Answ. Though he do not by the same visible, extraordinary, and miraculous means succour his Church and People, yet thereby his Church is taught to believe that he seeth and observeth his peoples distresses, that his compassion is moved thereat, that though in his wisdom he suffereth them to lie some time therein, yet it is not his will that they should utterly perish: and therefore he will assuredly deliver them. Thus the Apostle pressing the promise which God in particular made to Joshua, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, maketh this general inference thereupon, So that we, (we Christians that live so many years after Joshua's time) we may boldly say the Lord is my helper, I will not fear, &c. Heb. 13. 5, 6. Though we cannot therefore expect the same particular 1works of God to be done for us, that of old were done for others, yet the generals we may and ought to believe, that that God which provided for, and delivered of old such as trusted in him, is still able, and willing to provide for and deliver such as now trust in him. These generals expect from God. As for the means and manner of doing it, refer them to his wisdom. He ever remaineth the same God, as in his power, so in his will, affection, and compassion towards such as trust in him. He can by sundry means bring things to the same issue. If thoroughly and advisedly the usual works of God were considered, even those whereby the whole world is ruled and governed, who would not be astonished, even as at miracles, and by the miraculousness of them be strengthened in faith? But many turning their faces to the works that are done, turn their backs to him that did them. Whence it comes to pass, that neither God hath the glory which belongs to him, nor man that profit which otherwise he might reap from the works of God.
Answ. Though he do not by the same visible, extraordinary, and miraculous means succour his Church and People, yet thereby his Church is taught to believe that he seeth and observeth his peoples distresses, that his compassion is moved thereat, that though in his wisdome he suffereth them to lie some time therein, yet it is not his will that they should utterly perish: and therefore he will assuredly deliver them. Thus the Apostle pressing the promise which God in particular made to Ioshua, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, maketh this generall inference thereupon, So that we, (we Christians that live so many yeares after Ioshuaes time) we may boldly say the Lord is my helper, I will not feare, &c. Heb. 13. 5, 6. Though we cannot therefore expect the same particular 1works of God to be done for us, that of old were done for others, yet the generals we may and ought to believe, that that God which provided for, and delivered of old such as trusted in him, is still able, and willing to provide for and deliver such as now trust in him. These generals expect from God. As for the means and manner of doing it, referre them to his wisdome. He ever remaineth the same God, as in his power, so in his will, affection, and compassion towards such as trust in him. He can by sundry means bring things to the same issue. If thorowly and advisedly the usuall works of God were considered, even those whereby the whole world is ruled and governed, who would not be astonished, even as at miracles, and by the miraculousnesse of them be strengthened in faith? But many turning their faces to the works that are done, turne their backes to him that did them. Whence it comes to passe, that neither God hath the glory which belongs to him, nor man that profit which otherwise he might reape from the works of God.
- 1Quis est qui considerat opera Dei, quibus regitur & administratur totus hic mundus, & non obstupescit obruiturque miraculis. Aug in Joh. 2. Tract 8. Faciem quodam modo ponentes ad ea quae fecit, dorsum ponimus ad artificem qui fecit. Ibid.Quis est qui considerat opera Dei, quibus regitur & administratur totus hic mundus, & non obstupescit obruiturque miraculis. Aug in Ioh. 2. Tract 8. Faciem quodam modo ponentes ad ea quae fecit, dorsum ponimus ad artificem qui fecit. Ibid.
