VARIOUS SUBJECTS,

DOCTRINAL, EXPERIMENTAL and PRACTICAL. 

VOL. I.

HARTFORD.

1798.

PUBLISHED AND SOLD BY

BOOK-SELLERS AND STATIONERS, HARTFORD,

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The following begins the original text:

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Be still, and know that I am GOD.

HE text leads us to consider the nature, duty and effects of christian resignation. The whole Psalm is remarkable. It is a description of holy confidence in GOD; an exhortation to continue trusting in him; and a prophecy of the desolations he should make in the earth, to prepare the way for that peaceful state of the Messiah’s kingdom, which will succeed the many ages of violence that have been in the world.

IN the 10th verse, the prophet calls on the church, Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolatians he hath made in the earth. In the next verse he passes on to describe a period, which is still suture. He maketh wars to cease unto the en4 of the earth, he breaketh the bow and cutteth the spear asunder, he burneth the chariot in the fire. Then follows the text. Be still, and know that I am GOD;

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GOD ruleth in infinite and unsearchable wisdom. In the midst of darkness he is preparing for light, and in a way above the comprehension of men, is carrying on the scheme of infinite wisdom, so that all will redound to his greatest glory and the best good of his holy kingdom. It is creatures only, who are exposed to do evil ; it is GOD alone, who brings good out of evil. This truth is believed and felt by good minds. They learn it from the word of GOD; from their own experience; and from the infinite glory, which they see in the GOD of their hope. In contemplation of this truth, the church, in the beginning of the Psalm, is represented as saying, GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Though the waters the seas roar and be troubled; though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof There is a river, the sit-earns whereof shall make glad the city of our GOD: the holy place of the tabernacles of the most high. GOD is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: GOD shall help her, and that right early. These expressions of confidence, in the goodness and safety of the divine government, are uttered by the church in view of the desolations which GOD maketh in the earth. They are a strong description of confidence, in all-ordering wisdom. The Lord is not to be trusted less in days of darkness and violence, than he is in days of prosperity. There is a command, to rejoice even more, which is in force at all times ; and though every thing may look terrifying to human wisdom, a christian faith rises from seeing the temper and actions of creatures, to a sight of divine wisdom,

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by which the whole is controled. In GOD himself we find reason to rejoice evermore, to be re signed, and still before him. This single truth that GOD reigns, will in every scene, enlighten and give comfort to a pious mind:

THE present is a period distinguished by calamities on mankind, through the exercise and violence of their own outraging passions. GOD is punishing men by their own sin, and there appears to be a preparation for much calamity to come. The word of the Lord is going through the earth, to show his truth and holiness. And though human wisdom cannot look to the end of the scene, nor see in every event what GOD is doing, nor determine the future times and seasons; a christian faith, directed by his word, beholds a divine hand. Faith sees the king of Zion, going forth conquering and to conquer, and preparing the way to fulfil his promise. The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most high, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. While many dark events are ushering in the desired time, faith is should, knowing that the Lord is GOD, and doing all things right.

THE dispensations of infinite wisdom which affect great bodies of men are more conspicuous, and many suffer or rejoice together ; therefore, they are more noticed in the memorials of past ages. But the same wise and holy GOD IS acting in the daily events of time, which are confined in their influence, to the condition of families and individuals. Here also, faith and resignation are necesfary for the peace of men. There are so many pains, disappointments, and overturnings, that it is scarce possible to go forward a single

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day with peace, unless we know that the Lord is. GOD and are still before him. Resignation, flowing from a belief of GOD’S infinite wisdom and holiness, is a principal ingredient of christian peace. Resignation is the fortitude of a christian, for it is that, by which he overcomes and is happy. Resignation, even if we judge on worldly principles, is the honor of a christian; for it needs more firmness and self-command to be resigned, than it does to complain. Resignation is the duty of a christian; for infinite wisdom hath a right to direct in all cases whatever. Resignation is necesfary for all mankind. Many evils must be borne. Frailty is attached to our persons, our properties, and the condition of our existence, and those who are most successful in life, must endure many disagreeable things. There are pains and sorrows due to the nature of man in this world, which his power cannot overcome nor his skill evade. The christian, who hath a promise of GOD, that all things shall work for his good hath no promise to escape them; and the divine help which he is encouraged to seek, is patience and resignation to bear. He must have pain; perhaps, poverty and blasted expectation in his offspring and his interest; the calumny and persecution of enemies; an endless variety of trials from the sin of others, his own sin, and the frailty of every surrounding object; the more in number and richness his blessings are, the more capable they become of bitterly afflicting him by the loss; and he must finally part with the whole, that is desirable in this world. Through this path of life the good man must walk.

