Meditation CI.
Meditation CI.
ARGUMENTS TO RESIGNATION.
June 17, 1759.
To encourage to submission and resignation, let me consider and believe these truths, and then see if I have any cause to complain, be cast down, or fear.
1. That the just Lord, who rules in the midst of his people—will do no iniquity.
2. That he loves his children with a love more indulgent, and every way more excellent, than they can have for themselves.
3. That when he removes a comfort, or causes some of our blessings to wither, like Jonah's gourd; our souls would receive greater damage by their being continued with us, than by their being cut off from us.
4. That when any affliction is sent, we would be greater losers by going without it, than by groaning under it.
5. That whatever befalls us, if we belong to God, both his glory and our good shall thereby sooner or later be advanced.
6. That no changes in the world can alter his love towards us, in which he rests.
7. That it is not safe for us, to have what God thinks fit to take away, or to escape what he is pleased to impose. Therefore humble submission befits us, whether Providence removes our relations, or other joys—or heaps troubles on us.
8. That as God now sees—so we ourselves shall, one time or other, see and confess—that all these afflictions which befell us in the world, were highly necessary for preparing us for the everlasting kingdom.
9. That whatever affliction takes from us, or whatever bitter cup it puts into our hand; still there is enough in God to make up for the loss of the one, and overcome the bitterness of the other.
10. That it is better to get afflictions with a blessing, than mercies with a curse. As Israel had their meat in the wilderness with a curse; their request granted—but leanness was sent into their soul.
11. That it is not safe to contend with God, nor quarrel with the divine conduct, which cannot err.
12. That submission and resignation in all things, and at all times, to the divine disposal—is our indispensable duty.
13. That God, out of what at present seems the greatest evil—can bring the greatest good—and often turns our sorrow into singing.
14. That besides the good which accrues to us here from afflictions, they work for us, by the divine blessing, a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things which are seen, being convinced they are temporary—but at the things which are not seen, being confident they are permanent and eternal.
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