n the dust, if
so be there may be hope, and pleasantly to submit to God's wise
ordering, without grudging or quarrelling with God for what he doth, and
to accept sweetly the punishment of his iniquity, if he see guilt lying
at the root of this dispensation. Where there is a silent submission to
the sovereign and only wise disposing hand of God, and the man is
saying, if he will not have me to be a fruitful tree in his garden, nor
to grow and flourish as the palm-tree, let me be a shrub, only let me be
kept within the precincts of his garden, that his eye may be upon me for
good; let me abide within his courts, that I may behold his countenance,
there is grace, and no small measure of grace. To be an hired servant is
much, Luke xv. 19.

6. But withal, it would be observed, that this gracious frame of soul,
that is silent before God, under several disappointments, is accompanied
with much singleness of heart, in panting after more holiness, and with
seriousness and diligence in all commanded duties, waiting upon the
Lord, who is their hope and their salvation in each of them, and with
mourning for their own sinful accession to that shortcoming in their
expectations.

7. We would not think that there is no progress in Christianity, or
growth in grace, because it cometh not our way, or by the instruments
and means that we must expect it by. Possibly we are too fond on some
instruments and means that we prefer to others; and we think, if ever we
get good, it must be that way, and by that means, be it private or
public: and God may give a proof of his sovereignty, and check us for
our folly, by taking another way. He would not be found of the bride,
neither by her seeking of him secretly on her bed by night; nor more
publicly, by going about the city, in the streets and broad ways; nor by
the means of the watchmen, Cant. iii. 1, 2, 3.

8. Nor would we think that there is no growth in the work of grace,
because it cometh not at such or such prelimited or fore-set time; nor
would we think the matter desperate, because of our looking long, and
waiting, and asking, and labouring, and yet seeing no sensible
advantage. Such and such a believer, saith the soul, made great progress
in a short time, but I come no speed, for as long as I have been at this
school. O! we should beware of limiting the Holy One of Israel. Let us
be at duty, and commit the event to him.

9. It is not a fit time to take the measure of our graces, as to t