the stay of our soules, when oppressing trouble lieth heavie upon us, and walking before him in humility, meekenesse and feare, when all things prosper according to our hearts desire, and readily performing our vowes which we made in the day of our calamity: This is a notable effect of uprightnesse. Thus Job confirmeth his uprightnesse, in adversity he called upon God,Job. 27.10.
Job. 3.23.
and 2.3,10. and waited upon his aide: in prosperity he remembred his change, eschewed evill, stood in awe of God, shewed mercy to the poore, fatherlesse and widdow, comforted them that were in distresse: in both estates God was his delight and his portion. It is a double and crooked heart that starts aside, and varieth in obedience according to outward conditions, that goeth forward or backward, on this side, and on that, as occasion requireth; that praiseth mercy in his need, but commendeth sparing and nearenesse, when he washeth his pathes in butter: The upright is resolved of his way, and doth breake through all lets and barrs whatsoever may be cast before him in his journey. A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright he directeth his way.Prov. 21.29. As the ungodly man is obstinate in evill, so is the upright constant in piety, and will not be removed from it. I have enclined my heart to performe thy Statutes, alway, even unto the end.Ps. 119.112,117. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe, and I will have respect unto thy Statutes continually.
5. Respect of Gods approbation more then the applause of men, resting well contented that we are allowed of him, though disesteemed in the world, is a good signe of an even and polished heart. A good heart regardeth not much, what men thinke or say, so God be well pleased. I passe little to be judged of mans judgement, yea I judge not my selfe.1 Cor. 4.3. As we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speake, not as pleasing men, but God who tryeth our hearts.1 Thess. 2.4. Let the world fawne or frowne, speake faire or revile, be quiet or persecute, all is one, a faithfull man will goe forward in his good course, neither starting aside, nor turning backe. For the heart that is well directed, seeketh heaven and not earth; the favour of God, not the faire countenance of men; rest in the world to come, not peace in this vale of misery: and thus minding his home prepared in heaven, he goeth on his race, not regarding how little his service is esteemed by earthly men.
6. An
