Use 3

USE III.

This truth also affords us a word of warning, to beware of negligence and boasting. Both of these we are too prone to, and either of them will certainly do us damage.

1. Take heed of negligence. How many are there who indulge in themselves sloth and neglect of duty, by this very argument, namely, that all the pains that men can take will do nothing, except God has appointed such an one to salvation; and if he has, then he will bring him home to himself, whether I take pains with him or no: thus are we apt to abuse the decrees of God for the indulgence of our own sinfulness and sloth. No, the inference itself which is thus drawn is false, and savors of ignorance; for he who has appointed the end has appointed the means too; and it is according to Scripture to say, if this had not been, it had not fallen out: yes, it is awful to consider, that sometimes God appoints our neglect to be the occasion of their perdition, when we do so neglect. What says the Scripture? 1 Samuel 3:13: I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity which he knows; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not; and when it is thus, our sin is nothing the less, yes, we become accessories. God had appointed the sinner to perish; and yet see what God says to the Prophet (Ezekiel 3:18): He shall die in his sins, but his blood will I require at your hand.

2. Take heed of boasting yourselves. If God shall succeed your painful endeavours, and make you instrumental of the saving good of those that are under your charge, beware of being lifted up in your minds and arrogating it to yourselves: but let it on the other hand humble you, and lead you to admire the rich mercy of God to you. And therefore, if you see others as painful as you, not so successful, do not insult over them, or prefer yourselves before them: remember all these things are under uncertainties, and are the arbitrary dispensations of God's Providence, who blesses when and as he sees meet. Give God the glory then, and say with Paul, I am nothing. Know it, that if your hearts begin to be puffed up, as if by your own virtue you had done this; he can soon put a blast upon your labours, and teach you by sad experience, that it is not your rising early and sitting up late that can accomplish any thing without him.