Gather now, ye that trust in the Lord, gather what evidences 1ye can by Gods former works of his power, and will. ⟨p. 242⟩Oft meditate thereon; plead them in prayer before God. In your catalogue of Gods former works be sure you leave not out such as are done in your days, and to your selves in particular, whereof upon experimental evidence you may say to God, marvellous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth 2right well. The works which were brought to Moses his mind by holding up this rod were such as were done in his days, before his eyes, by his ministry. Such works as are done in our days, and to our selves, make the deepest impression: and have the most effectual and mighty operation. Such were they whereby Jacob and David were strengthened 3in their faith. Though we have not such a visible sign of Gods former works, as this rod was which Moses held up, yet we have as good and sure stays for our faith to rest upon. For, we have Gods works recorded in Gods Word, a Word of truth. And we may say, as the Psalmist doth, We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us 4what works thou diddest in their days, in the times of old. And God hath in our days, and before our eyes done such works, as give us sufficient ground to trust in him. We have memories to retain them. We have minds to meditate on them. We may (if we will) register and record them. What could Moses his rod do more then all these? Though we want that external sign, yet we have the substance. And by a right use of what we have, our faith in God may be strengthened, as Moses was by the use of this rod. Ruminate therefore on Gods bringing in the Gospel in King Henry the 8 days. On establishing it in King Edward the 6 days. On the courage, comfort, and constancy that he gave to Martyrs in Queen Mary's days. On the restoring of the Gospel in blessed Queen Elizabeths days. On the many victories then given: especially in 88. On the many deliverances from Papists treasons: especially in 605. As occasion is offered seriously ponder and meditate on these and other like works of God, and thereby shalt thou find much vigour infused into thy faith. Withal well note the promises of God. For, this rod which Moses took up to the hill was a sign of Gods ⟨p. 243⟩promise. Take this rod in thine hand (saith God) wherewith 5thou shalt do signs.
Gather now, ye that trust in the Lord, gather what evidences 1ye can by Gods former works of his power, and will. ⟨p. 242⟩Oft meditate thereon; plead them in prayer before God. In your catalogue of Gods former works be sure you leave not out such as are done in your daies, and to your selves in particular, whereof upon experimentall evidence you may say to God, marvellous are thy works, and that my soule knoweth 2right well. The works which were brought to Moses his mind by holding up this rod were such as were done in his daies, before his eyes, by his ministry. Such works as are done in our daies, and to our selves, make the deepest impression: and have the most effectuall and mighty operation. Such were they whereby Iacob and David were strengthened 3in their faith. Though we have not such a visible signe of Gods former works, as this rod was which Moses held up, yet we have as good and sure staies for our faith to rest upon. For, we have Gods works recorded in Gods Word, a Word of truth. And we may say, as the Psalmist doth, We have heard with our eares, O God, our fathers have told us 4what works thou diddest in their daies, in the times of old. And God hath in our dayes, and before our eyes done such works, as give us sufficient ground to trust in him. We have memories to retaine them. We have minds to meditate on them. We may (if we will) register and record them. What could Moses his rod do more then al these? Though we want that externall signe, yet we have the substance. And by a right use of what we have, our faith in God may be strengthened, as Moses was by the use of this rod. Ruminate therfore on Gods bringing in the Gospell in King Henry the 8 daies. On establishing it in King Edward the 6 daies. On the courage, comfort, and constancy that he gave to Martyrs in Queene Maries daies. On the restoring of the Gospell in blessed Queene Elizabeths daies. On the many victories then given: especially in 88. On the many deliverances from Papists treasons: especially in 605. As occasion is offered seriously ponder and meditate on these and other like works of God, and thereby shalt thou find much vigour infused into thy faith. Withall well note the promises of God. For, this rod which Moses tooke up to the hill was a signe of Gods ⟨p. 243⟩promise. Take this rod in thine hand (saith God) wherewith
- 1Observe Gods former works.
- 2Psal. 139. 14.
- 3Gen. 32. 10. 1 Sam. 17. 56.
- 4Psal. 44. 1.
- 5Exo. 4. 17.
