Page:On the providence of God in the government of the world.pdf/24

 with scripture, as well as reason, that 'there is one to the righteous and to the wicked.'

The consideration of what hath been said, will us to be slow in judging our neighbours, and careful  governing ourselves, as we pass together thro' all  changes and chances of this mortal life. Events no better justify our opinion of men's actions, than  will prove the goodness of our own. We must judge by rules, not be [sic] success, and we must live rules, not by examples.

Despise no man for his poverty or ill success, lest despise a man whom God will honour. 'Bless not the covetous whom the Lord abhorreth. Let not thine heart envy sinners: But be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long: For surely there is an end, and thine expectation shall not be cut off.' Prov. xxiii. 17, 18. In affliction be patient. In the day of adversity. In prosperity, 'be not high minded, but fear.' Remember, that a low estate may be your great and security, and that power and riches may be a  to their owner. Learn of St. Paul, 'In whatsoever state you are, therewith to be content.' Take in part, and make the best use of every thing that happens, and be well assured, that nothing can happen amiss, if that be your continual care, which was the  of all Solomon's study and experience, Eccles. xii. 13, 14, 'Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man: for God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.'