Page images
PDF
EPUB

nour come of thee, and thou reignest over all, and in thine hand is power and might, and in thine hand is to make great, and to give strength unto all.-1 Chron. xxix. 11, 12.

He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise: he taketh the wise in their own craftiness; and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong. They meet with darkness (or cannot perform any thing) in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night.-Job v. 12-14.

- The Lord, &c. in whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind, &c. behold he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.-Job xii. 10. 14.

:

The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought, he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, &c.-Ps. xxxiii. 10, 11.

Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west but God is the judge he putteth down one, and setteth up another.-Ps. lxxv. 6, 7.

Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain: it is vain for you to rise up early, &c. Ps. cxxvii. 1, 2.

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help his breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth, and that very day his thoughts perish.-Ps. xlvi. 3, 4.

A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps, &c. The lot is cast into the lap: but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.-Prov. xvi. 9..33.

Man's goings are of the Lord: how can a man then understand his own way?-Prov. xx. 24.

Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.-Prov. xxvii. 1.

Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might: let not the rich man glory in his riches.-Jer. ix. 23.

O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. -Jer. x. 23.

God, that made the world, &c. hath made of one blood all nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitations.-Acts xvii. 24. 26. I will not see you now by the way, but I trust to tarry awhile with you, if the Lord permit.-1 Cor. xvi. 7.

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, &c. him, therefore, I hope to send, &c. But I trust in the Lord, that I also myself shall come shortly.-Phil. ii. 19. 23, 24.

1

Now God himself, and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.-1 Thess. iii. 11.

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy, and sell, and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is life? It is even your a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that.James iv. 13-15.

CHAP. LXXI.

OF RESIGNATION TO, AND CONTENTMENT

WITH ALL GOD'S DISPENSATIONS.

ISRAEL'S murmuring and discontent for want of flesh in the wilderness, was reckoned amongst their sins, and said to be a tempting God in their heart, by asking meat for their lust. There is no wisdom, nor under--Ps. lxxviii. 18. Numb. xi. 4-10. standing, nor counsel, against the Lord.-Prov. xxi. 30.

When Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, were devoured by fire for

[ocr errors]

their sins, &c. Aaron held his peace. -Levit. x. 1—3.

The children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned; do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only we pray thee this day. Judges x. 15.

When Samuel had told Eli what God had threatened against his house, because of his sons' wickedness, Eli said, It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good.-1 Sam. iii. 15–18. David said, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and shew me both it and his habitation. But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.-2 Sam. xv. 25, 26.

When Hezekiah was threatened by Isaiah, for his having shewed to the messengers of the king of Babylon his treasures, he said, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken.-2 Kings xx. 16-19.

Job, when he had lost all, said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.-Job i. 20, 21.

Job said, What! shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?-Job ii. 10.

Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more; that which I see not, teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do so no more.Job xxxiv. 31, 32.

I was dumb, I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it. Ps. xxxix. 9.

[ocr errors]

Woe to him that striveth with his Maker, &c. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou?-Isa. xlv. 9.

When Israel was in Babylon, God tells them, If they would stay there, he would bless them; but if ye say, No, but we will go into the land of

Egypt, where we shall see no war, &c. then that all those judgments from which they would fly, should follow them thither.-Jer. xlii. 9-17.

Wherefore doth a living man complain (or murmur), a man for the punishment of his sins?-Lam. iii. 39.

I will bear the indignation of, the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause.—Micah vii. 9.

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines, &c. and the fields shall yield no meat, &c. yet I will rejoice in the Lord.— Hab. iii. 17, 18.

In patience possess ye your souls.
Luke xxi. 19.

Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust, &c. neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed, &c.-I Cor. x. 6. 14.

The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom (or whereby) the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.-Gal. vi. 14.

I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content: I know both how to be abased, and how to abound; every where, and in all things, I am instructed; both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me.-Phil. iv. 11—13.

Godliness with contentment is great gain: for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out; and having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.-1 Tim. vi. 6-8.

Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.-Heb. xiii. 5.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, &c.-James i. 12.

Submit yourselves therefore to God: resist the devil, &c.-James iv. 7.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may

exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.-1 Pet. v. 6, 7.

CHAP. LXXII.

OF MEN TRULY WISE; OR, OF A RELIGIOUS WISDOM; AND FOLLY, AS

ITS OPPOSITE.

THEY are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them: O that they were wise, and that they would consider their latter end!-Deut. xxxii. 28, 29.

Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, &c.-Ps. ii. 10-12.

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels, &c. Fools despise wisdom, &c. hate knowledge.-Prov. i. 5. 7. 22.

The Lord giveth wisdom, &c. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee, to deliver thee from the way of evil men, &c.-Prov. ii. 6. 10-12.

:

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, &c. and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes, &c. keep sound wisdom and discretion, &c. Then shalt thou walk in the way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble, &c. The wise shall inherit glory; but shame shall be the promotion of fools.-Prov. iii. 5-7. 21. 23. 35.

Wisdom is the principal thing : get wisdom, &c.—Prov. iv. 7.

Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways, and be wise.-Prov. vi. 6.

Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister, and call understanding thy kinswoman that they may keep thee from the strange woman.-Prov. vii. 4, 5.

Wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired.Prov. viii. 11.

Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee; give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser.Prov. ix. 8, 9.

The wise in heart will receive commandments, &c. In the lips of him that hath understanding, wisdom is found, &c. wise men lay up knowledge, &c. He that uttereth a slander is a fool. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin; but he that refraineth his lips, is wise.Prov. x. 8. 13, 14. 18, 19.

He that winneth souls, is wise. Prov. xi. 30.

A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, &c. he that followeth vain persons, is void of understanding, &c. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame, &c. he concealeth knowledge.-Prov. xii. 8. 11. 15, 16. 23.

The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death, &c. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.Prov. xiii. 14. 16. 20.

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, &c. fools make a mock of sin, &c. a wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; but the fool rageth, and is confident, &c. He that is slow to wrath, is of great understanding.-Prov. xiv. 8, 9. 16. 29. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge.-Prov. xv. 7.

He that handleth a matter wisely, shall find good, &c. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.-Prov.

xvi. 20. 23.

A reproof entereth more into a wise man, than an hundred stripes into a fool.-Prov. xvii. 10.

A fool's lips enter into contention, &c. He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.-Prov. xviii. 6. 13.

Wine is a mocker, and strong drink

is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby, is not wise.-Prov. xxxi.

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself, but the simple pass on, and are punished.-Prov. xxii. 3. xxvii. 12.

By wise counsel thou shalt make thy war.-Prov. xxiv. 6.

A fool uttereth all his mind, but a wise man keepeth it in till afterward. -Prov. xxix. 11.

Wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness: the wise man's eyes are in his head, but the fool walketh in darkness.-Eccles. ii. 13, 14.

A fool's voice is known by multitude of words.-Eccles. v. 3. x. 14. Wisdom strengtheneth the wise, more than ten mighty men which are in the city.-Eccles. vii. 19.

A wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgments.-Eccles. viii. 5.

The words of wise men are heard in quiet, &c. Wisdom is better than weapons of war.-Eccles. ix. 17, 18. The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies.-Eccles. xii. 11.

For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.-Jer. iv. 22.

The wise men are ashamed, &c. Lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord, and what wisdom is in them?-Jer. viii. 9.

Who is wise, and shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them for the ways of the Lord are right, &c.-Hosea xiv. 9.

Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken 'him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock, &c.-Matt. vii. 24. The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels, as well as in their lamps.-Matt. xxv. 1, &c.

I would have you wise unto that

which is good, and simple concerning evil.-Rom. xvi. 19.

The wisdom of the world is foolishness with God, &c. and the Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.-1 Cor. ii. 19. 22.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given to him.-James i. 5. 17.

Who is a wise man, and endowed with knowledge amongst you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works, with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envyings, &c. this wisdom descendeth not from above, &c. But the wisdom that is from above, is first pure, &c.-James iii. 13-15. 17.

CHAP. LXXIII.

OF ANTICHRIST.

MANY false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many, &c. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (whoso readeth, let him understand), &c. for there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders, insomuch that (if it were possible) they should deceive the very elect.-Matt. xxiv. 11. 15. 24. Dan. xi. 31. 36, &c.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition: who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, &c. for the mystery of iniquity doth already work, only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way: and then shall the wicked one be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming; even him whose coming is after the working of

Satan, with all powers, and signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they shall believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.-2 Thess. ii. 3, 4. 7-12.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their consciences seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, &c.-1 Tim. iv. 1-3.

Perilous times shall come; for men shall be lovers of their ownselves, &c. having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, &c. for of this sort are they who creep into houses, and lead captive silly women, &c. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth, &c. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived, &c.-2 Tim. iii. 1-8. 13, 14.

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction: and many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of; and through covetousness shall they, with feigned words, make merchandise of you; whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not,&c.-2 Pet. ii. 1-3.10, &c. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time they went out from us, but they were not of us, &c. Who

:

is a liar, but he who denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, who denieth the Father and the Son, &c. These things have I written unto you, concerning them who deceive you.-1 John ii. 18, 19. 22. 26.

Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world: hereby know ye the Spirit of God; every spirit who confesseth Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is in the world, &c.-1 John iv. 1, &c.

Many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh; this is a deceiver and an antichrist: look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we wrought, &c.-2 John 7-12.

[ocr errors]

Unclean spirits out of the mouth of the dragon, beast, and false prophet; the spirit of devils working miracles.-Rev. xvi. 13, 14.

CHAP. LXXIV.

NEITHER EXTERNAL PRIVILEGes, nor

OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS ALONE, CAN
BE OUR SECURITY AGAINST JUDG-
MENTS HERE, or DAMNATION HERE-
AFTER NO CAUSE OF BOASTING IN
THESE ONLY.

WHAT nation so great, who hath God so nigh unto them as the Lord our God, in all that we call upon him for? And what nation so great, that hath statutes, &c. so righteous as all this law? Only take heed, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things thine eyes have seen, &c. lest ye corrupt, and make you a graven image, &c. lest ye forget the covenant, &c. For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, &c. When, &c. ye shall do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger, &c. ye shall

« PreviousContinue »