An exposition with practical observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…

Secondly, Observe, That as the Lord in his nature cannot be seen at all: So (such is the weakness of man, that) we cannot see him fully in his word, or works.

Secondly, Observe, That as the Lord in his nature cannot be seen at all: So (such is the weaknesse of man, that) we cannot see him fully in his word, or works.

How little is it that we see, that we know of God in either? What admirable operations are there in the course of natural things, in the Sun, Moon, and Stars, in the growth of herbs and plants, and in our own bodies, which we see not? What admirable administrations are there in the course of civill things? The beginnings, growths and declinings of Common-wealths, the transplantations of people from Country to Country, their oppressions by injustice, their confusions by war, their establishments by peace, their consumptions by plague and famine, their increase by health and abundance are little minded by the most of men. How doth God turn Nations up-side-down, and hurl Kingdoms together, and we perceive him not. Some take no notice at all of God, as doing such things, none taking such notice as they ought. We observe creatures, what this man did, and what the other, such men were malicious and unfaithful, such were valiant and wise, such were self-seekers, such self-deniers, such constant Patriots, and such were Apostates. Thus we see men, but we seldom see God in the great transactions and motions of Kingdoms. And we see him least of all in the course of spiritual things, in his working upon our hearts; God works wonders in us, and we perceive ⟨p. 233⟩him not! We regard not his comings or goings, his comfortings or with-drawings, when our spirits are heated, or when they are cold, when we are strong, or when we are weak: There are continual varieties and changes in our spirits, had we a clearness to make observation. The work of God in the heart of a believer moving it, ordering it, preserving it, comforting it, purging it, is as wonderful, and more, then any of his works in the whole world.