Question 110

Should all our actions be referred to this determining will of God?

Yes. Ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we will do this or that,^b

And should we submit to it in all dispensations?

Yes. When he would not be persuaded they ceased, saying, the will of the Lord be done,^c

And with a moderate grief and sorrow, on account of it?

Yes. Hezekiah wept sore,^e

And with earnest prayer for deliverance?

Yes. Why hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction?^f

And with the use of all lawful means to obtain it?

Yes. Then the disciples took Saul by night and let him down by the wall in a basket,^g

And our wills be resigned to them?

Yes. Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sin,ⁱ

And our passions be composed under them?

Yes. Let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, curse David. Who then shall say, wherefore hast thou done so?^j

And should we pray that we and others might be enabled thus to submit to the will of God?

Yes. That we may be strengthened with all might, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness,^k

Are we by nature unwilling to do this will of God?

Yes. We are to every good work reprobate,^m

Should we therefore pray that we might be made willing?

Yes. Incline my heart to thy testimonies,ⁿ

But when we are willing are we always able?

No. What I would, that I do not,^o

Should we therefore pray that God would make us able as well as willing?

Yes. Strengthen thou me, according to thy word,^p

And should we desire this for others as well as ourselves?

Yes. That they might be perfect in every good work to do his will,^q

Do they do it cheerfully?

Yes. Bless the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure,^s

And zealously?

Yes. Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flaming fire,^t

And humbly?

Yes. They cover their faces, and their feet with their wings,^u

And universally?

Yes. They go straight forward, whithersoever the spirit goes,^v

And constantly?

Yes. They always behold the face of our Father,^w

Do saints in the other world resemble the angels in their obedience?

Yes. They are as the angels of God in heaven,^x

Should saints in this world therefore seek after such a resemblance?

Yes. That he that is feeble, might be as David, and the house of David might be as the angel of the Lord,^y