THE WAY TO Good SUCCESS. Propounded in a SERMON, Preached upon November the 24th, 1684. at Trinity-house-Chappel, to the Wardens, elder Brethren, and Fraternity of Masters and Seamen of the same House, at Kingston upon Hull. By N. L. Minister of the Gospel at St. Mary's Church in Hull. YORK, Printed by John White, and are to be sold by Thomas Clark Bookseller in Hull, 1685. The WAY to GOOD SUCCESS. Psalm. 37.5. Commit thy way unto the Lord: trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass. EVery Man in his particular Calling and Employment, expects and desires good Success, and the hopes thereof makes him willing to undergo Labour and Hardship. The Husbandman he takes a great deal of pains to Manure, Till, and Sow his Ground, hoping that his labour and trouble will be recompensed with a good Crop, with the joy of Harvest. The Merchant and the Mariner, with much care and diligence fit their Ship, and then go down to the Sea, and occupy themselves in great Waters, Sailing sometimes in the midst of great Rocks and Storms, with the hazard of Lives and Fortunes, and all this hoping for a gainful Voyage and good returns. This Success being that which is so much desired and aimed at by all, one would think that any Project in order thereto should be embraced, or any good Rule propounded by wise experienced men should be observed. The Royal Prophet David was a man of great wisdom and experience, both as a Subject, and as a King: He was one that made great adventures, run through as much business as any man in his time: He had the trial of as many and great troubles and dangers, at home and abroad, as most we read of: And he from his own experience, and being infallibly guided by the Holy Ghost, propounds this as the most certain method for the obtaining of good Success in all our transactions; Commit thy way unto the Lord, etc. In which words we have first a most necessary practical duty enjoined, [Commit thy way unto the lord] 2dly. Good Success promised upon the discharge of this Duty; [And he shall bring it to pass.] I shall not need to spend much time in explaining the words, there not seeming much difficulty. By [way] in Scripture is usually set forth all the whole course of a Christians Life, all his thoughts and purposes, actions and sufferings, cares and troubles. [And he shall bring it to pass] Dabit Caeptis suis successum. vers. Tig●●. He shall give success. Both the parts of the Text may be included in this Proposition. 'Tis every Christians duty and interest to commit his way to God. A Point very clear from other parts of Sacred Writ as well as this, but not so well understood and believed in the World, as we may judge without the breach of Charity: By reason men take such irregular Courses to secure themselves, and bring about their designs. The same rule David gives, Psal. 55.22. Cast thy burden on the Lord and he shall sustain thee. Portabit te & onus tuum. M●is. He shall not suffer thee to sink under the burden of thy fears and cares, work and business: And not only David the Father, but Solomon the Son Preach this Doctrine. Prov. 16.3. Commit thy works to the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. Cogitationes tuae i. e. Consilia tua, pia & proba. Pisc. in lor. Thy thoughts, that is, thy pious and honest counsels shall be established, i. e. shall succeed and shall not be in vain. Our blessed Saviour and his holy Apostles, did frequently teach this Lesson to their Followers. Mat. 6.25. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drinks, nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. In which place our Saviour dissuades them from anxious care about provision, and would have them commit their way to God: For first, God gave life and he gave the body; certainly than he will take care of things necessary for you. Secondly, God takes care of the Fowls of the Air, and Lilies of the Field, that do not labour; much more will he take care of you that are of greater worth and do labour: Take one more, Phil. 4.6. Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer & supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. v. 7. & the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts in the knowledge and the love of God, through Christ Jesus. In our further discourse upon this Subject, I shall inquire, 1. What it is to Commit our way to God? 2. What Considerations may-enforce this duty? 3. When, or in what cases more especially we ought to discharge it? Before I answer the first Quaere positively, give me leave to premise these two things: 1. This Command, [Commit your way to God] doth not superseed our diligence in our Affairs: Men should not give themselves to Idleness and expect that God should take care of them, and provide for them. Religion binds us to great diligence, both in our particular Callings as Men, and general Callings as Christians. Eccl. 9.10. Whatever thine hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. St. Paul looks upon such as are Idle to be disorderly: 2 Thess. 