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, As from the former clause [He commandeth the Sun] we learn, that every word of God is a command: so from that which followeth [and it riseth not.] We may learn,

That, every creature obeys the command, and submits to the will of God.

That, every creature obeies the command, and submits to the will of God.

Men often speak, and speak in the highest language of commanding, and yet the thing is not done; but whatsoever the Lord speaks, is done. Every thing hath an ear to hear his voice, who made both voice and ear, Psal. 148.8. Fire and hail, snow and vapour, ⟨p. 193⟩stormy wind fulfilling his Word. Senseless creatures act at Gods command, and go upon his errand, They fulfil his Word. The Lord sent a message unto Hezekiah, to assure him that his sickness was at his command, because the Sun was, (2 King. 20.9, 10.) Shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go backward ten degrees in the dial of Ahaz? either way (saith the Lord) I can do it; either way, as thou shalt ask a sign, it shall be done. And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees. Yet he knew the Lord did not offer him a light thing in either, when he said, Shall the Sun go forward or backward. The Suns going forward was within a degree, as great a matter as it's going backward; but Hezekiah calls it a light matter, in regard of common apprehension and observation. The Suns motion is naturally forward, and though it should mend it's pace, many would not much regard it; but all would stand and wonder at a retrograde motion, or at the Sun going backward. Hence Hezekiah calls it a light matter for the Sun to go forward comparatively to it's going backward. And from either the Lord would teach Hezekiah that the creatures will do what he bids them, even the Sun will move miraculously at his Word. How great a rebuke will it be to man, if he move not at the command of God, and as God commands? Shall the Lord say to the Sun, Rise not, and it riseth not; and shall he say to man, Swear not, and he will swear, pray, and he will not pray: shall the Lord have better obedience from creatures without life then from man, who hath not only life but reason? or from Saints, who have not only reason but grace? They who have grace give not such universal obedience as things without life: for though there be a part in them active to obey, yet there is a part in them backward to all obedience.