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§. 111. Of waiting with Patience.
IT was shewed §. 108. that a 1.1 the word which the Apostle useth intendeth pati∣ence in waiting. This phrase, I was dumb and opened not my mouth (Psal. 39. 9.) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Psalmists meek and quiet spirit▪ It is good both to hope and to be silent, (〈◊〉〈◊〉. 3. 26) that is, quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. For in rest and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall you be saved, Isai. 30. 15. The Psalmist giveth this reason thereof, be∣•…•… Lord did•…•…t it. For such ought our respect to be to God, as we grudge not •…•…inst any thing that he doth: but contentedly and patiently expect the issue there∣es: which will prove good to them that so wait.
Contrary hereunto is their perverse disposition, who grudge and murmur at* 1.2 Gods dealing with them: as, when he stayeth longer then they looked for, before be accomplish his promise: or when he bringeth them into any straits or distresses: or when some outward likelihoods appear against the promises, which they have looked for. Examples of these and other like cases we have of the Israelites, while they were in the wildernesse; and of Gods severe judgements on them for the same: whereupon the Apostle giveth this admonition to christians, neither murmur ye as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer, 1 Cor. 10. 10. Here∣by they tempted God. See Chap. 3. v. 9. §. 96.
This discontented disposition argueth a light esteem of God: and a little faith in Gods power, providence, wisdome, truth, mercy, and other divine properties. Though they may seem to wait, yet their waiting can be no way acceptable to God.