N01078:70
The just man's prerogative. A sermon preached privately, Sept. 27. 1706. on a solemn…
The just man's prerogative. A sermon preached privately, Sept. 27. 1706. on a solemn occasion; for the consolation of a sorrowful family, mourning over the immature death, of a pious son, viz Mr. Simeon Stoddard, who was found barbarously murdered, in Chelsea-Fields near London, May 14. 1706. / By S. Willard. ; [Two lines from II Samuel]
printed by B. Green. Sold by Nicholas Boone, 1706
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Another Consideration is,
2. That God has Supreme Sovereign right and Authority, to do with us what he will▪ We are often offended with Man, and that very justly, when they go beyond their line, and do those things against us which they have no Authority for. But God has made all things out of nothing; and he preserveth them all. All things are and were created for his pleasure, Rev. 4.11. God has made all things for himself. And since he has thus made, and does preserve all things; he must needs be the supreme Lord, the Sovereign owner of them, Psal. 24.1. The earth is the Lords, and the fullness thereof; the World and they that dwell therein. Therefore God may dispose of us and ⟨p. 9⟩of what we have, as he sees meet. He may do what he will with his own. We may not say to him, What dost thou? or, Why dost thou so? God may do as he will, make what distinction he pleaseth between persons. He may load one Man with Honour, and another with Contempt; may make one very Rich, and another as remarkably Poor; He may continue to one person his desirable Relations, and take the Like from another, in what way and manner he will. For he gives none account of his matters. Men often meddle with things, which don't concern them; God never does so. He may do whatsoever he will, for he is Sovereign Lord and owner of all Creatures. As the clay is in the Potter's hand, so are we in God's hand, Jer. 18.6. The thing formed, should not say to him that formed it, why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the Potter power over the Clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Rom. 9.20, 21. The consideration, of Gods absolute indisputable Supremacy and Sovereignty, should prevent all Murmurings against his Providence. O Man, why dost thou Murmur at thy Afflictions? did not God bring them? yea surely he did, whatsoever were the Instruments of them. And what, wilt thou find fault with God? Is not he Sovereign owner, and Governor of all Creatures? May not he do what he will with his own? Then, whist, hold thy peace, be still and know that he is God.