. …that it may be ſafely cured; Let the … …ite me, …it ſhall be a kindneſs; yea, and Iſhmael's … all do me good, by a ſolemn reflecting upon my ….
12. Lord, thou knoweſt whether my Soul, … love thee and Jeſus Chriſt; Pet. 2 ….thou haſt ſaid … …lieve Christ is precious, I have oſt been feeling the Pulſe … my Soul, and at laſt dare appeal to thee with Peter, …rd, thou knoweſt that I love thee; John 4 15.thy ſelf ſhalt vouch for …e, and make my Affidavit: Thou ſhalt not have this …reſtation at my hand, but upon thine own knowledg. …hou art the chiefest of Ten thouſand; yea, Cart ….… Phil 3 8doubtleſs I …unt all things but loſs for the Excellency of the knowledge of …hriſt.
13. Lord, 1 Joh. 2.15, 16thou knoweſt what a poor ſorry thing I …ccount the World to be in all its Glory and Gayety; …as, the Pleaſures, Profits, Honours of the World are a …oor Pageantry; I have made Moſes's choice, Heb 11 24.25to ſuffer …flictions with the people of God, than the pleaſures of ſin, Honours and Offices in …haraoh's Court. I can look thro' …he beſt of the World, and can turn my back upon it, as …n empty inſignificant thing, tho' the Men of the World …re content with it for their Portion.
14. Lord, thou knoweſt the way that I take, Job 23 20and the …arneſt deſire and deſign of my Soul to walk in thy ways, to have reſpect to all thy Commandments, Pſal 110 6. Luke 1 6 Acts 13.22. Col. 4 12.to attend …n all thy Ordinances; I miſs it in all, but dare baulk …one; my aim is, to fulfil all Gods wills, to ſtand compleat …n all the will of God; there's no Fleſh-diſpleaſing Duty, …o ſelf-denying Act, but I attempt to do it; if God ſay …o it, I will not conſult Fleſh and Blood, but ſay, Gal 1 16 Ezra 10 12. Pſal 26 12.As thou …dſt ſaid, ſo must I do, my Foot ſtandeth in an even place, conditions.
15. Lord, thou knoweſt I do my beſt in every religious Exerciſe, 2 Sam 21 24 Mat 22 37. Jer 48 10 Mal. 1 14.God forbid that I ſhould offer to the Lord …hat which costs me nothing; I muſt love the Lord with all my ſoul, mind, strength, God forbid that I ſhould do the work of the Lord negligently, or offer to the Lord a corrupt thing. Oh that I could be more ſervent in Spirit in ſerving God. God deſerves more, my beſt is infinitely below him. Oh that I could do more! but alas, I am ſhort in all.
16. Lord, thou knoweſt my deſign in all I do is for th… Glory, and the enjoyment of thee; I dare not look a… both, 1 Cor. 10 30then I loſe my ſelf in my natural, civil, ſpiritual Acts, 1 Pet 4 11. Rom. 14 8. Phil 1.20all the Lines muſt and ſhall bend this way, that G… in all things may be glorified through Jeſus Chriſt; my deſign is, to live to the Lord, and to dye to the Lord, th… Chriſt may be magnified to my Body, by life or death: And Oh that I could enjoy Communion with God in every Duty and Ordinance! thou knoweſt this is my Heaven.
17. Lord, thou knoweſt all my dependance is upon thy Majeſty, both for aſſiſtance and acceptance: I mu… lean on my beloved: Cant. 8.5 1 Cor. 15 10 2 Cor. 3 5by the Grace of God I am what I am I cannot think a good thought without freſh Supplies o… Grace: Phil 4 13 Pſal. 119 32 Rev. 8.3.but I am able to do all things through the ſtrength of Chriſt: I ſhall run the ways of thy commandments when thou ſhalt enlarge my heart: and I lay all upon thy golden Altar to be accepted in the Beloved.
18. Lord, Phil. 3.14thou knoweſt I am daily preſſing towards Perfection, I have not yet attained what I would fain… be at: I would be mending what's amiſs, ſoaring up to an higher pitch in Grace, 2 Cor. 7.1 Col. 2.19. Eph. 4.15.perfecting Holineſs in the fea… of God, encreaſing with all the encreaſe of God till I come to a perfect man. Alas, how much do I yet want of Perfecti…on? I would ſtill be ſinging the ſong of Degrees, And g… from ſtrength to ſtrength, Pſal. 84.7.till I appear before God in Zion.
19. Lord, thou knoweſt how much I am concern'd for the Church of God, which gives ſome grounds to hope I am a lively Member of that myſtical Body: Pſal. 137.6.If I forget Jeruſalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. Oh, it raiſeth my Heart to ſee the Goſpel propagated, Sinners converted, Saints edified, united: But oh, it runs to my Heart to ſee Chriſt's Intereſt laid low, Pſal 119.136, 158. Mic. 7.1, 2, 3. Phil. 2 20.the preaching of the Goſpel obſtructed, few Converts, Scandals breaking out, Contentions breaking in: Wo is me,—the good man is periſhed out of the earth: Wickedneſs abounds, Love decays: [terras Aſtraea Reliquit] I may make that Lamentation, Iſa. 59.