THE covenant of grace gives him no encouragement of exemption from these trials; so far from this that it faith, I will visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.

For what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not? To those who forget GOD, afflictions are necesfary to teach them the end of sin. To those, who have an interest in the covenant of grace, they are a covenanted portion, for their purifying and the trial of their faith. In each of these dispensations GOD is wise and holy; and all men, on one principle or another must expect them. Let resignation or stillness before GOD, be therefore sought, as a temper necesfary for the happiness of man in this world.

To illustrate the nature, duty, and effects of resignation, the following things shall be considered.

I. WHAT IS designed in the text, by knowing that the Lord is GOD.

III. THE bleffect effects which follow a resigned temper.

IV. To describe certain kinds of resignation, which may be sound in an unholy state, and mistaken for true grace.

I. WHAT is designed in the text, by knowing that the Lord is GOD.

THERE are many truths, which men by their actions do not appear to know. They act as if ignorant, or fully determined to treat them with no regard. We often speak of persons, as being ignorant of truth and duty, when they act, in all respects, as if they did not know. Although none are absolutely ignorant of the being of a GOD, for all must have heard this glorious truth; there are many, who act as they would do, if they supposed there were none. The truth is

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disagreeable; they are willing to be ignorant; they drive the subject from their meditations; and are many times so successful as not to be molested by the remembrance., The fool hath said in his heart there is no GOD. This is directly opposed to knowing that the Lord is GOD, which implies,

1^st. A BELIEF and practical apprehension of his being and glorious attributes; of his presence and constant efficiency; that he is near and not afar off; that in him we live and move and have our being. For the exercise of any christian grace we must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. An ignorance of GOD’S, being and presence, is foundation for all impiety. It is a principal cause of the crimes, with which a sinful life is filled; for if there were a just apprehension of him, they would be restrained, although the heart is not right with him. Hence, we find in the holy word, such pains taken to impress our minds with the being of GOD; that he lives, that he acts, that he is every where present, that we are in his hand, that we are ever near him, and subject to his sovereign will. A sense of this truth, is the begining of all serious consideration in sinners; and the quickening of all gracious affection in christians. Whoever is still before GOD must know that he is, and be filled with an apprehension of the reality, the glory, fulness and eternity of his being. It may justly be feared that many good people, suffer the world so far to intrude and drive an apprehension of GOD from their minds, as to prevent resignation. They are impatient, are fretful with the things taking place around them, not recollecting that GOD is here; and thus great sin is committed. In such cases, it s not a sufficient excuse, that the impatience is not pointed immediately against GOD; for the probable

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reason it is not, is because heis out of sight. Impatience with a condition, though there be not a present recollection, that it is ordered by the Almighty; is still a sin against him. The creature

ought to see and adore him in every thing.

2dly. IN knowing the Lord to be GOD, is implied an apprehension of his all directing providence. As he made, so he supports.

THE power which acted in creating, acts continually in a providential government. It seems to us, as though the sight would be wonderful, to stand and see a world of creatures riling into existence by the creating will,; but. setting aside the novelty of the scene, it is as wonderful, to behold a world of creatures continue existing, upheld, moved, acted upon, and defined to their end, by the providential efficiency of the Almighty. The existence which we feel, and the thing which we see, are effects of a power now acting. He upholds the laws of nature. All things, from the upholding of a world, to the falling of a hair, are the present work of GOD. This constant acing of Deity is what we call providence. It is universal, taking in the whole; and it is particular, extending to the most minute events. It is a divine action, here and every where present. There is no power or wisdom, foreign to himself and the effects of his will, by which he is influenced.

