The great mystery of providence, or, The various methods of God in ordering and over-ruling the actions of wicked men and devils to great and glorious purposes with the vindication of his holiness therein : being the substance of several sermons / preached by George Gifford.
It is true, it was a Fault in you who sold me, but look upon the good Hand and Providence of God in it, God sent me before you, and it was not you that sent me hither, but God.
It is true, it was a Fault in you who sold me, but look upon the good Hand and Providence of God in it, God sent me before you, and it was not you that sent me hither, but God.
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When God intended to bring a most dreadful Famine upon the World (in which Jacob and his Family might probably have perished) yet God made a provision for him and them 20 years before-hand, in such a way as Jacob and Joseph never thought of;
When God intended to bring a most dreadful Famine upon the World (in which Jacob and his Family might probably have perished) yet God made a provision for him and them 20 Years beforehand, in such a Way as Jacob and Joseph never Thought of;
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This should teach us, in all the Difficulties and Troubles that besal God's Church, and when we know not what will become of us, to resign up all to the Providence of God, he will take care and provide for us by such means as we little dream of.
This should teach us, in all the Difficulties and Troubles that besal God's Church, and when we know not what will become of us, to resign up all to the Providence of God, he will take care and provide for us by such means as we little dream of.
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First, I shall demonstrate from this Example, That all the Actions of Men, even their sinful Actions, are under the Providence of God, they sold Joseph, and God sent him.
First, I shall demonstrate from this Exampl, That all the Actions of Men, even their sinful Actions, Are under the Providence of God, they sold Joseph, and God sent him.
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Thirdly, I shall enquire into the Ends of such Orderings, how God works, and ordains the Actions of wicked Men to Ends beyond what they desired or designed.
Thirdly, I shall inquire into the Ends of such Orderings, how God works, and ordains the Actions of wicked Men to Ends beyond what they desired or designed.
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yea, all the Sins of wicked Men and Devils, are under the government of the Providence of God. (1.) I shall prove the point by four or five places of Scripture, the first shall be drawn from those general places in Scripture, that ascribe every thing to the Will and Providence of God; so Psal. 35.6. Whatever the Lord pleased, that did he in Heaven and in Earth.
yea, all the Sins of wicked Men and Devils, Are under the government of the Providence of God. (1.) I shall prove the point by four or five places of Scripture, the First shall be drawn from those general places in Scripture, that ascribe every thing to the Will and Providence of God; so Psalm 35.6. Whatever the Lord pleased, that did he in Heaven and in Earth.
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There is nothing comes to pass without the Will of God, Dan 4.35. He doth according to his will in all the armies of Heaven and Earth, and none can stay his hand.
There is nothing comes to pass without the Will of God, Dan 4.35. He does according to his will in all the armies of Heaven and Earth, and none can stay his hand.
The (2.) Head is this, That such Actions as are brought to pass by wicked Men, are said to be done by the eternal Councel and Ordination of God, they are the Contrivance of God's Decrees:
The (2.) Head is this, That such Actions as Are brought to pass by wicked Men, Are said to be done by the Eternal Council and Ordination of God, they Are the Contrivance of God's Decrees:
yet was brought to pass by the greatest Villany in the Instruments that ever was in the World, I mean the Suffering of our Blessed Lord and Saviour, Acts 2.23. Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken, and by wicked hands crucified and slain.
yet was brought to pass by the greatest Villainy in the Instruments that ever was in the World, I mean the Suffering of our Blessed Lord and Saviour, Acts 2.23. Him being Delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken, and by wicked hands Crucified and slave.
