The Incomprehensibleness of God, Sermon 3
SERMON III.
HAVING in ſome little Manner meditated the unſearchable Greatneſs of GOD in his Works of Creation, I paſs on now to the ſecond Inſtance.
II. GOD's Works of Providence.
THAT there is a glorious Providence exerciſed over all things, whereby in all their Motions and Actions all Creatures are upheld and govern'd, in a moſt holy wiſe and powerful Manner, is one of the firſt Doctrines of natural Religion. As ſure as the Being of a GOD, and the Creation of the World, ſo ſure is the Doctrine of his Providence. If GOD created it, he muſt uphold it. The Preſervation of Things in their beautiful and uſeful Order requires the ſame Power and Wiſdom which gave them their Being and Uſe. If GOD made the World it can neither be below him, nor difficult to him to govern it: Nay, it muſt be neceſſary to his Glory, and part of his Felicity to do ſo. Can it be his Diſhonour to be the Governor of the Univerſe? the LORD over all, in the actual Exerciſe of Rule? or can it be a Burthen to the infinite Mind, to the almighty Word, to which all Things are alike eaſy? A Million as One! and the Greateſt as the Leaſt!
IN ſhort, I ſhall now take it for granted that there is an all-diſpoſing Providence, and thereupon I have only to ſay—How unſearchable the Greatneſs of GOD is appearing in it! in the Order, Suſtentation and Diſpoſition of every thing which we behold.
IN general: How unſearchable is the Univerſality of a Providence! A ſufficient Care had to all Things, infinitely various, however diſtant, however oppoſite in their Nature; at the ſame Time, for Ever-more, and with infinite Eaſe! What a glorious Mind is it that does this! Every Species and Kind preſerv'd, and in all their Individuals ſupply'd, in their conſtant Succeſſion, from the Beginning of the World unto this Day! and all over-rul'd and directed to the wiſeſt and beſt Ends, by his ſovereign Influence and Will! So that in the infinite Variety and Contrariety of Creatures, they are all made together to ſerve unto the general Good of the Univerſe, the mutual Benefit of one another, and the high Glory of the CREATOR ultimately. Here is perfect Order in ſeeming wild Confuſions, and perfect Harmony in all preſent ſeeming Diſcords and Jarrings. But the mean while it is perfect Myſtery and an unſearchable Conduct. Eccl. 3 11. He has made every Thing beautiful in his Time, alſo he hath ſet the World in their Heart, ("given a whole World of Matter for the Hearts of Men copiouſly to meditate on) yet ſo that no Man can find out the Work that GOD maketh from the Beginning to the End.
BUT to be more particular in our Meditations on the Myſteries of Providence.
1. Over the Higheſt and Greateſt of the Works of GOD.
2. Over the Leaſt and Loweſt of Creatures.
3. Over what we call Chance and Accident.
I. UNSEARCHABLE is the Greatneſs and Majeſty of GOD in that Providence which he exerciſes over the higheſt and greateſt of his Works: whether Things, Creatures, Perſons and Intelligencies.
1. THE greateſt Things. By which I mean the viſible Orbs and Globes; the vaſt planetary Bodies, whereof our Earth is one. What a mighty Being is HE, who has aſſign'd to theſe their Diſtances, Places, Motions, Center, Magnetiſm, and they inviolably obey the Law he gave them for Ever-more, in their exact Revolutions. If the great GOD did not govern theſe in our Favour, how ſoon wou'd the Earth ſink under us, and the Pit open and ſwallow us quick; or the Sea drown us! If the Sun ſhould roll near to us it would ſoon ſcorch us to Death; or if the Earth ſhould roll further from it we ſhould be as ſoon frozen ſtiff with Cold: if the Moon ſhould leave us and wander away, the ſtagnated Sea would ſoon poiſon us; or if it ſhould roll on nearer to us 'twould raiſe the Tides ſo high that they would run over our Houſes. Now how great is that Providence which keeps theſe vaſt Bodies in their Places, and makes 'em ſo kindly miniſter to one another thro' every Generation? So that Day and Night, Summer and Winter; Tides, Dews and Rains do not fail us; but vital Heat and Moiſture and Reſpiration is provided for and preſerved unto us and all the living Creatures!
BUT to keep to our own Limits a little more,
1. IT is the unſearchable Power of GOD that commands the Winds, and infinite is the Goodneſs and Wiſdom which orders that mild or wild Element the Air. How thin, and light, and ſoft and yielding an Element in its Calm? how ſtrong, and fierce, and raging, ſpreading wide Deſolations, when GOD bids it ſtorm? How much is the World govern'd by the Miniſtrations thereof? GOD uſes it, raiſes and ſtills it as he pleaſe. His Way is in the Whirlwind, and in the Storm, and the Clouds are the Duſt of his Feet! His Fury is pour'd out like Fire, and the Rocks are thrown down by him. He gathers the Wind in his Hand, and when he lets them ſly, how do they roar and tear? Divine Majeſty and Wrath rides upon its Wings; the Earth ſhakes and the Hills move under its Force and Weight; A Smoke goes out of his Noſtrils, and Fire out of his Mouth devours; Darkneſs is under his Feet, and at his Brightneſs the thick Cloud paſſes, Hail-Stones and Coals of Fine. Pſal. 18.10, 12.
