Job

This hallowing God's name by praise is very becoming a Christian; it is unbecoming to murmur, this is a dishonoring of God's name: but it becomes the saints to be spiritual choristers in singing forth the honor of God's name: it is called the garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3) — ho…

The Devil is no recusant, he will be sure to be present in our assemblies: If he cannot hinder us from hearing, he will hinder us in hearing. Job 1:6. When the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan came also among them.

Answer: Perfection there is meant of sincerity. God is best able to interpret his own word, he calls sincerity perfection (Job 1:8): A perfect and an upright man. But who is exactly perfect?

(1.) In acknowledging God's hand; seeing God in the affliction (Job 5:6): Affliction arises not out of the dust; it comes not by chance. Job did eye God in all that befell him (Job 1:22): The Lord has taken away: He complains not of the Chaldeans, or the influence of the planets…

This we shall see to be true in Christ Jesus the head of the Church: for, when he was Baptized, and had received the holy Ghost, Matthew 3, in the form of a Dove, and had this voice of GOD the Father pronounced upon him, that he was his well-beloved son in whom he was well pleas…

Thirdly, when outward means of preservation in this life do abound, as health, wealth, honor, riches, peace, and pleasure, then we must remember to be thankful; because these things always come by the providence of God. Thus Job was thankful both in prosperity and adversity: The…

3. From this place they are now driven into the lower parts of the World, as being a place more fit for sin and misery: that the place into which they are driven is the bottom and center of the Earth, cannot be shewen out of Scripture, rather the contrary; for sometimes they are…

'It may be God uses him as his rod to lash me, because I by my sin made his enemies to blaspheme him — and shall I be angry with the rod? How irrational would that be?' This also was what quieted Job: he does not rail and vow revenge upon the Chaldeans and Sabeans, but eyes God…

God had a gracious principle of love to mankind, and acted for the salvation of the world in it; the instruments had base principles and ends, and moved freely in obedience to them. So in the affliction of Job, both God and Satan had a hand in it (Job 1:12): "The Lord said to Sa…

All in Christ are living men; this is the great benefit, because death is the greatest evill: therefore by the rule of contraries, life must be the greatest good. Farther, men prize nothing so much as life; this experience sheweth, and Satan himselfe could tell, that skinne for…

Similarly, Joshua expressly affirms that the fathers of the wilderness people worshiped foreign gods not only beyond the river but also in Egypt (ch. 24:14). Some are of the opinion that this was the reason why, when Satan boasted of having traversed and subjected the whole eart…

But when the Lord, in regard of Iobs outward estate, had given him leave, & said, Loe all that he has is in your hand, then did he exercise his power, to the vtmost: yet so farre onely, as he was permitted, and no further. Job. 1. 12. The consideration of this first point, that…

Yes, although means be wanting, we give glory to God (Romans 4:10; 2 Kings 6:16). From hence cometh it, that we fear not in greatest dangers (2 Kings 6:16; Psalm 3:7; Psalm 27:3); that in the time of affliction, we are patient (Proverbs 20:22; Hebrews 10:33); without all murmuri…

[Exodus 13:1. And declare to your son in that day, saying: For this has the Lord done these things to me, when I went out of Egypt. 9 So shall it be to you for a sign upon your hand, and for a monument between your eyes, that the doctrine of the Lord may be in your mouth: to wit…

The brawny and fat heart, which being never a whit moved, never or to small purpose repeats, examines, applies, or practises (Ezekiel 33:31; Zephaniah 2:1; 2 Samuel 12; Mark 6:20). In the Sacraments, the preparation is an examination of our faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 11:28;…

3. Because the act of sinning, comes formally from free-will, which cannot be forced, but may keep out the siege without violence, but yet basely renders. If Satan be the Prince of the air, and can raise mighty storms and winds, that can smite the four corners of a house, which…

And as it is thus for our obedience in doing his will, so is it for our patience in suffering his will, there is a glorious worship given to Christ in patience, when as if so be it be the will of God to call us to suffer, we lay our hands upon our mouths and sit down and quiet o…

1. That temptations come not by chance, not out of the earth, nor merely from the Devil; but God orders them for his own glory and our good. Satan was fain to beg leave to tempt Job (Job 1:12). And the Lord said to Satan, behold, all that he has is in your power, only upon himse…

