Meditation XCVII.
Meditation XCVII.
ON SHIPS STEERING DIFFERENT COURSES WITH THE SAME WIND.
Under sail, June 10, 1758.
It is surprising that one wind should carry ships to the different points of the compass, even to quite opposite points; but this is owing to the setting of the sails, and steering of the helm.
And is it not more surprising, that the same wind that forwards the saints heavenward, should drive the wicked nearer hell? If the godly have their fair wind of prosperity, then, like Jacob, they confess their smallness, and that God has done all for them; or, like David, come and sit before God, and pour out the worship of a grateful heart. Or if the saints (which is frequently the case) are tossed with the rough wind of adversity, then they hear the rod, and him who has appointed it—turn to him that smites them—and see that it is good that they have been afflicted, avowing, with that eminent saint, "Though he slays me, yet will I trust in him."
But the wicked, if prosperous—forget God, and become more worldly. If they have no changes, they fear not God; if Heaven bestows plenty on them, they consume it on their lusts. Nor does adversity make them any better; for, like Ahaz, in their distress they trespass yet more against the Lord; and, like the remnant of the Jews who were bent on idolatry—that very sin for which their land was laid desolate and their temple burnt. While suffering for sin—they continue in sin.
The crucified Jesus remains a stumbling-block to the Jews, and to the Greeks foolishness—but the power of God, and the wisdom of God, to the true Christian. The ordinances of grace soften and improve the saints for glory—but harden and prepare the sinners for wrath. The patience of God leads the one daily to repentance, the other to presumption. The terrors of the Lord deter the Christian from sinning—but drive the unsaved to despair.
Hence they may live together in one house, enjoy the same privileges, share in the same common mercies, rest in the same tranquility, and be partakers of the same outward comforts and happiness. Or, they may be visited with the same trials, walk under the same cross, drink of the same cup of adversity, and share the same afflictions. Yet out of both conditions the Christian shall extract food and medicine; while the the ungodly such poison and death. By either wind the Christian shall arrive at heaven and glory; while the unbeliever arrives at perdition and woe.
Hence may I, like the wise mariner, make the best of a contrary wind, of cross dispensations, and adverse providences; and, in spite of opposition, reach my happy port at last, having my soul brought into a submissive frame to every turn of life and lot, that providence may lay in my way.
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