Miscellanea philo-theologica, or, God, & man A treatise compendiously describing the nature of God in his attributes, with a lively pourtraiture of his wisedome in ordering, and disposing of the celestiall, and terrestriall bodies. Containing much variety of matter ... and apt applications singular for brevity, and perspicuity. By Henry Church.

[Sect. 6] Sixthly, Applications to edifie.

1. THis shewes them to be very sots that goe about to doe their wickednesse in secret; they are nota∣bly blinded and seduced; for sinne where they can, they sinne in Gods presence: as Nimrod was a mighty hunter before the Lord: so it may be said, men are great usurers before the Lord, great swearers, great lyers, grievous drunkards, notorious theeves before the Lord, though they thinke God is in the Circle of heaven, Iob 22.14. and say who seeth us? Ezek. 9.9. There is a God sees, and is present, who is the witnesse, and wil be the Iudge.

2. This may teach the godly.

1. To be sincere, because they walke before God. Gen. 17.1.

2. To feare and reverence Gods presence. Ierem. 5.22.

3. To be comforted: he is present in our troubles. Psal. 91.15.

4. To come prepared to holy duties; God is present. Psal. 26.6.

5. To approve our selves to him whom we are before.

[Quest. 7] How shall we approve our selves to the Lord?

[Answ.] By following these directions.

1. We must approve of the things that are excellent,

esteeme, and minde the persons and things that GOD doth affect.

2. We must approve our selves to God by avoiding se∣cret sinnes as Ioseph. Gen. 39.

3. By making conscience to performe private duties, Math. 6. approving our selves to our Father that seeth in secret.

4. Wee must make conscience of those sinnes wh ch the world accounts small sinnes, as petty oathes, ••••le talke, following the fashions, gaming, wantonnesse &c.

5. We must approve our selves to God in holy cour∣ses of life and conversation, though the world scoffe at us, as they doe at those that runne not with them to the same excesse as they doe.

6. By doing Gods worke after his owne minde, loo∣king to our preparations, temper of heart, our reverence, simplicity, aimes, &c. that wee may mainely strive for Gods approbation in all our performances.

To shew us the excellency of God in his Omnipre∣sence: Hee is present every where, because infinite; al∣wayes, because ettrnall.

2. He is present without locall mutation, or successi∣on: He is not included by any place, nor excluded from any place.

3. He is a most fit Iudge to judge the world, because he needs no Iury, nor Evidence: He is a witnesse him∣selfe, and so will give a righteous Sentence, and will bring to light the secrets of the just done before him, to their everlasting honour; and the secret sinnes of the wicked, to their everlasting shame.

We should be stirred up by all meanes, to desire Gods gracious presence, where our joyes shall be full, and our pleasures everlasting. Psalme 16.11.

Notes

• Thirdly.
• Fourthly.