CAUTIONS.

Yet, let me add a few words, for caution and direction here.

1.  The consideration of these things mentioned should not make us slacken our diligence in prayer and other duties; and when they are aright considered, they will rather prove a spur and a goad in our side to set us forward, than a bridle to hold us back.

2.  We would not think that Christ’s work and interest is going backward always, when it seemeth so to us.  Even when he is casting down what he hath built up, and plucking up what he hath planted, his work is prospering, for all that is in order to the laying of a better foundation, and to the carrying on of a more glorious work, when he shall lay all the stones with fair colours, and the foundations with sapphires, and make the windows of crystal, &c.  Isa. liv. 11,12.

3.  Though his work be always going on, and his truth prospering, yet we would not think that it will always prosper alike in our apprehensions; many times we judge by rules of our own making, and not by the rule of truth, and hence it is that we mistake oftentimes.  We walk little by faith, and too much by sense; and hence we judge too much by sense, and so pass a wrong judgment, to his dishonour, and the saddening of our own hearts.

4.  Nor would we think that his truth and interest is ruined and gone, because it is sore oppressed in this or that particular place of the world; as if his work were not of an universal extent, and in all the churches.  If his truth thrive and prosper in some other place of the world, shall we not say, that his kingdom is coming?  Or shall we limit all his work and interest to one small part of the world?

5.  We would not think the worse of his work because it is carried on with so many stops, and doth meet with so many impediments in its way.  We are not acquainted with the depths of his infinite wisdom and counsel; and so we see not what noble ends he hath before him, in suffering those impediments to lie in the way of his chariot.  We think he should ride so triumphantly all along, that none should once dare to cast the least block in his way.  But we judge carnally, as unacquainted with the many noble and glorious designs which he hath in ordering matters.  As himself was for a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence, so will he have the way of the carrying on of his work prove, in his holy and spotless justice, a stumbling-stone to many that shall stumble thereat, and fall, and never rise any more.

6.  We should beware to think that Christ hath forgotten his work, because he seemeth to take no notice of our prayers, which we are putting up now and then for his work.  He may be doing that which we are desiring in the general, and yet not let us know that he is answering our prayers; and that for wise and holy ends, to keep us humble and diligent.  He may seem to disregard our suits, and yet be carrying on his work, and granting us our desires upon the matter.