place whither they came) the Lord sent them through Phry∣gia
and Galatia but forbad them to preach the word in Asia,
Acts. 16. 6. And when they essayed to go into Bit••ynia,
the spirit suffered them not, v. 7. But a man of Macedonia ap∣pears
to Paul in a vision, and prayed him, saying, come over
to Macedonia and help us, v. 9. Thus you see, how the mysti∣cal,
as well as the natural clouds, are moved according to di∣vine
counsel; and though Ministers are not now disposed to
their respective places, in such an extraordinary way, yet
there is still a special hand of the Spirit guiding their mo∣tions,
which is seen partly in qualifying them or such a peo∣ple,
and partly in drawing out their hearts to elect and call
them, and inclining their hearts to accept the call.
There is a great deal of difference in showers of rain [ 3]
that fall upon the earth. Sometimes you have an hasty
shower, which makes the wayes fleet, and the streets run,
but it's gone presently, the earth hath but little benefit by it;
and sometimes you have a sweet, gentle, soaking rain, that
moderately soaks to the root and refreshes the earth abun∣dantly,
This is called the small rain, and the former, the great
rain of his strength, Iob 37. 6. So it is in these spiritual show∣ers,
the effects of some sermons, (like a sudden spout of rain••)
are very transient; that touch the heart a little for present
by way of conviction or comfort, but it fleets away imme∣diately,
I••m. 1. 23. At other times the Gospel like a setled
moderate rain, soaks to the root, to the very heart. So did
that sweet shower which sell, Acts 2. 37. It searcheth the
root, it went to the heart; the influences' of it are some∣times
abiding, and do much longer remain in, and refresh
the heart, than the rain doth the earth. There be effects left
in some hearts, by some Sermons and duties, that will ne∣ver
out of it so long as they live. I will never forget thy precepts,
for by them thou hast quickened me, Psal. 119. 92.
The rain is most beneficial to the earth, when there come [ 4]
sweet, warm Sun-blasts with it, or after it. This the scripture
calls, a clear shining after rain, 2 Sam. 23. 4. by which the
seminal vertue of the earth is drawn forth, and then the herbs
and flowers, and Corn sprout abundantly. So it is with