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

SECT. VIII.

Consideration of the Divine Pro∣vidence ordering all events.

THe second Consideration is of that All-wise Providence which ordereth all events both in Heaven and Earth, allotting to every Creature his due pro∣portion, so over-ruling all things to the best, that we could not want, if he knew it better for us to abound: This Station he hath set us in, this measure he hath shared out to us, whose will is the rule of good; what we have therefore, cannot but be best for us. The World is a large Chesse∣board, every man hath his place

assigned him: one is a King, a∣nother a Knight, another a Pawn, and each hath his severall motion; vvithout this variety, there could be no game played; A skilfull Player will not stirre one of these Chips, but vvith intention of an advantage; nei∣ther should any of his men either stand, or move, if in any other part of that Checker, it might bee in more hope to win.

There is no estate in this World vvhich can be universal∣ly good for all, one mans meat may be another mans medicine, and a third mans poyson; A Turk findes health and temper in that Opium, vvhich would put one of us into our last sleep. Should the Plow-man be set to the Gentlemans fare, this Chick∣en, that Partridge, or Phesant, would (as over-slight food) bee too soon turned over, and leave his empty stomach to quarrell for stronger provision: Beef

is for his diet; and if any sawce needs besides his hunger, Gar∣lick: Every man hath, as a body, so a minde of his own; vvhat one loves is abhorred of ano∣ther; the great House-keeper of the world knows how to fit every palate with that which either is, or should be agreeable to it, for salubrity, if not for pleasure: Lay before a Childe a Knife, and a Rod, and bid him take his choice, his hand will be straight upon that edge tool, especially, if it be a little guilded, and glittering; but the Parent knows the Rod to be more safe for him, and more beneficiall: We are ill carvers for our selves, he that made us, knows what is fit for us, either for time, or measure; without his Providence not an hair can fall from our heads; We would have bodily health, I cannot blame us; what is the vvorld to us without it? He whose wee

are, knows sicknesse to bee for the health of the soul; whether should we in true judgement de∣sire? We vvish to live, who can blame us? life is sweet, but if our Maker have ordained, that nothing but Death can render us glorious, what madnesse is it to stick at the condition? Oh our grosse infidelity, if we doe not beleeve that great Arbiter of the World, infinitely wise to know what is best for us, infinitely mercifull to vvill what hee knows best, infinitely powerfull to doe what he will! And if we be thus perswaded, hovv can we, but in matter of good, say with blessed Mary: Behold thy Servant, be it unto me accor∣ding to thy Word; And in mat∣ter of evill, with good Eli: It is the Lord, let him doe what hee will?