Habakkuk

Where we look for comfort, there a cross: where we expect honey there we taste wormwood. From where is it that the earth is filled with violence, that the wicked oppresses the man which is more righteous than he? (Habakkuk 1:13). From where is it that so much fraudulency in deal…

His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect loving of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil (Habakkuk 1:13): "Of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity." First, God is holy intrinsically.

(Psalm 111:9) Holy and reverend is his name. (Habakkuk 1:13) You are of purer eyes than to behold iniquity. God is essentially, originally and efficiently holy: all the holiness in men and angels is but a crystal stream that runs from this glorious ocean.

God will be in no man's debt. God makes use of the wicked sometimes to protect and shield his Church: he makes use of them to refine and purify his people (Habakkuk 1:12). "You have ordained them for correction."

All our gifts come from God, and to him must all our praises return. We are apt to burn incense to our own drag (Habakkuk 1:16), to attribute all we have to our own skill or second causes. (1.) Our own skill and industry.

(Psalm 5:4, 5, 6) For you are not a God that has pleasure in wickedness, neither shall evil dwell with you; the foolish shall not stand in your sight; you hate all workers of iniquity, you shall destroy them that speak leasing. (Habakkuk 1:13) You are of purer eyes than to behol…

And desire him to look into Christ's heart also, to see if your name is not written there with his own hand, and if Christ did not bear your name written upon his heart — as the high priest bore the names of all the tribes — when he hung upon the cross and when he ascended into…

And so it is with all those that are advanced to preferment in this world. Wherefore, seeing honor and dignity cometh not from themselves, or anything in them; therefore they must not ascribe it to their own wit, learning, strength, or friends; but wholly to the gift of God, as…

And we may do well to consider, (1.) That no man has any great or signal success in any affair and occasion, more than others, or more than at other time, but there will be in his mind an ascription of it to one cause or another. This the nature of things makes necessary, nor ca…

The final impunity of flagitious sinners in this world, the unrelieved oppressions, afflictions, and miseries of the best, the prosperity of wicked devilish designs, the defeating and overthrow of holy, just, righteous undertakings and endeavours, promiscuous accidents to all so…

Is it that he attained this dignity and greatness, by his own industry and endeavors? As the Prophet says of some, that their judgment and their dignity proceeds from themselves (Habakkuk 1:7). Neither do we find any thing of that nature ascribed to him.

Ignorance of the nature of it and how essential it is to the Divine Being, is the occasion of security in sinning and atheism to ungodly men (Ecclesiastes 8:11, 12, 13; 2 Peter 3:3, 4). And a great temptation it is ofttimes to them that are godly (Habakkuk 1:12, 13; Jeremiah 12:…

We promise much when we want deliverance, and when we have it, God is neglected; but he will not put it up so, by sad and disastrous accidents he puts us in mind of our old promises. 2. When you kiss your own hand, bless your dragge, ascribe it to your merit and power (Habakkuk…

Such is the depravedness and corruption of man in his fallen state that, as one has said, one man has become a wolf, a tiger to another. They are as the prophet complains — Habakkuk 1:14 — 'as the fishes of the sea, and as the creeping things that have no ruler over them.' And a…

He perceiving it a universal case — why are all they happy, etc. — did not know how to reconcile it with the righteousness of God. Nor Habakkuk with the holiness of God (Habakkuk 1:14): you are of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, why do you hold your tongue, when the wicked d…

For first, through His Spirit working powerfully in their hearts, He causes them to acknowledge and confess the sentence of the law pronounced against them to be most just and equitable — not only with respect to their actual sins but also with respect to their entire condition…

(Romans 2:8-9) Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that does evil; which one place, putting the four words together says, 1. That there is sorrow most certainly and inseparably on every soul that has sinned, and 2. That this sorrow is exceeding…

Mr. Towne answers with other Antinomians: The just and wise God who accepts every thing by due weight and measure as it is found to be, he does not, no, cannot account that which is but inchoate and partial for full and complete obedience; nor can it stand with justice to accept…

The wicked persecutors of the Church are reprooued for sacrificing to their nets, and burning incense to their yarne. Hab 1:16. Further, we must consider we have not onely received them; but that we have so received them, as that they are not our own, with which we may doe what…

For unbelievers are so full of pride, that attributing the victories which they get to their own forces, they make no bones to exalt themselves against God and all divine power. They make fair shows indeed, as if they stood in some awe of their gods; that is to say, of the idols…

