Chapter 28: Storms Reveal the Pilot's Skill — God's Wisdom Triumphs in Affliction

Storms make discovery of the Pilots skill. Gods Wisdom in affliction triumphs still.

OBSERVATION.

IN fair Weather, when there is Sea-room enough, then every common person can guide the Ship, the Pilot may then lie down and take his rest; but in great storms and stress of weather, or when near the dangerous shore, then the most skilful Pilot is put to it: Then he shows the utmost of his Are and Skill, and yet sometimes all is too little. They are (as the Scripture speaks) at their wits end, know not what to do more, but are forced to commit all to the mercy of God and the Seas.

APPLICATION.

In the Storms and Tempests of Affliction and Trouble, there are the most evident and full Discoveries of the Wisdom and Power of our God: It is indeed continually active for his people in all conditions, Isai. 27. 3. Lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. Psalm 121:4. He that keeps Israel, neither stumbereth nor sleepeth. His peoples dangers are without intermission, therefore his preservations are so too. But now, when they come into the Streight of Affliction, and deadly dangers, which threaten like Rocks on every side; now the Wisdom of their God rides triumphantly and visibly upon the waves of that stormy Sea. And this infinite Wisdom is then especially discovered in these particulars.

1. In leaving them still somewhat in the lieu and room of those Comforts that they are deprived of; so that they see God does exchange their comforts, and that for the better; and this supports them. So John 14. 1, 2, 3. Christ's bodily presence is removed, but the Spirit was sent in the room of it, which was better.

2. In doubling their strength, as he doubles their burdens. It is observed, that the Saints have many times very strong and sweet Consolation, a little before their greatest Trials: And this is so ordinary, that commonly, when they have had extraordinary Consolations from God, they have then looked for some eminent Trial. The Lord appeared to Abraham, and sealed the Covenant to him, and then put him upon that great trial of his Faith. So the Disciples, Luke 24. 49. It was commanded them that they should tarry in Ierusalem, till they were endowed with power from on high. The Lord knew what an hard providence they were like to have, and what great oppositions and difficulties they must encounter, in publishing the Everlasting Gospel to the World; and therefore first prepares, and endows them with power from on high, namely with eminent measures of the Gifts and Craces of the Spirit; as Faith, Patience, Self-denial, &c. So Paul had first his Revelations, then his Buffetings.

3. In coming in so opportunely in the time of their great distress, with relief and comfort, 1 Peter 4:14. Then the Spirit of Glory, and of God resteth on them. As that Martyr cried out to his friend Austin, at the very stake, He is come, he is come.

4. In appointing and ordering the several kinds of afflictions to several Saints; and allotting to every one, that very Affliction, and no other, which is most suitable to his condition: Which Afflictions, like so many Portions of Physick, are prepared for that very malignant humour that predominates most in them. Peter's sin was self-confidence, God permits him to fall by denying Christ: which doubtless was sanctified to his good, in that particular. Hezekiah's sin was vain-glory; therefore Spoilers are sent to take away his Treasures.

5. In the duration of their Troubles; they shall not lie always upon them, Psalm 125:3. Our God is a God of Judgment, Isai. 30. 18. Knows the due time of removing it, and is therein punctual to a day, Revelation 2:10.

REFLECTION.

If the Wisdom of God do thus triumph and glorifie itself in the Distresses of the Saints, then why should I fear in the day of evil! Psalm 49:4. Why does my heart faint at the foresight and apprehension of approaching trouble? Fear none of those things that you shalt suffer, O my Soul; if your God will thus be with you in the fire and water, you canst not perish. Though I walk through the Valley of the shadow of Death, yet let me fear no evil, while my God is thus with me. Creatures cannot do what they please; his wisdom limits and over-rules them all, to gracious and sweet ends. If my God cast me into the Furnace, to melt and try me, yet I shall not be consumed there; for he will sit by the Furnace himself all the while I am in it, and curiously pry into it, observing when it has done its work, and then will presently withdraw the fire. O my Soul, bless and adore this God of Wisdom! who himself will see the ordering of all your Afflictions, and not trust it in the hands of Men or Angels!

THE POEM.

Though tossed in greatest Storms, I'll never fear,

If Christ will sit at Helm to guide and steer.

Storms are the triumph of his Skill and Are;

He cannot close his Eyes, nor change his Heart.

Vvisdom and Power ride upon the Vvaves,

And in the greates[•] danger helps and saves

From dangers, it by dangers does deliver,

And wounds the Devil out of his own Quiver;

It countermines his Plots, and so does spoil,

And make his Engines on himself recoil

It blunts the Politicians restless Tool,

And makes Ahitophel the veriest Fool:

It shows us how our Reason us misled,

And if we had not, we had perished.

Lord, to your Vvisdom I will give the Reins,

And not with Cares perplex and vex my brains.