THUS GOD looks to the Ends of the Earth, and ſeeth under the whole Heavens, to make the Weight for the Winds, and to weigh the Waters by Meaſure; to give Decrees to the Rain, and to make a Way for the Lightning and Thunder; he ſees it and declares it, he prepares it and ſearches it out; which none beſide him can do. He cauſeth it to come whether for Correction or Mercy. Now out of the South comes the Whirlwind, and Cold out of the North, and Froſt is the Breath of GOD: Preſently again he quieteth is the Earth by the ſame South Wind, and we know not how our Garments grow warm upon us. Now he perſecutes a guilty World by his Tempeſts, and makes them afraid by his Storm; again he mercifully fanns and purges the Air for us, by bringing the Winds out of his Treaſures, and the pleas'd Mariners improve the welcome Gale, the Ships ſtagger under their Courſes, and are driven with their rich Freight to their Port. Thus the Greatneſs and Goodneſs of GOD is ſeen in the blowing of the Wind.
2. No leſs is it in the Ruling and Ordering of the Sea: in commanding the Waters, the vaſt Deep and Abyſs wherein our Earth ſeems to float, and with which it is waſh'd, by which it is alſo in a great Meaſure ſtock'd and enrich'd. The Creatures in it, and the Dwellers upon it, are beyond Number; and what a mighty Providence is it that watcheth over them all! There go the Ships, and there plays Leviathan! Let us look and dive a little into this wide and great Sea, wherein are Things creeping innumerable, both ſmall and great Beaſts, which do all wait upon GOD, as much as the Creatures on the Land do, and he gives them their Meat in due Seaſon, they are filled with Good, Pſal. 104.25, &c. At the ſame time Men go down to this Sea in Ships, doing Buſineſs on theſe mighty Waters; they ſee the Works of GOD and his Wonders on the Deep: Sometimes to their Terror and great Danger he commandeth and raiſeth the ſtormy Wind, which lifteth up the Waves; they mount up to the Heavens, they go down again to the Depths, their Souls melt for Trouble, they reel to and fro, they ſtagger like drunken Men, and are at their Wits end: then they cry unto the LORD in their Trouble (to Him that made the Sea and rules it, and is the Confidence of all that are afar off upon it) they cry to him as from the Belly of Hell, and he bringeth them out of their Diſtreſſes: He maketh the Storm a Calm, the Waves are ſtill, the Mariners Hearts at eaſe and glad, ſo he bringeth them unto their deſir'd Haven, Pſal. 107.23. &c. Now what Manner of Word and Rule is this, which even the Winds and Seas obey? The eternal Word as it were awaked in the Storm and rebuking it: ſaying—Peace be ſtill—and there is a great Calm! O that Men would praiſe the LORD for his Greatneſs, and for his wonderful Works to the Children of Men! Let them exalt him alſo in the Congregation of the People, and praiſe him in the Aſſembly of the Elders.
THIS is no ſmall part of the divine Dominion, from Sea to Sea. His Way is in the Sea, & his Paths in the great Waters, and his Footſteps are not know, Pſal. 77.19. He rules the raging of it, when the Waves ariſe he ſtilleth them: O who is a ſtrong LORD like unto him, or to his Faithfulneſs round about him! Pſal. 89.8, 9. The Floods may lift up their Voice and their Waves, but the LORD on high is mightier than the Noiſe of many Waters, yea than the mighty Waves of the Sea.
3. THE dry Land, our habitable Earth, is under a moſt wonderful, wiſe, gracious and powerful Preſervation and Government. How is it ſtock'd with Creatures, and not a Species loſt! How is it cloath'd with Graſs, and cover'd with Corn, and water'd with Springs and Rivers, which run in the Valleys, yea aſcend up into the Hills! What a rich yearly Proviſion is made for the living Creatures, and in them for us? What rich and vaſt Stores of Vapours are daily aſcendings, and by Night deſcending in Dews on us? Why does not the Earth ſink in the vaſt Abyſs, how does it ſwim ſo even in it, and ſo ſafely in the ſtormy Day? Or rather what Power reſtrains the foaming Waters in its ſpacious Womb? What ſaves us from deſolating Earthquakes, and who is it that now and then creates that new and rare thing; when the Earth opens its Mouth and ſwallows up Cities; Multitudes go down together quick and alive into the Pit. "He removeth the Mountains at his Pleaſure, and they know it not, he overturneth them in his Anger; he ſhaketh the Earth our her Place, and the Pillars thereof tremble, Job 9.5, 6. But the ordinary Courſe of his Providence is gracicus and bountiful, a tender Car: and Mercy to us: "By his Strongth he ſetteth faſt the Mountains, being girded with Power; be makes the Morning and Evening to rejoice; he viſits the Earth and waters it and greatly inriches it; he bleſſes the ſpringing thereof, and crowns the Year with his Goodneſs; the Paſtures are cloathed with Flocks, and the Valleys are laden with Corn. Thus the Earth is full of the Riches of divine Bounty, and ſatisfied with the Fruit of his Works.
AND thus I have in the Phraſe of Scripture meditated the divine Providence and Government reſpecting the greater Parts of the Creation; the Orbs and Globes we ſee in our World, and particularly our own Air and Earth and Sea.
2. UNSEARCHABLE is the Work of Providence in the Supply and Government of the living Creatures in all theſe: which are mighty Hoſts for number, of every Kind; yet GOD feeds them all, lays in a daily Proviſion for them, and by Inſtinct guides them to provide for themſelves, both as to Defence and Suſtenance. He giveth to the Beaſt his Food, and to the Ravens which cry to him: the young Lions ſeek their Meat of him while they roar after the Prey: and the Shoals of Fiſh in the Sea, both the ſmall and great there, wait on him to gather what he ſcatters among them with a full Hand.