You see then, that although the wicked seem at the first to be far from the contempt of God's majesty, yet in the end they manifest that they attribute all to themselves, and utterly exclude him. In words I grant they will give the praise of their victories to their gods, but im…

These words, The God of Israel, must be well observed, because the superstitious are wont to attribute their victories to their idols. And in that sense Habakkuk says, that everyone sacrificed to his god (Habakkuk 1:16). They run riot then in their talk, and forge such a divinit…

(1) That the Pollution of Sin is that Property of it whereby it is directly opposed to the Holiness of God, and which God expresses his Holiness to be contrary to. Hence he is said to be of purer eyes than to behold iniquity or to look on evil, Hab. 1. 13. It is a thing vile and…

They devour one another, because they have no right or law among them. Hence the Prophet complaining of force and violence among men, with a neglect of right, justice and equity, says, men are as the fishes of the sea; as creeping things that have no Ruler over them (Habakkuk 1:…

And what is necessary upon the account of the Holiness of God, is absolutely and indispensibly so, his Holiness being his Nature. You are, says Habakkuk, of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity (Habakkuk 1:13). You cannot by any means have any thing to do…

A righteousness was to be brought in, that might answer the justice of God, and abide its trial. Of what nature this righteousness must be, the Scripture declares; and that as well in the revelation it makes of the holiness of God (Psalm 5:4, 5; Joshua 24:19; Habakkuk 1:13) as o…

It is true, their progenitors did to him whatever the counsel of God had determined; but notwithstanding all their rage, he was exalted by the right hand of God, and made a Prince and a Savior, having ruled ever since over the whole Israel of God, by his Word and Spirit, and ove…

Hence afflictions are called, gall and wormwood, bitter things. And the Chaldeans whom God made so great a scourge to his own people, are called a bitter nation (Habakkuk 1:6). We have opened these words which concern the curse upon Job's day.

For why do we affirm, that there is a God, if we make no addresses to him? if we have recourse only to our own power or policy to accomplish our designs; and when they succeed, ascribe the success of them only to our own wisdom and conduct, we make these our idols, and give them…

Not at all: he is using them indeed for his own end, and purposes, to break others, or fill up the measure of their own iniquities; that their destruction may be an evident demonstration of his vengeance, and righteous judgements to all the world, but present with them in the se…

Though God saves such as have been foolish, yet he does not save them in their folly, but from it. God hates sin, and it is his holy and pure nature that is displayed in his so doing, as (Habakkuk 1:13): you are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity. The…

2. The children of God appear dead, cold, and unbelievingly to complain in the beginning of praying, and of a Psalm, as is clear in David (Psalm 22:2, expounding that of him, as some verify it has in some points of him, verse 2), and in Hezekiah in his song (Isaiah 39:10), in Jo…

So a man may apply it to any thing else; if a man shall say, that his own wit, or worth, or industry, etc. does bring things to pass; he takes that praise which peculiarly belongs to God, and gives it to the creature; whereas the Lord says, Jehovah is my name, and there is not t…

Men do not consider, That their works are in the hand of God, Ecclesiastes 9:1. And even those that have the most immediate dependence upon Providence, as Merchants and Sea-men, yet are very prone to undertake designes in the confidence of their own wisdom and industry; not look…

Thus cruel, merciless, and oppressive are wicked Men, whose tender mercies are cruelty, Proverbs 22:10. We see the like cruelty in our Extortioners, and over-reaching Sharks ashore, who grind the faces of the Poor, and regard not the Cries of the Fatherless and Widows, but fill…

Purity: as washed doves' eyes for purity — this may be taken either subjectively, for the excellency and unmixed cleanness and purity of his sight and knowledge in himself, or objectively, for his delighting to behold purity in others. He is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity…

It may be learned from his constant way in governing the world; notwithstanding all provocations; yet he does good to men, causing his sun to shine upon them, sending them rain and fruitful seasons, filling their hearts with food and gladness. From this it was easy for them to c…

This is the great discovery of the gospel. For whereas the Father as the fountain of the Deity is not known any other way but as full of wrath, anger, and indignation against sin — nor can the sons of men have any other thoughts of him, Romans 1:18, Isaiah 33:15-16, Habakkuk 1:1…