THUS apprehension of divine providence, will make every good mind very joyful, and, at the same time, very solemn. A providence of this kind is essential to GODHE.AD, and unless we have such apprehensions of him, we do not know him as GOD. Doubtless an unholy mind will object against this constant sense of providential action,

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and consider it as a cause of unhappiness; but unholy minds do not know the Lord, as God. Nothing ought to be called christian resignation, which doth not thus realize a supreme and alldirecting providence.

3dIy. KNOWING the Lord to be GOD, includes a full conviction of his perfect wisdom and goodness in governing.

MANY who believe there is a GOD, and a suprerne providence, do not appear to have a conviction of his wisdom, in his own nature and in all his works. They do not consider perfect wisdom and goodness to be so essential and necessary to GODHEAD as infinite power. In this case, they are judging from the darkness of depravity, and do not by their opinion honor him as GOD. There may be apathy; there may be the submission of necessity; there may be the submission of a selfish heart, willing GOD should reign for its own benefit; but there cannot be holy resignation, without a belief of infinite wisdom and goodness in the divine government. Christian resignation, is an exercise of holy heart, directed by rational understanding; and reason can never approve a sovereign action, which is not wise and good. The gods of the heathen are vanity and a lie; so may be the GOD of many in christian lands. Those who have christian means of information, may be resigned through false apprehensions of the divine character, of his wisdom and the nature of his government, and thus their service be neither rational nor holy. A full conviction of divine wisdom and goodness in his government is necessary for knowing the Lord to be GOD, and for a holy submission.

II. I AM to describe the reasons of christian resignation.

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THE exhortation, be still and know that I am GOD, relates to the state of the heart or will, in view of divine sovereignty ordering all events which take place. Reference is particularly had, to the affliction dispensed in divine judgment; for it immediately follows a call to behold the desolations, which GOD makes in the earth, as a preparation for his own peaceful kingdom. Being still before GOD means a quiet submission to his will, and all the works of his providence. A heart acquiescing in the purposes of his government, and the means by which they are executed.

A CHRISTIAN is conformed to the divine character, and having the same objects of love and desire, is inclined to acquiesce by the same reasons which move GOD to decree and execute.

IN all cases, where the reasons of infinite wisdom are known, they become reasons for resignation. The glory brought to GOD by a display of his holiness; the advancement of his kingdom; the suppression or punishment of sin, are, in particular cases, motives to divine action, and they are reasons for christian resignation.

FURTHER, the infinite wisdom and holiness of GOD, is, in all cases, a sufficient reason for men to be resigned to his government. He cannot do wrong; he cannot act unwisely; cannot desire any thing that is unfit, or choose improper means to execute a good end. Infinite wisdom and goodness, enable him to devise and execute in the bell manner; so that his whole government is right and glorious. This is the great reason for christian resignation, and is sufficient at all times, and under all events.

IT is desirable, if GOD permit, to know the reasons of his government, and we may humbly search to find them out but if they remain hid,

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it is, notwithstanding, our duty to be resigned. A knowledge of his infinite and holy wisdom is sufficient cause to rejoice and be still.—This cause for resignation is as sufficient in days of trial, as it is in times of prosperity; for GOD is wise in both. In view of his infinite perfection, and in a love of his government and the kingdom he is forming by the best means, a holy mind under trials will say; though he slay me, I will trust in him and be patient; although the fig tree shall

not blossom, I. will rejoice ; although I am not personally benefitted, he will be glorious and his kingdom be made happy, I will therefore resignedly say, his will be done.

IT is not difficult to see, that these reasons for resignation may exist and operate in times of the deepest personal trials. Indeed, it is in such times, we have the best opportunity for examining the sincerity of our submission. One end of GOD’s covenant faithfulness in sending afflictions, is, thus to assist his people in examining their own sincerity, that their joy in his grace may be very great.

