The just man's prerogative. A sermon preached privately, Sept. 27. 1706. on a solemn…

Considerations, TO Prevent MURMURING, AND Promote PATIENCE in CHRISTIANS, UNDER Afflictive Providences.

LEVITICUS X. 3. — And Aaron held his Peace.

DIVINE Sovereignty ought to be acknowledged and adored, even in all those Afflictive Dispensations of Providence, which at any time we meet with. Quarrelling with God, is unbecoming for any Creatures, especially those who call themselves his Subjects, Servants, and ⟨p. 2⟩Children. If God is pleased to lay his Hand heavy upon us, we ought quietly and patiently to Submit. Our Text informs us, That holy Aaron did so, under a very sore Affliction. God had chosen Aaron and his Sons to the Priests Office, and ordered them to be employed therein. His two Sons Nadab and Abihu, acted contrary to the rules given by God, in some of their Official Performances. They offered Strange Fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not, verse 1. Tis thought, that when they burnt Incense, they did not take Fire from Gods Altar, as they should have done, but took common Fire for such holy Service. But whatever the particular error was, God was highly provoked with it, and bore severe Testimony against it; for the Slew them both immediately. There went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they dyed before the Lord, verse 2. Some think 'twas Lightning destroyed them, but whether so or not, yet tis certain; God sent a Fire which killed them. A couple of Promising Young Men, Young Ministers, in their Health, Strength and Vigour; were thus Suddenly Smitten, yea killed by the Immediate Hand of God. Nay some think, that these two Persons had Drank too much, which occasioned that error for which they died. Because God presently gives a charge, That neither Aaron nor his Sons should drink Wine, or strong Drink when they went into the Tabernacle, lest they dye: — And that they might put a difference between holy and unholy,