This is to live by faith: and, as Peter says (1 Peter 3:17), to sanctify God in our hearts. The last: in all things we must give praise and thanks to God: and that for our miseries, and afflictions (Job 1:22); for in them, God mingles his justice, with mercy, whereas he might ut…

Caiaphas supposing that Christ had blasphemed, rent his garments (Matthew 26). When Job did but suspect his children of blaspheming God, he called them and sanctified them (Job 1:5). It is the fault of our days, that many blaspheme by cursing, swearing, etc. without fear, and ma…

Paul says (Colossians 3:20), that children must obey their parents in all things. When the devil had obtained liberty to afflict Job in all things that belonged to him, save his person; he destroyed his children (Job 1:12, 18). And this shows, that the children in respect of the…

The second rule: we must be circumspect lest we sin in the use of the creatures. In this respect Job sends for his children after they had feasted together, and he sanctifies them (Job 1:5). The third rule: we must use the gifts of God with thanksgiving (Romans 14:6).

Saint Jerome's exposition (which I also have followed) is much better, and more agreeable. This phrase of speech is very frequent in Scriptures, as we see in Job 1:1, of whom it is said, that he was an upright and just man, fearing God, and avoiding evil. Solomon also says (Prov…

First, men drink more freely; next, the door is opened to filthy and immodest conversation; and, lastly, no moderation is observed. This was the reason why the patriarch Job was in the habit of offering sacrifices, while his sons were feasting alternately in each other’s houses,…

And therefore be contented to let him judge and requite: for of him shall every one receive, according to his deserts. An example of this we have in the holy man Job, who after all his goods were consumed, his cattle taken away, his children slain, and all that he had wasted, br…

For Sinners also love those that love them. And the Devil himself knew that that Kind of Respect to God which was so mercenary, as to be only for Benefits received or depended on, (which is all one) is worthless in the Sight of God; otherwise he never would have made use of such…

And evil Angels, or Devils, 1 Kings 22. 21, 22. For that Spirit who appeared before the Lord and offered himself to be a lying spirit in the Mouths of Ahab's Prophets, was no other but he who appeared before God, Job 1. who is called Satan. These in the New Testament are called…

And it often appears by their backwardness to entertain charitable thoughts of them, and their being hard to convince that it is really so that they have obtained mercy, and a forwardness to listen to anything that seems to contradict it. The devil hated to own Job's sincerity (…

It's a greater mercy, to descend from praying Parents, than from the loyns of Nobles. See Job's pious practice, Job 1:5 (2.) What a special mercy was it to us, to have the excrescencies of corruption nipt in the bud by their pious and careful discipline?

As first, by the Devil (1 Peter 5:8): He goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. And in Job 1, when God asked the Devil from where he came, he tells him, I come from compassing the earth to and fro. The Devil is still industrious and indefatigable to damn sou…

Hence some conjecture, that the translation of the LXX is changed since that time; seeing it is evident that they are so called in the Greek Bibles now extant. However in the original they are called the sons of God (Job 1:6, chapter 2:1, chapter 38:7, Psalm 89:6). Believers are…

If you carefully lay up these rules, they will much advantage and advance your profiting, when we come to the explication of any part. Job 1:1-2. There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job, and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God and eschewed evi…

Whereby wee see, that wandring beggers are not to bee suffered in Church or common wealth; for they live without any calling, and so transgresse Gods will: yea their course of life is here also condemned, that spend their life in sports and gaming; for such a life is rebellion a…

Thus hee gaue the Israelites a King in his wrath, Hos. 13. 11. and so hee gaue them Quailes, for while the meate was in their mouthes, the wrath of God came upon them, Psalm. 78. 30, 31. Thus the deuils had their request graunted, to enter into the heard of swine, Matth. 8. 31,…

She answers, whatever the most part of the world do, yet these who have spiritual senses, love Christ as I do. The difference between this and the former expression in the end of the third verse is in two: 1. Though the persons be the same, yet she gives them different styles; t…

So careful is he for their safety, that he creates upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory shall be a defense (Isaiah 4:5). Not a particular saint, but is hedge…

Job is mine, he serves God for hire. All hypocrites are Satan's (Job 1). 7. Sometime he tempts to lawful liberties, to eat, setting the law of nature in opposition to the divine positive law (Genesis 3). The tree is good for meat; then God and Nature ordained it for food.