III. I WILL next describe some benefits of a resigned temper.

ALTHO’ our resignation is due to the perfection of the Lord and of his government, and this

is the great reason which influences a holy mind; we ought also to remember its benefit; which

are great to the possessor.

1. RESIGNATION will make us happy in GOD himself. Our relation to GOD and dependence upon him are natural and necessary. They ever have been and must ever remain; nor can we in any situation, nor for any moment detach ourselves from the consequences of his universal action. His will which acts is uniform and

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unchangeable. Whatever our belief may be of his infinite perfection, and however clear our rational conviction; unless our hearts are resigned to his character and providence we cannot be happy in him. His counteracting will and works, will soon raise in our perverse hearts, an enmity against his very existence. Every prospect of his being, will be attended with wretchedness, and the growing misery of opposition. As we are situated under the divine government, nothing but resignation can make us happy in GOD himself. If resigned, in every display of himself, he will appear to us most excellent and glorious ; we shall constantly rejoice in his infinite perfection.; and become more happy in our knowledge and union to him.

2dly. RESIGNATION will make us happy in the reality and truth of a divine providence. According as the state of the heart varies, the doctrine of a supreme providence is a source of the most sensible pleasure or pain. A mind in opposition to the general principles of providence, must be unhappy in a knowledge, of its reality. His governing agency will be dreaded, through a suspicion that his designs are unfriendly, and will end, either in direct punishment or a denial of desired enjoyments. Holy resignation produces the reverse of this. Th universal providence, of GOD is a pleasing subject for meditation. Resigned to the principles and certainty of divine government, the mind can look on every scene with composure, and comfort itself by reflecting; though all things appear dark and confused, there is wisdom, power and goodness ordering the whole. All will be right. I have confidence in this direction. Though it be impossible for me to see the wisdom of many events, or how my own personal trials will turn to good; they are

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the ordering of a wise GOD, and must be right.— Thus the resigned christian is made happy by his certain knowledge of GOD’s providence, for when every event appears dark and threatening and his own weakness great; he casts himself on the light of infinite wisdom and the strength of infinite power.

3dly. Hence it appears that resignation is the true balm for all the wounds given by an afflicting world; yea more, it is a victory over the world. It is an exercise of the new born heart, and a fruit of that faith, of which the apostle says, For whatsoever is born of GOD overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.—Under the reviling of enemies, it can say; let them curse, because the Lord hath bid them do it. Under actual suffering, it can obey the command, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. It can pray under the trials of providence. If it be possible, let this cup pass from me nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.— For the instruments of affliction, however wicked in their conduct, it can pray. Father forgive them; for they know not what they do. Under bereavement of friends, it can say. The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. When outward comforts of the world fail it can rejoice. For though there be no herd in the stall, I will joy in the GOD of my salvation. The mind thus fortified, is placed above the power of man and the world. Its peace is founded on the rock of ages. It can see the glory of GOD, when his way is in darkness and the deep waters., It can kiss the rod, and the hand which appointeth it; and say, it is good for me that I am afflicted, and the government which doth this is the government

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of my choice. The wisdom of GOD is so perfect I can wish no change in his plan, or its execution. If I am pained, let me be pained, for the honor of GOD requires it. This resigned soul, in the closing of the earthly scene triumphs, 0 death where is thy sting, 0 grave where is thy victory.

Is not this a victory over the world, over sin and death? To be happy in duty is to conquer; and this is the only victory a creature can have. In these sentiments, a humble chrisstan, tho’ most sensible of his own weakness, can rejoice because the Lord reigneth. When the world of unbelieving sinners, behold a christian who feels these things let them reverence the power of sovereign and sanctifying grace. Let them know that the effectual, fervent prayer of this disciple avails much. Let them here see the strength of GOD, made perfect in the weakness of a creature; and infinite truth fulfilling the promise, Lo ! I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

4. CHRISTIAN resignation will make duty easy to the people of GOD.

THE christian law of holiness is called the perfect law of liberty. The most glorious and excellent of all freedom, is that which disposes us to follow truth and duty. If CHRIST shall make us free; if we be free in doing our duty; if we be delivered from the reigning power of sin, this is being free indeed. This freedom is felt in resignation and makes all duty easy, to the obedient believer. Unholy persons never obey in an evangelical sense, and their legal attempts to obey are a slavery of the mind, between a love of sin, and the terrors of the law and an accusing conscience.