3.11. For we hear there are some among you which walk disorderly, working not at all; These he Commands and exhorts, vers. 12. that with quietness they work and eat their own bread. And he gives a double reason for this, 1. That they may provide for their family. 1 Tim. 5.8. 2dly. That they may have to relieve the poor. Epes. 4.28. Let him that stole steal no more, but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have to give unto him that needeth. Again, in our general Callings as Christians, we are enjoined to be diligent. 2 Pet. 1.10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your Calling and Election sure. The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth denote great Industry and Vigilancy, to make it sure, not in our own Opinion, but to se●●● it in the effect by diligent and careful obedience: so verse 5. And besides this giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, etc. So that you see there is an Obligation lies upon us, not to be slothful in business, but fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord: That we should be diligent in the Worship of God, in the carrying on the Warfare against our Spiritual Enemies, in the Exercise of all Divine graces, in a word, in our whole Christian race. 2. This Command doth not superseed our provident care and prudence in the management of our Affairs: The Laws of the Christian Religion oblige us to order our Affairs with discretion. The wise man tells us, Prov. 14.8. The wisdom of the Prudent is to understand his way. His Committing his way to God is not inconsistent with his propounding a just and honest end to himself, and choosing the most proper means to attain it: He forsees dangers, and endeavours to avoid them; He discovers difficulties, and prepares to encounter them: Religion is so● far from being an Enemy to the prudent management of our Affairs in the World, that where it is hearty embraced, it doth much assist us therein, as it frees us from many hurtful lusts and Passions, which darken the understanding, that we cannot so prudently order our concerns: as it fortifies us against the troubles we meet with in carrying on our just and honest designs: therefore 'tis said of David, who committed his way to God, and put his trust in him; That he fed his people according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands: or as read by some, Ruled prudently with all his power, Psal. 78.72. They are therefore under a great mistake, who think that because God commands them to commit their way unto him, they may either be negligent or improvident. Now I come to speak Positively what it is to Commit our Way to the Lord. This Committing our Way to God, doth imply, our submitting ourselves and ways to the Govemant of God, a yielding up ourselves to the conduct of Heaven; to be ruled and guided by those Laws that God governs his Subjects by: that God who gave unto us our lives, hath given also to us Laws; and when we observe these Laws to be a Rule for our Actions, than we may be said to commit our Way unto him. But if we follow the dictates of our own corrupt Minds, or the evil examples of others, or the sinful Customs of the Times and Places wherein we live, we renounce God's Sovereignty over us, and disown, as it were, our dependence upon him. Yea further, if either we have any wicked projects and designs, or manage any of our affairs by unwarrantable means, viz. Fraud, Lying, Perjury, or Injustice, we are so far from Committing our Ways to God, that we may be said to commit them to the Devil; and are so far from obtaining his blessing, that we forfeit his favour, and the aides of his good Spirit. When the Devil set upon our Blessed Saviour in the Wilderness, Matth. 4.6. he would have persuaded him to vain confidence; saying, If thou be the Son of God cast thyself down, for it is written, he will give his Angels charge concerning thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, least at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone: and he allegeth, Psal. 91.12. that God had given the Angels charge of him: but he leaves out part of the Verse which was contrary to his purpose, viz. He shall keep thee in all thy ways. In omnibus actionibus loci, munerissive vocationis tuae, In all the actions of thy place, duty, or vocation. And therefore our Saviour, verse 7. intimates, that if he should do so, he should be so far from trusting in God, that it would be a tempting God, saying, It is written, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Wherefore every good Christian ought to take care in the first place, that his way be good, that his actions be agreeable to the Law and the Testimonies; and know this, that there is no doubt, difficulty, condition of life or action to be performed, which Gods Law doth not give particular or general directions for. Many times indeed we are to seek, and at a loss, and cannot find a resolution of our Case: yet 'tis not because the Law is imperfect, but because our senses are not sufficiently exercised therein, to discover it, and so not able to accommodate the great Rule to our particular Case: For the Law of the Lord is perfect, and able to make the man of God perfect. 