2. In the works of Providence —
[Those great dispensations referred to in the text were, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the consequent enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom. The time when they were to take place was to be known, by impostors arrogating to themselves the Messiah's office ; by bitter persecutions raised against the Church, and lamentable apostasies occasioned by them ; by destructive wars on earth, and tremendous signs in heaven ; and particularly by the Roman standard being planted upon holy ground, when their armies should enclose and besiege Jerusalem. It was of infinite moment to the Church to notice these signs; for, on their observation of them, under God, depended all their safety : and their attention to them enabled them to embrace the interval, when the siege was raised, to effect their escape ; whereby they were preserved, while the whole nation besides were left to suffer the greatest extremities.
The signs of other times are not so clearly marked ; and therefore cannot be so confidently interpreted : but it is wise to notice them with care; and our Lord warns us that our observations on the weather will turn to our condemnation, if we do not endeavour to improve with equal diligence our observations on the works of Providence b.]
3. In the works of grace —
[The conversion of the soul is preceded by many symptoms from which we may form a reasonable judgment. When we behold an humiliation for sin, a teachableness of mind, a love to ordinances, a diligence in duties, a renunciation of the world, and other similar marks, we may augur well respecting the event : and it is desirable to attend to these symptoms, because we may often derive from them a comfortable hope, when other circumstances might be ready to overwhelm us with despair. Our Lord himself formed his judgment upon these grounds ; and we shall turn our observations to good account, if we follow his example0.]
Though we are liable to mistake when we have not God for our guide, yet we are sure,
II. That whatever God has signified to us in his word shall in due time be accomplished —
The destruction of the unbelieving Jews, and the redemption of the Church from the midst of them, were emblematical of the judgments that would be executed, and the salvation that would be vouchsafed,
b Matt. xvi. 2, 3. * Mark xii. 34.