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CHRISTIAN resignation makes duty easy and pleasing. Experience gives conviction, that there is, in most cases, a sensible benefit in obeying. But if there be no sensible and personal benefit from obedience, resignation can take up the cross and follow the commands of CHRIST in a dark way. It can say there is comfort enough in duty, from the single consideration, that GOD hath commanded and CHRIST is honored. These are among the happy effects of that resigned temper, which CHRIST commanded his people. When they do their duty best, they are most happy ; and it is not in the power man to destroy their peace.

4. I AM, next, to describe certain kinds of resignation, which may be found in an unholy state of the heart, and mistaken for true grace.

To all, who are deceived in their own state, this is the most interesting part of the subject; and it is probable that not a few are in this case. Resignation is so plainly a christian grace, that no person of any consideration, will dare think himself safe, without supposing he possesses it. Many, both live and die quietly, by thinking they are resigned; at the same time, there is perhaps no grace, concerning which men are more liable to be deceived. Whatever prevents a sensible resistance and enmity to the divine government, may be mistaken for resignation; and this may be prevented by the most selfish considerations, which have in them, nothing of holiness, or a love of GOD for what he is, or approbation of the principles by which he governs.

1. A WANT of feeling, a loss of all sense of moral obligation, may be mistaken for a resigned temper.

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THIS is the case with many, who have long given themselves up to sensuality, to a careless and licentious life, and a neglect of those divine institutions, which are designed to promote seriousness. True religion increases all the sensibilities of the soul, and at the same time, makes men submissive to a law, by which they may be happily exercised. The apostle, in enumerating the effects of original depravity, adds with other things, without natural affection. The original corruption of human nature, makes men hard hearted, and stupid. This is first discovered in their feeling towards others, and afterwards towards themselves. Even while a sinful pride and self love are gaining strength, there is a stupidity concerning their own future well being. When conscience is seared, their apprehensions concerning futurity and their future appearance before GOD are seared also. If they can have sinful indulgencies, for the present time, they are swallowed up in these, and are ready to say, Soul, take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry. This apathy concerning another world, is, sometimes, strangely continued, through those scenes of pain, which commonly precede death; and the unhappy soul mistakes the bands of security, for a pious resignation. These persons are sleeping the sleep of death, for evil is near them, and they cannot be made sensible. The surprize of a change will be great, and the tormenting powers of a condemning conscience will break on them when no resistance can be made.

2dly. I Must next mention the resignation of selfishness.

ALL errors have their day of increase and decline. Certain prevailing sentiments of the

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present time, expose many to be deceived by the resignation of self love. They accede to the truth, that GOD is good ; and then draw the unscriptural consequence, if GOD be good we are safe— all in the end will be best for us.—Though we now suffer pain, GOD in the end will make us more happy, and in some future time, pay to us the debt of happiness, which we are purchasing by present afflictions. Thus they are resigned to present evils on the principle; that—GOD will refund to them, in some after time, for what they now endure. They overlook justice. They have no regard to their demerits. They make their own particular benefit and not the general good, a rule for determining the wisdom and equity of providence. They bear pain now, without murmuring, to be repaid hereafter. This may be the state of the mind, and there is no telling how far it may be carried, without any holiness.

MEN have a natural conviction, that they ought to be resigned, They are often told that GOD is infinitely good. If to these, they can join a belief, it will in the end be best for them to endure; they may meet the losses of a disappointing life and the common terrors of a natural death, without any great discomposure. Especially, they may do this, when they find an all controling necessity which cannot be overcome. In this way, the unholy may be resigned, and are often deceived. They are resigned, because they suppose GOD is on their side, and doing better for them by his wisdom, than they can do for themselves. In this resignation, there is nothing different from the labor and fatigue of an inordinate worldling, which he chooses for himself one year, that he may be more happy,

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through many years, which he supposes are to succeed.