2 Tim. 3.15. 2. It implies our seeking to Almighty God by Prayer, for his direction and blessing. Phil. 4.6. Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by Prayer and supplication; with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God. This is not only an indispensible duty, but our great privilege; that in all our undertake we may sue to God for aid and for his blessing: We are but weak silly Creatures of ourselves and can effect nothing; all our sufficiency is of him: We may rise up early and sit up late, and eat the bread of carefulness, and all to no purpose, unless God Crown our undertake with his Blessing. Let us therefore, frequently in the most humble and devout manner, beg earnestly of Almighty God that he would supply all our wants, support us in all our difficulties, deliver us out of imminent dangers, prosper our honest and just undertake; let us say with David, Show me thy way O Lord, lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for thou art the God of my Salvation. Great encouragement have we for the discharge of this duty from God's appointment, from his gracious promises, and from the examples of the most pious Men in all Ages, who have taken this course with good Success, Moses, David, and all the worthies of Old, have left this upon Record from their own Experience, That God is nigh unto all them that call upon him. That the Lord is good to them that wait for him, to the Soul that seeketh him. Lam. 3.25. 3. This Committing our Way to God, implies, our trusting in his Word and Promises, and this is the main Matter included in the Text, and therefore 'tis added, Trust also in him. Volve super Dominum; Rest on him who is a Rock. David saith, He is the Rock of my Salvation, Psal. 18.46. and therefore he will trust in him. The devout Father St. Bernard, whilst he speaks concerning this Rock, has these words, Fremit mundus, premit corpus, insidiatur Diabolus non cedo; The World rageth, the flesh pincheth, the Devil spreads Snares: Yet I fall not, because I am fixed on a Rock. This it is to live by Faith when we meet with strong temptations, and are in danger to be drawn into Sin, than we seek to God for help, and use our utmost endeavours, and wait confidently upon him for such an issue as he hath promised. Psal. 34.22. The Lord delivereth the Souls of his Saints, and none that put their trust in him shall be destitute. I might show you the Examples of Abraham, David, Daniel, the three Children, how they Committed their Way to God, and trusted to him in the midst of great difficulties and dangers, and found that God was as good as his word. From which instances we might likewise take notice that a good Christian, as he fears nothing but sin, so he is solicitous about nothing but duty: He need not trouble himself about Events, for God is faithful, who promiseth to turn all for good in the Issue to these who Commit their Way to him, and also trust in him. 4. This Committing our Way to God implies an humble Submission to him, and contentedness of mind with God's ordering of us and our Affairs: Such do not rebel against God's will, nor murmur at his Proceed, nor contend against his Providence, but are ready to say with Eli, under the greatest disappointments, and the most seeming cross Providences, It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good. 1 Sam. 3.18. Our Religion teacheth us, when God in his Providence crosseth or disappointeth us in our Erterprises, not to fly in the face of God in a passion, but to fall down at his feet in submission. Our blessed Saviour gave us his own example for this duty: When God put a bitter Cup into his hand to drink, he said, The Cup which my Father gives me shall I not drink it? The great Apostle Paul also took out this Lesson, Phil. 4.11, 12. For I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and how to abound, every where and in all things I am instructed, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need. Qu. 2. What Considerations may enforce this Duty? 1. I shall only name two, the first is in the Text, [he will bring it to pass] or, turn it to good: And the force of this first Consideration will appear, if we take notice, 1. That God is able to bring it to pass. 2. That he is willing. First, That God is able; although this be a truth that most men take for granted, yet seeing it oft falls out that our Faith is put to the stretch, things are so cross, and with Nicodemus are ready to say, How can these things be? can God furnish a Table in the Wilderness? It will not be amiss to touch upon these following particulars, that our judgements may be satisfied in the present truth. Whoever is disappointed in any design he undertakes, 'tis either because he wants prudence to manage it, power to complete it, or cannot be present to carry it on. Now there is that in God which answers these defects. 