It were good to turn our censuring of the Lord's providence into complaining of our own evil hearts, it follows humble and diligent obedience, that has sweetness of submission (Psalm 119:165), Great peace have they that keep your Law and nothing shall offend; or (as the word is)…

5. His actings are in matter of lots that seem to be ruled by fortune and chance (Proverbs 16:33; Genesis 49; Deuteronomy 33, compared with Joshua 14:1, 2, 3). 6. Especially in bowing the free will, and determining all the actions of evil angels (1 Kings 22:21, 22, 23; Job 1:6,…

So was Daniel who mourns and confesses and fasts three full weeks (Daniel 4; Daniel 10:2, 3), and ascribes righteousness to God. The more submission there is in Job, there is the more spiritual frame of a gracious spirit in him (Job 1:21, 22; 2 Samuel 16:10), and they who fret m…

The day did not yet dawn, the shadows did not flee away, nor the day-star shine in the hearts of men. But when the Son of Righteousness did arise in his strength and beauty, when the Son of God appeared in the flesh, and in the discharge of his office; God himself, as to his bei…

Though but few such are recovered, yet how know you but the hand of mercy may pull you, as a brand out of the fire, if now you will return and seek it with tears? Though it be a fire that consumeth to destruction, as Job calls it, Job 1. 12. yet it is not an unquenchable fire, t…

How highly soever Men prize such Commodities, yet reason tells them, It were better these should perish, than Life. Satan himself could say, Job 1. Skin for skin, and all that a Man has, will he give for his Life.

That prosperity and success in Trade is from the blessing of God, I suppose few are so Atheistical, as once to deny or question. The Devil himself acknowledges it, Job 1. 10. You hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the Land.

And as he compares her to the lily among the thorns, so she him to the apple tree among the trees of the wood: and she adds this reason of it, even because he has the two eminent things of trees, which the residue of them have not: 1. Fruit for food. 2. Shade for refreshment: of…

They are the sons of God, and so of the family whereunto the adopted person is to be admitted, and therefore it concerns them to know, who are invested with the rights of that family, that they may discharge their duty towards them. Unto them then it is declared, that believers…

As bond servants were a master's possession forever: so covenanted servants are his possession for the time of their covenant. When God gave the devil leave to seize on all that Job had, by virtue of that permission he seized on all kinds of Job's servants bond and free, as well…

A Christian must not only look to the malice of Satan in his temptations, but to the justice of God. Look, as in outward afflictions, we are not to reflect upon instruments; Job did not say, The Chaldean and Sabean has taken, but, The Lord has taken (Job 1:21). So in these spiri…

Satan is in God's chains, he could not enter into the herd of swine without leave; therefore certainly he cannot get among the sheep of Christ's fold. It's the saying of Tertullian, If the bristles of swine be numbered, the hairs of our head are numbered; therefore you had need…

How soon can God blast them? It's at his pleasure to do what he will with you: He gave Satan power over Job's estate (Job 1:12): Behold all that he has is in your power. Our life is continued to us by the indulgence of God, and by his providential influence and supportation.

2. He tempted Eve first, because he knew if once he could prevail with her, she would easily draw her husband. Thus the Devil handed over a temptation to Job by his wife (Job 2:9). Curse God and die.

How many by consulting with the flesh have lost the Kingdom of Heaven! 15. If you would not fall short of Heaven take heed of carnal relations: our carnal friends are often bars and blocks in our way to Heaven; they will say religion is preciseness and singularity: a wife in the…

He usually puts discontented persons upon indirect means. Job's wife fretted (so far was she from holy submission) and she presently puts her husband upon cursing of God (Job 2:9): Curse God and die. What is the reason why some have turned witches, and given themselves to the De…

And secondly, as Satan has such a desire: so God may give his child up into Satan's hand for a while, thus to afflict and terrify his spirit. His last commission over Job seems to extend thus far, for his life only was excepted (Job 2:6): 'He is in your hand, only save his life.…

Bonds and afflictions abide me, but none of these things move me (Acts 20:24). The troubles a godly man meets with for conscience, do by a holy antiperistasis, the more inflame his zeal: sufferings cannot make Christ leave loving the saints, nor make the saints leave loving of C…

He has no power, but what is given him from above, and when God puts any of his servants into Satan's hands, he keeps Satan in his own hands: if you be in Satan's hands for your exercise, remember Satan is in God's hands for your comfort and safety. He had not power over the her…

2. Now we are to consider, that though Satan be sentenced already, and as a malefactor under bail, and in chains, yet has he leave to walk to and fro in the earth, and is not yet cast in prison, nor are we freed from his temptation, the personal persecution and malice of Satan;…

The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof (chapter 26:21). For the Lord comes out of his place, to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; it is Satan's walk (Job 2:2). And the Lord said to Satan, from where do you come? and Satan answered the Lord…

For motives to this: First, it is taken from the sweetness of life, "Skin for skin, and all that a man has will he give for his life" (Job 2:4). And what is a life without grace?