To try this resignation let the scheme of infinite truth and wisdom be brought into view. Let it be allowed, that GOD hath infinite wisdom and goodness; but that these do not require him to make every one most happy in the end. Let demerit be stated. Let there be given a description of the glory and good, which will redound to GOD and his kingdom, by treating some sinners according to their demerits. Let GOD’S right to seek his own glory, be established as a governing maxim of the divine government, and this submission will be gone. In the place of resignation, there will be cavils against the divine administration, and the rebelling heart will show itself. The divine government will be called hard and unreasonable, and the scriptures which propound these doctrines will be rejected.

Of all the sources of deception, this, at the present time, is one of the most common. It hence becomes an incumbent duty, on all the friends of truth and the souls of men, to explain and vindicate the nature of holiness, as consisting in a disinterested love and obedience to GOD. So long as men serve GOD, are obedient and resigned to him, for their own sake alone; it is not true religion, and those may do it, who have not a single heavenly ingredient in their character.

3dly. THE resignation of necessity, is often mistaken for efficacious and sanctifying grace in. the heart.

THERE IS in the most unholy men a natural conviction of their dependence. The daily pains, wants and disappointments of life force them to believe what they do not choose. Through a long and unsuccessful resistance they despair of

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succeeding against GOD. A supposed impossibility, destroys the vigor of desire, and makes them think they do not with that, which they would seize with the utmost avidity, if the thing were known to be possible. Hence comes the resignation of necessity, of which many make a merit to themselves in their lives, and a hope in their death.

WHEN their earthly prospects are blasted, either in ambition or interest, they renounce the world because they cannot have it. If those, who think they feel submission, in such cases, would faithfully examine their hearts, they would find a lurking suspicion of partiality in the divine government; or the first springing of enmity against more fortunate adventurers in the change of the world. By this they might know their own insincerity, and detect a heart, which is deceitful above all things.

WHEN their friends are laid in darkness the heart quarrels with GOD, until it is found, that a contending will cannot raise the dead. Then, some other object of idolatrous affection is found. The heart, being weaned from its old attachment by a new one, becomes calm, the pain ceases, and this is called christian resignation.

WHEN death approaches the struggle is more severe; but even here, the delusion may prevail. All the aid of reason and philosophy is called in, and perhaps the physician’s opiate gives an unnatural ease to the paroxism of pain in the dying body and an inebriated prospect of eternity, from which many quiet death-beds have come. The decay is found to be irresistible. Both art and wishes are baffled. The soul loathes its own diseased habitation, and from the inquietude natural to men, is ready to with a change of state. The impotence of the world to help, wean

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the mind from it. The appetites are laid dead through the approaching death of the body. The enfeebled animal makes the mind a babe, and to the inquiry of anxious friends it is answered, I am resined. But whether this be a holy resignation; whether there be a love and submission to GOD for what he is, and the wisdom of his government, is a solemn question which eternity and an appearance before his all searching bar, will answer best.

It is hard to wound the feelings of a deathbed. Nothing, but a deep and an uncommon sense of the worth of souls, will enable any one to do it. Let not the healthy and the living defer the question of the sincerity of their own resignation, until that precarious moment. How exposed it is to a delusion! How unable the mind is, then to judge! How hard for surrounding friends, to be the messengers of alarm! How hard for the watchman in Zion, at this untimely moment, to terrify the dying, and fill the hearts of mourners, with many sorrows !

If wise, we shall often examine the state of our own hearts, previous to the approach of death. Now we have opportunity, instruction, and a judgment unimpaired by the weakness of the body. Whether we have a christian resignation, and are prepared for another world, is a question which ought to be most solemnly and rationally determined, before the hour of bidding a hasty farewell to the world. In examining the sincerity of our souls, let us be guarded against that selfishness of the human heart which is its sin. A reverence and love of divine perfection in his nature and government, is the cause of a holy resignation. May we, through the grace of GOD, experience this and be happy. AMEN.