20. Lord, thou knoweſt, notwithſtanding all this, Luke 17.10. Iſa. 61.5.what a mean account I have of my ſelf and my poor doings [horreo quicquid de meo eſt]; alas, my doings are but Dregs and Rags; I am ſtill an unprofitable Servant; I deſpair of my ſelf, I abhor my ſelf in duſt and aſhes, Job 42 6.I will be vile in mine own eyes: God may juſtly condemn me, notwithſtanding all I have done; yea, for all I have done, if God mark Iniquity, Pſal. 130.3, 4. Exod 28 38.O Lord, who ſhall ſtand? I fly to my Advocate Jeſus Chriſt, and deſire this New Teſtament. Aaron may take away the iniquity of my holy things.
I ſhall ſubjoin a few words of Application. First, for Doctrin. If God's Children thus appeal, then
1. Others do not know their Hearts, for God's Children appeal not to Men as they do to God: No man knows another's Heart, and ſhould not pretend to it; that's a wild groundleſs Cenſure, ſuch carry fair, but their Hearts are naught. How knoweſt thou? Doſt thou uſurp God's Throne? The beſt Men have been deceived with others Profeſſions; ſo the beſt Church on Earth, with Simon Magus, Act. 8.13, 22. [De ſecretis non judicat Eccleſia.] The Church judgeth of overt-Acts, not of ſecret Thoughts.
2. The moſt obſervant Perſons have much ado to know their own Hearts, but are glad to appeal to God. The Prophet ſaith, Who knows it? i. e. few: Jer. 17 9.It is a deep fathomleſs Pit. Hazael ſaid, Is thy Servant a Dog, that I ſhould do ſuch things? Peter was confident he ſhould never deny his Maſter, but both fail'd. The inward thought of every one, Pſal 64 6.and their heart, is deep, ſaith the Pſalmiſt: It gives doubtful and deceirful Anſwers, like the Heathen Oracles; Prov. 28 26.He that truſteth in his own heart is a fool, it will certainly deceive him.
3. Yet 'tis poſſible Men may know their ſpiritual Eſtate Godwards, elſe Job durſt not thus appeal to God: This Expreſſion ſpeaks ſome confidence in Job [Vox eſt non dubitantis ſed aſſerentis]; he doth not doubt, but aſſert his Integrity; yea, Job ſaith, ch. 27.6. My righteouſneſs I hold faſt and will not let it go: my heart ſhall not reproach me as long … I live. It's poſſible Men may know whether they be in a ſtate of Grace or no; God hath given Conſcience for this End: Prov. 26 27.The ſpirit of man is the candle of the Lord, ſearching a… the inward parts of the belly. If Men were faithful, and would light their Candle at the Word, and make diligent ſearch they might know more.
4. The whole World is diſtributed into two ſorts of Perſons, good and bad, godly and wicked, pious or prophane Two Loves, ſaith St. Augustin, built two Cities; the Love o… God built Zion, and Worldly Love built Babylon; the whole Race of Mankind are Inhabitants of theſe two Cities: And tho' carnal Men will not believe it, but think Men differ rather [gradu than ſpecie] only gradually, ſome better, others worſe, not in kind, yet a time is coming when they ſhall diſcern betwixt the righteous and the wicked, between him that ſerveth God, Mal. 3 18.and him that ſerveth him not; when the ſheep ſhall be ſet on the right hand, Mat. 25.34.and the goats on the left, and receive different Sentences from the Impartial Judge of the World: yea, at this day, as diſcriminating Grace makes a difference, ſo diſcriminating Preaching ſhews a difference among Men; yea, Miniſters muſt teach People the difference between holy and prophane, Ezek 44.23.2 Tim 2 15. Heb 4 12.as well as divide the Word of God aright; and it is a diſcerner of the Thoughts and intents of the Heart. So that Men might ſee a vaſt difference, if they were not wilfully or judicially blind.
Secondly, Another Uſe is, of Inſtruction and Admonition.
1. To all ſorts of Perſons, to be and behave themſelves as ſuch as may make their Appeal to God. Oh, that all Chriſtians could ſay as the Church of old, Pſal. 44.17, 21. All this is come upon us, yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falſly in thy covenant, &c. Shall not God ſearch this out? for he knoweth the ſecrets of the heart. Oh Friends, what ſide are you of? God knows, it's fit you ſhould know. I know my ſheep. John 1… 14. John 2 24.He needs not that any ſhould teſtifie of man, for he knows what is in man. Look to't, if you be godly, God will own you as his; if not, be ſure your ſin will find you out. Numb. 32.23Ask your ſelves, What am I, a Sheep or a Goat? Whoſe am I, GOD's Servant, or the Devil's Slave? What am I doing, GOD's Work, or the Devil's Drudgery? Whither am I going; to Heaven or Hell? What ſay you to the twenty 'foreſaid Appeals? Will your Hearts ingenuouſly eccho to them? If you ſay, Yes, compare your Hearts and Scripture, and go upon ſafe grounds; if not, tremble under Divine Wrath and the Sentence of Condemnation: Be diſtinct in this caſe, for you muſt be try'd another day.
