A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

Let us begin with the former; and there are four things in Gods dispensations towards us, and dealing with us, that in this matter we should consider, all suited to work in us the end aimed at. The first is his Sovereignty: this he declares, this we are to acknowledge, and submit unto, in all the great and dreadful dispensations of his Providence in all his dealings with our souls. May he not do what he will with his own? who shall say unto him, what dost thou? or if they do so, what shall give them countenance, in their so doing? He made all this world of nothing, and could have made another, more, or all things quite otherwise than they are, It would not subsist one moment without his Omnipotent supportment. Nothing would be continued in its place, course, use, without his effectual influence and countenance. If any thing can be, live, or act a moment without him, we may take free leave, to dispute its disposal with him, and to haste unto the accomplishment of our desires? but from the Angels in Heaven, to the worms of the earth, and the grass of the field, all depend on him and his power continually. Why was this part of the Creation, an Angel, that a Worm, this a Man, that a Brute Beast; is it from their own Choice, designing or contrivance, or brought about by ⟨p. 384⟩their own wisdom; or is it merely from the Sovereign pleasure and will of God? And what a madness is it, to repine against what he doth, seeing all things are, as he makes them, and disposeth them; nor can be otherwise; Even the repiner himself hath his Being and subsistence upon his mere pleasure. This Sovereignty of God, Elibu pleads in his dealings with Job, Chap. 33. 8, 9, 10, 11. He apprehended that Job had reasoned against Gods sev re dispensations towards him, and that he did not humble himself under his mighty hand wherewith he was exercised, nor wait for him in a due manner; and therefore what doth he propose unto him to bring him unto this duty; what doth he reply unto his reasonings and Complaints; behold saith he v. 12. in this thou art not Just, I will answer thee, God is greater than man, v. 13. why dost thou strive against him, for he giveth not account of any of his matters. Be it that in other things thou art Just and Innocent, that thou art free from the things wherewith thy friends have charged thee; yet in this matter thou art not Just;

Let us begin with the former; and there are four things in Gods dispensations towards us, and dealing with us, that in this matter we should consider, all suited to work in us the end aimed at. The first is his Soveraignty: this he declares, this we are to acknowledge, and submit unto, in all the great and dreadful dispensations of his Providence in all his dealings with our souls. May he not do what he will with his own? who shall say unto him, what dost thou? or if they do so, what shall give them countenance, in their so doing? He made all this world of nothing, and could have made another, more, or all things quite otherwise than they are, It would not subsist one moment without his Omnipotent supportment. Nothing would be continued in its place, course, use, without his effectual influence and countenance. If any thing can be, live, or act a moment without him, we may take free leave, to dispute its disposal with him, and to haste unto the accomplishment of our desires? but from the Angels in Heaven, to the worms of the earth, and the grass of the field, all depend on him and his power continually. Why was this part of the Creation, an Angel, that a Worm, this a Man, that a Brute Beast; is it from their own Choice, designing or contrivance, or brought about by