He may have a belly full, and fare at a better rate than others do. Habakkuk 1:16: Their portion is made fat, and their meat plenteous. When men have troubled themselves and the world to make themselves great, it is but for a little belly cheer, which may be wanted as well as en…

(Jeremiah 12:1) "Righteous are you, O Lord, when I plead with you: yet let me talk with you of your judgments: why does the way of the wicked prosper? why are all they happy that [illegible] treacherously?" (Habakkuk 1:12-13) "Are you not from everlasting, O Lord my God, my holy…

He is holy, without spot or blemish, or any such thing, without any wrinkle, or any thing like it; as they also that are in Christ shall one day be (Ephesians 5:27). God is so holy, that he cannot sin himself, nor be the cause or author of sin in another; he does not command sin…

He cannot sin: it is impossible that he should (Hebrews 6:18). He can no more sin than he can cease to be God: nor can he be the approver or the author of sin (Habakkuk 1:13). You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and [illegible] on iniquity.

The Lord looks at it as a great sin thus feebly to oppose sin, and therefore verse 29 he tells him, that he honored his sons above God, and therefore he professes, far be it from me to maintain your house and comfort, for he that honors me I will honor, and he that despises me s…

A sinner's works are called dead works (Hebrews 6:1), and those works which are dead cannot please God; a dead wife cannot please her husband. 2. Heart-purity is necessary in respect of God: God is holy; purity is the chief robe with which God himself is clothed (Habakkuk 1:13).…

It is a kingdom wherein dwells righteousness (2 Peter 3:13). In this lower region of the world, there is little righteousness, they set up wickedness by a law (Psalm 94:20), and the wicked devours his neighbor, which is more righteous than he (Habakkuk 1:13). Homo homini lupus.

It is a transgression of his holy law; it is an abominable thing to him (Jeremiah 44:4). It is that which he cannot endure (Habakkuk 1:13). And though he knows our frame, and will not be always contending with us, or break out in his severity for every frailty of ours; yet there…

Here was the Benjaminites' unsoundness, that were ready with the sword to defend in their brothers such prodigious lusts, which they could not but condemn in their judgments, and in others no doubt would have been ready to have punished with their swords (Judges 20:14). The Prop…

I dreamed, and behold, I saw a man clothed with rags, standing in a certain place, with his face from his own house, a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back (Isaiah 64:6; Luke 14:33; Psalm 38:4). I looked and saw him open the book, and read in it; and as he read, he…

Those doxologies which the Scripture uses are but acknowledgments of this attribute: "Blessed be the Lord for ever and ever" (Nehemiah 9:5); "To whom be glory, and honor, and dominion, for ever and ever" (Galatians 1:5); and in many other places. Here we may refer all those plac…

His justice; this makes Job complain of the long life and prosperity of the wicked (Job 41:7): "Therefore do the wicked live, yea become old?" &c. His holiness; this makes the prophet expostulate with God (Habakkuk 1:13): "You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot lo…

Quest. Why faith is the instrument of adoption, more than any other grace? Resp. 1. Faith is a quickening grace, it is the vital artery of the soul (Habakkuk 2:4). The just shall live by faith.

Ahithophel made himself guilty of the fact, by giving counsel to Absalom to go in and defile his father's concubines (2 Samuel 16:21). He who shall tempt and solicit another to be drunk, though he himself be sober, yet being the occasion of another's sin, he is accessory to it (…

One of the Popish councils affirmed that we might learn more by an image, than by long study of the Scriptures. Response. (Habakkuk 2:18) What profits the graven image, the molten image, and a teacher of lies? Is an image a layman's book?

Second, inanimate creatures: the wind and the sea obey him (Mark 4:41). The very stones, if God give them a commission, will cry out against the sins of men (Habakkuk 2:11). The stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.

In former times, and more lately in the Marian days, England was over-spread with idolatry; we worshipped God after a false manner: that is idolatry, not only to worship a false God, but the true God in a false manner. This was our case formerly, we had Purgatory, Indulgences, t…

He is a drunkard (says Solomon) that tarries long at the wine (Proverbs 23:30). He who sits at it from morning to night, that drinks away his precious time, though he does not drink away his reason, he is a drunkard that drinks more than does him good, and that though he be not…

Idolatry is to worship a false God, or the true God in a false manner; this they are guilty of. 1. They dishonor God by their idolatry in making graven images, and giving the same honor to them as is due to God, [illegible]: Images are teachers of lies (Habakkuk 2:18), they repr…

Faith is the vital artery of the soul, it animates it. The just shall live by his faith (Habakkuk 2:4). Unbelievers, though they breathe, yet want life.