Though he get the foil he will set on us again; like a troublesome fly that is often beaten off, yet will return to the same place. Thus the devil when he could do no good upon his first patent against Job's goods and children, comes and sues for a new commission, that he might…

It was the manner of Paul to abase himself, and to mourn for the sins of others (2 Corinthians 12:24), and he reproves the Corinthians that they were puffed up, and did not mourn for the incestuous person. Like was the practice of David (Psalm 119:136), of Lot (2 Peter 2:7), of…

And it often appears by their backwardness to entertain charitable thoughts of them, and their being hard to convince that it is really so that they have obtained mercy, and a forwardness to listen to anything that seems to contradict it. The devil hated to own Job's sincerity (…

Malachi 3:16. Then they that feared the Lord, spoke often one to another, and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord, and thought upon his Name. Job 2:11. Now when Job's three friends heard all of this evil…

3. The same may be said concerning persecution, one especial part of affliction, and commonly that which most entangles the minds of them that suffer. Now no man can endure persecution quietly, patiently, constantly according to the will of God, especially when the Devil pursues…

We shall find him in the next chapter at the assembly again, renewing his motion for a second assault, that he may have leave to lay his siege nearer and closer to Job, presuming that though he had not prevailed at the first, yet he shall at the second charge; let me charge him…

Who would have suspected the Devil there? He handed over a temptation to Job by his wife (Job 2:9). Do you still retain your integrity?

5. His actings are in matter of lots that seem to be ruled by fortune and chance (Proverbs 16:33; Genesis 49; Deuteronomy 33, compared with Joshua 14:1, 2, 3). 6. Especially in bowing the free will, and determining all the actions of evil angels (1 Kings 22:21, 22, 23; Job 1:6,…

2. It is the silent submission of the soul to the providence of God, for that also is the will of God concerning us. (1.) When the events of providence are grievous and afflictive, displeasing to sense, and crossing our secular interests; meekness does not only quiet us under th…

If wives would learn in this point to be subject, many jars, which from time to time arise between them, would be allayed, if not prevented. Michal the wife of David (2 Samuel 6:20, etc.), and Job's wife (Job 2:10) (though they gave just occasion to be most sharply reproved, yet…

When that for which a wife is reproved is a truth, a known truth, and a weighty truth, the husband in performing this duty justifies his deed, shows that there was need thereof, and so gives evidence of his love, makes his reproof to pierce the more deeply, and so makes her the…

When Satan had a commission to exercise Job, first his person was exempted (Job 1:12): "Upon himself put not forth your hand." Next his life (Job 2:6): "Behold he is in your hand, but save his life." A godly man has an invisible guard and hedge round about him; we are not sensib…

God cannot endure to have his love suspected, or undervalued; and yet people are apt to do so, when dispensations are anything cross to their desires and expectations. But now it is a great check to consider, that if we have our troubles, we have also our consolations; and we sh…

There is no perfect defeating the temptation but by studying matter of praise, and to set seriously about the duty. So (Job 2:10) Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? Shall we receive so many proofs of the love of God, and quarrel at a few aff…

When Satan accused Joshua (Zechariah 3:1-2), it was for his filthy garments, his iniquity; as (verse 3-4). He is ever telling tales (and sometimes true stories) of the miscarriages of professors; he registers their pride and wantonness, their vanity and folly, all their unworthy…

Thus God laughs at the trial of the innocent, for he sees they are men that will endure a trial; as the excellent expositor on the Book of Job expresses it, with much more to this effect. God took pleasure in the sufferings of Christ (as Christ himself also did) and so he does i…

However upon the trial of a good man, the good God pronounces this of him, This is a dear Son and a pleasant child, I will surely have mercy on him; He pronounces this, I find good metal in the soul of this man, and he shall be mine in the day when I make up my jewels. The Devil…

Great assurances and glorious joys, are too great a sail for a heart that is not widened with enlarged contritions and humiliations. God would make Job a pattern of patience, to all posterities, therefore he exercises him with all extremities in all kind of sharp and piercing so…

