5. That they were also invited to it, though by persons somewhat inconsiderable, with promises of a fidl party of friends to assist them, which they might liave had, and a rich booty from their enemies to suj^port them, which they might have found, is too apparent.
Now, being thus advantaged, thus encouraged, thus provoked and
resolved, why did they not attempt it, why did they not accomplish
their desires? Is it not worth the while to consider how they were
restrained ?^ Was not much of God's wisdom seen in mixing a spirit
' C;en. XX. 6; Ts. \xx\i. 10.
OF ESSEX COUNTY, AND COMMITTEE. 105
of giddiness and error in the midst of them, that they knew not well how to determine, nor at all to execute their determinations? Was not his power seen in causing experienced soldiers, as they were, with their multitudes, to be afraid of a poor handful of unskilful men, run- ning together because they were afraid to abide in their houses? Was not his justice exalted in keeping them only for the pit which they had digged for others? Doubtless the hand of God was lifted u^. O that we could all learn righteousness, peculiarly amongst ourselves of this place ! Is there nothing of God to be discerned in the vexations, birthless consultations, and devices of our observers? — nothing of poAver in their restraint? — nothing of wisdom in the self -punishment of their anxious thoughts? — nothing of goodness, that after so long waiting for advantage, they begin themselves to think that neither divination nor enchantment will prevail?
XV. Observation. The measuring out of God's people s ])ortion fills Gushan with afiliction and Midian ivith trembling.
Their eye is evil, because God is good, Israel's increase is Pha- raoh's trouble, Exod. i. 10. When Nehemiah comes to build the walls of Jerusalem, it gxieved the enemy exceedingly " that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel," Neh. ii. 10. This is the season of that dispensation which you have mentioned, Isa. Ixv. 13-15, "Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. And ye shall," &c.
The reasons of this are taken, — 1. From their envy; 2. From their carnal fear; — the two principles whereby they are acted in re- ference to the saints of God.
1. Their envy. They have a devouring envy at them,^ which at length shall shame them and consume them, Isa. xxvi. 11. They are of their father the devil, and he (through envy) was a " murderer from the beginning," John viii. 44. The portion God measureth out unto his people is in distinguishing mercies, differencing blessings, — in such things as the world hath not, giveth not. Now, this is that which envy takes for its proper object. That others should have enjoyments above them, beyond them, this envious men cannot bear. God ac- cepts Abel, not Cain; presently Cain is wroth, and his countenance falls, Gen. iv. 6. Jacob gets the blessing, and this fills the heart of
' " Quis facile potest, quale sit hoc malum, verbis exprimere, quo invidus odio hominis persequitur divinuin muiuis in liomine?" — Pros. Vit. Cont. " Invidia est tristitia de bono proximi, prout proprium malum cestimatur et est diniinutivum proprii boni." — Aq 22, a;, q. 36, A. 1, c.
106 A MEMORIAL OF THE DELIVERANCP]
Esau with murderous revenge, Gen. xxvii. 41. Upon all God's ap- pearances with the apostles, how were the Jews cut to the heart, vexed, perplexed! God gives distinguishing mercies to his people, such protections, such deliverances; — this Cuslian and Midian can- not bear.
2. Their carnal fear. They have all of them that conclusion in their breasts which Haman's wise men and wife made to him, Esth. vi. 13. If they begin to fall before the seed of the Jews, utter ruin will follow. When God begins to own his people, as them in the Acts, chap. V. 24, "they doubt whereunto this wUl grow;" — their hearts tell them secretly they are usurpers of all they have, and when God owns any, they instantly fear lest for their sakes they should be called to account. When a distinction begins to be made in ordi- nances, privileges, deliverances, protections, evidently given to some peculiar ones, they tremble within that they are set apart for no good. This picking and choosing of men by the Lord, Ps. iv. 3, they can- not bear with. Such mighty works attend the Israelites ! what, thinks Midian, will be the end of this? It is true, their pride calls on them to act openly more of their malice than their fear; but yet this lies at the bottom, like a boasting Atheist's nightly thoughts.^ The chief priests and Pharisees having gotten the apostles before them, — what big words they use to conntenance the business! "Who gave you this power?" Acts iv. 7- But when they are by themselves, they cry, " What shall we do?" and, "Whereunto will this gi'ow?" This lies at the bottom with many at this day; — though they boast, and lift up their mouth to heaven, their hearts do tremble as an aspen leaf