1. Their wisdom in God, and that infinite too, whereby he is able to forecast his work, and to overwit the wisest; As Eliphaz says, Job. 5.12. He disappointeth the devices of the Crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. verse 13. He taketh the wise in their own craftiness, and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong. Whatever ways of Wisdom are to be met with in the Creature, they are but so many beams of light darted from him who is the Original. Jam. 1.5 If any lack wisdom let him ask of God who gives it to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. Then as the Psalmist saith, Psal. 94.9, 10. He that planted the ear shall not he hear? He that form the eye shall not he see? He that teacheth man knowledge shall not he know? Yes surely, therefore, Rom. 16. last, He is called the only wise God. 2. There is power in God. It hath been observed by some, that this expression is found no less than 70 times in Scripture, that God is Almighty, difficulties are no difficulties with him: Whatever is absolutely possible in itself (excepting that which is inconsistent with perfection,) it falls within the reach of his power. He can bring about his designs by weak means, without any means that are obvious to the eye of man, or by seeming contrary means. All the Creatures are at his beck and command; he can dispose them, take away their beings, suspend their Actions; yea, the very hearts of men are in his hands, and he can turn them as the Rivers of water. 3. He is Omnipresent; oftimes men's designs miscarry, 'cause they cannot be at several places the same time, or cannot act at a distance: but God is present in all places, and filleth all things. Can any man hid himself in secret places that I should not see him, for do not I fill heaven and earth, Jer. 23.24. And this being added to his Wisdom and Power, make it out that God is able to bring things to pass. Secondly, God is willing to bring it to pass. He is good and merciful, and delighteth to do good and to show mercy. It's as natural to God to do good, as for the Eye to see or the Ear to hear. The sweet Singer of Israel, David, Celebrateth the mercy and goodness of God in Psal. 106.107, 108. God hath no pleasure in punishing men, and therefore Justice is called Op●● à lienum, his strange work; and when at any time he doth inflict Judgements upon them he seems to be troubled thereat. How shall I give thee up Ephraim? how shall I make thee as Admah, how shall I set thee as Zeboim, Hos. 11.8. He hath no delight in disappointing men in their Erterprises: God hath a natural inclination to do us good, to Crown our endeavours with Success, to gratify those that please him. Psal. 35.27. Let the Lord be magnified, who hath pleasure in the prosperity of his Servants. Besides, God's willingness is apparent from the many gracious Promises that he hath made in his Word: to help and relieve them that put their trust in him. 2. There is none that we can Commit our Way with safety to but unto God. It will be acknowledged, that we cannot with safety commit our Way to the Devil; though there are too many, God knows, who take this course: such as consult Wisemen, but this their way is their folly. Such as take unwarrantable courses to bring about their designs, they for certain will find themselves disappointed in the issue. Neither can a man put confidence in himself with safety; he is both too feeble and too foolish. Jer. 10.23. O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not it man that walketh to direct his own steps. If a man put confidence in himself, 'tis the way to want Success: Neither may we with safety put confidence in Friends, though they be a great treasure: For the greatest through impotency may, or through fraud will deceive us, Job complains Job 6.15. My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the streams of brooks they pass away. Neither can we trust in the greatest of men: One would think that if any thing was to be trusted in, it was to be in Kings and Princes: but see what is said Psalms 62.9. Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the Balance they are altogether lighter than vanity. Therefore he says, Psalm 146.3, 4. Put not your trust in Princes, nor in the Son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth: in that very day his thoughts perish. Man is but vanity, and God never created him to be trusted in: Trust is too great a burden for any thing but God. But some think they may safely put confidence in their Wealth, Psal. 52.7. Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength: but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. Prov. 10.15. The Rich man's wealth is his strong City: But 'tis but in his own conceit. For Prov. 11.28. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: They take themselves wings and fly away from one Person to another, from one Family to another: Therefore we are charged by the Apostle, not to trust in uncertain Riches, but in the Living God. Qu. 3. When, or in what cases more especially we ought to commit our Way to God? David, Psal. 62.8. says, Trust in him at all times ye people, God is a Refuge for us. Solomon, Prov. 3.6. says, In all thy Ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy Paths. Yet there are some particular Cases, and special Seasons, which call for the discharge of this Duty, and they are such as concern our Souls, or our Affairs. First, Such as concern our Souls. 