4. There is a fourth stand still, and this is one of sullenness of spirit;
either for us or against us. Whatever is not for us at this time, now coming to this strait, may well be concluded to be against us.
4. There is a fourth stand still, and this is one of sullenness of spirit; and that is more particular. It is true of many men and women, especially those who are in some troubles of conscience, and when they are seeking of God, and performing duties that God requires of them. But not finding that encouragement that their hearts desire, they quit all, and have no mind to do anything except to stand still and die. They will even sink into a sullen discouragement, and go no further, quit their work, and quit duty. Why should I keep on doing my duty, for I get no good by it? I am never a whit better. And so they stand still out of a sullen discouragement. The devil himself is the most discouraged Spirit in the world; and yet he is the proudest
Spirit in the world. And this standing still out of discouragement may come from pride, and a haughty heart, though you think it is out of humility.
5. There is a sluggish standing still, which is sinful and wicked. It is when people stand still because they are idle, and loth to risk themselves, or to put themselves to any trouble, to go forward in any work, for the work is tedious. And thus the sluggard stands still, and is ready to snatch at any arguments that may plead for his standing still. My brethren, this is not that stand still here in the text, that we should stand still and do nothing, and be sluggards. No, rather the stand still here is after we have gone on, and done to the utmost what we are able, that then we should stand still and commit the work to God, as if we had done nothing at all. There is the stand still that I will speak more about shortly.
As that worthy divine said, he would labor to preach as if he expected no assistance, and then he would expect assistance as if he had not labored at all. So warriors and people in danger, should prepare in the use of all means, as if they expected no further help; and then they should expect help from God, as if they had used no means at all; so we must use means. Neh 4.9 As that brave speech of Joab, Come let us play the men, let us fight for our cities, and the people of our
God; and then let God do what seems good to Him. 2Sam 10.12 Then he stood still and looked for his salvation from God. This is a speech even of Joab himself; it is not then a sluggish stand still. It is no