2. Private enmities, private disappointments, private prejudices, are things of the same consideration. Let a man of a free and large heart and spirit abstract his thoughts from the differences that are among the people of God in this nation, and keep himself from an engagement into any particular design and desire : it is almost impossible that he should wink so hard, but that the issue and reason of God's dealing with us will shine in upon his understanding, so that he shall be able to give an account of them, to them that shall make inquiry. Will he not be able to ' say to the messengers of the nations,' and all other observers of the providential alterations of the late times, that have passed over us. The people of God in this nation were despised, but are now in esteem : they were under subjection to cruel task- masters, some in prisons, some banished to the ends of the earth, merely on the account of the worship of their God, the consciences of all inthralled, and of many defiled
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and broken on the scandals laid before them, whilst ini- quity and superstition were established by law ; but this is that which God hath now done and accomplished, the im- prisoned are set at liberty, the banished are recalled, they that have lain among the pots have got doves' wings, con- science is no more inthralled, their sacrifices are not mixed with their blood, nor do they meet with trembling in the worship of God. O ye 'messengers of the nations,' this is that which the Lord hath done ! Who, I say, not entangled with one prejudicate engagement or other, may not see this with half an eye? But such is our state and condition, such our frame and temper, so full are we of our own desires, and so perplexed with our own disappointments, that we can see nothing, know nothing, nor are able to give any word of ac- count, that may tend to the glory of our God, to them that inquire of us ; but every one vents his own discontentments, his own fears, his own perplexities. The Lord look down in mercy, and let us not be found despisers of the work of his power and goodness. Ah! how many glorious appear- ances have I seen, of which I said, under the shadow hereof, 'Shall we live among the heathen?' but in a short space they have passed away. Shall we therefore, ' choose us a captain, and go down again into Egypt?' The third propo- sition ensues.
in. The great design of God in his mighty works and dispensations is the establishment of his people, and their proper interest, in their several generations.
To make this clear some few things are previously to be considered. As,
1. The proper interest of the people of God is to glorify him in their several places, stations, and generations : none of us are to live unto ourselves. It is for this end that God hath taken a peculiar people to himself in this world, that he might be glorified by them, that his name may be borne forth by them, and upon them. This is the great end where- unto they are designed, and that which they ought to aim at only, even to glorify God. If this be not done, they fall off from, and are besides their proper interest. Besides in- numerable testimonies to this purpose, I might give evidence to this assertion from God's eternal, electing love towards them, with his intendment therein ; from their redemption
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out of every kindred, tribe, and family under heaven, by the blood of Christ; from their separation from the world, by their effectual calling, and the like considerations. But I have the consenting voice of them all in general, and of every individual in particular, crying out. This is our, this is my proper interest, that we may glorify God; fail we, and come short in this, we come short, and fail in the whole: so that I shall not need farther to confirm it. rv 2. God is the only proper and infallible judge, in what state and condition his people will best, and most glorify his name, in their several generations. I think I need not insist on the proof of this assertion. ' Should it be accord- ing to thy mind,' saith he, in Job xxxiv. 33. or according to the mind of God ? Should the disposal of things be accord- ing to his will, or ours? Whose end is to be olDtained in the issue of all? is it not his glory? Who hath the most wisdom to order things aright, he or we? Who hath the chiefest in- terest in, and right unto the things contended about? Who sees what will be the event of all things, he or we? Might men be judges, would they not universally practically con- clude, that the condition wherein they might best glorify God would be, that they might have peace and rest from their enemies, union and a good understanding among them- selves, that they might dwell peaceably in the world, with- out control, and have the necks of their adversaries under their feet? this in general: in particular, that this, or that persuasion, that they are peculiarly engaged in, might be always enthroned ; that their proper sheaf might stand up- right, and all others bow thereunto, and that nothing is con- trary to the glory of God, but what disturbs this condition of affairs? I know not what may be accomplished before the end of the world ; from the beginning of it hitherto, for the most part, the thoughts of God have not been as these thoughts of ours : he hath judged otherwise as to the con- dition wherein his people should glorify him. God is judge himself; let us, I pray you, leave the determination of this difference to him ; and if it be so as to our general condition, much more is it so as to our peculiar designs and aims, wherein we are divided.