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50 SEEMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. [SeR. LVIII,
not just. Nay, the people of God themselves are so offended that they break out into such words as these, Ps. Ixxiii. 11-13, 'How doth God know ? is there knowledge in the Most High ? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world ; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.' They dispute within themselves, Doth God indeed so discern and take notice of all this ? How cOmeth it about that he permitteth them ? for it is visible that the wicked enjoy the greatest tranquillity and prosperity, and have the wealth and greatness of the world heaped upon them : then what reward for purity of hearts or hands, or the strict exercise of godliness ? Till God doth arise, and apply himself to vindicate his law, these are the thoughts and workings of men's hearts ; at least, it is a great vexation and trouble even to the godly, and doth tempt them to such imaginations and surmises of God.
[2.] I shall prove that the remembrance of his judgments of old is one means to confirm the heart, for so we are enabled to tarry till God's judgments be brought to the effect. We see only the beginning, and so, like hasty spectators, will not tarry till the last act, when all errors shall be redressed. We shall make quite another judgment of providence when we see it altogetlier, and do not judge of it by parts. Surely then they shall see ' there is a reward for the righteous ; there is a God that judgeth the earth.' At first none seem so much to lose their labour, and to be disregarded by God as the righteous, or to be more hardly dealt withal ; but let us not be too hasty in judging God's work, while it is a-doing, but tarry to the end of things. In the word of God we have not only promises wliich are more firm than heaven and earth, but instances and examples of the afflictions of the righteous and their deliverance; therefore let us but suspend our censure till God hath put his last hand unto the work, and then you will see that if his people seem to be forsaken for a while, it is that they may be received for ever. All is wont to end well with the children of God, let God alone with his own methods ; after a walk in the wilderness, he will bring his people into a land of rest.
But more particularly why his judgments of old are a comfort and relief to us.
1. It is some relief to the soul to translate the thoughts from the present scene of things, and to consider former times. One cause of men's discomfort is to look only to the present, and so they are over- whelmed ; but when we look back, we shall find that others have been afflicted before us, it is no strange thing, and others delivered before us upon their dependence on God, and adherence to him. Y&u were not the first afflicted servants of God, nor are likely to be the last. Others have been in the like case, and after a while delivered and rescued out of their trouble : Ps. xxii. 4, 5, ' Our fathers trusted in thee ; they trusted, and thou didst deliver them ; they cried unto thee, and were delivered ; they trusted in thee, and were not con- founded.' In looking back we see two things — the carriage of the godly, and their success, or the salvation of God : ' The patience of Job and the end of the Lord,' James v. 11. They trusted God, and trusted him patiently and constantly in all their troubles. At last this trust was not in vain ; they were delivered, and not confounded ;
YeR. 52.] SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. Gl
depending on God for rescue and deliverance, they never failed to receive it. Now, in looking back we look forward, and in their deliverance we see our own ; at least, you are fortified against the present temptation, whilst you see his people in all ages have their difficulties and conflicts, and also tlieir deliverances ; so that you will not miscarry, nor be over-tempted by the present prosperity of the wicked : Ps. Ixxiii. 17, ' I went into the sanctuary, and there under- stood I their end ; ' that is, entering into a sober consideration of God's counsels and providences, we may easily discern what is the ordinary conclusion of such men's felicities at last ; they pay full dear for their perishing pleasures.
2. Because these are instances of God's righteous government, and instances do both enliven and confirm all matters of faith. Here you see his justice. God hath ever been depressing the proud and exalting the humble, gracious to his servants, terrible to the wicked. These examples also of rescuing others who have been in like condition before us show us what the wisdom and omnipotency of God can do in performing promises. When the performance of them seemeth hopeless, and all lost and gone, then they are infallible evidences of his tenderness, care, and fidelity towards all that depend upon him. Now, though we have nothing of our own experience to support us, yet the remembrance of what hath been done for others, the experiences of the saints in scripture, are set down for our learning, for the support of our faith and hope. They trusted in God, and found him a ready help ; why may not we ? God is the same that he was in former times, and carrieth himself in the same ways of providence to righteous and unrighteous as heretofore ; still promises are fulfilled, and threat- enings are executed. They on whose behalf God showed himself so just, powerful, wise, good, and tender, had not a better God than we have, nor a more worthy Kedeemer, nor a surer covenant. If they had a stronger faith, it is our own fault, and we should labour to increase it : the saints are as dear to God as ever. And as to the wicked, they that inherit others' sins shall inherit others' judgments. • It is true, we live not in the age of wonders ; but God's ordinary providence is enough for our turn, and those very wonders show that he hath power and love enough to protect and deliver us. Well, then, these are instances of his righteous government, and instances which concern us, which is my second reason.