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So Acts 4.27, 28. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, and the Gentiles and people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
So Acts 4.27, 28. For of a truth against thy holy child jesus, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, and the Gentiles and people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
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And again v. 15. Shall the ax beast it self against him that heweth therewith? or, shall the saw magnifie it self against him that shaketh it? There is a great emphasis in these words, to shew, that wicked Men and their Actions are all in the Hands of God,
And again v. 15. Shall the ax beast it self against him that heweth therewith? or, shall the saw magnify it self against him that shakes it? There is a great emphasis in these words, to show, that wicked Men and their Actions Are all in the Hands of God,
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so in this Instance of Joseph, and in that Isa. 10.6. God is said to send the Assyrians against an hypocritical Nation, to punish and chastise them. So 2 Sam. 12.11. you see there (Beloved) God threatens to raise up evil against David in his own house, that is, by the Rebellion of his Son Absalom, and his Villany and Insolence against his Father's Wives and Concubines;
so in this Instance of Joseph, and in that Isaiah 10.6. God is said to send the Assyrians against an hypocritical nation, to Punish and chastise them. So 2 Sam. 12.11. you see there (beloved) God threatens to raise up evil against David in his own house, that is, by the Rebellion of his Son Absalom, and his Villainy and Insolence against his Father's Wives and Concubines;
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but was God the cause of this Wickedness in Absalom? No, but Absalom having these Lusts in him, God permitted him to exercise them for the punishment of David 's Sin. So 2 Sam. 16.11. Shimei doth unjustly revile David, but saith David, The Lord hath sent Shimei to curse David;
but was God the cause of this Wickedness in Absalom? No, but Absalom having these Lustiest in him, God permitted him to exercise them for the punishment of David is Sin. So 2 Sam. 16.11. Shimei does unjustly revile David, but Says David, The Lord hath sent Shimei to curse David;
but this was to punish David for his former Sins: Psal. 105.23. it is said, He turned the hearts of the Egyptians to hate his people, and to deal subtilly with his servants;
but this was to Punish David for his former Sins: Psalm 105.23. it is said, He turned the hearts of the egyptians to hate his people, and to deal subtly with his Servants;
He made use of their Sin for righteous ends. (5.) I do observe out of Scripture that the Children of God, whenever they suffered most unjustly from wicked Men,
He made use of their since for righteous ends. (5.) I do observe out of Scripture that the Children of God, whenever they suffered most unjustly from wicked Men,
Thus in holy Job you shall see what a complication of Wickedness there was to bring about his afflictions, there was the Devil's Malice seeking to ruine and destroy him, there was also the Malice of wicked Men, the Chaldeans and Sabeans, and yet Job 1.21. he ascribes all to the Providence of God, The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
Thus in holy Job you shall see what a complication of Wickedness there was to bring about his afflictions, there was the Devil's Malice seeking to ruin and destroy him, there was also the Malice of wicked Men, the Chaldeans and Sabeans, and yet Job 1.21. he ascribes all to the Providence of God, The Lord gives, and the Lord Takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
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So David, when his Son Absalom rebelled against him, still he cries, It is the Lord, &c. Thus in the Book of the Lamentations, when Israel had been so barbarously destroyed by their Enemies,
So David, when his Son Absalom rebelled against him, still he cries, It is the Lord, etc. Thus in the Book of the Lamentations, when Israel had been so barbarously destroyed by their Enemies,
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therefore we must hear the voice of the Rod, and him who hath appointed it, and not dwell too much upon the Instruments or Second Causes, they are but as the Ax or the Staff, or the Rod, it is God's Hand that limits, orders,
Therefore we must hear the voice of the Rod, and him who hath appointed it, and not dwell too much upon the Instruments or Second Causes, they Are but as the Ax or the Staff, or the Rod, it is God's Hand that Limits, order,
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but I shall endeavour to do it first negatively, for I will tell you, the truth lies between two Extreams; (1.) It is the highest Blasphemy for any, from these places of Scripture, to charge God with being the Author of Sin. (2.) There is another Extream to be avoided, to think this Providence of God is only a bare permission of Sin;
but I shall endeavour to do it First negatively, for I will tell you, the truth lies between two Extremes; (1.) It is the highest Blasphemy for any, from these places of Scripture, to charge God with being the Author of Sin. (2.) There is Another Extreme to be avoided, to think this Providence of God is only a bore permission of since;
Again, he that hates Sin, he that forbids it and severely punishes it, it is impossible he should be the Author of Sin. It would be the unjustest thing in the World for God to punish that which himself causes.
Again, he that hates since, he that forbids it and severely Punishes it, it is impossible he should be the Author of Sin. It would be the unjustest thing in the World for God to Punish that which himself Causes.
as for example, the Envy and Malice of Joseph 's Brethren came from themselves, but only God ordered it for the good of his People. We must distinguish between the cause of Sin and the use of Sin;
as for Exampl, the Envy and Malice of Joseph is Brothers Come from themselves, but only God ordered it for the good of his People. We must distinguish between the cause of since and the use of since;
You know the Viper has Poyson in it, which is of a destructive nature, and yet a skilful Physician can make use of this Poyson as an Antidote against Poyson.
You know the Viper has Poison in it, which is of a destructive nature, and yet a skilful physician can make use of this Poison as an Antidote against Poison.
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I will draw this as a second Caution, That in God's ordering and making use of Sin there is more than his bare permission of Sin, that is, to let Men be wicked,
I will draw this as a second Caution, That in God's ordering and making use of since there is more than his bore permission of since, that is, to let Men be wicked,
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And I will shew you several ways whereby God hinders the commission of Sin: thus he hinder'd Abimelech from committing folly with Abraham 's Wife, Gen. 20.6.
