§. 52 Of subjection to Gods Correction:
THat which is required of us by reason of the foresaid prerogative of God, that he is the Father of spirits, is, that we be in subjection to him.
Of the emphasis of the Greek, word, be in subjection, See Chap. 2. v. 5. §. 43. And Domest. Duties, on Eph. 5. 22. Treat. 1. §. 12.
It hath here an especiall reference to Gods correction: that we should humbly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, patiently, penitently, endure the same. This is expresly enjoyned Iam. 4. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1 Pet. 5. 6.
The Scripture doth plentifully note out the disposition of Gods people in this 〈◊〉〈◊〉: as of Aaron, Lev. 10. 3. of Eli, 1 Sam. 3. 18. of David, 2 Sam. 15. 26. and 16. 11. and Hezekiah, 2 King. 20. 19. and sundry others. Simple and absolute 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is to be yielded to God.
This is the rather to be done, because all the comfort and fruit that we can ex∣•…•…* 1.1 from Gods correction, ariseth from our subjection thereunto. See more hereof 1. 7. §. 44.
This subjection unto God, is much enforced by this comparative interrogative, a 1.2 shall we not much rather? So as God is more to be respected in his dealing with 〈◊〉〈◊〉, then man in his. In reference hereunto, saith the Lord of Miriam, If her Father 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven dayes? N•…•…mb. 12. 14. And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Sons, If one man sin against another, the Iudge shall judge him; but if a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him? 1 Sam. 2. 25. So Iob 34. 18, 19. M•…•…l 1. 8. Luk. 12. 4, 5. Acts 4. 19. & 5. 29.
There is an infinite difference betwixt God and man, and that in every thing wherein man may seem to have any excellency. The highest soveraignty and su∣premest power that any earthly Monarch hath, is but servitude and villanage to Gods. The wisdom of the most prudent is but foolishnesse to Gods. The power of the strongest men is but weaknesse to Gods. So in other things.
How base is their disposition, who, to sooth men, sin against God? as flattering subjects, men-pleasing Servants, servile Children, and other such like.
Let our care be, frequently and seriously to meditate on the difference betwixt God and man, that we may know how to prefer the more excellent.
Let all such, as on conscience, or in policy testifie respect to superiours on earth, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 occasion to raise up their hearts to God, and say, Shall I not much more testi∣•…•… all dutiful respect to my Lord, my Husband, my Father in Heaven?