2. If you find that you are wicked, then woe be to you, whether you be openly prophane or ſecret Hypocrites: The light of the wicked ſhall be put out: Job 18 5. Job 13.16. Pſal. 15.6.An Hypocrite ſhall not come before God: The ungodly ſhall not stand in Judgment; for the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly ſhall periſh: The wicked must be ſilent in darkneſs; 1 Sam. 2 9. Pſal 9.17. Pſal. 7 11. & 11.6, 7.yea, turned into Hell; yea, God is angry with the wicked every day; and He will rain upon them ſnares, fire and brimſtone, and an horrible tempeſt: Upon your Doors may be writ a Lord have mercy upon you; God will not own you, nor hear your Prayer, but ſay to the wicked, Pſal. 50.16.what hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou ſhouldst take my covenant in thy mouth? All you do is ſinful, natural, civil Religious acts. The very plowing of the wicked is ſin; Prov. 21.4. Prov. 15.8. Iſa. 3 11. Rom. 25.9, 22their Prayer is abomination, yea, their Sacrifice; it will be bitterneſs in the end. Say to the wicked, It ſhall be all with him. Yea, the longer you live, and the more miſchief you do, and the more miſery you heap up, to ſit you for Deſtruction. Oh, therefore bethink your ſelves, repent, forſake your way and thoughts, that he may have mercy on you.Iſa. 55.6, 7.
Third Uſe concerns God's Children, 1ſt, by way of Comfort; 2dly, Caution.
1ſt, You that dare, and do thus appeal to God in ſincerity, whoſe Hearts do not upbraid you, thank God for it; this very Appeal is a good Evidence of your Sincerity, and will fortifie you, 1. Againſt the Cenſures of Men: God knows you better than men, and will clear you when men condemn you. Pſal. 35 11, 24.How often doth David chear up himſelf with this? Your Names may lye under a Cloud for a ſeaſon, Pſal. 37.6.but God will bring forth your righteouſneſs as the light: Thus did he with holy Job. 2. Againſt Satan's ſore Temptations; when he accuſeth you to God, he will ſay, The Lord rebuke thee, Zech. 3.1, 2, 3, 4.1 John 3 26.O Satan: He will take away your filthy garments. When Satan accuſeth you to your ſelves, and Cenſcience condemns, God is greater than your Hearts, and will ſuperſede all theſe Pleas. 3. In the hour of ſad deſertion, when God hides his Face, withdraws his Grace, this will chear you when you can go to God, and ſay, Thou knoweſt I am not wicked; let God carry as he pleaſeth to me, his Kiſſes are his own, he doth me no wrong, I will cling to him ſtill, Though he kill me, Job 13.15.I will truſt in him; if he carry ſtrangely to me, yet he is good, worthy to be follow'd in the dark: I will ſtay my ſelf on the Lord my God. Iſa. 50.10.4. In a dying hour this will be a bleſſed Reflection, when a Soul can ſay with good Hezekiah, under the Sentence of Death, Iſa. 38.3. Remember now, O Lord, I beſeech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart. Oh happy Soul, that can look Death in the Face, and with confidence approach the tremendous Tribunal under the comfortable fence of this Upright and Scriptural Appeal!
Yet take a Caution or two,
1. Take heed of Oſtentation, pride not your ſelves in it, Job 9.20.for this is contrary to the nature and ends of this Appeal. If I justifie myſelf, Job 46.4. & 42.6.ſaith Job, mine own mouth ſhall condemn me. Alas, I am far from Perfection; I am vile, what ſhall I anſwer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth; yea, I repent in duſt and aſhes. 2. The Lord Jeſus is to be our only Surety, Rom. 3.25, 26, 27.to anſwer for us: where is boaſting? It is excluded; By what law? of works? nay, but by the law of Faith. The Goſpel-language is, In the Lord ſhall all the ſeed of Iſrael be justified, and ſhall glory, Iſa. 45.25.
Thus I have diſpatch'd the former part of my Text; I proceed to the latter, There is none that can deliver out of thine hand.
What, none! then our condition were ſad, as forlorn as the fallen Angels; but none here muſt refer to meer Creatures, for Jeſus Chriſt can deliver us out of the hands of Juſtice, from preſent wrath, and wrath to come.1 Theſſ. 1.10
The Hand of God is the Power of God; Deliverance is either temporal, or ſpiritual, or eternal Deliverance; which way ſoever it be taken, it will afford this
Doct. That no means on Earth can reſcue a Perſon out of the Hands of the Infinite God.
Job 9.12. Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will ſay unto him, what doeſt thou?
In opening this Text and Doctrin, I ſhall obſerve this method:
1. Shew the meaning of the Text.
2. In what caſes Men are in GOD's Hand.
3. What may moſt likely deliver Men.
4. Why no Creature can deliver. So make Application.
1. For the ſence and meaning of the words, Interpreters take them in a twofold ſence.
First, Some take it as [vox dolentis] the Language of Job's Sorrow and Complaint, moving God's Bowels of Compaſſion: As if Job ſhould ſay, Lord, why doſt thou deal thus ſeverely with me? Who can reſcue me when thou arreſts me? Thou maiſt keep me under reſtraint for ever, and take time enough to puniſh me; thou needſt not ſet me upon ſuch a grievous wrack, as tho' I were in danger to be reſcued, or to eſcape thy hands, as men will take their penniworths of Malefactors while they have them; ſo Princes fearing a reſcue of the Priſoner, ſend forth a Writ of Execution to diſpatch him: The tormented Priſoner deſiring a diſpatch out of his Miſery by Death, was anſwer'd by the Tyrant, [Nondum tecum in gratiam redii] I am not ſo far Friends with thee. It may be this Text is parallel to Ch. 7. where Job would be glad to be ſhut out of his Pain; But, ſaith he, I ſee I cannot till God's time; but, Lord, pity me, ſmite me not both ſharply and long.
