Now from their toiling and rowing observe, That his People must be in the use of any mean God has left them, although the use thereof signify very little for their outgate. They wrought here against wind and weather, although to little purpose. The Disciples brought the four or five loaves to Christ, although it seemed to them a vain thing to feed so many. For amplification, we would remember these things: 1. That in the worst of times God has left some means for his People to use. 2. Remember that the Lord by these silly means sometimes works great things, so that his People should not be altogether hopeless in the use of them. 3. We would remember ⟨p. 7⟩that the Lord one way or other blesseth the diligent use of ordinary means, how small so-ever they be. 4. When God hath left no ordinary means proper for producing such and such effects, he has appointed his People to pray, and stand still and look for his salvation. When Israel is brought to the red Sea, and the Egyptians pursuing them, and no mean left, Moses cries unto the Lord, and bids the People stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. 5. Remember that it is ordinary for God to reduce his People to very small means in their straits, and yet they are commanded to use them; and by this he tries their loyalty and obedience, and this also teacheth them not to idolize the best of means. Then let his People in all their straits look what means God hath allowed them to make use of, and be diligent in the use of them. 2. They would not despond, when the means appear very despisable, for God uses to bless the lawful use of small means. 3. When no proper mean is left, then be in the use of Prayer, for that is your duty, and that may breed peace. Let God do what is good in his sight.
Now from their toiling and rowing observe, That his People must be in the use of any mean God has left them, although the use thereof signifie very little for their outgate. They wrought here against wind and weather, although to little purpose. The Disciples brought the four or five loaves to Christ, although it seemed to them a vain thing to feed so many. For amplification, we would remember these things: 1. That in the worst of times God has left some means for his People to use. 2. Remember that the Lord by these silly means sometimes works great things, so that his People should not be altogether hopeless in the use of them. 3. We would remember ⟨p. 7⟩that the Lord one way or other blesseth the diligent use of ordinary means, how small so-ever they be. 4. When God hath left no ordinary means proper for producing such and such effects, he has appointed his People to pray, and stand still and look for his salvation. When Israel is brought to the red Sea, and the AEgyptians pursuing them, and no mean left, Moses cries unto the Lord, and bids the People stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. 5. Remember that it is ordinary for God to reduce his People to very small means in their straits, and yet they are commanded to use them; and by this he tries their loyalty and obedience, and this also teacheth them not to idolize the best of means. Then let his People in all their straits look what means God hath allowed them to make use of, and be diligent in the use of them. 2. They would not despond, when the means appear very despiseable, for God uses to bless the lawfull use of small means. 3. When no proper mean is left, then be in the use of Prayer, for that is your duty, and that may breed peace. Let God do what is good in his sight.
