Precious faith considered in its nature, working, and growth

Fourthly, Faith observes Seasons and Providences, and stirs up Graces suitable thereunto. Infidels smother the greatest Works of God; some have said, That Sodom happened to sire ⟨p. 294⟩as standing on a Sulphureous soil. Others, that Moses did but take the advantage of a low-tide to carry the Israelites over the Washes. Nay, in the Jewish Church, the Pharisees and Sadducees, though great Rabbis, could not, because without Faith, discern the Signs of that glorious time, wherein the Messiah showed himself on Earth in such excellent Doctrines and Miracles. But Faith where it is, understands the language of Providence, and calls for suitable Graces: under a storm of Judgments it calls for the mourning Graces of Repentance and Humiliation, lamenting after the Lord; under a Sun of Prosperity it awakens the Psaltery and Harp, Praise and holy joy in God the Fountain of all. When Iniquity abounds, it is for Davids rivers of tears to weep over it. When Gods Name or Worship, or Truth are at the Stake, it blows up the fire of Zeal; as we see in Paul's Paroxysm at Athens, Epiphanius his renting the Veil, and Athanasius's ardent adherence to the Truth against an Arian World. As the Poor appear, Charity must come forth and scatter Alms. As Injuries and Reproaches fly abroad, Meekness must show it self, and rather than revenge, turn the other cheek. In Afflictions Patience must have her perfect work. And in Desertions there must be an humble waiting on him that hides his face. As God comes forth in this or that Providence, so Faith meets him in this or that Grace. Every Grace is one time or other called out by a Providence; and every Providence hath some Grace to answer it.

Fourthly, Faith observes Seasons and Providences, and stirs up Graces suitable thereunto. Insidels smother the greatest Works of God; some have said, That Sodom happened to sire ⟨p. 294⟩as standing on a Sulphureous soil. Others, that Moses did but take the advantage of a low-tide to carry the Israelites over the Washes. Nay, in the Jewish Church, the Pharisees and Sadducees, though great Rabbies, could not, because without Faith, discern the Signs of that glorious time, wherein the Messiah shewed himself on Earth in such excellent Doctrines and Miracles. But Faith where it is, understands the language of Providence, and calls for suitable Graces: under a storm of Judgments it calls for the mourning Graces of Repentance and Humiliation, lamenting after the Lord; under a Sun of Prosperity it awakens the Psaltery and Harp, Praise and holy joy in God the Fountain of all. When Iniquity abounds, it is for Davids rivers of tears to weep over it. When Gods Name or Worship, or Truth are at the Stake, it blows up the fire of Zeal; as we see in Paul's Paroxism at Athens, Epiphanius his renting the Veil, and Athanasius's ardent adherence to the Truth against an Arrian World. As the Poor appear, Charity must come forth and scatter Alms. As Injuries and Reproaches fly abroad, Meekness must shew it self, and rather than revenge, turn the other cheek. In Asslictions Patience must have her perfect work. And in Desertions there must be an humble waiting on him that hides his face. As God comes forth in this or that Providence, so Faith meets him in this or that Grace. Every Grace is one time or other called out by a Providence; and every Providence hath some Grace to answer it.