NEITHER is there any Creature ſo vaſt but GOD rules it; none ſo ſtrong as to be Maſterleſs. Tho' the Bones of Behemoth be as pieces of Braſs, and as Bars of Iron (one of the Chief of the Works of GOD) yet he that made him, can make his Sword to enter into him: tho' the huge Creature drinketh up a River, and truſteth that he can draw up Jordan into his Mouth; yet Providence fills him with Graſs, and finds him drink end for his mighty Thirſt. Again, the Leviathan that huge and fearleſs King of the Sea obeys and reverently miniſters at the command of GOD: for inſtance, when Jonah (the LORD's Prophet) was caſt into the Sea, and the Whale carefully took the Charge of him, and hid him in a Corner of its ſpacious Jaw, that the Sea ſhould not ſuffocate him, nor would the Monſter devour him himſelf: only to ſhow Jonah the Greatneſs of GOD who had ſent him, down he flounc'd with him to the Bottom of the Mountains, and ſported with him as his Prey; while Jonah pray'd and cry'd, as out of the Belly of Hell, to the GOD of Heaven; and the LORD ſpake unto the Fiſh, and he roſe and vomited him out upon the dry Land.‖The Crocodile I think is the Creature mount by Leviathan.
ALMIGHTY Providence eaſily commands the dumb Creature, and they forget their Inſtinct, and go againſt their Nature. Voracious Ravens are made to feed Elijah at one time, and Angels themſelves do it at another. The Fiſh croud into the Net at the Call of Chriſt, as proud which ſhould firſt obey and feaſt their Maker, and declare his Glory to the dull Sons of Men. The hungry Lions ſhow reverence to his Prophet, while they pant for the Blood of his Enemies. The Lion ſlew the diſobedient Prophet at GOD's Word, but to ſhew that it was meerly and Act of Obedience, and not of his ſavage Nature, he ſtood by the Carcaſe and by the Aſs & touched neither of 'em any more: as tame now after the Execution as a Home-Maſtiff: Nay, the Paſſengers go by him ſafe and he ſtirs not after them: nor yet touched he the old Prophet himſelf, when he came to bring away the Body of his Brother; a Boldneſs in the wretched Man which I can ſcarce think how to account for! For how cou'd he look on the Corps but as the Ghoſt of him whom his Lies had murder'd? And how could he ſee the Lion and not fear himſelf to be his next Morſel? Yet did not the Beaſt, the Miniſter of the divine Juſtice that Day, harm him at all, not having the Commiſſion from GOD.
To name no more: When the Philiſtines weary of the Ark had put it in a New Cart, and their Sin-offering with it, to be drawn by two Milch-kine that had never before been yok'd, putting all the late Diſpenſations of Providence toward them upon this Iſſue: 1 Sam. 6.9. If it goeth up by the Way of its own Courſe, (i e. in the Road and ſtreight Highway toward the Land of Iſrael, a Road that the Creatures had never gone, nor indeed had they ever drawn at all in a Yoke) then hath the GOD of Iſrael done us this great Evil; but if not, then ſhall we know that it was not his Hand that ſmote us, but it was a Chance that hapned to us. Providence agreed and join'd Iſſue on the Event, and both the Philiſtines and Iſrael ſaw the Glory of JEHOVAH, the only true and living GOD. For immediately the Kine took the ſtreight Way to Bethſhemeſh, the next Border of Iſrael, lowing as they went, (ſcil. after their Calves which they left behind, yet conſtrained to go on by an inviſible Power againft the ſtrong Inclinations of Nature) they turn'd not aſide to the right Hand nor to the left; and the Lords of the Philiſtines went gazing and wondring after them; convinc'd by the dumb Beaſts, but not converted.
NOW what an unſearchable Government is this over the living Creatures and brute Animals, beſides their uſual abundant Services to Man. But to paſs from the greater Things and Creatures; unto Perſons and Intelligences created.
3. UNSEARCHABLE is the Providence of GOD in its Government of intelligent and rational Creatures: whether in Heaven, Earth or Hell; Angels, Men and Devils.
1. As to the boly Angels and their high Orders, we know by Revelation that they are a noble Part of GOD's Dominion. We read of their ready Obedience, Subjection and Miniſtrations. "They excel in Strength, and do his Commandments, hearkning unto the Voice of his Word: Are they not miniſtring Spirits, ſent forth? And do they not gladly come, pleas'd in the loweſt Services to Men? They humbly own themſelves the Fellow-Servants of Prophets and holy Saints. They worſhip and adore GOD the CREATOR, and the Lamb our SAVIOUR with more Abaſement, as well as Fervour and Delight, than we on Earth can attain unto. They cover their Faces, tho' ſo bright, and cry—Holy, Holy, Holy, LORD GOD of Hoſts! the whole Earth is full of thy Glory.
AT the ſame time theſe Thrones and Dominions in the Heavens are ſuch high and potent Beings, that the Empire over a few of theſe we may think more glorious to the CREATOR, than the Subjection of all the Nations of the Earth. They ſeem, ſome of them, to have a Preſidency as Princes over the Empires here below; but however that be, we know them to be ſo mighty Beings, that a ſingle One, by the divine Commiſſion, could ſlay Nations in a Day.