Many have lost heaven for want of watchfulness. Our hearts are ready to decoy us into sin, and the Devil lies in ambush by his temptations; we must every day set a spy, and keep sentinel in our souls (Habakkuk 2:1). I will stand upon my watch.

Many pray Agur's first prayer, Give me not poverty, but few pray his last prayer, Give me not riches (Proverbs 30:8); they are not content with daily bread, but have the dry dropsy of covetousness — they are still craving for more. Habakkuk 2:5: Who enlarges his desire as hell,…

Third, as fire is a consuming thing (Hebrews 12, last verse) and leaves nothing but ashes, so are people's lusts (James 4:4). They ask in order to consume everything on their lusts. All the pleasures they have leave nothing behind; nothing of the strength they gain by them remai…

If therefore God doth not to ourselves, nor in our times accomplish his promises, or prophecies, we must not be impatient, but wait in patience. For, as the holy Prophet saith, The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the last it shall speak and not lie: though it tarry,…

When we think of God, or pray unto him, we must conceive of him in our minds, as he has revealed himself in scripture; that is, by his works, and by his properties: we must think in our minds of an eternal essence, most holy, wise, et cetera, who made all things, and governs the…

There is a time limited and fixed for the accomplishment of all the promises of God, and all the purposes of his grace towards the Church. See (Habakkuk 2:3, 4). And the consideration hereof is very necessary to believers in all ages.

The Translation in the Polyglott renders it, neque torpescatis, as following the Translation in the Jayan Bibles without choice or alteration. Indeed [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] is used sometimes in the same sense with [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] to be weary, to loath; to be affecte…

(1.) That it was in procinctu, in readiness, not yet come but ready to come; so is the word used to express that which is future, but ready to make its entrance. (2.) That it is certain, it shall and will be, whatever appearances there are of its turning aside, and men's avoidin…

To encourage them against the influence of this temptation, the Apostle accommodates a testimony out of the Prophet Habakkuk, which leads him directly to the consideration of the power and efficacy of faith, which he had designed. Habakkuk 2:3, 4. For the vision is yet for an ap…

He beareth with them years and years, after a thousand and a thousand affronts, from their cradles to their graves: when they were green wood, they were fuel fit enough for divine wrath. Oh consider, there can be no cause of this but his mercy to his worst creatures: 'tis not ou…

Christian, methinks you should know so much about yourself that it is impossible anyone could lay you lower, or have baser thoughts of you, than you have of yourself. Some render the original of Habakkuk 2:5 thus: the proud man is as one who transgresses by wine — and drunkards,…

But on the contrary, when men worship God according to their own inventions, see that dreadful threatening (Isaiah 29:13, 14): because their fear, that is, their worship towards me is taught by the precepts of men, therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among…

But whatever our hopes may be in this respect, we must be content to be ignorant of the times and seasons, which the Father has put in his own power; and must be willing that God should answer prayer, and fulfil his own glorious promises, in his own time; remembering such instru…

In the cited passage it is rendered manufacta [things made by hand]: "Gods fashioned by the hands of men," Isaiah 2:8; as bdelygmata [abominations], or things to be abominated. And likewise Ezekiel 30:13; Leviticus 19:4, eidola [idols]; and Habakkuk 2:18, eidola kopa [idols] and…

For this heavenly doctrine yields to no human science in the clarity of its propositions; indeed, in this respect it stands far above all other sciences. The doctrine has been written "plainly," so that "he who reads it may run" (Habakkuk 2:2). God has given His word — "precept…

Three days (Hosea 6:1). A short time, and the vision will speak, and will not tarry (Habakkuk 2:3; Hebrews 10:37). It is but tribulation ten days (Revelation 2:10).

1. Because God dwells in this humbled soul, then he must be justified and converted (Ephesians 3:17): that Christ may dwell in your heart by faith. 2. This is a liver by faith, and so justified; the just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:…

Christ's fame spread abroad through all the country, and now he is shamed and a reproached man; now the whole people cry out away with him, away with him, crucify him; the ground of man's glory is his goodliness or graciousness, his [in non-Latin alphabet], all his endowments an…

He that believes makes no haste (Isaiah 28:16). Habakkuk must wait because the vision is for a time appointed (Habakkuk 2:1). David's eyes and strength failed in waiting on God (Psalm 69:3).