And I will show you several ways whereby God hinders the commission of since: thus he hindered Abimelech from committing folly with Abraham is Wife, Gen. 20.6.
so he hinder'd Balaam, when he came with a resolution to curse Israel, he hinder'd Esau from hurting his Brother Jacob. Nay, the Devils in Hell are under Chains, God can hinder them,
so he hindered balaam, when he Come with a resolution to curse Israel, he hindered Esau from hurting his Brother Jacob. Nay, the Devils in Hell Are under Chains, God can hinder them,
as he did of Jeroboam, when he stretched forth his hand against the Prophet, sometime when he stirs up another power to deliver his People from Oppression, sometimes by secretly enclining the Hearts of Men to do good to such as they designed to hurt,
as he did of Jeroboam, when he stretched forth his hand against the Prophet, sometime when he stirs up Another power to deliver his People from Oppression, sometime by secretly inclining the Hearts of Men to do good to such as they designed to hurt,
as he did by Laban, when he went after Jacob: so God sent Abigail to divert David from exercising his intended Revenge against Nabal. Now when God removes these impediments, this is the first way of God's concurrence,
as he did by Laban, when he went After Jacob: so God sent Abigail to divert David from exercising his intended Revenge against Nabal. Now when God removes these impediments, this is the First Way of God's concurrence,
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and for limiting their Malice and Enmity, for if God should give leave to them to execute their Power and Malice, all the World would quickly be in flames.
and for limiting their Malice and Enmity, for if God should give leave to them to execute their Power and Malice, all the World would quickly be in flames.
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for you must know God Almighty has an immediate influence and concourse in all the actions of his Creatures, both good and bad, Acts 17.28. In him we live and move and have our being.
for you must know God Almighty has an immediate influence and concourse in all the actions of his Creatures, both good and bad, Acts 17.28. In him we live and move and have our being.
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It is that which all Christians and most Philosophers do agree in, That all actions of the Creature do depend upon the motion and influence of the first Cause.
It is that which all Christians and most Philosophers do agree in, That all actions of the Creature do depend upon the motion and influence of the First Cause.
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3. God doth concur by his Providence, in administring occasions and opportunities which wicked Men do abuse to Sinfulness. So Jer. 5.22. God tells us of laying a stambling block in the way of Sinners;
3. God does concur by his Providence, in administering occasions and opportunities which wicked Men do abuse to Sinfulness. So Jer. 5.22. God tells us of laying a stambling block in the Way of Sinners;
He gives or lays before them things that perhaps are not sinful in themselves, as when he gives to wicked men Health, Strength, Wealth, Prosperity, Beauty, &c. these have no harm in themselves,
He gives or lays before them things that perhaps Are not sinful in themselves, as when he gives to wicked men Health, Strength, Wealth, Prosperity, Beauty, etc. these have no harm in themselves,
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as for instance, How often does good Admonition make some Men the worse? nay, I tell you, the very Divinity and Miracles of Christ did harden the Pharisees Hearts;
as for instance, How often does good Admonition make Some Men the Worse? nay, I tell you, the very Divinity and Miracles of christ did harden the Pharisees Hearts;
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as he did Joseph, when his Brethren design'd to murther him, God did at the same time order some Midianites to go by, that they might sell him to them.
as he did Joseph, when his Brothers designed to murder him, God did At the same time order Some midianites to go by, that they might fell him to them.
The fourth way of God's concurrence is, by withdrawing his Grace, and leaving Men to the power of their Lusts. Wicked men have a violent inclination to many Sins, which God in his Providence many times restrains,
The fourth Way of God's concurrence is, by withdrawing his Grace, and leaving Men to the power of their Lusts. Wicked men have a violent inclination to many Sins, which God in his Providence many times restrains,
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but when he leaves them up to themselves, they quickly run into the commission of them, they are oftentimes as a Dog chained up, that cannot do the Mischief he has a mind to.
but when he leaves them up to themselves, they quickly run into the commission of them, they Are oftentimes as a Dog chained up, that cannot do the Mischief he has a mind to.
So 2 Thes. 2. the coming and prevailing of Antichrist is there said to be with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, with all power, and signs, and lying wonders.
So 2 Thebes 2. the coming and prevailing of Antichrist is there said to be with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, with all power, and Signs, and lying wonders.
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God may suffer false Prophets to work signs and wonders, and to come with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, but what was the reason? because they did not receive the truth in the love of it, that they might be saved;
God may suffer false prophets to work Signs and wonders, and to come with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, but what was the reason? Because they did not receive the truth in the love of it, that they might be saved;
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you see God hath sent forth a lying Spirit, whereby our Adversaries have drawn away thousands, what is the reason? because they have not lived up to the Light of the Gospel.
you see God hath sent forth a lying Spirit, whereby our Adversaries have drawn away thousands, what is the reason? Because they have not lived up to the Light of the Gospel.
