A26794:104
The great duty of resignation to the divine will in afflictions enforced from the…
The great duty of resignation to the divine will in afflictions enforced from the example of our suffering Saviour / by William Bates ...
London: printed by J.D. for Brabazon Aylmer, 1684
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Secondly; To these Motives I shall add some Directions, for the performance of this hard Duty.
Direct. 1. A steadfast Faith in the Divine Providence and Promises, will compose the Soul to a quiet submission to God's Pleasure in the sharpest Troubles.
Direct. 1. A stedfast Faith in the Divine Providence and Promises, will compose the Soul to a quiet submission to God's Pleasure in the sharpest Troubles.
All things are under the intimate Inspection, the wise Conduct, the powerful Influence of his Providence. This is one of ⟨p. 135⟩those prime, universal rich Truths, from whence so many practical Consequences are derived. By virtue of it, we may infallibly conclude, that all things that come to pass, are disposed in the best season, and best manner, for the best ends. If we were admitted to the Council of State above, and understood the immediate reasons of every particular Decree, we could not be more infallibly assured of the Wisdom and Goodness, the Rectitude and Equity of his Dispensations, then by this universal Principle that is applicable to all Events, as Light to every Colour; that what God appoints is best. That we may feel the blessed influence of it more effectually, let us consider that divine Providence extends to the whole Creation: 'Tis infinite, and ⟨p. 136⟩over-ruling all things. God is pleased to represent it in Scripture according to the narrowness of our Capacity: As Elisha contracted 1himself to the stature of the Shunamites Child, applying his Mouth to his Mouth, and his Hands to his Hands. Thus 'tis said, He rides upon the Heavens, to signify his absolute power in ordering all the motions of the most high, vast and glorious part of the visible Universe. He telleth the number of the Stars; he calleth them all by their Names. The Stars are the brightest and most active parts of the vast Region above us, and are called the Host of Heaven with respect to their Number and Order. God is their General; and tho they seem innumerable to our Senses, yet the multitude is exactly known to him, and yields