1. When we are under apprehensions of great guilt that we have contracted upon our Consciences in the by past time of our Lives, so that we are afraid that God will never Pardon us, never receive us into his favour: Then, and in this case, let us endeavour to perform the Conditions required: let us be sorrowful for our sins, let us acknowledge our Iniquities: let us earnestly beg Pardon in the name of Christ, and then we may with confidence commit our Souls unto God, not troubling ourselves with those unnecessary Inquiries about Gods Eternal Decrees: but diligently making use of all these means that he hath appointed for the obtaining of his grace and favour: trust in him who hath promised, If we confess and forsake our sins he will have mercy and forgive. 1 Joh. 1.9. 2. Another special Season is, when we meet with strong temptations, either from Satan, the World, or our own Corruptions. It may be the condition of good men, that they may be disquieted with fear, lest these sons of Zerviah should be too hard for them. In this case they should be active and diligent, and trust in God for the mighty aid of his Blessed Spirit; knowing, that greater is he that is with us, than he that is in the World; the Eternal God is our refuge: Trust in him, for he hath not only promised assistance, but hath given strength to those that have already managed this Warfare. The Apostle Paul, when he was buffeted by Satan, besought the Lord, and committed his way to him; and God said, My grace is sufficient for thee. 2 Cor. 12.7, 8, 9 3. In case we have very little comfort in our Christian course, sometimes it may be the condition of good men, that though they be careful in the discharge of their duty, yet their minds may be full of doubts and fears, and God seems to hid his face from them. This was David's case, Psal. 30.7. Thou didst hid thy face and I was troubled. But then see Psalms 31.1. In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; deliver me in thy Righteousness. See Isa. 50.10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light, let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. And thus Job, a Christian of an ancient date said, Though he slay me yet will I trust in him. Job. 13.15. 4. At the hour of Death, when we are taking our leave of all that's near and dear to us in this world, and our Souls, as it were, sits upon our lips ready to launch out into the Ocean of Eternity: This is a special Season to commit our Souls unto God. Thus did the Protomartyr St Stephen. Act. 7.59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus receive my Spirit. In like manner did our blessed Saviour. Luke 23.46. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father into thy hand I commend my spirit; and having said thus he gave up the Ghost. 2. Such as concern our Affairs in this World. 1. When we engage in any weighty business, where there is difficulty and danger: Now, though we ought to commit our way to God every day, and in all our Affairs, (for this duty is not only to be exercised in the Church, and upon the first day of the Week, but in our Shops, and in our Houses, in our Trades, in eating and drinking and Recreations, and that every day in the Week) yet more especially when we are in danger of meeting with temptations, and much opposition, than we are to beg from Heaven direction and aid, and to trust in him for good Success. Thus did Eleazar Abraham's Steward, Gen. 24.12. O Lord God of my Master Abraham, I pray thee send me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my Master Abraham. Thus Jehoshaphat, 2 Cron. 20.12. Lord we have no might against this great Host, but our eyes are towards thee. 2. When men's good Names are taken away, and they are reproached and falsely accused, as Joseph by his Mistress, David by Doeg, and this seems to be the case of David in the Text: for verse 6. He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement as the noonday. Job was charged by his friends for an Hypocrite, and he trusted in God, and he was pleased to vindicate him, and make his Innocency apparent to the whole world. Christ Jesus who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, yet did he not escape the reproaches of men, and under those reproaches discharged this duty, 1 Pet. 2.23. Who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not: but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. Eusebius tells us, that Narcissus Bishop of Jerusalem, was accused of a foul Crime by three men; he had no way to clear his innocency but by committing his Cause to God, and he was pleased to inflict heavy judgements upon two of them, so that the third seeing God's hand stretched out against the other, became penitent and confessed all, so then the cloud of Reproach vanished, and his Innocency shined as the light. 