The first is taken from the nature of the will of man, which since the fall, is wholly tainted, and totally infected with corruption, which universally overspreads the whole man; as he in another case, the whole head is sick, the whole heart is faint, the whole man wholly posses…

As first that the Lord might show his power, and that absolute sovereignty he has over the worst men, and the worst of creatures those infernal [reconstructed: spirits], and the worst and most violent of all their corruptions, and that he has the reins of all their violence and…

Says discontent: throw off Christ's livery, desist from your religion. Thus Job's wife, being discontented with her condition, says to her husband, Do you still retain your integrity (Job 2:9)? As if she had said, Do you not see, Job, what is become of all your religion?

When I am tried, I shall come forth as gold. Job had a furnace-faith; a Christian of the right breed (who is born of God) whatever he loses, will hold fast his integrity (Job 2:3). Christ's true disciples will follow him upon the water.

In adversity the devil tempts to atheism and desperation. Satan used Job's wife as a ladder by which he would have scaled the impregnable tower of Job's faith (Job 2:9): do you still retain your integrity? A cutting kind of speech; as if the devil had said, God has pulled down y…

2. That for a public, formal, ministerial teaching, two things are required in the Teacher: first, gifts from God: secondly, authority from the Church (and I speak now of ordinary cases), he that wants either, is no true Pastor: for the first, God sends none upon an employment,…

The Serpent did speak in Eve. Job's wife would have called him off from serving God, does you still retain your integrity? (Job 2:9). What, still pray and weep?

But 1. it takes strength from a temptation; as some run more swiftly after a fall, that they may recompense their loss of time; and that is great faith that argues from a temptation, as this woman does. 2. That is Job's great faith, (Job 2:3) that he still holds fast his integri…

And so by reason that the world by a new gift of redemption, is subjected to Jesus Christ, there is a special and particular providence of Christ upon Satan: it concerns the redeemed not a little, that Christ keep a strong and watchful guard upon the black camp out of which he h…

7. The contrary error is founded upon two other errors, that all afflictions are subservient officers and sergeants to the law, and so they are signs of God's wrath, as is the law, and as believers are freed from the ruling power of the law, so also from the rod. But this is fal…

Thirdly, nearness of acquaintance. (Job 2:11, 13) Job's friends, that were of his acquaintance, came with one consent to mourn with him. Now, secondly, why every family apart.

It is no small matter that we fight for, but a matter of the greatest weight and consequence that can be. Satan could say (Job 2:4) All that a man has will he give for his life: yet is life but a temporal and earthly matter. If all for his life, what for his soul, and the salvat…

4 The proof and trial of such gifts and graces as he has bestowed on his children (1 Peter 4:1). That the Devil also has his hand in afflicting God's children, is clear by these (among many other) Scriptures, Job 1:9-10 and Job 2:5, 1 Chronicles 21:1, Zechariah 3:1, Luke 22:31.…

He plots with the one, and pushes with the other. But at death the godly shall be freed from the molestations of the wicked; they shall never be pestered with these vermin more (Job 3:17). There (namely, in the grave) the wicked cease from troubling.

The Devil setting in with melancholy, causes a sad eclipse in the soul; it begins to think, God has shut up the springs of mercy, and there is no hope. Hereupon, Satan gets farther advantage of a troubled spirit, sometimes he puts the troubled soul upon sinful wishes and execrat…

So here; Christ, God and man, knowing that he was to bear the terrors of the first and second death, does act over beforehand (the time being near) the sorrow and anguish of heart that he was to suffer in his extreme sufferings: as it were good, before the cross come, to act it…

And yet, this was not all it did for you, before you sawest this world. It preserved you, as well as formed you in the womb: else you hadst been as those Embryo's Job speaks of, Job 3. 11, 12. that never saw the light. Abortives go for nothing in the world, and there are multitu…

Three times it occurs therein, 1 Kings 23:5. where we render it Idolatrous Priests, Zeph. 1:4. the name Chemarims is retained, Hos. 10:5. we express it by Priests, but place Chemarinus in the Margen. For it principally denoted the Priests of Baal and Moloch, and their blackness…

We leave them now silent, waiting for a time to attempt and accomplish the other end: they miserably failed in that, it was to comfort him, but they proved miserable comforters: which in the progress and process of this book, will receive a large and full discovery. Job 3:1, 2,…

So the common excuse; woe to the providence that God sent such an unhappy counseller to me; oh what had I to do there? So does Job repent in some respect in his weakness, not that he came in the world an heir of wrath, and a sinner, but ah the fatal and wrathful decree of God, t…

5. It makes us fit for death and eternity. The grave is a quiet place, there the wicked cease from troubling (Job 3:17). Those that were most troublesome are there bound to the peace; and their hatred and envy (those great troublemakers) are there perished (Ecclesiastes 9:6).

