See
CHAPTER IX.
What of God or in God we are to think and meditate upon—His being— Reasons of it; oppositions to it; the way of their conquest—Thoughts of the omni- presence and omniscience of God peculiarly necessary—The reasons hereof— As also of his omnipotence—The use and benefit of such thoughts.
THESE things mentioned have been premised in general as unto the nature, manner, and way of exercise, of our thoughts on God. That which remains is, to give some particular instances of what we are to think upon in an especial manner, and what we will be con- _ yersant withal in our thoughts, if so be we are spiritually minded. And I shall not insist at. present on the things which concern his grace and love in Christ Jesus, which belong unto another head, but on those which have an immediate respect. unto the divine nature itself, and its holy essential properties.
First, Think much of the being and existence of God. Herein lies the foundation of all our relation and access unto him: Heb. xi, 6, “He that cometh to God must believe that he is.” This is the first object of faith, and it is the first act of reason; and being the sole foundation of all religion, it is our duty to be exercised unto multiplied thoughts about it, renewed on all occasions: for many - who are not direct atheists, yet live without any solid, well-grounded
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assent unto the divine being; they do not so believe it as to be prac- tically influenced with the consideration of it. It is granted that the inbred light of nature, in the due exercise of reason, will give any rational creature satisfaction in the being of God; but there is in the most an anticipation of any thoughts of this nature by tradi- tion and education, which hath united men into an assent unto it they know not how. They never called it into question, nor have, as they suppose, any cause so to do. Nature itself startles at the first thought of denying it. But if ever such persons, on any urgent occasions, come to have real thoughts about it, they are at a loss and fluctuate in their minds, as not having any certain, indubitable conviction of its truth. Wherefore, as our knowledge of the Divine Being is, as to the foundation of it, laid in the light of nature, the operation of conscience, and the due exercise of reason about the works and effects of infinite power and wisdom, so it ought to be in- creased and rendered useful by faith in divine revelations, and the experience of divine power through them. By this faith we ought to let in frequent thoughts of the divine being and existence, and that on two reasons, rendering the duty dence in an eminent manner in this age wherein we live:—
1. The abounding of atheism, both notional and practical. The reasons of it have been given before, and the matter of fact is evident unto any ordinary observation. ‘And on two accounts with respect hereunto we ought to abound in thoughts of faith concerning the being of God:—(1.) An especial testimony is required in us in oppo- sition to this cursed effect of hell. He, therefore, who is spiritually minded, cannot but have many thoughts of the being of God, thereby giving glory to him: Isa. xliii. 9-12, “ Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can — declare this, and show us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lorp, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and un- derstand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LorD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my wit- nesses, saith the Lorp, that I am God.” Chap. xliv. 8, “ Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.” (2.) We shall have occasion - of them continually administered unto us. Those atheistical impieties, principles and practices, which abound amongst us, are grievous provocations unto all pious souls. Without frequent retreat unto
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thoughts of the being of God, there is no relief nor refreshment to be had under them. Such was the case of Noah in the old world, and of Lot in Sodom; which rendered their graces illustrious.
2. Because of the unaccountable confusions that all things are filled withal at this day in the world. Whatever in former times hath been a temptation in human affairs unto any of the people of God, it abounds at this day. Never had men profane and profligate greater outward appearances to strengthen them in their atheism, nor those that are godly greater trials for their faith, with respect unto the visible state of things in the world. The psalmist of old on such an occasion was almost surprised into unbelieving com- plaints, Ps. lxxiii. 2-5, etc.; and such surprisals may now also befall us, that we may be ready to say with him, “Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.” Hence, when the prophet Habakkuk was exercised with thoughts about such a state of things as is at this day in the world, which he declares, chap. i. 6-10, he lays the foundation of his consideration in the fresh exercise of faith on the being and properties of God, verses 12,13; and David makes that his retreat on the like occasion, Ps. xi. 3-5.