3. When we are in straits about the things of this Life, and have no prospect of any means visible for a supply, then is a special Season to commit ourselves and ways to God in the discharge of those duties we ought to perform: For he hath promised, The young Lions shall lack and suffer hunger, but they that fear the Lord shall not want any good thing. Ps. 34.10. Then trust in him who can bless the little Meal in the Barrel, & the Oil in the Cruse: who could feed Elijah by Ravens, and the Israelites with Manna and Quails from Heaven in the Wilderness: and will not suffer those that trust in him to want necessaries. 4. When we are full of fears and troubles about Posterity, this is the case of many good men, who are very solicitous about their Posterity, what will become of them when they are dead and gone: Indeed they have reason to be troubled if they have raised Estates for them with a Curse, by Injustice, Fraud, or Extortion: for than they expose them to the Judgements of God, who visits the iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children. Exod. 20.5. For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. Or else, if they have been guilty of some gross sins, that draws down the effects of God's wrath even upon Posterity: for God is said to lay up the iniquity of the wicked man for his Children. Job. 21.19. God layeth up his iniquity for his Children, (i. e.) the punishment of it, as in the Margin. Thus Jeroboam left a Curse upon his Posterity by his Idolatry 1 King. 15.29, 30. And it came to pass when he Reigned, that he smote all the house of Jeroboam, he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according to the saying of the Lord, which he spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite: Because of the sins of Jeroboam which he sinned, and which he made Israel to sin, by his provocation wherewith he provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger. Thus Gehazi by taking the bribe, brought God's curse upon his Posterity, 2 King. 5.27. The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and to thy seed for ever. Likewise the Jews by their great sin in Crucifying the Lord of Life and Glory, brought such a Curse upon their Posterity, that they have been a vagabond People for above 1600 Years. But now if men have been just and merciful in their Lives, they need not be troubled about their Posterity, even when they have made but small provision for them, but may commit them unto God, who hath styled himself a Father of the Fatherless, Psalm 68.5. A Father of the Fatherless, and a Judge of the Widows is God in his holy Habitation. Besides, God hath promised, That the seed of the Righteous shall be blessed: And he hath engaged himself by Covenant, not only to be their God but the God of their seed. Gen. 17.7. And I will establish my Covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their Generations, for an everlasting Covenant; to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. 5. When men are brought into troubles and straits for Righteousness sake, it hath been, and may be the Lot of the Righteous to be brought into great dangers, to be persecuted for righteousness sake, and to be straitened that they can see no visible means for their help and deliverance: then is a proper Season to act Faith upon God, and to commit their Way unto him. Let such be sure that the cause for which they suffer be good, and then that they suffer with a good Conscience, and then they may say with Paul, 2 Tim. 1.12. For the which cause I also suffer these things, nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Let such I say trust God Almighty who will support them in their trouble, as he did the Martyrs of old; or deliver them out of their troubles one way or other. Object. 1. There are some that never commit their way to God, and yet have good Success and thrive and prosper in the World. Answ. 1. This was that which troubled the Psalmist much Psal. 73. and shaked his Faith, verse 2. For I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. verse 12. Behold these are the ungodly who prosper in the world, they increase in riches. When he thought to know this it was too painful for him, until he went into the Sanctuary of God, there he understood their end, which was destruction. verse 16.17, and 18. There he understood, that they should be soon cut down like the grass, and whither as the green herb. Psal. 37.2, Psal. 92.6, 7. A brutish man knoweth not, neither doth a fool understand this: When the wicked spring as the grass, and all the workers of iniquity do flourish, it is that they shall be destroyed for ever. Then he perceived, and so may we do too, that the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. Prov. 1.32. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. So that this their Success and Prosperity, makes but way for their greater fall: and though God may permit wicked men that commit their ways rather to the Devil then to God, to thrive and prosper sometimes in the World, yet this does but prepare them for greater destruction; and therefore David prays, Psal. 17.13, 14. Deliver my soul from the Wicked which is thy sword: From men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men in the world who have their portion in this life. And upon whom God shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an terrible tempest, this is the portion of their Cup, Psal. 11.6. Object. 