[2.] It is an abuse if we are discouraged in God's service because of this uncertainty and the returning of clouds after rain, that you cannot tell whether it will be day or night. You ought to take God's part ; as in the combat between flesh and spirit, to come into the relief of the better part; so in this doubtful conflict. (1.) When you have any respite and breathing-time, then is a time and season to put your hand to the work : John ix. 4, ' I must work the works of him that sent me while it is to-day ; the night cometh when none can work.' Blessed be God, it is not night Avith us. Truth is not wholly banished, nor buried under a night of ignorance, error, and superstitions ; nor the comfort of prosperity wholly gone. Whilst it is day let us do something for God's interest. (2.) If there be un- certainties, never a great work is brought to 'pass without troubles, and duty should be welcome to you though you are uncertain of the event. Go about it with a resolute submission to God's will, and as prepared for all weathers, Phil. iv. 11, 12. This is a christian spirit. When you pitch upon temporal happiness altogether, and a settled estate in the world, you will be deceived. (3.) Change cometh not till our condition proveth a snare to us ; till we grow neglectful of God and his interest, as if we could do well without him, and use our power against him, and so provoke him to leave us.
A SERMON PREACHED BEFORE THE PARLIAME^;T, 425
2. The right use we should make of it. When we have mixed dispensations, and are under a dubious conflict, then —
[1.] By way of caution, take heed of human confidences, and pre- suming too much of temporal success by means and instruments. One great reason of this long uncertainty wherewith England is exercised is because we run from one means to another, and do not take up the controversy between us and God. It may be said to us, as to Israel, Jer. ii. 36, 37, Why dost thou run to and fro, one while in this manner, another while in another, to seek establishment here and there, like a sick man turning in his bed ? One while they thought the Assyrian would do it, and then the Egyptian. They shifted hands, but still the mischief continued. The Assyrian distressed them, but helped them not : they were disappointed in the Egyptian. Then the threaten- ing is, ' Thou shalt go forth with thy hands upon thy head ; for the Lord hath rejected thy confidences, and thou shalt not prosper in them.' Come back with a heavy heart and dejected habit. As clapping the hands is an expression of joy, so going forth with their hands upon their heads is a sign of great sorrow ; as Tamar, when defiled by Amnon, 2 Sam. xiii. 19, ' laid her hand upon her head, and went out crying;' a gesture of lamentation. In the issue it would turn to extreme grief and anguish of heart. It is not improper, now you are met to rejoice in God, to mind you of these things. I do not speak this to take you off from the use of means, but from trnsting in means : Oh ! this will do it, and that will do it. I tell you, it is the Lord must do it. But when do we trust in means ? Wlien we use the creature without God, and hope to work out our ends without giving God his ends, Jer. iv. 14. To get rid of misery by fleshly aid, human force and counsel, without humiliation and repentance, and serious returning to the Lord. When we set the creature against God by wicked combinations, and cover it with a covering, that we may add sin to sin, Isa. xxx. 1. To carry on an evil purpose, to countenance lewdness, that a profane spirit may again come upon the stage and sin triumphantly. If we have this in design, it is to set means against God. Sometimes we set up the creature above God, as if his blessing were nothing to human preparations ; and our hearts run more upon outward helps than his favour and blessing, Jer. ii. 13 ; and Hosea v. 13, ' When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then Ephraim sent to king Jareb, yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound.' Sometimes we yoke the creature with God, when we confine his providence to our probabilities, as if God could work no other way but that which we fancy : Ps. Ixxviii. 41, ' They turned back, and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.' We do no more than we see reason for in the course of second causes. I tell you, God is the main party ; it is with him this nation hath to do ; it is not with unquiet libertines, with open enemies, but with God. [2.] For direction —
(1.) Walk by a sure rule : Ps. cxix. 105, ' Thy word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path.' Civil interests are determined by the laws of the country where we live. So far as concerneth conscience, the word of God is a rule and sure direction. W^hen you consult with it, What