with others; there is more strength required in an arm or
leg than in a finger or toe; and every one should be content with his
measure, so far as not to fret or repine against God and his
dispensations, that makes them but a finger, and not an arm of the body;
and do their duty in their station, fighting against sin, according to
the measure or grace dispensed to them of the Lord, and that faithfully
and constantly; and not quarrel with God, that he maketh us not as free
of temptations and corruptions as some others. For the captain must not
he blamed for commanding some of his soldiers to this post where they
never once see the enemy, and others to that post where they must
continually fight. The soldier is here under command, and therefore must
be quiet, and take his lot; so must the Christian reverence the Lord's
dispensations, in ordering matters, so as they shall never have one
hour's quietness, while, as others have more rest and peace, and stand
at their post fighting, resolving never to yield, but rather to cover
the ground with their dead bodies, till the commander-in-chief think
good to relieve them. Sure I am, as the only wise God hath distributed
to every member of the body, as he hath thought good, so it is the duty
of every member to endeavour this holy submission to him, as to the
measure of grace, considered as his free gift bestowed on them; and to
be humbled for the grudgings of his heart, because God hath not given
him more talents. And sure I am, though this submission make no great
noise in the world; yet really this is one of the highest degrees of
grace attainable here, and such an ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,
as is in the sight of God of great price. So that whoever hath attained
to this, have the very grace they seem to want, and more. Yet, lest
this should be abused, let me add a word or two of caution, to qualify
this submission. (1.) There must be with it a high prizing even of that
degree of grace which they want. (2) There must be a panting after
grace, as it is God's image, and a conformity to him, and with so much
singleness, as they may be in case to say, without the reproachings of
their heart, they do not so much love holiness for heaven, as heaven for
holiness. (3.) There must be an unceasingness in using all means,
whereby the growth of grace may be promoved to this end, that they may
be conformed to his image, rather than that they may be comforted. (4.)
There must be also a