2. Such as do commit their way to God we find want Success, and thrive and prosper no better in their undertake then others do. Answ. 1. Some men seem to commit their way to God and yet do not, and no wonder if these be disappointed: men that only have a name to live and pretend to Religion, but carry on base and wicked designs, these men have no interest in those gracious Promises, for they are made to those that are really virtuous and good, and work righteousness. 2. Know, that though this be true for the most part, that God Crowneth the undertake of good men with Success; yet for some Reasons for their own Spiritual and Eternal advantage he may disappoint them: as when their crosses, disappointments, want of Success tends to the improvement of their Graces; their Faith, Meekness, Patience, Contententedness, and for their better preparation for Heaven; such Crosses are great favours and blessings in the Issue. 1 Cor. 11.32. We are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the World. In short, such persons as do really commit their Way to God, and put their trust in him, shall be no losers in the issue, Eccles. 8.12. Yet surely I know it shall be well with them that fear God, that fear before him. Use. Then suffer a word of Exhortation in the Words of the Text, Commit your Way unto the Lord, trust also in him and he shall bring it pass. Be sure your designs be just and honest, and take no unwarrantable means to effect them, and then betake yourselves to the Throne of Grace, waiting upon God with the Church. Isa. 25.9. Lo this is our God, we have waited for him & he will save us: this is the Lord, we have waited for him, we will be glad, and rejoice in his salvation. More particularly to you that are Sea-fairing men, that undertakes tedious and dangerous Voyages upon the great Deep: let me exhort you to commit your Way to God, etc. according to all the forementioned particulars. This is the most probable cause to secure your Persons, Ships and Loading from the dangers of the Sea; and know assuredly, that if God should suffer you to miscarry upon the great Ocean, yet by this method you may secure your souls against the Waves and Billows of God's Wrath to all Eternity. Directions for the better Discharge of this Duty that you may commit your Way to God. 1. Live under the Apprehensions of his Providence. Divine Providence doth concern itself in all Persons and things in the World: which is a truth that none but professed Atheists will deny. The Epicureans indeed, (but 'tis charged on them as a gross piece of inconsistency) grant there is a God, but that he busies not himself with affairs below: but an idle God sounds something like a dark Sun, or cold Fire, both contradictions. A God in Heaven not superintending all Transactions here below, is no better than a Heathen God, That have Eyes but see not, Ears but hear not, Hands but handle not. Now lest we should entertain such unworthy thoughts of the living God, he manifests himself to us in the Scripture by what he is doing, Isa. 40.22, 23, It is he that sitteth on the Circle of the Earth, and the Inhabitants thereof are as Grasshoppers: that stretcheth out the Heavens as a Curtain, and spreadeth them out as a Tent to dwell in: That bringeth the Princes to nothing, and maketh the Judges of the Earth as vanity: He pulls down one, and sets up another. Ludit in humanis divina potentiarebus: Divine Power often dares Dispart itself in Man's Affairs. 1 Sam. 2.7, 8. The Lord maketh Poor and maketh rich: He bringeth low, and lifteth up: He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the Beggar from the Dunghill to set them among Princes, and to make them inherit the Throne of Glory: for the Pillars of the Earth are the Lords, and he hath set the world upon them. Yea our Blessed Saviour hath put this out of doubt, that the Lord hath not left the World to be ruled by blind chances, but that his Providence reacheth the smallest concerns. Math. 10.29. Are not two Sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30. But the very hairs of their head are all numbered. Yea these very things that seem to proceed from the course of Nature, from the malice of our Enemies, or our own improvidence, or chance, or fortune, are directed by the Providence of God. Now then, if you firmly believe the extent of this his Providence to all persons and all Affairs, you will readily commit your Way to him, and wait upon him for Success. 