As for the painted and carved images of the Papists, we utterly detest them, as idols. They allege, that they are laymen's books: but Habakkuk says, they are doctors of lies (Habakkuk 2:18). And where the lively preaching of the word is, there is no need of them.

Seventhly, he expected the Canaanites, and Amorites, for the space of four hundred years, yea he suffered all Gentiles to wander in their own ways, and in the vanity of their mind almost for three thousand years together (Acts 14:16). Now if God be so patient in expecting our am…

Some refer this to the person of Isaiah, as if he satisfied himself, by depending upon that which God had revealed to him: that is to say, as if he had now quieted and settled his mind; which indeed we ought to do after we have heard the voice of God, waiting assuredly for the a…

But because the wicked take no warning by any threatenings, it was needful that this prophecy should be repeated, and confirmed by some sign: First, that he might awaken the people, God commands this prophecy to be published and written, to the end all might take knowledge of it…

They that are destitute of this, have no true Religion, whatever Profession they may make, and how high soever their religious Affections may be. Habakkuk 2:4. Behold, his Soul which is lifted up, is not upright in him; but the Just shall live by his Faith: that is, He shall liv…

Why, this you may often see, if you will duly observe the works of Providence towards you. We hope and pray for such and such mercies to the Church, or to our selves; but God delayes the accomplishment of our hopes, suspends the answer of our prayers, and seems to speak to us, a…

But his thoughts are not our thoughts, Isaiah 55:8 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as men count slackness, 2 Peter 3:9 It is slackness if you reckon by our own rule and measure, but it is not so, if you reckon and count it by God's. The Lord does not compute and rec…

As there is a decree bringing forth the wicked's destruction (Zephaniah 2:2), so there is a decree goes forth in its appointed season for the Churches' deliverance, which cannot be gainsaid (Daniel 9:23). Every vision is for its appointed season and time (Habakkuk 2:3), then it…

Hence the Scripture makes mention, that pride of your gifts is not only an enemy to the comfort, but an enemy to grace; not only an enemy to the comforts from grace, but to the very having of grace. Habakkuk 2:4: If a man's heart be exalted, his spirit is not upright within him.…

The Apostle with the LXX. [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], and I regarded them not, or despised them. The third is that from (Habakkuk 2:4) [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], behold, it is listed up, his soul is not right in him; which words the Apostle with the LXX, render, [〈 in non-Lat…

First, by preferring the promised relief and remedy above all the present glory and worship of the Church; directing it to look above all its enjoyments to that which in all things was to have the pre-eminence. See Isaiah 2:2; chapter 4:2-5; chapter 7:13-15; chapter 9:6-7; chapt…

Such a conceit (I say) the Apostle seems to meet with, for in (1 Timothy 6:7), having said, We brought nothing with us into this world, he adds in the next words, and it is certain we can carry nothing out; he does not say, we brought nothing into the world, and we can carry not…

Now this silence and quietness which accompanis waiting, yea which is an essential part of it, is opposed first to Haste; and Haste is the souls undue lifting up its self, proceeding from a weariness of its condition, to press after an end of its troubles, not according to the c…

Lastly, it is added, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of leopards, not designing any new place, but showing that lions and leopards often used to dwell upon hills, and it is likely upon these, notwithstanding all their beauty: therefore mountains are called mountains of…

4. Gold and all external riches, are empty things to a spiritual discerner of Christ's worth; as it were, a new sort of gold must be invented, or imagined, to shadow forth the excellencies of Christ, gold itself is but an insufficient and dark shadow to represent him; whoever lo…

Many times God raises up such against them, who shall deal with them as they have dealt with others; and when these sponges are full of what they have unjustly sucked up, shall squeeze them, and make them refund their ill-gotten treasure. Thus God threatens the Chaldeans (Habakk…

He that believes will not make haste (Isaiah 28:16). This the Lord pleads for (Habakkuk 2:3, 4). Men will have their desires precisely accomplished this year, this month, this week, or they will wait no longer; these, says God are proud men, their hearts are lifted up in them, t…

When the Pharisees spoke to our Saviour to rebuke his disciples for their loud praises of the Lord with Hosannas, he tells them, if they should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out (Luke 19:39-40). And we read in Habakkuk (Habakkuk 2:11) of the stone crying out…

is that enquiry which gives men their first initiation into religion: see Acts 2:37; chapter 16:30; Micah 6:6, 7, 8. This question being once raised in the conscience, an answer must be returned to it: I will consider, says the Prophet, what I shall answer, when I am reproved (H…

If you would be violent, be vigilant. The Prophet stood upon his watch-tower (Habakkuk 2:1). Why are Christians so listless in their work, but because they are so careless in their watch.