A sixth way of God's Providence in sinful actions (and I desire you to take notice of it) is a directing by his secret Providence the Sinner to such or such a particular Object, which perhaps he was indifferent to before:
A sixth Way of God's Providence in sinful actions (and I desire you to take notice of it) is a directing by his secret Providence the Sinner to such or such a particular Object, which perhaps he was indifferent to before:
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Nebuchadnezzar the great King of Babylon was resolved to fall upon some of his Neighbours, he could not tell whether he should fall upon Amon or Judea, now God in his Providence directed him to fall upon Judea; so 1 Chron. 5.26. it is said, God stirred up the spirit of Pul to go against Israel;
Nebuchadnezzar the great King of Babylon was resolved to fallen upon Some of his Neighbours, he could not tell whither he should fallen upon Amon or Judea, now God in his Providence directed him to fallen upon Judea; so 1 Chronicles 5.26. it is said, God stirred up the Spirit of Pull to go against Israel;
It is an alusion to those Countries where there was little Rain from Heaven, all their Gardens and Meadows were water'd by standing Waters or Pools, where they had Sluces and Gutters, which they could pull up,
It is an allusion to those Countries where there was little Rain from Heaven, all their Gardens and Meadows were watered by standing Waters or Pools, where they had Sluices and Gutters, which they could pull up,
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this is constantly verified in Scripture, and by Experience in the World, that God may suffer good People to be afflicted and injuriously dealt with in just causes,
this is constantly verified in Scripture, and by Experience in the World, that God may suffer good People to be afflicted and injuriously dealt with in just Causes,
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Thus God many times suffers the Tabernacles of Robbers to prosper, and suffers good men for good causes to fall into the hands of wicked and unreasonable men.
Thus God many times suffers the Tabernacles of Robbers to prosper, and suffers good men for good Causes to fallen into the hands of wicked and unreasonable men.
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and yet will suffer the same to bring about their purposes at another time. So it was with the Jews, they would oftentimes have taken Christ, but could not,
and yet will suffer the same to bring about their Purposes At Another time. So it was with the jews, they would oftentimes have taken christ, but could not,
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So God is said to send Assyria against Israel, to punish a hypocritical Nation, but he thinks not so, his design is to root up and destroy much People;
So God is said to send Assyria against Israel, to Punish a hypocritical nation, but he thinks not so, his Design is to root up and destroy much People;
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his design was to plunder and destroy, but God's design was to correct Sin. So it was in the Sufferings of our Blessed Saviour, the Pharisees out of envy sought to murder him, Pilate only for fear condemned him;
his Design was to plunder and destroy, but God's Design was to correct Sin. So it was in the Sufferings of our Blessed Saviour, the Pharisees out of envy sought to murder him, Pilate only for Fear condemned him;
but now the Envy and Malice of the one, and the Covetousness of the other God over-ruled, to bring to pass the greatest Blessing that ever befel Mankind, the Death and Resurrection of Christ;
but now the Envy and Malice of the one, and the Covetousness of the other God overruled, to bring to pass the greatest Blessing that ever befell Mankind, the Death and Resurrection of christ;
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SECT. III. I Come now to the third Point, and that is, That God Almighty can make good use of the sinful actions of wicked Men, that what they intend for Evil, that he can and often does turn to Good.
SECT. III. I Come now to the third Point, and that is, That God Almighty can make good use of the sinful actions of wicked Men, that what they intend for Evil, that he can and often does turn to Good.
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This is here expressed in the Text, God sent me before you to preserve life; and I will ground this upon another expression of Joseph, Gen. 50.20. As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good.
This is Here expressed in the Text, God sent me before you to preserve life; and I will ground this upon Another expression of Joseph, Gen. 50.20. As for you, you Thought evil against me, but God meant it for good.
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and wise, why is there so much wickedness in the World? Can he not hinder it? I shall therefore shew you, that God's permitting so much Sin in the World is a fruit of his infinite Goodness,
and wise, why is there so much wickedness in the World? Can he not hinder it? I shall Therefore show you, that God's permitting so much since in the World is a fruit of his infinite goodness,
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St. Austin saith, God, that is infinitely good and powerful, would not permit Sin in the World if he were not able to make that Sin turn to some great Good.
Saint Austin Says, God, that is infinitely good and powerful, would not permit since in the World if he were not able to make that since turn to Some great Good.
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For the truth of this proposition, I may observe to you, that the greatest actions that ever God brought to pass in the World have been occasion'd by the Sins of wicked men,
For the truth of this proposition, I may observe to you, that the greatest actions that ever God brought to pass in the World have been occasioned by the Sins of wicked men,
as the occasion of sending Christ was the Sin of Adam, and the bringing to pass our Redemption could not be done without the concurrence of wicked actions; as, Acts 2.22. By wicked hands you have crucified and slain him, saith the Apostle; and Acts 4.27. For of a truth, against thy holy child Jesus, Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the People of Israel are gathered together. Consider how much wickedness there was in that act;
as the occasion of sending christ was the since of Adam, and the bringing to pass our Redemption could not be done without the concurrence of wicked actions; as, Acts 2.22. By wicked hands you have Crucified and slave him, Says the Apostle; and Acts 4.27. For of a truth, against thy holy child jesus, Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the People of Israel Are gathered together. Consider how much wickedness there was in that act;
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I will give you some more Instances of this, and mention two things, whereby I shall more evidently demonstrate, That God does make use of the Sins of wicked men for good purposes, (1.) for the manifestation of his own Glory. (2.) For the great good he doth thereby in the World. Rom. 3.7. The truth of God aboundeth by my lye unto his glory, and he maketh the wrath of man to praise him.