2. DEVILS that fell from Heaven, yet have not made their Eſcape from the divine Dominion and Government. When ſome of the Hoſts of Angels revolted from GOD, how eaſily were they caſt down to Hell? And ſhall be ſhut up there for ever in a Pit and Priſon, together with the weaker wretched Ghoſts of ungodly Men. This infernal Priſon ſhews the Greatneſs and Dominion of Providence, as well as the Palace of Heaven: Here the Triumphs of Grace, and there thoſe of Juſtice. Read the Power of GOD over Devils: Rev. 20.1, 2. And I ſaw an Angel come down from Heaven, having the Key of the bottomleſs Pit, and a great Chain in his Hand; and he laid hold on the Dragon, that old Serpent the Devil and Satan, and bound him—, and caſt him into the Pit, and ſhut him up, and ſet a Scal upon him.
INDEED evil Spirits have a Range permitted to them, and are us'd too by Providence in judicial Executions, as in Ahab's Seduction, and Judas his tragical End. But they are under Reſtraints, and Fruſtrations; are limited, and over-rul'd to good, as well as wicked Men. The Devil could not touch Job nor his Subſtance till GOD ſuffer'd him: nor enter into the Herd of Swine without our SAVIOUR's Permiſſion; at whoſe Sight he trembled alſo and lay groveling in Torment. In their malicious Deſires and Deſigns againſt GOD and our Souls, they are often made Inſtrumental to the Salvation of Souls; as eminently in the Crucifixion of our Saviour. It is the Greatneſs and Glory of GOD to have theſe "Slaves at the "Oar, while Providence ſteers the World.
3. GREAT is the Providence of GOD in the Government of Mankind. In his Hand is the Soul of every living Thing, and the Breath of all Mankind, Job 12.9. He ruleth by his Power for ever, his Eyes behold the Nations, Pſal 66.7. Let us here contemplate:
1. The Greatneſs of Providence in the Diſpoſal and Government of the Princes and Kingdoms of the Earth.
2. Of every individual Perſon.
1. THE Greatneſs of Providence is illuſtrious in its Government of Nations, Kingdoms and Provinces. By GOD Kings rule and Princes decree Juſtice; yea, even the inferior Judges of the Earth are ordained by him. He ſetteth up Kings and removeth them, he exalts and abaſes them; he enlarges the Nations and diminiſhes them again. GOD is the King of all the Earth: GOD reigneth over the Heathen; GOD ſitteth upon the Throne of his Holineſs: the Shields of the Earth belong unto GOD; he is greatly exalted, Pſal. 47.9.
HE has ordained Government for the Good of the World. He permits Tyrants for a Scourge and Puniſhment of it. He uſes the Powers on Earth to ſerve his Church and Truth, when they know it not nor mean it. Cyrus was his Shepherd, the Aſſyrian was his Rod. Daniel's four Beaſts in their rice, ravages and final Deſtruction, were each under the ſtrict notice of Providence: and ſo is the little Horn, which yet keeps boaſting of its Power from Heaven, to bind Kings themſelves and the Conſciences of their People.
PROVIDENCE reſtrains the proud Powers on Earth, and takes its time to puniſh them. It decks it ſelf now with Majeſty and Excellency, and arrays it ſelf with Glory and Beauty: It caſts abroad the Rage of its Wrath, and beholds every one that is proud to abaſe him. It treads down the wicked in the Duſt; and it is gloriouſly ſeen that the Moſt High ruleth in the Kingdoms of Men, and giveth them to whomſoever he will.
AGAIN, He giveth Salvation unto Kings; takes their Perſons and Lives under a more ſpecial Care and Guard, and their Counſels under a ſpecial gracious Influence. He turns their Hearts, which are deep, as the Rivers of Waters, and by ſpiriting or diſpiriting, infatuating or directing them, be brings about what Revolutions he pleaſes with the utmoſt Eaſe and Certainty: A ſingle Spirit in his Hand being as the Helm in the Pilots, to govern the vaſteſt Bodies of People, either in Mercy or in Judgment. At the Council-Board divine Providence preſides, fruſtrating the Oracles of Ahithophel, and he hangs himſelf for Madneſs; and circumventing the deep Deſigns of Haman, and hangs him on the Gallows which he had rear'd for another. Job 12.16—23. With him is Strength and Wiſdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his. He leadeth Counſellors away ſpoiled, and maketh the Judges fools. He looſeth the Bond of Kings, and girdeth their Loins with a Girdle. He leadeth Princes away ſpoiled, and overthroweth the Mighty. He removeth away the Speech of the truſly, and taketh away the Underſtanding of the Aged. He poureth Contempt upon Princes, and weakneth the Strength of the Mighty. He diſcovereth deep Things out of Darkneſs, and bringeth out to Light the Shadow of Death. Now if this be the Dominion of GOD over Kings and Governments, what muſt we ſay of it but as Nebuchadnezzar did, I bleſs the moſt High, and I praiſe and honour him that liveth for ever, whoſe Dominion is an everlaſting Dominion, and his Kingdom is from Generation to Generation: — I extol the King of Heaven, all whoſe Works are Truth, and his Ways Judgment, and thoſe that walk in Pride he is able to abaſe.