2. Call to mind what experience you have had at any time of the Power, Wisdom, and Goodness of God in the ordering your Affairs: your manifold deliverances out of dangers, relief in straits, especially such of you as have lately been in great Storms at Sea, and God hath in his Providence pointed out a way for your safety, when many have been swallowed up in the great Deep. Remember this I say, and write upon this Mercy, Even ever hitherto hath the Lord helped me; and for the future put your trust in the living God, and cast your care upon him. Thus did David when he was to encounter the great Goliath, he remembered how God has delivered him from the Lion and the Bear, and this made him confident that God would deliver him also from the uncircumcised Philistine. And therefore the Psalmist concludes, Psalm 9.10. And they that know thy Name will put their trust in thee, for thou Lord hast not forsaken them that seek thee. 3. Labour for a strong Faith. The Disciples were sensible of this defect, and therefore pray the Lord that he would increase then Faith. 'Tis because of the weakness of this grace that men turn aside from the Lord, and walk unevenly; especially where they meet with difficulties and dangers: as appears by our Saviour's rebuking his own Disciples for their weakness in this Grace: How long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? And will not God take care of you much more than of Sparrows: O ye of little Faith; Whereas if your Faith were stronger in God you would the better overcome doubts and objections that might arise in your hearts against this truth: When Nature and Reason seem to be against Abraham's Obedience, yet his strong Faith conquered all difficulties. Rom. 4.20. He staggered not at the promise through unbelief; but was strong in Faith, giving glory to God. Thus Moses, David, Daniel, and the three Children, in most difficult cases, committed their Way to God, being strong in Faith: Say ye therefore, O Lord increase our Faith. 4. Lastly, Make God your friend, endeavour to gain his Favour, and then you may with more confidence Commit your Way to him: Men do not usually commit their Affairs to them they have no interest in, or acquaintance with: if wicked men (that by their Rebellions against God by their frequent acts of Hostility) have affronted the Almighty, should in time of their great straits seek unto God, or commit their way to him: may not God say to them as Wisdom speaks, Prov. 1.24, 25, 26. Because I have called & ye refused, I have stretched out my hands, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity, I will laugh when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a Whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. Yea, God may say unto them, as Judg. 10.14. Go and cry unto the Gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulations. Now there's no way Sirs, of making God our friend, or procuring his favour, but by yielding an universal, sincere, constant obedience to his Commandments; by avoiding every known sin, and walking soberly, and righteously, and godly before him: nor no way to maintain and preserve acquaintance with him, but by frequent performance of all Religious duties, such as Prayer, Hearing, Reading, Meditation of God's Word, and receiving the Sacraments: Therefore to conclude, let us take this method, that so we may with confidence, and safety, & good Success Commit our Souls, Bodies, Estates, Affairs & Posterity, to God as our friend, to whom with his blessed Son our Saviour, and the Holy Ghost, be praise and Glory for ever, Amen. ADVERTISEMENT. A Catalogue of Books sold by Thomas Clark Bookseller in Kingston upon Hull. Books in Folio. SEbald's Scotland Illustrated. Tulii Opera two Volumes. Grew's Anatomy of Roots and Plants. Bocca's Novels. Baker's Chronicles. Almahide, a Romance. Breut's History of France. Mezerey's History of France. Cave's Lives of the Fathers in two Vol. Eusebius Ecclesiastical History in English. Dalton's Justice of Peace. Meads Works. Hammonds Works in four Vol. Parry's Surgery. Mariners Magazine. Phillip's New World of Words. Pharmacopoeia Londinensis. Pembrooks Arcadia. Rushworth's Collections in three Vol. Strafford's Trial. Books in Quarto. Seller's Practical Navigation. Markham's Masterpiece. Salmon's jatrica. Wedenfield De usu, Spiritus Vini. Falconers 2. Treatise. Dryden's History of the League. Way to get Wealth. Phillip's Navigation. Godwin's Antiquities. Baxter's Saints Rest. Clark's Praxis. Flavil's Pnermatologia. Charon of Wisdom. Cole's Dictionary. Mariners New Calendar. Degrey's Horseman. Apprentice time Entertainer. Merchants Account made easy. Destruction of Troy. Brown's Architecture. Books in Octavo. Molley 's de Jure Maritimo, & navali. Wingat's Abridgement. Joan 's De Febribus. Patrick on Proverbs. Patrick 's Mensa Mystica. Janua Linguarum. Kitchen on Courts. Complete Attorney. Clerk's Guide, in four Parts complete. King Charles the Second Life. May's Cookery. Harres of the Venerial Disease. Bate's History of the Late Troubles in England. Leybourn's Vulgar Decimals. Belgic Hesperides. Cromwel's Life. Books in Duodecimo. Bunian's Pilgrims Progress in two Parts. Life of Badman. Sighs from Hell. Pharisee and Publican. Flavel's seaman's Compass Spiritualised. Flavel's Saint indeed. Coke Coppy-holder. Fox's Time and end of Time. Plain man's Pathway to Heaven. Dyer's Works. Two Journeys to Jerusalem. Admirable Curiosities and Rarities. Harvy on Small Pox. Moral Gallentry. England Monarches History of Scotland. FINIS.