DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.3689#0247
a Devout and Holy Life. 245
Author, are directed and governed by him to such ends, as are
most suitable to his wise Providence ?
If you think you can murmur at the state of things, without
murmuring at Providence, or complain of seasons without com-
plaining of God ; hear what our blessed Lord says further upon
oaths: ' Whoso shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by
' all things thereon : And whoso shall swear by the temple,
' sweareth by him that dwelleth therein : And he that shall
' swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him
' that sitteth thereon.'*
Now does not this Scripture plainly oblige us to reason after
this manner, Whoso murmurs at the course of the world, mur-
murs at God that governs the course of the world. Whoso
repines at seasons and weather, and speaks impatiently of times
and events, repines and speaketh impatiently of God, who is the
sole Lord and Governor of times, seasons, and events.
As therefore when we think of God himself, we are to have
no sentiments but of praise and thanksgiving ; so when we look
at those things which are under the direction of God, and
governed by his Providence, we are to receive them with the
same tempers of praise and gratitude.
And though we are not to think all things right, and just, and
lawful, which the Providence of God permits; for then nothing
could be unjust, because nothing is without his permission ; yet
we must adore God in the greatest public calamities, the most
grievous persecutions, as things that are suffered by God, like
plagues and famines, for ends suitable to his wisdom and glory
in the government of the world.
There is nothing more suitable to the piety of a reasonable
creature, or the spirit of a Christian, than thus to approve,
admire, and glorify God in all the acts of his general Provi-
dence ; considering the whole world as his particular family,
and all events as directed by his wisdom.
Everyone seems to consent to this, as an undeniable truth,
That all things must be as God pleases ; and is not this enough
to make every man pleased with them himself? And how can
a man be a peevish complainer of anything that is the effect of
Providence, but by showing that his own self-will and self-
wisdom, is of more weight with him, than the will and wisdom
of God ? And what can Religion be said to have done for a
man, whose heart is in this state ?
For if he cannot thank and praise God, as wellin calamities
and sufferings, as in prosperity and happiness, he is as far from
* Matt, xxiii. 20.
Author, are directed and governed by him to such ends, as are
most suitable to his wise Providence ?
If you think you can murmur at the state of things, without
murmuring at Providence, or complain of seasons without com-
plaining of God ; hear what our blessed Lord says further upon
oaths: ' Whoso shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by
' all things thereon : And whoso shall swear by the temple,
' sweareth by him that dwelleth therein : And he that shall
' swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him
' that sitteth thereon.'*
Now does not this Scripture plainly oblige us to reason after
this manner, Whoso murmurs at the course of the world, mur-
murs at God that governs the course of the world. Whoso
repines at seasons and weather, and speaks impatiently of times
and events, repines and speaketh impatiently of God, who is the
sole Lord and Governor of times, seasons, and events.
As therefore when we think of God himself, we are to have
no sentiments but of praise and thanksgiving ; so when we look
at those things which are under the direction of God, and
governed by his Providence, we are to receive them with the
same tempers of praise and gratitude.
And though we are not to think all things right, and just, and
lawful, which the Providence of God permits; for then nothing
could be unjust, because nothing is without his permission ; yet
we must adore God in the greatest public calamities, the most
grievous persecutions, as things that are suffered by God, like
plagues and famines, for ends suitable to his wisdom and glory
in the government of the world.
There is nothing more suitable to the piety of a reasonable
creature, or the spirit of a Christian, than thus to approve,
admire, and glorify God in all the acts of his general Provi-
dence ; considering the whole world as his particular family,
and all events as directed by his wisdom.
Everyone seems to consent to this, as an undeniable truth,
That all things must be as God pleases ; and is not this enough
to make every man pleased with them himself? And how can
a man be a peevish complainer of anything that is the effect of
Providence, but by showing that his own self-will and self-
wisdom, is of more weight with him, than the will and wisdom
of God ? And what can Religion be said to have done for a
man, whose heart is in this state ?
For if he cannot thank and praise God, as wellin calamities
and sufferings, as in prosperity and happiness, he is as far from
* Matt, xxiii. 20.