324 THE Ci3RISTIAN'S TREASURE: IV: Things present, whether visible or invisible; and things to come,are all yours. 1. Visible things present are yours. I have shewed ÿoû part already, hem thewheels of nature are rolling for you. This lower creation stands and moves for your sakes; for your relief and support, while you are travelling to heaven. The present postureof things in this world; the daily scenes of life are conti-- nued or changed and still over-ruled by divine providence for your good. Kingdoms, and laws, and .governments, are estab- lished among men for your safety : If the world were without all government, andall things run into confusion, the saints, with all their earthly comforts, would become the plunder and propertyof the wicked continually. Theprinces of the earth, and the politi- cal constitutions of nations, are designed to be a screenand de- fence to thepeople of God, who dwell among them : -For if these foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do; Ps. xi. 3, The wicked would bend their bow, and make ready their arrow upon the string; and they would not only in private, but pub= holy shoot at the upright in heart; verse 2, There wouldbe nei- ther life nor safety for a christian. Yet, on thé other hand, when Christ, in the course of his providence, brings confusion on states and kingdoms, and when he suffers thewicked of the earth, like wild beasts of the wilderness, to spoil; devour and destroy, it is usually designed by his wisdom, as a season of proper trialfor his own people, and that country becomes a scene of their glorious sufferings. Christ, who is the head over all things, sets up and pulls down tyrants or good princes, as may best serve the counsels of his Father's mercy, and his own kind designs for his choseù and redeemedpeople. And as the whole, world of nature, and the present affairs of nations are managed by Christ, for the good of the church, so the world of grace, and the affairs of his sanctuary; and his king,, doms on earth, are all ordained for the benefit of the saints. Christians, why did he separateyou from the world, and call you out of the wilderness, and make you a chosen nation, and a pecu- liar people ? . Was it not foryour advantage ? Why did he write his word ? Why did he ordain ministers and holy institutions ? Was it not for your edification ? Werenot the seals of the cove- nant given to assist your faith, by the aid of your senses, and by this means to inflame your love, and exalt your joy ? Are not the precepts of the word written to direct you in the way ofduty ? Are not the threatenings pronounced to awaken your fear, and guard you from sin and folly ? Ahd are not all the promises of the gospel given to, comfort your souls, to support your spirits, and give a sweet taste of glory before-hand. Whatsoever temporal circumstances attend you in this pre-
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