Tearing wrath, Psalm 50:22. Surprizing wrath, Job 20. 23. And abiding wrath, Job 3. 36. In this case no Creature can relieve, all are Physicians of no value; some under these terrors, have thought Hell more tolerable, and by a violent hand have thrust themselves out of the World…

When men are vexed with the world, they look upon death as a relief, to take vengeance upon God, to deprive him of a servant. 2. In deep sorrow, as Job 3:3, Elijah, 1 Kings 19:4: He requested for himself, that he might die; and he said, It is enough, now, O Lord, take away my li…

As there is the peace of God, so there is the peace of Satan, but they are easily known, for they are as contrary as Heaven and Hell, as light and darkness. The peace of God flows from a work of grace in the soul, and is the peace of a regenerate state; but the peace of Satan is…

These troubled Seas (as the Prophet calls them) will be casting forth their foam and mire upon the godly; and well then may a believer say his Nunc dimittis, Lord, now let Thou Thy servant depart. Death gives a child of God his quietus est, it sends him a Writ of ease, Job 3. 17…

Troubles and vexations are some of the thorns with which the earth is cursed. But in the Grave, a Believer has his quietus est; There the wicked cease from troubling, there the weary are at rest, Job 3.17. God will shortly wipe away all tears. Revelation 7.17.

The Two Men: Seen! why the valley itself, which is as dark as pitch: we also saw there the hobgoblins, satyrs, and dragons of the pit: we heard also in that valley a continual howling and yelling, as of a people under unutterable misery, who there sat bound in affliction and iro…

A man may want his desires, and yet want neither life nor heat: A tree may want leaves and fruit, and yet want neither sap nor moisture: A man's faith may be somewhat strong, when his feeling is nothing at all. David was justified and sanctified, and yet wanted this joy; and so…

It is said (Isaiah 33:14): 'The sinners in Zion are afraid, trembling surprises the hypocrite,' — namely, under the apprehension of approaching calamities: and it is true also, the saints in Zion may be afraid. 'My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgment…

Faith observes what our daily corruptions are, how soon this or that passion is stirred up, what vanities in our minds, what uncircumcision in our lips, how barren and unfruitful in good conference to help ourselves and others, and it gathers these up against the next opportunit…

And suppose God will not give you a spirit of grace, for any love's sake you discern in God toward you, and any neighborly and fatherly care he has over you, yet if God give you but a heart to feel your own want, and thirst after it, when you ask such bread for your souls, he wi…

I roared all the day. Much more bitter exclamations did Job send forth, and yet what men were these (Job 3:3; Job 6:2)? What excellent worthies of the Lord?

Yes, undoubtedly. And yet this is the spiritual madness that takes place everywhere among men: for God has prepared for us two houses, one is this our body which we bear about us, which is a house of clay, as Job says (Job 4:19), "We dwell in houses of clay whose foundation is d…

I answer 'tis hard to conceive how sin came into the Angels first; all that we can say, is this, that the Angels were created good, yet mutable and free, and they voluntarily chose not to abide in their own estates. All the answer Austine would give to this question was, Deus no…

They understand neither the Holiness of God nor man, who suppose that they are absolutely and immediately suited to one another, or that under that Notion of it, we can take any encouraging Motive to our Duty herein. Nay no Creature is capable of such a Perfection in Holiness, a…

There is in the word evidently a comparison with God the Father; he is infinitely glorious, Eternally subsisting in his own Person; and the Son is the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person. Angels are called the sons of God, are mighty in power, and excell…

Do you dare infringe his laws, and violate his commands, who is so great and terrible a God, that he can destroy you by the very breath of his nostrils? By the breath of his nostrils they are consumed (Job 4:9). Indeed, he can look you to death: They perish at the rebuke of your…

One knock, if it hit right (as one says) may make a wise man a fool, but to be sure, they all leave us at death. Does not his excellency which is in him, go away? (Job 4:21). Indeed, then all natural excellency departs.