Secondly, Some make it ſound as [vox profitentis] Job's heroick and magnanimous Profeſſion and ſtout Reſolution, to adhere to God and Duty, tho' he were kept under God's Hand all his days; q. d. Lord, I have appealed to thee that I am not wicked; and I hope hitherto my Integrity hath appeared, and, by thy Grace aſſiſting me, ſhall further appear, th… none ſhould deliver me out of thine Hand; I humbly hope thou ſhalt find me holding mine Integrity as long as Life; do what thou wilt with me, I will honour thee: I hope to prove the Devil a Lyar, Job 2.5.who ſaid, I would curſe thee to thy Face; hitherto he is miſtaken, and I hope ſhall be by the Grace of God aſſiſting me; if I never be deliver'd, God ſhall not be blaſphem'd; I will for ever have good thoughts of God, whatever he do with me. If I cannot be deliver'd or ſatisfied about God's proceedings, Jer. 12.1.yet God ſhall be juſtified.
Both theſe Sences are proper enough, we may take it in either.
2. What it is to be in God's Hand. Anſ. God's Hand in Scripture-phraſe, implies theſe ten ſeveral things.
1. God's Eternal Purpoſe and Deſign, Acts 4.28. For to do whatſoever thy hand and thy councel determined before to be done: Pſal 33.11.This cannot be altered, the councel of the Lord ſtandeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. This is a Truth, but not pertinent here.
2. God's ſupreme actual Power extended and put forth to do good, Acts 4.30. By ſtretching forth thine hand to heal. And this is true; when God will help and heal, the Devil and his Inſtruments cannot pluck the Patient out of God's Hand. Nor can this be the proper ſence here.
3. By God's Hand, is meant his Proviſion for his Creatures; Pſal. 104.28. Thou openeſt thy hand, they are filled with good: And indeed, none can ſtarve thoſe that God will ſupply, In the days of famine they ſhall be ſatisfied. Pſal. 37.19.Yet this is not the meaning of the Text.
4. God's diſpoſing ordering Providence is held forth by his Hand, Pſal. 31.15. My times are in thine hand. No mortal can lengthen or ſhorten my days but thy ſelf; Man's days are determined, God appoints theſe Bounds. Job 14.5.I think Job means not this directly here.
5. By God's Hand is meant the Divine Aſſiſtance, Pſal. 74.11. Why withdraweſt thou thy hand, even thy right hand? This is either Protection or Help; Let thy hand be with the man of thy right hand. Indeed, none can hinder or weaken, if God ſtrengthen. Yet this is not the ſence.
6. By Hand is meant God's ſpecial Love and Favour, Luk. 1.66. The hand of the Lord is with him, i.e. John Baptiſt; ſome peculiar Indulgence and viſible Tokens of God's Reſpect to him. This is a Mercy, that none can deprive the Saints of. Yet this is not meant.
7. The operation and working of the Holy Spirit, Ezek. ….3. The Hand, i. e. the Spirit of the Lord was there upon him; Ch. 2.2. And whether this be extraordinary motions or ordinary, there's none can hinder or obſtruct theſe. This is … Truth, but not the meaning of this Text.
8. By Hand, is meant any providential Diſpenſation, wheher good or bad; Job 2.10. Shall we receive good at the and of God, and not evil? This is only God's Prerogative; … kill, and I make alive. This may be included in this Text. Yet it's not all.
9. Yet more particularly, by Hand of God, is meant an land of Affliction. So ſaith David, Thy hand preſſeth me …re, Pſal. 38.2. Be it inward or outward, this I conceive to …e the meaning, as Job ſaith, Have pity upon me, Job —O ye my …riends, for the hand of the Lord hath touched me.
10. Or laſtly, by Hand of God is meant Death, Pſal. …9.15. God ſhall redeem my Soul from the power or hand of the Grave: To God the Lord belong the iſſues from death. Pſal 68.20.If God …ill, who is he that can preſerve alive, or raiſe from the Grave? Deut. 32.39.I kill, ſaith God, and I make alive, I wound and I heal, neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. This laſt, and the former of Affliction, I conceive are meant by the Hand of God in my Text: and where are Men or Things that can ſecure us from Death or Trouble? What Power or Policy can prevent or remove by force or cunning, that Hand of God that He thinks good to bring upon us? Suppoſe God take away Eſtate, Friends, Relations, Health, Peace, Liberty, or Life, who can forbid him? Where lives that man that can reſcue theſe out of God's Hands… If God ſtop the Breath, who can hold it? The whole World muſt yield.
3. The next Head to be handled is, Who or what in Men… Opinion is judged moſt likely to deliver Perſons out of the Hand of God.