2. UNSEARCHABLE is the Providence of GOD in its governing, ordering and diſpoſing the Circumſtances of every individual Perſon, Man, Woman and Child, thro' every Generation: the Care that extends to all, the Power that protects, the Goodneſs that ſupplies all, and the Wiſdom that orders the Concerns of all, in the beſt manner, for all together, and for each diſtinctly. This we muſt needs believe, but it is too myſterious to ſee clearly thro' it now.
1. UNSEARCHABLE is GOD's Empire over the Souls of Men, their Mind, Thoughts, Conſciences, Wills, Deſires, Purpoſes. The LORD ſearcheth all Hearts, and knows all Thoughts: He gave Solomon his Wiſdom and Largeneſs of Heart, David his Courage and Art for War, Abithophel and Huſhai their Spirit of Counſel and Judgment; and Abſalom's Raſhneſs and Fickleneſs was alſo from his Dominion over the Spirit. As to Men's Deſires he reſtrains them when he will, even againſt their own Will: as he with-held Abimelech from touching Sarab, how fierce ſoever his Love, and his Soul inflam'd by her Beauty. Mens Paſſions and Wrath he lays, as he does the raging of the Sea and the noiſe of its Waves; ſo the Tumult of the People. Even the Spirits of the mutinous Multitude he governs, in all their wild Projects and Executions. He turns the Heart in a Moment from Hatred to Love, as Eſau's to Jacob: and from Revenge into Endearment, as David's before the wiſe Abigail; and again from Envy into Admiration & Eſteem, as Saul when he ſtopp'd in the midſt of his purſuit at the Voice of David, and turn'd back praiſing and bleſſing him. In like manner when the Soldiers in the heat of Fight and fluſh'd with Victory were ruſhing upon Jeboſhaphat, the good King did but cry to the LORD and they turn'd from him. I might alſo ſpeak here of GOD's Empire over Conſcience, making Men a Terror to themſelves when he pleaſes, as Cain, Saul and Judas. In theſe and many other ways GOD appears the Governor and the Judge of the Spirits of all Fleſh.
2. GREAT is the Empire of Providence in permitting and over-ruling the Luſts and Sins of Men to its own Glory, and abundance of Good ſometimes to Themſelves and Others. It is a Myſtery in Providence, which only Revelation can unfold to us and enlighten us in, that ſo much Sin and Confuſion therefrom is permitted to be in the World. But as Man bro't Sin and Miſery upon himſelf, being made by GOD at firſt holy and happy; ſo the great GOD lets the fallen Creature ſee his Glory and Greatneſs in that he can yet govern Him, and his very Sins, and all the Miſchiefs and Diſorders that attend the ſame, unto moſt wiſe and great and holy Ends; to his own Glory, to the Good of others, and even to the Salvation of Sinners themſelves. Joſeph's Brethren ſinn'd in ſelling him, his Miſtreſs alſo in her foul and falſe Accuſation of him; they glutted their Hatred and Spite, and tho't they had ruin'd him for ever: but all the while they were the Inſtruments of Providence toward his Advancement, and the ſaving of Egypt and Canaan and Themſelves from Famine. Haman meditated his own Revenge, and the ſatiating his bloody Hatred of the Jews, but Providence made it the very means of their Peace & Enlargement. Pharaob's Hardneſs gave GOD and his Iſrael thoſe Triumphs, which will be celebrated in the Church for ever. The Jews and Romans, Herod and Pilate united againſt the LORD CHRIST and crucify'd him; but it was to do what the Hand and Counſel of GOD had before determined for the Salvation of the World, Acts 4.26, 28. Yea, Mens foul Sins have been made the Means of their own Converſion: O myſterious Providence, and unſearchable Grace! Thus are Sinners ſometimes effectually awakened to ſee their own exceeding Vileneſs, and Sins ſinfulneſs. Thus Medicines are made of Poiſons, and the Fleſh of the Scorpion a Cure for the Bite of it.
3. UNSEARCHABLE is the Myſtery of GOD's governing Providence in the preſent unequal Diſpenſations of Proſperity and Adverſity. This from the Days of Old has been a Wonder in Providence, if not an Objection againſt it. Job in his Adorations ſpake of it, as well as Aſaph in his Inſirmity complain'd of it. But it is eaſy to clear the Juſtice, Wiſdom and Goodneſs of Providence in this Diſpoſition of Things, from the Conſideration of GOD's Sovereignty, our own Sins and Deſerts, the diſtinguiſhing Judgments we ſee at times inflicted on ſingular Sinners, and the Knowledge we have of a future State, and a juſt Recompence then to every one according to his Works done here in the Body. Yet nothing is more Myſterious and Unſearchable than this Conduct of Providence in a thouſand particular Inſtances, if we conſider them by themſelves. Thus for Inſtance, Job's Trial was an unſearchable Thing; amazing to himſelf, as well as confounding to his wiſe and religious Friends. And ſo very often have the Diſpenſations of Providence been dark and myſterious toward the Church. Iſai. 31.2. He alſo is wiſe and will bring Evil. 45.15. Verily thou art a GOD that hideſt thy ſelf, O GOD of Iſrael the Saviour. Pſal. 36.6. Thy Righteouſneſs is like the great Mountains, thy Judgments are a great deep; O LORD thou preſerveſt Man and Beaſt.
THUS I have very briefly conſider'd the Greatneſs and Majeſty of GOD in that Providence, which HE exerciſes over the Higheſt and Greateſt of his Works: whether Things, Animals, or Perſons. This is his high Dominion, and full of incomprehenſible Myſtery, but bright with dazling Glory.