All saving grace is humble grace (1 Corinthians 15:10). But the soul which is lifted up, is not upright (Habakkuk 2:4). Lastly, Can you (my soul) rejoice and bless God for the grace imparted to others?

Or suppose a pair of chariot-wheels were let loose in the top of a huge mountain, and should move down some hundred thousands of millions of miles for hundreds of years after the man who set them first a-work, were dead; so we fools believe that God gave a mighty strong shake or…

It's ever true (John 3:8), The wind blows where it lists. The more angel-like and the more spiritual pride is, such as is angel-haughtiness in the damned spirits who were not content with their own station, and in Eve, the more sinful guiltiness is in it; pride resulting from ac…

Use 3. Comfort to the godly, 1. In case of losses, if an estate be almost boiled away to nothing; if we lose dear friends by death, here is a double eclipse; but this is the comfort, God is unchangeable; I may lose these things, but I cannot lose my God, he never dies. When the…

He that has this joy can be cheerful in the deficiency of carnal joys; he can rejoice in God, and sure hope of glory. Though the fig-tree does not flourish (Habakkuk 3:17), spiritual joy can go without silver crutches to support it. Spiritual joy is higher built than upon creatu…

(3.) In the pains of Hell there is no mitigation, no mixture of mercy. In this life, God in anger remembers mercy, (Habakkuk 3:2) but in Hell there is no alleviation or lessening of the pains: as in the sacrifice of jealousy, (Numbers 5:15) God would have no oil or frankincense…

A man by falling into the briars is saved from falling into the river: God lets us fall into the briars of affliction that we may not drown in perdition: it is a great favor when a lesser punishment is inflicted to prevent a greater: is it not clemency in the judge when he lays…

And how glorious is God, and his works of judgments, whereat even Kings themselves do tremble? And the Prophet Habakkuk says, that when he but heard of God's judgments to come, his belly trembled, his lips shook, rottenness entered into his bones, Habakkuk 3:16. And thus Noah he…

Lastly, all such as are congregated in Gospel faith and order, have a promise from King Jesus, of royal protection in their greatest dangers (Hebrews 13:5, 6). So that with the Prophet Habakkuk they can glory in Christ, in their greatest extremities (Habakkuk 3:17, 18): Though t…

Indeed many of the saints of the Old Testament did greatly rejoice in the Lord, and had the joy of his salvation abiding with them. See (Psalm 51:12; Isaiah 25:9; Habakkuk 3:17, 18). But they had it not by virtue of the Levitical Priesthood.

Sense and reason are too low of stature to see Christ; faith climbs up, not into the tree as Zacchaeus, but within the veil, and there sees Jesus: a holy person sends out faith as a spy to view the land of promise; faith unties difficulties (Romans 4:18). Who against hope believ…

Now it is difficult to keep down the proud and unbelieving heart in holy quietude and sweet submission at the foot of God. It is an easy thing to talk of trusting God for daily bread while we have a full barn or purse; but to say as the prophet (Habakkuk 3:17): 'Though the fig t…

God has not a displeasure with senseless creatures, neither is transported with strains of fury against such objects, when he alters their natural course. Habakkuk 3:8: Was the Lord displeased against the rivers, was your wrath against the sea, that you did ride upon your horses…

Indeed when men trust in their own way so long as the sun shines upon their way, that they have external helps, they can go on confident, but let outward helps fail, and their hearts sink within them. But now when the heart is upright with God, and trusts in the Word, and promis…

The words are in the Hebrew, It shall [illegible] to them. The like word we have in Habakkuk 3:17. The labor of the Olive shall fail: in the Hebrew shall lie, (that is) it shall not perform what it seems to promise to you.

