we forget that he has gracious designs to accomplish ; and that he accomplishes them in ways of which we have no concep- tion, and which appear calculated only to defeat his ends. We measure his wisdom by the scanty line of our own reason; forgetting that " his ways are in the great deep," and " past finding out " by any finite intelligence : that " there is no search- ing of his understanding." Now let this be considered : let the afflicted saint contemplate Jehovah as ordering and over- ruling every thing for the good of his people and for the glory of his own name : let him say, ' I have cried long, and not been heard : but perhaps the purposes of Jehovah are not yet ripe for accomplishment : there is more of humiliation to be produced in my soul ; more of a preparation of mind for discerning of his mighty hand ; more depression to be caused in order to a more glorious exaltation.' Let him recollect the ways in which Joseph's dreams were realized ; and bear in mind, that the same God sitteth at the helm, and directs the vessel amidst all the storms, " the very storms and winds all fulfilling his sovereign will and pleasure." This were abun- dantly sufficient to compose the mind under the most afflic- tive circumstances that can be imagined : for where there is unerring wisdom to direct, and Almighty power to execute, no difficulty can exist, which shall not be overruled for good".]
But let the text declare,
III. The happy state of those who duly improve this antidote—
To wait on God in prayer is necessary, in order to the obtaining of help from him —
[He has said that " he will be inquired of, in order that he may do for us the things that he has promised0." This is indispensable in every view : for without it there would be no acknowledgment of him on our part, nor any readiness to give him glory, when he had interposed for our relief. Nor is it only in a way of importunity that we are to wait upon him, but in a way of humble dependence also, and of meek submission to his will. We must leave every thing to his all-wise disposal ; " tarrying his leisure," and " waiting his time, however long the vision may be delayed p." " He that believe th must not make hasteW]
To all who comply with this requisite, the most eifectual relief is secured —
[It is God's delight to succour his people in the time of need : " He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have
n Rom. viii. 28. ° Ezek. xxxvi. 37.
p Hab. ii. 3. '• Isai. xxviii. 16.