TWO Words remain ſtill on this Subject, beſides thoſe infinite Reſearches which I ſhall not enter at all into; ſcil. The Government of Providence over the leaſt and loweſt Creatures, and over Accidents and Chance as we call it.
WHEREFORE:
II. THE Greatneſs and Majeſty of GOD is unſearchable in that Providence which he exerciſes over the leaſt and loweſt of his Creatures. For it is moſt certain that the preſerving and governing Providence of GOD extends to the meaneſt and moſt minute Things which he has made: Nor can this look little in the ſupream Majeſty of Heaven, but it is his true and infinite Greatneſs. It is not like the contemptible Idleneſs and Childiſhneſs of the Roman Emperor, who was trifling and catching Flies when he ſhould have been at the Council-Board, bearing and directing the weighty Affairs of the Empire. GOD neglects none of his Creatures, and leaſt of all do the greater Affairs of the World eſcape him. His general and common Care is to the leaſt, a more ſpecial Providence is over the greateſt.
THE narrow Mind of Man can attend but to a few Things at a time, and therefore they had need always be the greater and weightier: but the infinite GOD with the ſame Eaſe governs and cares for a Million of Creatures as One; and ten Million ſwarms of Gnats, as a Family of Men. Nor is it below him, any more than it was to create the Inſect, which all the Art and Powers of Creatures can't do. Nay, the Things which GOD has ſeen good to make, he muſt needs take care of, for they are the Work of his Hand.
"Do you ſee thouſands of little Motes and Atoms wandring up and down in a Sun-Beam? (ſays Biſhop Hopkins) it is GOD that ſo peoples it: He guides their in numerable and irregular Strayings: Not a Duſt flies in the beaten Road, but its uncertain Motion is guided, and the Storm ſhall not carry it further than its appointed Place.
OUR SAVIOUR tells us that the Hairs of our Head are numbred, and that tho' two Sparrows be but the Price of a Farthing, yet not one of them falls to the Ground without our Father in Heaven, Matth. 10.29, 30. The great GOD alſo was pleaſed to magnify himſelf to his Servant Job, from the Care he takes of the wild Goats of the Rocks, and the wild Aſſes of the Wilderneſs. David celebrates his Maker likewiſe from his Care of the Birds of the Air, and the Shoals of ſmall Fiſh in the Sea. It is the Honour and Glory of GOD thus to extend his Care to the moſt minute of his Works.
FOR how great would that King be tho't, who were able to know and ſupply every Want of the leaſt of his Subjects, and could daily ſerve them with the Fruits of his royal Bounty? It is recorded to the Honour of the Grecian Prince, that he could callevery one of his vaſt Army by Name; and is it not the Glory of GOD to know and provide for the leaſt of all his Hoſts? That as it is ſaid of Moſes, ſo in a Senſe it may be of every Creature, — I know thee by Name, and thou haſt found Grace in my Sight, ſo far as the Neceſſities of thy Nature and Place in my Creation requires. Or as it is ſaid of the Stars, ſo may it be of a Fly or a Mote, Pſal. 147.4. He telleth the Number of them all, he calleth them all by their Names: Great is our LORD, and of great Power, his Underſtanding is infinite.
MOREOVER, We know alſo how GOD uſes the ſmalleſt Creatures in his wiſe Providence to the greateſt Effects, and in unſearchable Manner to the Preſervation or Deſtruction of Mankind. How many groſs and noxious Attoms do the Flics, the Spiders, the Toads, &c, ſuck in and deliver us from? And ſo GOD's Care of them is his Care of us: Their miniſtry to us is unknown. Again, GOD brings forth his great Armies of Caterpillars, Locuſts, Canker-Worms, and Palmer-Worms, and how do the Inhabitants of the Earth tremble and fail before them? Thus Pharaoh and his Kingdoms were plagued with Lice, and beaten by Frogs and Flies.
III To multiply no further Inſtances: The Greatneſs of Providence is unſearchable in its Cognizance, Diſpoſing and Government of what we call Accident and Chance, Fortuitous and Caſual. Many things are ſo to us, but nothing is ſo to GOD. They are his Counſel, tho' to us Contingent. The Divine Mind directs in all caſual Motions and Events. There is no Goddeſs Fortune to be found in Heaven, however the blind Heathen Poet wou'd have plac'd her there. It ſuits only the Mouth of a Philiſtine to ſay, A Chance has hapned unto us. There is no ſuch Thing to an Omniſcient Mind, an all-diſpoſing Providence.
THE Lot is caſt into the Lap, but the whole diſpoſing it is of GOD, Prov. 16.33 Thus Achan was accurately ſelected out of the many thouſands of Iſrael. It was an Appeal to the divine Providence to diſcover the Sinner and his accurſed Thing. So Jonathan was taken, or rather his raſh Father for his unadviſed Adjuration. Hence the uſe of Lottery has been by many eſteemed too ſacred to be made common; becauſe the LORD only can give a perfect Lot. To be ſure the religious and ſolemn Uſe of it ſuppoſes the Government of divine Providence in thoſe things that are moſt contingent with us.