1ſt, Men expect that their Riches, and Honours, and grea… Friends ſhould deliver them; as that wretched Prelate, tha… cried out when dying, Will Money do nothing? will my Prince's Favour avail nothing? why muſt I dye, that ca… command the greateſt part of the Kingdom? No, no, Riches profit not in the day of wrath; Prov 10 2. Pſal. 49.6, 7, 8, 9.no, nor Treaſures; no… of them can by any means redeem his brother, or give to God … ranſom for him. Men are miſtaken, if they think to purcha… a Reprieve or Exemption from Death or any other Trouble Here Money bears no maſtery, a golden Key will not ope… God's Priſon-door; there's no Bribe admitted in this caſe that can convey us from the Stroke of Juſtice: Alas, if God take Men away with his Stroke, Job 36.17, 18, 19.then a great Ranſom cannot deliver them. Will God eſteem mens Riches? No, no.
2dly, Some have great confidence in an Arm of Fleſh they think natural Health, Vigor, Fortitude will ſtand the… in ſtead; but alas, what's become of the moſt vigoro… Spirits and Conſtitutions? Where is Xerxes's Army of million of Men, with all their fortitude and magnanimity No man hath power over the ſpirit, Eccl. 8.8.to retain it: there's no d…charge in that war. The Forces of Strength cannot with ſtand Aſſaults from Heaven, no more than Men can hinder drops of Rain from falling: Where's the doughty Champion that can meet Arms with Jehovah? John 9 4.Who hath hardened himſelf againſt him, and hath proſpered? Are men, yea, 1 Cor 10 22 Job 34 29, 33all men, ſtronger than God? When he giveth quietneſs, who then can make trouble? So on the contrary, He will recompence, whether men chuſe or refuſe: There is none that can deliver out of my hand, ſaith God; I will work, Iſa. 43.13.and who ſhall let it? All Attempts are in vain to keep off a Croſs, be it publick or perſonal, to Soul or Body.
3dly, Men make great reckoning of Wit, Parts, Learning, or politick Stratagems; Men dig deep to hide their counſels from the Lord, Job 5 12, 13.but God diſappointeth the devices of the crafty, ſo that their hands cannot perform their enterprize. The learnedſt Phyſicians cannot find out an Antidote againſt Sickneſs or Death. If men ſay, thus we will do, Iſa. 7.6, 7.if God ſay it ſhall not ſtand, he tumbles down the Babel of mens Inventions; He ſaith, Take councel together, Iſa 8.10.and it ſhall come to naught. A whole College of Phyſicians, with all their Art and Learning, cannot cure ſo much as an Ague, which is called [Ludibrium Medicorum], bids defiance to the Skill of the moſt learned; yea, the moſt contemptible Diſeaſe ſhall be the Door to let in Death, if God open the Door, for he alone keeps the Key: And ſo in all other caſes the great God can and oft doth knock the Pates of the wiſeſt Politicians together, and maketh their Counſels of none effect; Prov. 21.32.for there is no wiſdom, nor underſtanding, nor counſel againſt the Lord. Caeſar Borgias little thought of his own Sickneſs and Death when he had laid a deſign of managing all things to his own advantage after his Father's death, Eccl. 8.7.for man knoweth not that which ſhall be.
4. But there's one thing which is moſt likely to deliver out of the Hand of God, and that is true Religion, Piety, Holineſs; Righteouſneſs delivereth from death, Prov. 10 2.and that in two reſpects; 1. The Piety and Prayers of others, Job 22.30. He ſhall deliver the iſland of the innocent, and it is delivered by the pureneſs of thy hands: The poor wiſe man by his wiſdom delivered the city. Ec…l. 9.15.God would have ſpared Sodom for ten righteous perſons in it; Jer. 5 1.and ſaith of Jeruſalem, If you can but find a man that executeth judgment and ſeeketh the truth, Pſal. 106.23and I will pardon it. Moſes prevailed for all Iſrael of an Army of Six hundred thouſand men, then ſurely this will do. No, Jer. 15.1.ſometimes it will not: Though Moſes and Sumuel ſtood before me, yet my mind could not be towards this people: caſt them out of my ſight: Yea, tho' theſe three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they ſhould but deliver their own ſoul… by their righteouſneſs. Ezek 14.14.If all the holy men on Earth ſhould interpoſe for one man, they cannot deliver him in ſome caſes. Nay, 2. A man's own Holineſs, Prayers, Piety, in ſome caſes cannot deliver a choice Saint out of God's Hands, eſpecially as to temporal deliverance; Moſes himſelf muſt not go in Canaan, not Aaron. Some make this to be the ſence of this Text, [Non mea quidem integritus facit; ut [hac plaga liberer]; It is not my own Integrity that can free me from the Stroke of God's Hand: Tho' I be not wicked, yet I am not exempted from Affliction; no, nor any good man upon Earth; Eccl. 9.1, 2. Pſal 73.10, 14 Heb. 12.7, 8All things come alike to all; the beſt men may be ſadlieſt puniſhed: Waters of a full cup are wrung out to them, they have been chaſtened every morning: It's no ſign of God's Hatred, but rather of his Love, to correct his deareſt Children, yea, to ſtrike them with death. It's true, Righteouſneſs delivereth from death, Prov. 10.2but not from natural, but ſpiritual and eternal death. Joſh. 1.2Moſes my ſervant is dead: Your Fathers, Zech. 1.5.where are they and the Prophets? do they live for ever? we muſt needs dye. It is the Royal Statute of Heaven: mens Holineſs and believing prayers cannot ſecure them from this Stroke, as daily Experience teſtifies.
