N01078:84
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.
Considerations, TO Prevent MURMURING, AND Promote PATIENCE in CHRIS… › USE.
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.
Their light Afflictions which are but for a Moment, shall work for them a far more exceeding, and an eternal weight of Glory, 2 Cor. 4.17.
III. We should be humble, for our unsuitable carriage under our Afflictions. Have not all of us, reason to reflect on our selves with shame; Referring to our behaviour under trials? Alas, tis difficult to keep our hearts in any tolerable good temper, even in any condition. If we are in Prosperity, we are apt to be Proud, High-Minded, to forget God, to be slothful and sluggish in duty. If we're in Adversity, we're apt to Fret, Murmur and Repine. We're commonly too much like a Bullock ⟨p. 23⟩unaccustomed to the Yoke, apt to kick and fling. Alas, how often have we quarrelled with the great God! How often have we faulted the dispensations, of the Sovereign Lord and Governor of all things! As oft as ever we have been discontent and fretful under Trials, we have practically said, That we know how to Govern the World, better than God does. We have practically charged the Great God, with doing amiss. For if he had not done amiss, why then were we discontented at his proceedings? Men don't use to be discontent, at what they think is done well. Indeed, Christians are too apt to indulge discontent in themselves, but they are highly Criminal in so doing. Our discontent does always carry in it, most shameful charges against the blessed and Glorious God. Sedition in a State Mutiny in an Army, even rebellion against the Supreme power; is justly reckoned a great Crime. But our Discontent and Murmuring, is a sort of Sedition or Mutiny; in casting off Subjection to Gods Government. And so far as we have been guilty in this matter, it becomes us to be deeply humbled before God. Great self abasement very well becomes us, for the stubbornness and unruliness of our hearts, under the Discipline of Heaven.
III. We should be humble, for our unsuitable carriage under our Afflictions. Have not all of us, reason to reflect on our selves with shame; Referring to our behaviour under trials? Alas, tis difficult to keep our hearts in any tollerable good temper, even in any condition. If we are in Prosperity, we are apt to be Proud, High-Minded, to forget God, to be slothful and sluggish in duty. If we're in Adversity, we're apt to Fret, Murmur and Repine. We're commonly too much like a Bullock