WAITING ON GOD. 395 only spiritual depths about sin, of which we have large- ly spoken, but alsoprovidential depths, depths of trouble or affliction, that we may be exercised with in the holy, wise providence of God. In reference also to these, waiting in patience and silence is our duty. And there are two considerations that will assist us in this duty when indepths of trouble or affliction. And the first of these is, the consideration of those attri- butes of God which he exercises in an especial manner in all his dealings with us, and which in all our troubles we are principally to regard. The second is, the con- sideration of ourselves, what we are, and what we have deserved. Let us begin with the ATTRIBUTES OF GOD DISPLAYED TOWARD US. 1. His sovereignly. This he declares, this we are to ac- knowledge and submit to, in all the great and dreadful dispensations of his providence in his dealings with our souls. May he not do what he will with his own? Who shall say unto him, What doest thou? Or if men will do so, what shall give them countenance in their so doing ? He made all this world of nothing, and could have made all things quite otherwise than they are. It would not subsist one moment without his omnipotent support. Nothing would be continued in its place, course or use, without his effectual influence. If any thing can be, live, or act a moment without him, we may take free leave to dispute its disposal with him, and haste to the accomplishment of our desires ; but, from the angels in heaven to the worms of the earth and the grass of the field, all depend on him and his power continually. Why was this part of the creation
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