4th Head is, the Reaſons why and whence it is that none can deliver out of the Hands of God.
1. From GOD's Soveraignty and Man's Subjection; His Kingdom ruleth over all, Pſ…l. …3 19He is Supreme Lord and Law-giver to the vaſt Univerſe; coeleſtial and terreſtrial, yea, infernal Creatures are under his command and controul; God put the greateſt Monarch on Earth ſeven years Apprentice to the Beaſts of the Earth, to learn this great Leſſon of the Almighty's Soveraignty, Dan. 4.35. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: None can ſay unto him, what doeſt thou? Things muſt be as God orders them.
2. From GOD's power and Man's weakneſs. God is the Almighty; this is his eſſential Property, Ge…. 7.1whereby he can do all things; He created this World, hangeth the Earth upon nothing, and will burn it at the laſt day; Heb. 11.3he upholds all things with the Word of his power, and can diſſolve all in an inſtant; and Who is able to ſtand before him? Behold, Iſa. 40.15, 17the nations are as a drop of a bucket: yea, all nations before him are as nothing, yea, leſs than nothing, and vanity; Who can reſiſt him?
3. From the Holineſs of GOD and Sin of Man. God is glorious in Holineſs, The Lord is righteous in all his ways, Pſal. 145 17and holy in all his works. Never could any of the Sons of Men challenge him for an irregular act from the beginning of the World to this day; all that have known God, Jer. 12.1 Dan. 9 7. Lam. 3.39have vindicated him, and condemned themſelves; God is righteous, but Man is puniſhed for his Sins. As Sinners cannot reſcue out of God's Hands, ſo, if they judge aright, they would not deliver themſelves, but ſay as David, I know, O Lord, Pſal 119 7that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulneſs haſt afflicted me.
4. From the Wiſdom of GOD, and Man's Fooliſhneſs. Alas, what would Man do with himſelf, if he were able to reſcue himſelf out of God's Hands? Cannot God diſpoſe of him better than he can do of himſelf? Pſal. 147.5Is not his underſtanding infinite? Rom. 8.28Cannot God extract a medicinal Cup out of Poiſon, and make the worſt things work for the greateſt good to his Children? God is good to all, abundant in Goodneſs and Truth, and He doth good to them that be good; Pſal. 125.4 Deut 8, 2, 1page missingyea, he doth good by the moſt unlikely means, he chaſtens his, that he may humble them, prove them, to do them good in the later end. It were but madneſs then for a fooliſh man to deſire a deliverance out of the hands of ſuch a God, whoſe Works are wrought in number, weight, and meaſure, and diſpoſeth all things to the beſt.
Uſe 1. Of Doctrine to inform us,
1. That there is a God againſt Atheiſts, who ſay in their hearts, Pſal. 14.1there is no God; yea, ſome ſay it with their Tongues, and alas, too too many ſay it in their Lives. It's a proud Pharaoh that ſaith, who is the Lord? I know not the Lord, that I ſhould let Iſrael go, Exod. 5.2I will not let Iſrael go; but God will make him know his Power and Juſtice before he hath done with him; yea, the ſtouteſt Devils in Hell feel his Hand, and cannot but believe there is a God, …am. 2.19.for none can deliver them out of his Hand: There's no Atheiſts in Hell, whatever there may be on Earth.
2. That God alone is abſolute Soveraign over the whole Univerſe, he alone rules the World, he hath a Chain that binds Men and Devils; Men may contradict his commanding Will, none can contradict his diſpoſing and puniſhing Will; …er. 10.7.who would not fear thee, O King of Nations! God is abſolute Lord, all Creatures are his Subjects; God works immediately or mediately, and when he uſeth means, it is not [propter defectum ſuae Virtutis] ſed propter abundantiam ſuae bonitatis] for want of power in him, but his Goodneſs to us, to communicate Dignity to the Creatures in their inſtrumentality; 1 Sam. 14.6for there's no reſtraint to the Lord, to ſave by many or by few, by any or by no Inſtruments at all.
3. That it's wonderful Condeſcention that the great God will concern himſelf about ſorry Man, Pſal. 113.6.who humbleth himſelf to behold things in Heaven, Job 7.17, 18.and in the Earth. What is man, that thou ſhouldſt magnifie him, and that thou ſhouldſt ſet thine heart upon him? Pſal. 119.75.Wherein? in viſiting and trying him. It's an act of God's care and faithfulneſs, when God will take the pains to whip us rather than forſake us; we are beholden to him for a Rod of Love, much more for deliverance out of Affliction, Pſal 8.4. & 144.3.and advancing us by his right hand. This makes David twice break out into this exclamation, What is man, that thou art mindful of him, and takeſt knowledge of him?