Here's the only way; let the fear of God be strong in your hearts, and the fear of the creature will not prevail with you. You see it clearly in the example of Habakkuk, in (Habakkuk 3:16), when I heard (God revealed his will) my belly trembled, my lips quivered at the voice; ro…

The form of any man is most seen in his face, there was a glorious shining brightness, Luke says the fashion of his countenance was altered, Matthew that his face did shine as the sun. And in the glorious description of God in the Prophet Habakkuk, it is said (Habakkuk 3:2), And…

But thus it pleases him to make known that we are so nearly joined to him, that he counts it as done to his own Majesty which is done to us. This manner of speech is found often in other places, as when it is said, that God went forth for the salvation of his people, even for th…

But some may think it strange that he calls him his anointed, seeing this title only pertained to the kings of Judah and Israel, in regard that they represented Christ's person. For to speak properly there is but one anointed of the Lord: according to which Habakkuk says; You we…

He so profanes his church then, that is to say, prostitutes it, and gives it up as a prey into the enemies' hands, that neither do his elect thereby perish, nor yet is his eternal covenant violated. In fact, in the midst of his wrath he remembers mercy (Habakkuk 3:2), and mitiga…

Here also is an evident designed Distinction between the Soul and the Flesh. The Prophet Habakkuk speaks of his Body's being overborne, by a Sense of the Majesty of God, Habakkuk 3:16. When I heard, my Belly trembled, my Lips quivered at the Voice, Rottenness entered into my Bon…

And on the contrary, how convincingly clear are those Providences, that demonstrate the Being, wisdom, Power, Love and Faithfulness of God, in the supporting, preserving and delivering of the Righteous, in all their dangers, fears and difficulties? In these things the Lord shews…

In her love [in non-Latin alphabet] you shall erre with delight, we have translated it, be ravished, noting affections out of order. The word then holds out a delightfull wandring, and variety: and this litterally, because those two Songs (Psalm 7. and Habakkuk 3.) are not tyed…

It answers exactly to the Hebrew [in non-Latin alphabet], or [in non-Latin alphabet]; that is, the Morning Light (Proverbs 4:18), The path of the righteous, [in non-Latin alphabet], ut Lux splendoris, Hierom; as the light of Brightness; that is, of the Morning, [in non-Latin alp…

And the opinion of Maimonides that they look for no miracles from the Messiah seems to be vented on purpose to obviate the plea of the Christians from the miracles wrought by the Lord Jesus; and is contrary to the constant persuasion of most of their masters, and his own judgmen…

Or why should Job take revenge upon his day? But as the Prophet says (Habakkuk 3:8), Was the Lord displeased against the rivers? was his wrath against the sea? Should the Lord set his anger against irrational creatures?

And not only so, but to give in the midst of them, solid consolation and joy. So the prophet expresss it; Habakkuk 3:17, 18. Although the Fig-tree shall not blessom, neither shall fruit be in the Vines, the labor of the Olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the f…

We will believe him whil we have the certainty of our sense to secure us. And if we deal so with God what is there in our so doing, praise worthy? the prophet tells us, what it is to believe, in respect of providence, Habakkuk 3:17. When there is nothing left outward and visible…

They fear them, and therefore will know how things stand with them, and what are the works of God among them. Habakkuk 3:7: I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction, and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble; I saw it; when God was doing the great work described in that…

God's judgments made this impression upon David (Psalm 119:120): My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments. And see how the Prophet Habakkuk behaved himself, when God spoke with a terrible voice (Habakkuk 3:2, etc.): O Lord, I have heard your speech an…

God is a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10). It is good in times of danger to draw near to a fort or castle (Habakkuk 3:4). He had horns coming out of his hands, and there was the hiding of his power.

I rise early, and there is no bread; ah Lord: I lay in a soft bed, and there is no sleep in the night, but pain. Say, Amen, Lord: the Fig-tree blossoms not this year, yet I will rejoice in the Lord (Hab. 3:16, 17). Sovereignty has so appointed, there is nothing but rolling of ga…

I should rather have been troubled that I have done no more for God, than that I have received no more from God. I have not proclaimed it to the World by my Conversation, that I have found a sufficiency in him alone, as the Saints have done, Habakkuk 3:17, 18. How have I debased…

When Job comes to a clear discovery of the greatness and excellency of God, he is filled with self-abhorrence, and is pressed to humiliation (Job 42:5-6). And in what state does the prophet Habakkuk affirm himself to be cast, upon the apprehension of the majesty of God? (Habakku…

