First, As wrapped up in common with others. Did we consider the sovereign power of God in ordering the affairs of Nations and Churches, we would glorify him in a gracious silence however we see things go with them. The Scripture urgeth us often to this fixedness of mind in the midst of all public revolutions and changes upon this only account. Hear David (Psal. 46.9, 10.) Come behold the works of the Lord, (What works? ruining works) what desolation he hath made in the earth. God made strange work in the World at that time, Those countries which before were as the Garden of God, became like a desolate Wilderness; who was able to bear this with patience? Yet the Spirit of God saith in the next words, it must be patiently borne; when God lets men strive and war with one another to a common confusion, yet no man may strive with God about it; and the reason given why no man may, is only this (which is indeed all the reason in the world) He is God. So it follows in the Psalm, Be still and know that I am God; As if the Lord had said, not a word, do not strive nor reply, whatever you see, hold your peace; know that I being God I give no account of any of my matters. Thus the Prophet ⟨p. 257⟩cautions the whole world (Zech. 2.13.) Be silent O all flesh before the Lord, (do not dispute the doings of God, do not murmur at them) for he is raised up out of his holy habitation. That is, God is going to work (as a man raised out of his bed is) therefore do not you trouble your selves, nor rise up against him in your words or thoughts what work soever he makes. Like counsel is given (Psal. 75.5.) Lift not up your horn on high,, speak not with a stiff neck; for promotion cometh neither from the East, nor from the West, nor from the South: But God is the Judge, he putteth down one, and setteth up another. All great changes proceed from his judgment; take heed of judging the sentence of the great Judge. Remember, That he whose name alone is Jehovah, is the most high over all the earth. (Psal. 83.18.)
First, As wrapt up in common with others. Did we consider the soveraigne power of God in ordering the affairs of Nations and Churches, we would glorifie him in a gracious silence however we see things goe with them. The Scripture urgeth us often to this fixednesse of mind in the midst of all publick revolutions and changes upon this only account. Heare David (Psal. 46.9, 10.) Come behold the works of the Lord, (What works? ruining works) what desolation he hath made in the earth. God made strange work in the World at that time, Those countryes which before were as the Garden of God, became like a desolate Wildernesse; who was able to beare this with patience? Yet the Spirit of God saith in the next words, it must be patiently borne; when God lets men strive and warre with one another to a common confusion, yet no man may strive with God about it; and the reason given why no man may, is only this (which is indeed all the reason in the world) He is God. So it follows in the Psalme, Be still and know that I am God; As if the Lord had said, not a word, do not strive nor reply, whatever you see, hold your peace; know that I being God I give no account of any of my matters. Thus the Prophet ⟨p. 257⟩cautions the whole world (Zech. 2.13.) Be silent O all flesh before the Lord, (doe not dispute the doings of God, doe not murmure at them) for he is raised up out of his holy habitation. That is, God is going to work (as a man raised out of his bed is) therefore doe not you trouble your selves, nor rise up against him in your words or thoughts what work soever he makes. Like counsell is given (Psal. 75.5.) Lift not up your horne on high,, speak not with a stiffe neck; for promotion cometh neither from the East, nor from the West, nor from the South: But God is the Judge, he putteth down one, and setteth up another. All great changes proceed from his judgment; take heed of judging the sentence of the great Judge. Remember, That he whose name alone is Jehovah, is the most high over all the earth. (Psal. 83.18.)