DISGUIZED Ahab was thus ſingled out, not by the Soldier, but by Providence in the Battel. He drew a Bow at a venture, but the Arrow enter'd between the Joints of the Harneſs of the King of Iſrael. Accidental to their own Intention Men often accompliſh ſpecial Purpoſes of GOD; and are Inſtrumental of much undeſigned Good in their occaſional Actions; Natural, Civil and Political. Pharaoh's Dau'ter came accidentally to the River to take up Moſes, and give him a Princely Education, to be in time the Deliverer of Iſrael. Auguſtus his Taxing the World fulfilled the glorious Prophecy of the Meſſiah's Birth at Betblehem. Saul by wandring after his Aſſes is led to a Crown. When a Man ſhoots after Game and kills his Nei'bour whom he ſaw not, or if a Man be felling a Tree and the Head of his Ax fly off and kill his Nei'bour, in theſe Caſes the LORD is ſaid to deliver the one and the other into his Nei'bours Hand.
IN ſhort:
WHATEVER is done by Deſign, or wherein the Wills of Men are purſued, is by do means done at laſt without the Will of GOD over-ruling them: And whatever is effected without or againſt the Mind of Creatures, has the Counſel and Direction of GOD in it.
AND now let us make a pauſe a little, and contemplate the unſearchable Perfection ſhining forth in this Government of the World! What Wiſdom and Knowledge! What Goodreſs, Care and Bounty! What Power! and in all what Greatneſs!
1. WISDOM and Knowledge. So Ezekiel in Viſion ſaw the Wheels (the Globes and Orbs of the Univerſe, rolling like Balls) on their four Sides; the Rim of them high and dreadful, and full of Eyes round about. The Eye of Providence is on the whole Circle of Creatures, and all their Motions are wiſely directed thereby; as if every Orb had a Million of Eyes, and each of them a wiſe Intelligence for its Guidance.
2. GOODNESS to the leaſt and to the worſt of Creatures: rich, free and ſovereign Goodneſs! Never weary, never failing! never ſhort or ſcanty! But abundantly ſufficient, and ſuper-abundant to all the Numbers, and all the wide Extents, and all the capacious Natures in the Univerſe. The Earth is full of his Riches. The World ſwims in it as in a boundleſs Ocean; and its Streams run circling thro' all its habitable Parts to water them: the River of GOD which is full of Water! all Creature daily drink thereof and are filled. The divine Bounty that ſupplies us Day by Day is like the Manna every Morning about our Dwellings; and the Flights of Quails of old might ſooner far be numbred than the Supplies of every Evening. The Earth is the LORD's, and the Fulneſs thereof: It's Stores are divided among the Children of Men with a munificent Hand.
3. UNSEARCHABLE Power is diſplay'd in the Exerciſe of a Providence over all Things. The Eyes of the LORD run to and fro, thro' the whole Earth, to ſhow himſelf STRONG, 2 Chron. 16.9. There is no Government without Power, to command, conſtrain & puniſh. Much leſs can the Univerſe be govern'd without ſupream, abſolute and irreſiſtible Power. No Creature has Power to preſerve it ſelf, and leſs can any one uphold another in Being and Action. Equal is the Power of God ſeen, whether in keeping to the ordinary Courſe of Nature, or in preter-natural Effects: Whether when he keeps on in the uſual Courſe of Mercy to a ſinful World; or when he changes the Face of Providence and comes forth in ways of Judgment. He equally ſhows the Might of his Arm, when he caſts down the Mighty from their Seat, or when he exalts the Humble: when he ſhowers down Bleſſings, or when he pours down Hail and Fire: when he uſes a Fly as when he uſes an Angel to miniſter unto his Will. For which is greateſt? to effect great Things by ſmall Means, or to uſe thoſe which he has greatly endowed, and made in ſome Meaſure equal to the Effect produced. In either the Greatneſs of Providence doth equally appear. Joh 42.2. I know that thou canſt do every Thing, and that no Thought can be withholden from thee.
THE Uſe ſhall be in three Words only: namely, to teach us Reſignation, Adoration and Obedience.
I. RESIGNATION to the great GOD in all his unſearchable Providences: whether of a perſonal and private Reference, or of a publick Nature and Concern. However GOD diſpoſe of us or our Families, or whatever he order concerning Nations and Kingdoms of the Earth, or how dark ſoever his Providence may look with reſpect to his Church, his Cauſe & Intereſt thro' the World; we muſt be ſtill and know that He is GOD; who will be exalted in the Earth. The higheſt Creatures owe an abſolute Submiſſion to the Will of the unſearchable GOD. Eccl. 3.14. For I know that whatſoever GOD doeth it ſhall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and GOD doeth it that Men ſhould fear before him.
IT is not for us to Doubt or Queſtion the Goodneſs, Righteouſneſs or Wiſdom of GOD. Whatever the Sins of Perſons and Times are, or whatever Calamities come upon a ſinful World; let it quiet and ſilence us to remember that GOD governs. We muſt adore Him that dwells in the thick Darkneſs: Pſal. 97.2. Clouds and Darkneſs are round about him, but Righteouſneſs and Judgment are the Habitation of his Throne.
WHO has directed the Spirit of the LORD? or being his Counſellor has taught him? With whom took he Counſel, and who inſtructed him, and taught him in the Path of Judgment, and taught him Knowledge, and ſhewed to him the Way of Underſtanding? Behold the Nations are as a Drop of a Bucket, and are counted as the ſmall Duſt of the Ballance: Behold he taketh up the Iſles as a very little thing: — All Nations are before him as Nothing, and they are counted to him leſs than Nothing and Vanity, Iſa. 40.13, &c.
