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§. 177. Of great works done by weak means.
THE means prescribed for making way to enter into Iericho, were to the ey•…•… of Flesh and Blood very unlikely. [The means are distinctly noted, §. 174.▪ Yet they were effectual: so was Moses his striking of the Sea, and a Rock with his Rod, Exod. 14. 16. and 17. 6. The like may be observed of many means which God from time to time hath caused to be used.
- 1. God prescribeth means to try our obedience: but unlikely means to try our faith.
- 2. He prescribeth means to be occasions of looking to him for his blessing only:* 1.1 but strange and mean means to draw our hearts from depending on Creatures.
- 3. Means are prescribed to give evidence of the divine providence: but weak means to give evidence of Gods Almighty power: for his power is manifested in weakness, 2 Cor. 12. 5.
Let us learn hereby to take heed of doting on means. In use of means look to God: submit to his will; prescribe nothing unto him, but rest on his power and blessing.
We may and ought carefully to observe, what means God hath sanctified▪ for* 1.2 the effecting of any thing, and conscionably use the same. To contemn or neglect means, is to oppose our shallow conceit to Gods unsearchable Wisdom. Had not Naaman been better advised by his servants, he might have gone away from the Prophet as foul a Leper as he came, 2 Kings 5. 11. Mens greatest failing in this kind is about weightyest matters: such as concern their souls salvation. There∣fore herein especially take heed of Sathans subtilty. Go on in Gods way, observ•…•… his course; and then all Sathans attempts shall be as the walls of Iericho, they shall fall down flat.