This teacheth us upon what Grounds there should be such a submission to all Personal and Domestical Calamities which may befall any of us, and to all that befall the Church. It is the Will of God, and that's the great Ground of composing the Heart whatever falleth out. When-ever you hear of the increase of Violence, or any Resolution against the People of God, this should calm us, The Will of the Lord be done. God knows what is best for his People. This is an everlasting Ground of Comfort, that we are still in God's Hand's, and whatever befalls us, it comes by his special Providence, even by his that numbers the Hairs of our Heads, and who carves out every condition to us. Deut. 33. 3. Surely he loved his People, all the Saints are in his Hands. When the Disciples were sore troubled and affrighted, Joh. 6. 20. Jesus comes to them and said, Be not afraid, 'tis I that order this. There are many remarkable Passages in that Story. The Disciples were in the dark of the night overtaken with a mighty Storm, and for a long time did not know what would become of them; the Text saith, they had rowed about twenty five, ⟨p. 291⟩or thirty Furlongs before Christ appears: Christ seeth it not fit to appear at first, but lets the Trial go on until it be a Trial indeed. Now about the fourth Watch of the Night Jesus passed by, Mark 6. 48. that's the Morning Watch, and then Jesus appears to them. We are very tender of our selves, and soon think we are low and tried enough; therefore would fain be delivered, but our wise Lord seeth we need more. When Christ came, then their fears are increased; Christ came walking upon the Water, and they thought it was a Spectre. Spirits broken with troubles are very apt to take in afflicting impressions from every thing they see and hear. The very way of our Mercies may be matter of terror to us. At length he discovereth himself, 'tis I, be not afraid. I walk upon that Water which seems to be ready to swallow you up. I that raised the Waves, know how to still them. Here's that which may allay all our disquiets and fears. Remember, it is not the Instrument but Christ, and God must be eyed, and the Will of the Lord be done.
This teacheth us upon what Grounds there should be such a submission to all Personal and Domestical Calamities which may befal any of us, and to all that befal the Church. It is the Will of God, and that's the great Ground of composing the Heart whatever falleth out. When-ever you hear of the increase of Violence, or any Resolution against the People of God, this should calm us, The Will of the Lord be done. God knows what is best for his People. This is an everlasting Ground of Comfort, that we are still in God's Hand's, and whatever befals us, it comes by his special Providence, even by his that numbers the Hairs of our Heads, and who carves out every condition to us. Deut. 33. 3. Surely he loved his People, all the Saints are in his Hands. When the Disciples were sore troubled and affrighted, Joh. 6. 20. Iesus comes to them and said, Be not afraid, 'tis I that order this. There are many remarkable Passages in that Story. The Disciples were in the dark of the night overtaken with a mighty Storm, and for a long time did not know what would become of them; the Text saith, they had rowed about twenty five, ⟨p. 291⟩or thirty Furlongs before Christ appears: Christ seeth it not fit to appear at first, but lets the Trial go on until it be a Trial indeed. Now about the fourth Watch of the Night Jesus passed by, Mark 6. 48. that's the Morning Watch, and then Jesus appears to them. We are very tender of our selves, and soon think we are low and tried enough; therefore would fain be delivered, but our wise Lord seeth we need more. When Christ came, then their fears are increased; Christ came walking upon the Water, and they thought it was a Spectre. Spirits broken with troubles are very apt to take in afflicting impressions from every thing they see and hear. The very way of our Mercies may be matter of terror to us. At length he discovereth himself, 'tis I, be not afraid. I walk upon that Water which seems to be ready to swallow you up. I that raised the Waves, know how to still them. Here's that which may allay all our disquiets and fears. Remember, it is not the Instrument but Christ, and God must be eyed, and the Will of the Lord be done.
