Three tractates by Jos. Hall, D.D. and B.N.

SECT. XXII.

Holy resolutions: 1. That our present estate is best for us.

AFter these serious conside∣rations, and meet dispositi∣ons, shall in the last follow cer∣tain firme resolutions for the full actuating our contentment: And first, we must resolve (out of the unfailable grounds of di∣vine Providence, formerly spo∣ken of) that the present estate wherein we are, is certainly the best for us; and therefore wee must herein absolutely capti∣vate our understanding, and will, to that of the Highest: How un∣meet Judges are flesh and blood

of the best fitnesse of a conditi∣on for us? As some palates (which are none of the whol∣somest) like nothing but sweet meats, so our nature would be fed up with the only delicacies of pleasures and prosperity; according to the false principle of Aristippus, that he onely is happy, which is delighted; but the all-wise God knowes ano∣ther diet more fit for our health, and therefore graciously tem∣pers our dishes with the tart sauces of afiliction: The mother of the two sons of Zebedee, and her ambitious children, are all for the chiefe P••••rage in the Temporall kingdome of Christ; but he cals them to a bitter Cup, and a bloody baptisme rather; and this was a far greater ho∣nour then that they sued for: There is no earthly estate abso∣lutely good for all persons; like as no gale can serve for all pas∣sengers. In Africk, they say, the

North winde brings Clouds, and the South winde clears up: That plant which was starved in one soile, in another prospers; Yea, that which in some cli∣mate is poyson, proves whol∣some in another: Some one man, if he had anothers bles∣sings, would run wilde; and if he had some other mans cros∣ses, would be desperate; The infinite wisdome of the great Governour of the world allots every one his due proportion; The Fitches are not threshed * 1.1 with a threshing instrument; neither is a Cartwheele turned about upon the Cummin; but the Fitches are beaten out with a staffe, and the Cummin with a rod, saith Esay: And no other∣wise in matter of prosperity; Josephs Coat may be party-co∣loured, and Benjamins messe may be five times so much as any of his brethren. It is marvell if * 1.2 they who did so much envie Jo∣seph

for his dream of superiori∣ty, did not also envie Benjamin for so large a service, and so rich gifts at his parting; this it seems gave occasion for the good Pa∣triarchs fear, when he charged them, See that you fall not out * 1.3 by the way: But, there had been no reason for so impotent an envie; whiles the gift is free, and each speeds above his de∣sert, who can have cause to re∣pine? It is enough that Joseph knew a just reason of so unequall a distribution, though it were hidden from themselves. The elder brother may grudge the fat Calfe, and the prime Robe to the returned Unthrift, but the Father knowes reason to make that difference. God is infinitely just and infinitely mer∣cifull, in dispensing both his fa∣vours and punishment. In both kinds every man hath that which is fittest for him, because it is that which Gods will hath de∣signed

to him; and that will is the most absolute rule of justice: now if we can so frame our will to his, as to think so too, how can wee bee other then con∣tented? Do we suffer? There is more intended to us then our smart: It was a good speech of Seneca, though an Heathen, (what pity it is that he was so?) I give thanks to my infirmity, which forces me not to be able to do that, which I ought not will to do; If we lose without, * 1.4 so as we gain within; if in the perishing of the outward man the inward man be renued, we have no cause to complain, much to rejoyce: Do I live in a mean estate? If it were better, I should be worse; more proud, more carelesse; and what a wo∣full improvement were this? What a strange creature would man be, if he were what he would wish himselfe? Surely, he would be wickedly pleasant,

carelesly prophane, vainely proud, proudly oppressive, dis∣solutely wanton, impetuously selfe-willed; and shortly, his own Idoll, and his own Idola∣ter: His Maker knowes how to frame him better; it is our ig∣norance and unthankfulnesse, if we submit not to his good plea∣sure: To conclude, we pray eve∣ry day, Thy will be done; What hypocrites are we, if we pray one thing, and act another? If we murmure at what we wish? All is well between Heaven and us, if we can think our selvs hap∣py to be what God will have us.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Esa. 28. 27.
• * 1.2

  Gen. 43. 34.
• * 1.3

  Gen. 45. 24.
• * 1.4

  2 Cor. 4. 16.