I will give you Some more Instances of this, and mention two things, whereby I shall more evidently demonstrate, That God does make use of the Sins of wicked men for good Purposes, (1.) for the manifestation of his own Glory. (2.) For the great good he does thereby in the World. Rom. 3.7. The truth of God Aboundeth by my lie unto his glory, and he makes the wrath of man to praise him.
I shall mention Five Attributes of God, that are more especially illustrated by God's permitting and ordering the Sins of wicked men: (1.) The Attribute of God's Patience and Long suffering, he proclaims himself, The Lord God, merciful and long suffering:
I shall mention Five Attributes of God, that Are more especially illustrated by God's permitting and ordering the Sins of wicked men: (1.) The Attribute of God's Patience and Long suffering, he proclaims himself, The Lord God, merciful and long suffering:
Where could there have been room for the exercise of his Patience and Long-suffering, if there be no Sin? So Rom. 9 22. How should we know God's Patience,
Where could there have been room for the exercise of his Patience and Long-suffering, if there be no since? So Rom. 9 22. How should we know God's Patience,
And there is no question but the Glory of God is shewn forth in the manifestation of his Wrath, both here and hereafter. (3.) The Glory of his Mercy and Free Grace appears in pardoning Sin;
And there is no question but the Glory of God is shown forth in the manifestation of his Wrath, both Here and hereafter. (3.) The Glory of his Mercy and Free Grace appears in pardoning since;
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had Man remained without Sin, Christ had never died, there had been no Covenant of Grace. (4.) The Glory of God's admirable Wisdom appears in ordering and governing the Sins of the World;
had Man remained without since, christ had never died, there had been no Covenant of Grace. (4.) The Glory of God's admirable Wisdom appears in ordering and governing the Sins of the World;
sometimes God doth it by private men, sometimes he raiseth up one Oppressor to punish another Oppressor, sometimes he raises up rebellious Children to punish Parents who had been disobedient when they were Children, sometimes he punishes some persons with Treachery and Unfaithfulness, which had been formerly treacherous and unfaithful themselves. (2.) God makes use of the Sins of wicked men to chastise and punish his own People when they have offended and sinned against him;
sometime God does it by private men, sometime he Raiseth up one Oppressor to Punish Another Oppressor, sometime he raises up rebellious Children to Punish Parents who had been disobedient when they were Children, sometime he Punishes Some Persons with Treachery and Unfaithfulness, which had been formerly treacherous and unfaithful themselves. (2.) God makes use of the Sins of wicked men to chastise and Punish his own People when they have offended and sinned against him;
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see the 6, & 7, to the 12. ver. God tells us he had a work to do by the King of Assyria, namely, to punish a hypocritical Nation, but his design was only to kill and destroy.
see the 6, & 7, to the 12. ver. God tells us he had a work to do by the King of Assyria, namely, to Punish a hypocritical nation, but his Design was only to kill and destroy.
And, how many Sins were committed in these matters, and yet all this God made use of for chastising of David, and bringing him to Repentance? I will give you a familiar Instance to illustrate this to you, from a Leach's drawing of Blood;
And, how many Sins were committed in these matters, and yet all this God made use of for chastising of David, and bringing him to Repentance? I will give you a familiar Instance to illustrate this to you, from a Leach's drawing of Blood;
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And this same thing is more express in 1 Cor. 11.19. where the Apostle tells them, There must be heresies, that they which are approved may be made manifest.
And this same thing is more express in 1 Cor. 11.19. where the Apostle tells them, There must be heresies, that they which Are approved may be made manifest.
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It is true, ignorant and unstable men are quickly drawn aside to Errors, but when the true Religion is shaken by Errors and Heresies, there is nothing makes good men more to look about them, to examine diligently the Truths of Religion,
It is true, ignorant and unstable men Are quickly drawn aside to Errors, but when the true Religion is shaken by Errors and Heresies, there is nothing makes good men more to look about them, to examine diligently the Truths of Religion,
and if there be no Persecution, where can there be any Rewards for Patience? In a word, had there not been Persecution, where had been the Glory of Martyrdom? Thus God so orders it, that when wicked men seek most to destroy the Church, then he makes it so much the more glorious.
and if there be no Persecution, where can there be any Rewards for Patience? In a word, had there not been Persecution, where had been the Glory of Martyrdom? Thus God so order it, that when wicked men seek most to destroy the Church, then he makes it so much the more glorious.
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Lastly, the over-ruling Providence of God appears in making the Sins of wicked men, which were acted on purpose to frustrate his Purposes, the very proper means to bring them to pass.
Lastly, the overruling Providence of God appears in making the Sins of wicked men, which were acted on purpose to frustrate his Purposes, the very proper means to bring them to pass.
and Pride, and Malice, and barbarous Design of destroying all the Jews, yet God made all these cross Providences to be a means for the preservation and advancement of his Church.
and Pride, and Malice, and barbarous Design of destroying all the jews, yet God made all these cross Providences to be a means for the preservation and advancement of his Church.