Being (probably) in his own apprehension wronged by his adversary, he fell to reviling his God. The word here used to express his sin, is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] signifying also to pierce, and is twice so rendered (Isaiah 36:6; Habakkuk 3:14). Desperate expressions piercing…

When we have them to the full, they cannot give us any solid true peace of conscience, nor cure one sad thought. Now beg of God that he will comfort you when all things else fail, When the labour of the olive shall fail, I'll comfort myself in the Lord my God (Habakkuk 3:18). I…

(Lamentations 2:19) Lift up your hands towards him, for the life of your young children, etc. (Habakkuk 3:10) The deep uttered his voice, and lift up his hands on high. From there the Apostle (1 Timothy 2:8): I will therefore, that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, wi…

When our outward condition does vary and alter, we have the same blessed God, as a rock to stand upon, and to derive our comforts from, that we had before: he is the God of the valleys, as well as of the hills. Christ in his desertion says, My God, My God (Matthew 27:46): surely…

They look upon it with sad hearts, though it be committed by others; that the wicked go dancing to hell, and are angry with those who mourn for them, and dislike that vain course which they affect. 2. They have a due sense of the wrath of God; the prophet that threatened it, say…

When the Amalekites carried away all, yet this was his comfort — God was left still. And so Habakkuk 3:18: when the labor of the olive shall fail, etc., what then? Then I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

Though all things else fail, this should satisfy us: though we have little health, no friends, no outward supports to rejoice in, yet you have God whose favor is life, and who is the fountain of happiness, and the center of the soul's rest. The prophet when reduced not only to s…

You know not what a merciful God may do for his undeserving and ill-deserving people. And partly, when God is upon his judicial process, and calls a people to an account for their sins, he still retains his merciful nature, (Habakkuk 3:2) In the midst of wrath he remembers mercy…

God can take away from his children [illegible] their health, [illegible] strength, relations, estate, liberty, and take up all [illegible] light of his countenance. Was it not so with David, when in the [illegible] of the shadow of death (Psalm [illegible]) and the Prophet, whe…

Their care is, that the times may not be the worse for them, nor they the worse for the times. 3 The godly understand the mystery of living by faith, Hebrews 10:38. The just shall live by faith: they can trust God, where they cannot trace him; they can fetch comfort out of a pro…

He who prizes Christ, makes him the Head of his joy. He can delight in Christ, when other delights are gone, Habakkuk 3:17. Though the fig-tree does not flourish, yet I will rejoice in the Lord.

So that though a man should lose all his worldly possessions, if he has drawn near to God, he may truly say, I have lost nothing: he may stand upon the ruins of the whole world, and say I have lost nothing. And therefore may rejoice in all afflictive changes and bereavements (Ha…

As in Isaiah: I will confess to you, O Lord, because you have been angry with me: your wrath is turned, and you have comforted me (Isaiah 12:1). Again, Habakkuk: You that have been angry shall remember mercy (Habakkuk 3:2). And Micah: I will bear the wrath of the Lord, because I…

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may receive comfort and mercy in time of need (Hebrews 4:16); not when I see it fit, but when God sees it fit, this is it which carries away many poor sinful hearts from resting upon the promise of God; sometimes the h…

We have found it true, That where he is once engaged, he will certainly go through unto the appointed Issue, though it stand him in the laying out of his Power and Wisdom to the uttermost. Habakkuk 3. 9. Thy Bow was made quite naked according to the Oaths of the Tribes, thy Word…

And for weanedness from the world, the example of Moses is notable, who by his faith refused all the pleasures, profits, and preferments of Pharaoh's Court: preferring the society of the saints, and the very rebuke of Christ before them all (Hebrews 11:25, 26). And therefore it…

First, that our anger be mixed and tempered with charity and love. It is the property of God himself, in wrath to remember mercy (Habakkuk 3:2), and herein we must be like to him. This was Moses his practice, who out of his love prayed for those, with whom he was angry (Exodus 3…

And if the beholding the image, and external representation of this spiritual majesty and glory, did so overpower human nature, is it unreasonable to suppose that a sight of the spiritual glory itself, which is the substance, of which that was but the shadow, should have as powe…

Therefore the Lord acquaints them with his power together with his promises: O my people, you shall know that I am the Lord! that is, that my ways and thoughts are infinitely above your shallow apprehensions, when I shall have brought you out of your graves (Ezekiel 37:11, 13).…