226 SIXTH SERMON and wisdom, to take notice of her wants, and supply them ; to take notice of her desires, and fulfil them ; to take notice of her condition, and accordingly in all respects to provide for her. 3. Of refreshment from the heat and violence of temptations, or any kind of afflictions, by the metaphor of a fir -tree, which being ever green, and casting a large shade, doth afford much comfort and reviving to the weary traveller. 4. Because the fir -tree, though comfort- able in regard of the shade, is yet unfruitful ; there- fore he further promiseth to be a root of blessings, and all kind of spiritual graces unto them, " From me is thy fruit found ;" that is, From me is, or shall be thy fruit, as Mal. ii. 6. 1 Pet. ii. 22. Zeph. iii. 13. though the word " found" may here seem to imply and direct unto an inquiry after the foundation and original of the fruit here mentioned. Though all thy fruit of good works and new obedience may seem to proceed from thyself, and to be thine own, yet if thou be careful to inquire after the root of them, thou wilt find that they come from us, though they grow upon thee, and that thou bringest them forth only by the help, supply, and vigour of my grace bestowed on thee : thou doest them, but the power and strength whereby thou doest them proceeds from me. These words, then, are the sum of God's answer, which he makes unto the covenant of his people. They return the calves of their lips, God hears and accepts them. They renounce carnal confidence, in men, in horses, in idols ; and when they look off, and turn away from these, then God looketh upon them with a fatherly eye of care, providence, counsel, and protection; " I have observed him." They will not say any more to the work of their hands, " Ye are our gods," nor any longer make lies their refuge ; and God
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