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We read in Acts 8. there was a great Persecution against the Church, and, what was the end God had in it? It was to scatter the Disciples in all parts of Judea and Samaria, where they preached the Word:
We read in Acts 8. there was a great Persecution against the Church, and, what was the end God had in it? It was to scatter the Disciples in all parts of Judea and Samaria, where they preached the Word:
why, if it had not been for this Persecution, it is probable they might have continued too long in Jerusalem. So 1 Phil. 12. the Devil seeing St. Paul so useful a Minister of Christ, causes him to be put in Prison,
why, if it had not been for this Persecution, it is probable they might have continued too long in Jerusalem. So 1 Philip 12. the devil seeing Saint Paul so useful a Minister of christ, Causes him to be put in Prison,
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The Church of God, like the Vine, flourishes the better for being cut and pruned, and it was grown a Proverb in the Primitive Church, The Blood of the Martyrs is the Seed of the Church.
The Church of God, like the Vine, flourishes the better for being Cut and pruned, and it was grown a Proverb in the Primitive Church, The Blood of the Martyrs is the Seed of the Church.
I could give you Instances of this Providence of God in many private persons, where the malice of their Enemies has been a means to bring them to the highest advancements.
I could give you Instances of this Providence of God in many private Persons, where the malice of their Enemies has been a means to bring them to the highest advancements.
well, to bring this to pass, God intends to make use of his Brethren and their Envy and Malice to sell him into Egypt; God does not infuse Malice into them,
well, to bring this to pass, God intends to make use of his Brothers and their Envy and Malice to fell him into Egypt; God does not infuse Malice into them,
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In all the Sins of the World, Let God be true, and every man a Lyar, we must abhor and detest all that does in the least attribute any Sin to be God's;
In all the Sins of the World, Let God be true, and every man a Liar, we must abhor and detest all that does in the least attribute any since to be God's;
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but he could not know that, or that could not be known, if he did not leave them to their own Wills. (2.) I do consider, that most of the occasions that Men abuse to Sin, are such as in their own nature are good and naturally would drive them to Goodness;
but he could not know that, or that could not be known, if he did not leave them to their own Wills. (2.) I do Consider, that most of the occasions that Men abuse to since, Are such as in their own nature Are good and naturally would drive them to goodness;
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Again, As to the other thing, God's ordering Sin to his own Glory, and the Good of his People, that cannot be any Objection against God's Holiness or Justice:
Again, As to the other thing, God's ordering since to his own Glory, and the Good of his People, that cannot be any Objection against God's Holiness or justice:
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What is more reasonable, than that God should bring Glory to himself from wicked Men and Devils, force Glory out of them, above and contrary to their Intents.
What is more reasonable, than that God should bring Glory to himself from wicked Men and Devils, force Glory out of them, above and contrary to their Intents.
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and sends them strong delusions, that they may believe a lye, and be damn'd? How can you in this vindicate the Purity and Holiness of God? I answer, in all those places where God is said to harden the Heart, &c. We must understand, in some places it imports but a meer permission of God,
and sends them strong delusions, that they may believe a lie, and be damned? How can you in this vindicate the Purity and Holiness of God? I answer, in all those places where God is said to harden the Heart, etc. We must understand, in Some places it imports but a mere permission of God,
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And, beloved, what is more reasonable, than that they that resist God's motions, and give up themselves wilfully to be seduced, that God should leave them up to the seduction of the Devil and wicked Men, he doth but punish them with their own Sin.
And, Beloved, what is more reasonable, than that they that resist God's motions, and give up themselves wilfully to be seduced, that God should leave them up to the seduction of the devil and wicked Men, he does but Punish them with their own Sin.
and afflicting good men in good ways This was the great Objection of the Heathens, especially the Epicureans, and it has been a great stumbling to godly men;
and afflicting good men in good ways This was the great Objection of the heathens, especially the Epicureans, and it has been a great stumbling to godly men;
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I remember four holy men in Scripture were shaken, and almost overthrown at the thoughts of it, as Job, Job 21.6. David, Psal. 73. Jeremiah, Jer. 12.1. and Habakkuk, Hab. 1.13. Certainly, to Heathens, and such as deny future Rewards and Punishments, I do not know a greater Objection:
I Remember four holy men in Scripture were shaken, and almost overthrown At the thoughts of it, as Job, Job 21.6. David, Psalm 73. Jeremiah, Jer. 12.1. and Habakkuk, Hab. 1.13. Certainly, to heathens, and such as deny future Rewards and Punishments, I do not know a greater Objection:
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therefore, I say, God doth not make Instruments of wicked men for their goodness, but because they only are fit for such Work as this is, to be God's Executioners.
Therefore, I say, God does not make Instruments of wicked men for their Goodness, but Because they only Are fit for such Work as this is, to be God's Executioners.
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Again, tho' God suffer good men to be afflicted of the wicked, it is for their good, it is to fit them for God and Glory, it is to rub off their Rust and Rubbish, and fit them for God.
Again, though God suffer good men to be afflicted of the wicked, it is for their good, it is to fit them for God and Glory, it is to rub off their Rust and Rubbish, and fit them for God.
