The patience of Gods children, under Gods hand.
An 8th. discovery of spirituall health and strength, is an humble, a patient and thankfull submission to the aflicting, and chastising hand of God. Thus it is said of Aaron, in that dreadfull stroak of Gods hand, depriving him of his two sons in the floure of their Youth, in the midst of their sin, in the performance of their Priests Office: it is said, Aaron held his peace: I was dumb and held my peace, (saith David) Psal. 39. for thou didst it: Thus Jeremiah (Lam: 1.) Jehovah is righteous, for I have grievously transgrest against him. Yea Job not only exprest an humble and patient mind, but also (which is wonderfull, but proper to Gods children, when in right temper) he blessed God in the midst of so many fearfull and astonishing losses, of so many Cattel, Servants, and Children, saying, Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Obj. May not wicked men and Hypocrites acknowledg Gods afflicting hand, and humble themselves?
The counterfeit patience of Hypocrites
I answer, Hypocrites may see Gods hand, and humble themselves as the Egyptians, and the Philistins did, but cannot possibly be thankfull for it: They acknowledg Gods hand as a Dog his Masters when he is beaten, but not as a child his Fathers. As a loving and dutifull Wife, receiving Pills or Phisick from the hand of her loving Husband, a skilfull Physitian, who knows her sicknes, and out of love and care, prepares them for her, she cannot but be thankfull for those bitter medicins, and earnestly desire a kindly working: Thus David, Psal: 119. I know O Lord that thou in faithfulnesse hast afflicted me, for all thy commands are righteous.
9thly.
The mournful confession of Gods people.
A 9th. Argument of spiritual health, and strength, is an humble free confession, and giving glory unto God, in the rising up, or recovering out of any scandalous transgression, against God Hence the Israelites confession of their sin in desiring a King, (so impatiently, and imperiously as they did, with large confessions, 1. Sam. 6.)
Hence the many bitter and lamentable confessions of holy David and other holy Servants of God, after their committing of known evils: Hence the Corinthians repenting of their fellowship with the incestuous person in his sin, they give such an exemplary evidence of their true Repentance, that their holy practice is set as an holy Samplar, and Copy for all Saints afterward to follow, and write after.
Obj. But did not Pharaoh, Saul and Judas confesse their sins, &c?