4. Adore we the infinite Grace of God and Chriſt in the bleſſed Goſpel contrivance; Man had ſold himſelf to Sin, Satan, but Jeſus Chriſt came to deliver ſuch forlorn Captives by price and by power, by the price of his Blood and the power of his Spirit; 1 Theſ. 1.10. Pſal. 68 8. Eph. 4 8.thus Jeſus delivers ſouls from the wrath to come; he is mighty to ſave; read Iſa. 50.1.9.53. to 63.1, 2. He leads captivity captive, in his Aſcenſion, yea, …n his loweſt ſtate of Humiliation; even on the croſs he ſpoi…ed principalities and powers, and makes a ſhew of them openly, …riumphing over them in it, Col. 2.15. All the Devils in Hell cannot keep a poor Child of Electing Love, whom God will …et at liberty; and none can deliver out of God's hands but Chriſt: Oh, admire the Love of God in this Redeeming Love, which brings along with it temporal Bleſſings and Deliverance; for this man ſhall be the peace, when the Aſſyri…n ſhall come into our land, Micah 5.5, 6, 7.
2d Uſe is, of Conviction, in reſpect, 1. of Publick, 2. Perſonal Caſes.
1. As to Publick Affairs, that refer to Church and State. …f God deliver us over into the hands of our Enemies, tho' they be but wounded Men, they ſhall prevail: if Men re…uſe to drink of this Cup, the Lord of Hoſts ſaith, Jer. 25 28.Ye ſhall …ertainly drink. It's not valiant Armies, numerous Forces, or …igh Fortifications that can ſecure us from Inundations of Divine Wrath: Jer. 8.14.God puts a People to ſhame and ſilence for their Sin: we may pleaſe our ſelves with Power and Poli…y, they are inſignificant things againſt Divine Vengeance. There is a ſeaſon when a Nations Iniquity is full, Gen. 15.16.then they muſt be deſtroy'd, and none can deliver: Zech. 5.6, 11.When the Ephah …s full, the talent of Lead is clapt on its mouth, and the wings …arry it into its proper place of irrevocable Deſtruction. Alas, Iniquity abounds, Love decays, there's few Interceſ…ors, much Confidence in an Arm of Fleſh, great Ingratitude …nder former Deliverances; God may juſtly ſay, I will deli…er you no more: we may be very jealous.Joſh. 10.13.
2. As to particular Souls; let graceleſs Sinners tremble. O conſider, Pſal. 50.22. Heb. 10.31.poor Sinner, that forgetteſt God, lost he tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver; it's a fearful thing to fall into the hands of flaming Juſtice. There are theſe ten conſiderations that look in the unconverted Sinner under Wrath.
1. Adam's Sin left you Priſoners in the Hand of Juſtice, By Nature you are children of wrath. 2. Every Act of Sin ſink… you deeper, Eph. 2.3.binds you faſter in this low Dungeon; The pages of ſin is death. 3. Satan is God's Jaylor, dragging you to Sin, Rom 6.23.2 Tim. 2.26 Heb. 2.14, 15and executing the Sentence of Death at laſt. 4. The righteous Law of God confirms the Sentence and Executi… on; we are ſhut up and kept priſoners under the law. 5. Gal. 3.22, 23He… is the Goal where Sinners are kept as tormented Priſoner… till they have paid the utmoſt Farthing. Mat. 5 25, 26 Mat. 25.10.6. Death opens th… Door to Sinners admiſſion into that woful ſtate, and ſhut the Door of Hope. 7. Souls in that ſtate are together with Devils reſerved in chains of darkneſs, to the judgment of th… great day. Jude 6.8. Sinners may be caſt into this miſerable Du…geon un…wares, and die with a lye in their right hand. … Non… but Chriſt can reſcue Sinners out of the hands of Juſtice, Iſa. 44.20.an… tranſlat… us into glorious liberty. 10. None are redeemed b… Chriſt, Col. 1.13.but ſuch as are ſanctified and purified to himſelf, a p… culiar people, Tit. 2.14.zealous of good works. Oh then, if all this be tru… what will become of poor, graceleſs, Chriſtleſs Sinners Heaven is ſhut upon you, Hell is gaping for you, and … once damned, Luke 16.26for ever damned, for there's a great gult …ed, and there's no eſcaping out of that infernal Lake: O th… ſtu…ers in Zion were afraid, that fearefulneſs would ſurprize th… hypocrites, Iſa. 33.14.which may prevent their falling into this devou… fire, theſe everlaſting burnings. Lord, open Sinners Eye… and turn them from darkneſs to light, and from the power … Satan to God, Acts 26.18that they may receive forgiveneſs of ſins, and et…nal inheritance.
3a Uſe is, of Inſtruction & Exhortation, a to Sinners, 2. Sain…
1. Examin your ſtate, O conſider whoſe hands you are i… you are in the hands either of God or the Devil, of Merc… … Juſtice. Lord, open the eyes of theſe men, that they may ſee. 2 Kin. 6.20Oh that …ou could ſee your danger, and eſcape it; the diſcovery of danger … a ſtep towards a Remedy: Poor Sinner, thou art in inviſible …hains, Satan holds his black hand over thine Eyes: Awake thou … ſleepeſt and Chriſt ſhall give thee light.2 Cor. 4. Eph. 5.14
2. Obſerve the Spirits motions, operations: when a light ſhines … the Priſon, obſerve if whether the Angel of the Lord do not …nite thee on the ſide, and raiſe thee up; oh, follow him, Acts 12.7, 8and thy …hains will fall off: Who can tell, but if thou own the next graci…us motion, but it may ſet thee a ſtep nearer God? Oh, quench not …e ſpirit, comply with divine calls, put your hand into God's hand, 1 Theſſ. 5.19…d he will lead you towards himſelf.
