scudderpage183

Page 183

to endeavour so to walk towards God's people that you keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, Ephes. iv. 3; to provide for your own, 1 Tim. v. 8; to give diligence to make your calling and election sure, 2 Pet. i. 5 - 10; to study to maintain good works, Tit. iii. 8. But amongst all, you are commanded chiefly to seek the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, Matt. vi. 33, as the best means to free you from all unlawful cares.

The properties of lawful care are these:

SECT. 1. DESCRIPTION OF LAWFUL CARE.

First, The seat wherein lawful care resides, is the head; for that is the seat of understanding, wisdom, and discretion; but carefulness is chiefly seated in the heart.

Secondly, Godly care is always about good and lawful things. It has a good object, and good matter to work upon, and be conversant about: proposing always some good thing to be the end, which it would attain. It is not a care about evil, as how to make provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof, Rom. xiii. 14; like Ahab's and Jezebel's carefulness for Naboth's vineyard and life, 1 Kings xxi. nor yet like Absalom's carefulness, how to usurp his father's kingdom, 2 Sam. xv. nor like Haman's, how to destroy the Jews, Esther iii. 9; neither is it like the carefulness of those of whom Solomon speaks, who cannot sleep unless they do mischief, Prov. iv. 16.

Thirdly, This holy provident care makes choice only of lawful means, to obtain this lawful end. David had care of his own life; therefore he got intelligence from Jonathan of Saul's evil purposes towards him, 1 Sam. xx. 1. He did fly and hide himself from Saul, but would by no means lay violent hands upon his anointed lord and king; though he had fair opportunities, and strong solicitations to kill him, he falling twice into his power, and was earnest-