2. In case things succeed ill with him, and contrary to his expecta- tion, yet they are Aviser than their enemies can be, because they have provided for the worst. Carnal policy is but wisdom in opinion for- a
6 SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. [SeR. CIV.
time, not always, Avliile they have matter to work upon in the world ; but these always, in prosperity and adversity.
[1.] Because he hath secured his great interest, which lies in the favour of God and in hopes of eternal life. God, by his command- ment, hath taught him this wisdom, to make sure of the kingdom of God, and then a man is safe ; whatever happens, nothing can befall him that doth endanger his hopes, or endamage his interest in Christ ; if they kill him, they do but put him there where he would be ; he hath secured his great interest ; persecutors cannot reacii the better part : Luke xii. 4, they ' kill the body, after that they can do no more.' A good man, let them do what they can, can come to no hurt ; he is indeed like a die ; cast him high or low, still he falls upon his square ; he hath a bottom to stand upon, hopes to support him.
[2.] Because he hath fitted his spirit for all kind of conditions. A man that is to go a long journey must prepare for all weathers ; so a Christian must learn to be abased as well as to abound, Phil. iv. Now a mortified man hath the advantage of all the w^orld ; a man that is dead to worldly interests hath the advantage of all others for doing and suffering for God, and in noble and generous actions. It is our affections that increase our afflictions, that make us so base and pusil- lanimous : 1 Cor. vii. 31, ' Rejoice as if you rejoiced not, weep as though ye wept not,' If our hearts did not rejoice so much in the creature, if we were in a greater indiflferency to worldly things, the loss and miscarriage of them would not surprise us with so great ter- ror. A mortified man is wiser than other men, because he hath plucked out the root of all trouble, which is an inordinate affection ; and then let his condition be never so bad, he is fortified. Temper- ance makes way for patience : 2 Peter i. 6, ' Add to temperance, patience.' Temperance, or a moderation in the enjoyment of all things, tends to patience in the loss of them. A man that possesseth them Avithout love can lose them without grief. They may lessen his estate, but cannot lessen his comfort. Therefore this is the man that can ' pray always, rejoice evermore, in everything give thanks,' for giving and taking, for the word of God hatli taught him this holy weanedness from worldly things.
[3.] He can look to the end of all things, not only to the present, but the future : Heb. xi. 1, ' Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.' He can see victories in a down- fall ; and this is a wisdom proper to faith, to see the overthrow of tlic church's enemies when tliey rise up and prosper. A natural man may look above his condition as long as he seeth any probability in second causes, but ' faith is the evidence of things not seen.' When tliere is no probable way, then it can look above them. Reason usually is short-sighted, it ' cannot see afar off,' 2 Peter i. 9 ; it cannot look be- yond the cloud and veil of present discouragement. But now faith can see one contrary in another, see a good end in bad means, and those things that make against them to make for them ; and what in itself is hurtful, is altogether tempered by God's hand, and to the greatest good, Rom. viii. 28 ; Ps. xxxvii. 37, 38, ' Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright ; for the end of that man is peace ; but the end of the wicked shall be cut off ; ' and Ps. Ixxiii. 17, ' I went into
VeK. 98.] SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. 7
the sanctuary, and there I understood their end.' Those that are governed by sense, will, and passion, cannot be wise, for they do not see to tlie end ; but he that lives by faith looks not to appearances, but seeth the end ; therefore this man can bear up with hope and courage in the midst of all difficulties and troubles.
Use 1. Caution against two things — carnal fear and carnal policy.
1. Against carnal fear. Many are troubled when they consider the power and cunning of the enemies of God's people. Ay ! but you need not be dismayed when you do, in the simplicity of your hearts, give up yourselves to the direction of God's word ; you need not fear all their craft ; when they are confounded and broken to pieces by their own devices, you shall stand firm. It seemeth to be the greatest folly in the world to keep at a distance from the rising side ; in time it will be found to be the greatest wisdom. You think they carry their matters with a great deal of cunning, whilst they slight God and tread the unquestionable interests of Christ under foot, and that the cause of God will never get up again. Since they reject the word of God, what wisdom have they ? Jer. viii. 9. When you fail, will you believe the word of God, or the doubtful face of outward things ? Be sure once you are in God's way, and then you cannot miscarry finally. Will not Christ uphold the ministry in despite of the devil and evil men ? Have we not the word of God to secure these hopes for us ? There- fore what need we fear what wicked wretches attempt against us? Doth not God love righteousness ? Will he not take vengeance ? And in their highest prosperity, may not we see their downfall ? There- fore why should we be afraid ?