Motives to holy living, or, Heads for meditation divided into consideratins, counsels, duties : together with some forms of devotion in litanies, collects, doxologies, &c.

§. 36. n. 2.

22. Contem∣plating his Omni-A∣gency.

Considering God's Omni-agency; and that nothing small, or great, in this world happens to us by chance: but that God's Creatures only perform and execute what his hand, and his counsel determined before to be done: i, e. that nothing here is done, without the Divine knowledge, per∣mission, and providence directing it to the Divine, i. e. to some good, or also the very best End. The Benefits of which Meditation are always exceeding great. For who strongly believes and remembers this, conforms himself peaceably to all events as to God's Will; and is contented with whatever happens, as knowing this Divine Will to be steered also with infinite Wisdome. Therefore as he is diligent in his labours, directed to many particular good ends, so he trusts not in these to effect such ends, but looks more at the motions of the Divine Will and Co-opera∣tion; and so soon as ever this, by the event, discovers it self to him, whether it dis-appoint, or prosper, his works (and those ordered in the best manner he could for God's Ser∣vice,) He sides with this Divine Will, it being as the main

end his actions aimed at. And thus he is never defeated in his purpose. Is ready to praise God on all occasions, whether seeming (as to particular ends) good, or bad; as knowing indeed all best that God doth. Entertains with chearfulnes and resignation to this Superior Power all cross accidents; gives God particular thanks for every thing that falls out well: suffers none of God's excellent works to be lost, and passed by unregarded; but observes them, speaks of them, acknowledgeth them for his, and gives him Glory: and admires and commends no persons else for any good, but only as his Instruments, and with an eyeing of him as the chief Principle thereof: Is dis∣pleased with the actions of none of God's Creatures, in order to himself; and especially, not with those of his enemies; cannot think ill of them for this, but always excuseth and pardoneth them, as looking beyond and a∣bove them at the Divine Providence, which by them ex∣erciseth a necessary tryal of his patience, and other Chri∣stian Virtues. Finally in all things that befall him, he sees as it were God's Will writ upon them: and so, out of the love of God, admits them into his affections, saying con∣tinually in his heart: Domine fiat voluntas tua.—Pater mi, non sicut ego volo, sed sicut Tu. And so continues al∣ways in repose; is seldome or never much angry or discon∣tented. And by this way exceedingly pleaseth God, for he is always undissemblingly commending whatever He doth.