And lastly, I say as St. Austin doth, Stay but till the Day of Recompence, and there will appear no proportion between the Wicked's Prosperity here and their Sufferings hereafter.
And lastly, I say as Saint Austin does, Stay but till the Day of Recompense, and there will appear no proportion between the Wicked's Prosperity Here and their Sufferings hereafter.
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So also between the Sufferings of Good Men here, and their Eternal Happiness. Geographers tell us the World is round, notwithstanding all the Hills and Mountains in it;
So also between the Sufferings of Good Men Here, and their Eternal Happiness. Geographers tell us the World is round, notwithstanding all the Hills and Mountains in it;
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Suppose a Person is condemn'd to death for High-Treason, and his uncharitable Friend shall come and make him merry and drunk, whereby he forgets his Condition, do you envy this poor man this Happiness,
Suppose a Person is condemned to death for High treason, and his uncharitable Friend shall come and make him merry and drunk, whereby he forgets his Condition, do you envy this poor man this Happiness,
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than the Beams of the Sun upon a stinking Dunghill do reflect on the Sun. It was an excellent Saying of Dionysius, All things that are seen in the hands of second causes,
than the Beams of the Sun upon a stinking Dunghill do reflect on the Sun. It was an excellent Saying of Dionysius, All things that Are seen in the hands of second Causes,
and Justice of God's Providence, in governing the actions of wicked men; this is the Masterpiece of God's Providence, as Isa. 27.29. This also cometh from the Lord of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel.
and justice of God's Providence, in governing the actions of wicked men; this is the Masterpiece of God's Providence, as Isaiah 27.29. This also comes from the Lord of hosts, who is wondered in counsel.
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and I tell you, thô we now quarrel at Atheism, Debauchery, and Wickedness, God shall make manifest, at the last day, that all these things have worked together for the Glory of God,
and I tell you, though we now quarrel At Atheism, Debauchery, and Wickedness, God shall make manifest, At the last day, that all these things have worked together for the Glory of God,
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The second Inference is this, That the concurrence of God in the Sins of wicked men doth not excuse nor extenuate their Sin, nor diminish their Punishment.
The second Inference is this, That the concurrence of God in the Sins of wicked men does not excuse nor extenuate their since, nor diminish their Punishment.
That is, why should God count them Sinners, or punish them as Sinners, that have been Instruments to serve his Providence? This Objection some People make use of, not only among Heathens, but Christians, you shall have them say, I could not help it,
That is, why should God count them Sinners, or Punish them as Sinners, that have been Instruments to serve his Providence? This Objection Some People make use of, not only among heathens, but Christians, you shall have them say, I could not help it,
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as Peter Lombard, Gracian, and Comestor, and when afterwards she was come to Confession, she said, she could not confess her self sinful in this matter,
as Peter Lombard, Gracian, and Comestor, and when afterwards she was come to Confessi, she said, she could not confess her self sinful in this matter,
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the Sin is not the less sinful upon that account, as Rom. 3.8. for God needs not our Sins to bring to pass his Glory, God will not have us break his Commands out of a pretence to bring to pass his Glory:
the since is not the less sinful upon that account, as Rom. 3.8. for God needs not our Sins to bring to pass his Glory, God will not have us break his Commands out of a pretence to bring to pass his Glory:
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But thou Hypocrite, what need has God of thy Robberies to do him service? So the Jesuites have determin'd, that in defence of the Catholick Cause a man may tell a Lye,
But thou Hypocrite, what need has God of thy Robberies to do him service? So the Jesuits have determined, that in defence of the Catholic Cause a man may tell a Lie,
Again they tell us, Some things a man is bound to deny, and that upon Oath, That if a Priest, from Confession, knows any thing of Adultery or Murder in another,
Again they tell us, some things a man is bound to deny, and that upon Oath, That if a Priest, from Confessi, knows any thing of Adultery or Murder in Another,
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and if they have any way to evade the Witnesses, they may lye and forswear themselves with a mental reservation, till the case be made out as clear as the Sun. Again, they averr, That at their Executions they may deny their Crimes too,
and if they have any Way to evade the Witnesses, they may lie and forswear themselves with a mental reservation, till the case be made out as clear as the Sun. Again, they aver, That At their Executions they may deny their Crimes too,
SECT. V. MY third Inference is this, If all the Sins of Men be order'd and govern'd by God, the only true way to secure our selves from hurt by wicked men, is, to make our Peace with God. It follows most directly true;
SECT. V. MY third Inference is this, If all the Sins of Men be ordered and governed by God, the only true Way to secure our selves from hurt by wicked men, is, to make our Peace with God. It follows most directly true;
we impute our Troubles to our own Negligence, and the Malice of Men, but look not up to God: Isa. 36.11. When thou liftest up thy hand they will not see it. So Jer. 5.12.
we impute our Troubles to our own Negligence, and the Malice of Men, but look not up to God: Isaiah 36.11. When thou liftest up thy hand they will not see it. So Jer. 5.12.
