This is all the fruit we read this miracle produced in the Seamen, they fall a wondering, being astonished to see a man command Sea and winds. First, the miracles of Christ and all the works of God are so far inferior to his word, that they can teach us nothing of the Trinity, 1nor of two natures in the one person and of our mediator Jesus Christ. Secondly, O how little of God do we see, especially being void of his own light? even Job saith, though God be at our elbow, we know not it is he, Chap. 23. 8. Behold I go forward, and he is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive him. But is this because God was neither behind Job, nor before him? no, God goeth round about us, every man may as it were, put forth his hand, and grope the Almighty, Act. 17. 27. therefore Job addeth Vers. 9. (he is) on the left hand where he doth work, but I cannot behold him, he hideth himself on the right hand that I cannot see him; we cannot trace the footsteps of his unsearchable ways, alas we but sport our selves to behold the superfice, the outside, and as it were, the brim of divine providence men or Angels cannot dive to the bottom of the ways of our Lord; Isaiah 55. he saith himself, Vers. 9. for as the heavens are higher then the earth, so are my ways higher then your ways, and my thoughts then your thoughts. Thirdly, we come but that near Christ, that we go at the farthest three or four steppes to him; some are convinced and wonder, they say this must be God, as Luke 4. 22. when Christ preaches as Christ, and like himself, they all bear him witness and wonder at the gracious words that proceed out of his mouth; yet they are not a step nearer to him, they despise him, and say, Is not this Josephs son? Some know a Prophet hath been amongst them, Ezek. 3. 5. but they are Scorpions and briars and thorns, and will not hear. Secondly, some ate enlightened and believe for an hour, Matth. 13. 21. a faith that liveth for an hour is a sickly, dying faith. Thirdly, some are a step nearer, they have joy in Christ, Matth. ⟨p. 64⟩13. 20. and the word of the Prophet is, Ezek. 33. 32. to them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an Instrument; the Gospel is sweet to many, but they come not nearer, they will not hear, nor obey.
This is all the fruit wee read this miracle produced in the Seamen, they fall a wondring, being astonished to see a man command Sea and winds. First, the miracles of Christ and all the workes of God are so farre inferiour to his word, that they can teach us nothing of the Trinitie, 1nor of two natures in the one person and of our mediator Iesus Christ. Secondly, O how little of God doe wee see, especially being voyd of his owne light? even Iob saith, though God bee at our elbow, wee know not it is hee, Chap. 23. 8. Behold I goe forward, and hee is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive him. But is this because God was neither behind Iob, nor before him? no, God goeth round about us, every man may as it were, put forth his hand, and grope the Almightie, Act. 17. 27. therefore Iob addeth Vers. 9. (he is) on the left hand where hee doth worke, but I cannot behold him, hee hideth himselfe on the right hand that I cannot see him; wee cannot trace the footsteps of his unsearchable wayes, alas wee but sport our selves to behold the superfice, the outside, and as it were, the brim of divine providence men or Angels cannot dive to the bottome of the wayes of our Lord; Esay 55. hee saith himselfe, Vers. 9. for as the heavens are higher then the earth, so are my wayes higher then your wayes, and my thoughts then your thoughts. Thirdly, wee come but that neare Christ, that wee goe at the farthest three or foure steppes to him; some are convinced and wonder, they say this must bee God, as Luke 4. 22. when Christ preaches as Christ, and like himselfe, they all beare him witnesse and wonder at the gratious words that proceed out of his mouth; yet they are not a step nearer to him, they despise him, and say, Is not this Josephs sonne? Some know a Prophet hath beene amongst them, Ezek. 3. 5. but they are Scorpions and briars and thornes, and will not heare. Secondly, some ate inlightned and beleeve for an houre, Matth. 13. 21. a faith that liveth for an houre is a sickly, dying faith. Thirdly, some are a step nearer, they have joy in Christ, Matth. ⟨p. 64⟩13. 20. and the word of the Prophet is,
- 1We see little of God in his ways.Wee see little of God in his wayes.
