3S a Chap. g. AnExpofition upon the Boat, of J ® B. Verf. 32. way,when their end is under an unmovable decree ? Why (hould any Drive to forfaite evil and do good on earth, feeing it was re- (calved in Heaven what should become of them, before they had do ne either good or evil ? Thug the pride and ignorance of man cavilsat the decrees of God. But fray , faith toe Apoftle) O man, who art thou that replyeft againff G;4 ! He is not a man as thou art: he bath done what he bath done by -ver=ue of his ju(tpr.rogative, and therefore he is not unjuit in doing ir.BLlìdes, if ye will needs argue from reafon , then fee how common reafon confutes this blafphtmy,Harhnot the Potter power over the clay,of the Jame lump td make one veffel unto honour,andanother unto d<fhonour ? What if God bath done thus,and what ifhe will do thus ? What hail thou to do with it ? Know thy place,and keep thy rank ; art not thou clay in the hand of the Potter ? Secondly, Meafure not God by your own line in his providen tial difpenfations.: He may have a method of his own in giving or taking away, in pulling down or building up, in wounding or healing, in abafing man, or in railing him, becaufe all is hi own. liewho batha right to all, can wrong none, andhe whopof e f"es a11,4 debtor to none. Thirdly, Meafure not God by your own line in the matter of ycur ordinary approvings : and that two wayes. Fall, Do it not in your approving of things. And Secondly, Do it not in your approvingof perfons: Take heed Eft of meafuring God by your fclves in your approving of things, asif becaufe you approve it, therefore GodPurely death. This mifconceit hath been the caufc of almoft all, and tin-toll all the caufeof all the fuperftition, idolatry, and will- worthip that ever was in the world. Man thinks God mutt needs like any thing Which is donc to his honour hence becaufe the adorningand adoringof images,bowing to altars,ufing of unwritten Ceremo- nies, are direfed to the honour of God, therefore man concludes furely God likes them. Whereas nothing pleafes God, but what h:mtelf appoints : heis never honoured, but when lie is obeyed. As no nian path been his counfellour, todirect him what to do with us : So no man can be his counfellour,todirect him what to require of us. Not that which we commend is approved, but that which the Lordcommends. Secondly, Take heed ofthis in your approbation or eftimation of perfons, Not be whomyou commend is approved,but he whom the ''Lord
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