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So long as we provoke God, tho' sometimes we may prevail against men that are Instruments of his Wrath, we shall not always, he will have new Instruments to do his Work.
So long as we provoke God, though sometime we may prevail against men that Are Instruments of his Wrath, we shall not always, he will have new Instruments to do his Work.
God has never promis'd to help the idle, slothful, and lazy, but the diligent, and those that use all probable means in subserviency to God's Providence:
God has never promised to help the idle, slothful, and lazy, but the diligent, and those that use all probable means in subserviency to God's Providence:
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And, dearly beloved, I wish we had done so, or would do so, I am sure this is one of the best ways to prevail with God under the Circumstances we are in:
And, dearly Beloved, I wish we had done so, or would do so, I am sure this is one of the best ways to prevail with God under the circumstances we Are in:
but above all, for our living so negligently, and being so lukewarm under that Religion God has given us, our Wickedness will justifie the worst Judgments that can befal us;
but above all, for our living so negligently, and being so lukewarm under that Religion God has given us, our Wickedness will justify the worst Judgments that can befall us;
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It is our Sins that give Strength to the Papists and Jesuites; if we did but live up to the Religion we profess, all the Jesuits in Rome and Devils in Hell can never do us any hurt.
It is our Sins that give Strength to the Papists and Jesuits; if we did but live up to the Religion we profess, all the Jesuits in Room and Devils in Hell can never do us any hurt.
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Again, if God orders all the Sins of wicked men, then 'tis a Foundation of true Patience and Comfort in all our Sufferings, to consider they all come from a holy, wise, and righteous God.
Again, if God order all the Sins of wicked men, then it's a Foundation of true Patience and Comfort in all our Sufferings, to Consider they all come from a holy, wise, and righteous God.
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So our Saviour, under his bitter agony, saith, The cup which my heavenly father hath given me, shall I not drink it? So St. Chrysostom tells us, All the Malice and Rage of Men,
So our Saviour, under his bitter agony, Says, The cup which my heavenly father hath given me, shall I not drink it? So Saint Chrysostom tells us, All the Malice and Rage of Men,
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Plutarch wrote against them that deny the Providence of God, and uses this Argument, That by so doing they did take away all Comfort from People under their Affliction.
Plutarch wrote against them that deny the Providence of God, and uses this Argument, That by so doing they did take away all Comfort from People under their Affliction.
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Did I believe the Affairs of this World were order'd by wicked men, and God was only a bare Spectator, I do assure you I could not live with Comfort one moment;
Did I believe the Affairs of this World were ordered by wicked men, and God was only a bore Spectator, I do assure you I could not live with Comfort one moment;
but when I know, that in all the Confusions and Troubles which they cause here below, they cannot do one thing more than what God has order'd and appointed, I lay my self down,
but when I know, that in all the Confusions and Troubles which they cause Here below, they cannot do one thing more than what God has ordered and appointed, I lay my self down,
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and make wicked men do his Work and his Church-service against their own wills, where then can there be any room for Discontent? When any Troubles come, that which makes them bitter, is, to consider the Wickedness of the Instruments.
and make wicked men do his Work and his Church-service against their own wills, where then can there be any room for Discontent? When any Troubles come, that which makes them bitter, is, to Consider the Wickedness of the Instruments.
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yet we must consider, tho' there be such a thing as Chance or Fortune to us, there is nothing falls out but by the Wisdom of Almighty God: As Deut. 19.5. compared with Exod. 21.13. God suffers not a Sparrow to fall to the Ground without his Providence, much less will he do so by Men:
yet we must Consider, though there be such a thing as Chance or Fortune to us, there is nothing falls out but by the Wisdom of Almighty God: As Deuteronomy 19.5. compared with Exod 21.13. God suffers not a Sparrow to fallen to the Ground without his Providence, much less will he do so by Men:
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God will not suffer his holy Name to be always prophaned, God can make this overspreading of Wickedness turn to the Good of the Nation: Prov. 19.31. The counsel of the Lord shall stand;
God will not suffer his holy Name to be always Profaned, God can make this overspreading of Wickedness turn to the Good of the nation: Curae 19.31. The counsel of the Lord shall stand;
He that had seen Joseph afflicted, and in the Dungeon, how could he have thought that had been the way to a Throne? therefore do not judge of God's Works before you see the Effects of them:
He that had seen Joseph afflicted, and in the Dungeon, how could he have Thought that had been the Way to a Throne? Therefore do not judge of God's Works before you see the Effects of them:
So, as to the Spirit of Whoredome among us, this should make us strive to be so much the more chaste and careful against all Company that may tempt us:
So, as to the Spirit of Whoredom among us, this should make us strive to be so much the more chaste and careful against all Company that may tempt us:
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And when you see People come to such a measure of Prophaneness, as for many years together to omit the Lord's Supper, this should make us more diligent in our Preparations to it.
And when you see People come to such a measure of Profaneness, as for many Years together to omit the Lord's Supper, this should make us more diligent in our Preparations to it.
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