3. Renounce all Sin: Pſal. 94.20. Iſal. 1.16, 1…The throne of iniquity hath no fellowſhip … God…waſh you, make you clean, put away your doings out of his ſight, …en come near to God, and you ſhall be familiar with him, and be …cured in the hollow of his hand: ſhall a ſoul ſin in God's hand? …e endeavours to cut down the Bough whereon he ſtands; you …nnot ſerve two Maſters.
4. Give up your ſelves to the Lord, 2 Chron. 30.8. Rom. 6.19yield your ſelves to the …ord, firſt your ſouls, then your bodies, as Inſtruments of Righte…ſneſs: you cannot expect that God ſhould take you into his hands …ll you have put your ſelves into his hands. David practiſeth it, …o thy hands I commend my ſpirit; Peter requires it, Pſal. 31.5 1 Pet. 4.19Let them that …ffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their ſouls to …m, in well doing, as to a faithful Creator.
II. A word or two to God's Children, 1ſt, ſuch as are under …od's Hand; 2dly, or delivered.
1st, If you be under God's Hand of Affliction, and ſee not how …ou can be delivered,
1. Do not deſpond, ſay not as David, I ſhall one day periſh, put on …atience, let it have its perfect work, look through the thick Cloud; 1 Sam. 27.1…ſt tenebras ſpero lucem.
2. Own God's Hand, lay it not on Inſtruments: ſo did Job, …he Lord hath given and taken away; juſtifie God in all; Job 1.21.it is fit it …ould be ſo.
3. Deſire rather God's Hand may be ſanctified than removed: …ay more to be fitted for deliverance than releaſed from the …ouble; precipitate not your Mercies.
4. Get faſter hold of God by Faith and Prayer; ſay as Job, Job 13.15Tho' … kill me, yet I will truſt in him; ſtill own him as a Father, and He …ill own you as a Child: Glorifie God in the fire.Iſa. 24.16.
2dly, To you that are delivered, I might add,
1. Give God the Praiſe of your deliverance; ſo did David, Pſ. 30.
1.12. return back to give thanks
2. …Love God more for himſelf; Benefits may be inducement but God himſelf is the only adequate Object of your deareſt Affect…ons. P…l. 18.1. & 116.1. Pſal. 66.16.David twice profeſſed his ſtrong intenſe love after Affliction.
3. Tell others what God hath done for you, in a ſuitable La…guage and Carriage; let your Lives be walking Bibles; live … Perſons raiſed from the dead.
4. Long to be with God in Heaven; not ſo much to be total… freed from the Lord's Hand of Affliction, as to be in his Boſom … immediate communion.
4th Uſe is, of Conſolation to God's Children; tho' God's Han… be heavy upon you, and none can deliver you out of it, yet, 1. He … a Father ſtill, tho' offended, not a ſin-revenging Judge; in this lat… caſe it's dreadful, in the former it's eligible. Compare 2 Sam. 24.1… with Heb. Pſal. 89.31, 3216.31. His whipping, as a Father, is a Branch of G…ſpel-Covenant. 2. As none can deliver you out of his correcti… Hand, ſo none can pluck you out of his affecting Hand: Our Lo… Jeſus teſtifies this both of himſelf and his Father, who is great… than all, John 10.28, 29.3. While you are in His Hand you are his Eye, he never looks off you, You are graven upon the palms of … Hand, Iſa. 49.16. God takes ſpecial care of you in his Providen… 4. If you never be delivered out of God's Hand of Affliction, dea… will ſet you at liberty: there's two choice Cordials in 1 Cor. x.… 1ſt, That you ſhall be inabled to bear your affliction; 2dly, That in d… time you ſhall have a way to eſcape.
To conclude then, You Children of God be animated and great encourag'd in your Sufferings, by God or for God; tho' they … ſharp and long, and no human help can avail to reſcue you, God c… and will; and you may ſay as the three Children, Dan. 3 17. If be ſo, our God whom we ſerve is able to deliver us from the burning fu… furnate, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O King. Yea, the Lo… will deliver you by his Hand of Mercy, out of the Hand of Juſtic… yea, 2 Tim. 14, 18.from every evil work of ſin in your ſouls, damning Sin, and ſinſ… Contrivances of Men, and will preſerve you unto his heavenly king do… Study the Promiſes, reflect on Experiences, live by Faith, be much … Prayer, ſanctifie God's Name, and learn Obedience by what you ſu…fer under God's Hand and you will find all things working for yo… good, Rom. 8.28tho' you can't diſcern it at preſent. Happy Souls! who truſt … God, and live by Faith in evil times; for the Diſtich of honeſt M…culus is verified:
Eſt Deus in Coele, qui provictus omnia curat,
Credentes nuſquam deſeruiſſe poteſt:
There is, a God in Heaven, who'll not leave
Such-Souls on Earth as to him ever cleave.
THE END.
End of the text · Oliver Heywood, Jobs Appeal (1695)