THE ALMIGHTY thus ſilenc'd Job, and ſtopt his complaining Tongue, and bro't him to his firſt Submiſſions and Worſhip: Behold I am vile, what ſhall I anſwer thee? I will lay my Hand upon my Mouth. How vainly had Job ſaid before, that as a Prince he wou'd dare to go near even to his Judge, and come even to his Seat in the Conſcience of his Integrity? No, when his Judge came and ſpake, and ſhew'd him his incomprehenſible Glory in his Works; the holy abaſed Man left off his arguing, and fell to worſhiping as he began at firſt: I have uttered that I underſtood not, things too wonderful for me that I knew not: — Now mine Eye ſeeth thee, wherefore I abhor my ſelf, and repent in Duſt and Aſhes.
WHEREFORE:
II. EXPRESS and awful Adoration, Prayer and Praiſe are a meet Acknowledgment of the unſearchable Providence of GOD. We muſt fall down and worſhip. And whence ſhould we take our high Adorations of GOD'S excellent Greatneſs, but out of his Word? Words only worthy of Himſelf, being his own Inſpiration.
Pſal 95 3—6. For the LORD is a great GOD, and a great King above all gods. In his Hand are the deep Places of the Earth: the Strength of the Hills is his alſo. The Sea is his, for he made it; and his Hands formed the dry Land. O come, let us worſhip and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
Pſal. 96. 3,—9. Declare his Glory among Heathen, his Wonders among all People. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praiſed; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the Nations are Idols, but the LORD made the Heavens. Honour and Majeſty are before him, Strength and Beauty are in his Sanctuary. Give unto the LORD, O ye Kindreds of the People; give unto the LORD Glory and Strength. Give unto the LORD the Glory due unto his Name: bring an Offering and come into his Courts. O worſhip the LORD in the Beauty of Holineſs: fear before him all the Earch. Say among the Heathen that the LORD reigneth: the World alſo ſhall be eſtabliſhed that it ſhall not be moved: He ſhall judge the People righteouſly.
Pſal. 103.19,—22. The Lord hath prepared his Throne in the Heavens, and his Kingdom ruleth over all. Bleſs the LORD ye his Angels that excel in Strength; that do his Commandments, hearkning to the Voice of his Word. Bleſs ye the LORD all ye his Hoſts, ye Miniſters of his that do his Pleaſure. Bleſs the LORD all his Works in all Places of his Dominion: Bleſs the LORD O my Soul.
Pſal. 104. ult. The Glory of the Lord ſhall endure for ever, the LORD ſhall rejoice in his Works. He looketh on the Earth and it trembleth, he toucheth the Hills and they ſmoke. I will ſing unto the Lord as long as I live, I will ſing praiſe unto my GOD while I have my Being. My Meditation of him ſhall be ſweet, I will glad in the LORD.
Pſal. 136. O give Thanks unto the GOD of gods! O give Thanks unto the LORD of lords!—To him who alone doeth great Wonders; — To him that by Wiſdom made the Heavens: To him that ſtretched out the Earth above the Waters; — To him that made great Lights: — The Sun to rule by Day, — the Moon and Stars to rule by Night: — Who giveth Food to all Fleſh: for his Mercy endureth for ever: O give thanks unto the GOD of Heaven, for his Mercy endureth for ever.
Pſal 148. Praiſe ye the LORD from the Heavens! Praiſe him in the Heights! Praiſe ye him all his Angels! Praiſe ye him all his Hoſts! Praiſe him Sun and Moon! Praiſe him all ye Stars of Light! Praiſe him ye Heavens of Heavens, and ye Waters that be above the Heavens.
PRAISE the LORD from the Earth, ye Dragons and all Deeps! Fire and Hail, Snow and. Vapour, ſtormy Wind fulfilling his Word! Mountains and all Hills, fruitful Trees and all Cedars! Beaſts and all Cattel, creeping Things and ſlying Fowl! Kings of the Earth and all People! Princes and all Judges of the Earth! both young Men and Maidens, old Men and Children! let them praiſe the Name of the LORD, for his Name alone is excellent; his Glory is above the Earth and Heaven.
III. GOD's unſearchable Greatneſs and Providence do challenge from us the moſt reverential Obedience to his Will and Law. Univerſal Nature obeys him, and ſhall not We? The mighty Angels liſten to his Word, and do his Pleaſure! The Heavens, Earth and Sea mind his Decree, and keep the Orders he gives them! The Monſters of the Deep, and the fierce Beaſts of the Wood, forego their Prey to obey him! Fire, Hail and Snow, Vapour and ſtormy Wind fulfill his Word! And ſhall We be the only Rebels & Diſobedient? Shall we not learn of the Creatures a dutifui Obſervance of the Will of GOD in our Places, Actions and moral Conduct? Or if they were capable of Learning, or needed to be taught Obedience, ſhould not we be Examples to the inferior Creatures?
SHALL a Subject ſay to his Prince on Earth that he wont, when he commands what is Good! Shall his Word be ſcorn'd in his very Court, while he wiſely directs with conſummate Counſel? Yet this were a little Offence, and a ſmall Preſumption, compar'd with our Diſobedience to the GOD of Heaven.
THIS is the Sanction to the divine Law: Ye ſhall keep my Statutes, I am the LORD! And this is the conſtraining Motive to the moſt careful and ſtrict Obſervation of it: For the LORD your GOD is God of gods, and Lord of lords; a great GOD, a mighty, and a Terrible—.