Christ's ministers are fishers of men, but we seldom fish successfully in these troubled waters. The voice Eliphaz heard was ushered in with a profound silence (Job 4:16), and in slumberings upon the bed, a quiet place and posture. God opens the ears of men, and seals their inst…

And as the word gives no allowance for the least sin, so it is the very nature of sincerity and uprightness, to set the heart against [every] way of wickedness, Psalm 139:23, 24. Job 4. 23. And especially against that sin which was its darling in the days of his vanity, Psalm 18…

This habitual holiness of Christ was inconceivably above that of the angels. He who charges his angels with folly, Job 4:18, who puts no trust in his saints — and in whose sight the heavens are not clean, Job 15:15 — always embraces Christ in his bosom and is always well pleased…

What are we to the Lord, who can stop our breath in a moment? (Job 4:9) By the blast of God they perish; and by the breath of his nostrils they are consumed. With a breath God can destroy us all, and resolve us into nothing; therefore to rise up against God, this is the greater…

(1.) Whether they be upbraidings of our trust, (Matthew 27:43) He trusted in God, let him deliver him now if he will have him, for he said I am the Son of God. (Job 4:6) Is not this your fear, your confidence, and the uprightness of your ways your hope? (2.) Or insultings over o…

Use. Not to be severe against those that fail out of infirmity, nor to cast them off, for God does not pity them; rather than censure them, let us help them out of the mire. Unhumbled hearts that are puffed up with pride and confidence in their own strength when out of the tempt…

That is a true sight of God which abases all things besides God, not only in opinion but affection; that attracts and unites the soul to God, and draws it off from all created excellencies. The sight of God's purity darkens the purity of the angels, and stains the pride of all c…

That goodness which we have in participation from him, will appear no goodness in comparison of him; the heavens themselves are not clean in his sight (Job 25:5-6): Behold even to the Moon, and it shines not; indeed the stars are not pure in his sight: how much less man that is…

David here does not only own the general truth, but sees God's faithfulness when the stroke lighted upon himself. So (Job 4:3-5) you shall see this was objected to Job, that he could comfort others; but now the hand of God was upon him, his soul fainted. They that stand upon the…

Thirdly, we have given counsel to others. (Job 4:5), But now it is come upon you, and you faint: it touches you, and you are troubled. It is an easier matter to instruct others, than to carry it well ourselves.

But ah, how are things altered since sin came into the world! The angels he has charged with folly (Job 4:18). The heavens are not clean in his sight (Job 15:15).

Life and trouble are married together: there is more in life to wean us than to tempt us. Parents divide a portion of sorrow to their children, and yet they leave enough for themselves (Job 5:7). Man is born to trouble.

More water of tears than wine of joy: Quid est diu vivere nisi diu torqueri, Aug. Man is born to trouble (Job 5:7). Every one is not born heir to land, but he is born heir to trouble; as well separate weight from lead.

Indeed sin unrepented of makes one miserable, but the cross does not. If God has a design in afflicting his children, to make them happy, then they are not miserable; but God's afflicting them is to make them happy: therefore they are not miserable (Job 5:17). Happy is the man w…

God has made promises to his people, when they are under great pressures to deliver them, and his truth is engaged in his promise (Psalm 50:15): Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you. (Job 5:19) He shall deliver you in six troubles, and in seven. How is the Scri…

3. If we trust in our wisdom, we make it a God (Jeremiah 9:23): Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom. Glorying is the height of confidence; many a man does make an idol of his wit and parts: he deifies himself: but how often does God take the [reconstructed: Wise] in their o…

John the Baptist came neither eating nor drinking, yet they say he has a devil (Matthew 11:18). Slandering Job calls the scourge of the tongue (Job 5:21). And Jeremiah 18:18: "Come and let us smite him with the tongue" — you may smite another and never touch him.

The counsel of Achitophel which he counseled, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: but he consulted his own shame, the Lord turned his counsel into foolishness (2 Samuel 17:23). Job 5:13. God takes the wise in their own craftiness; that is, when they think to deal…

3rd Branch: It should exhort such to be very thankful to God, whom God has preserved from slander and false witness. Job calls it the scourge of the tongue (Job 5:21). As a rod does scourge the back, so the slanderer's tongue does scourge the name.

That I may further illustrate this, I shall show you wherein this submission to God's will lies; it lies chiefly in three things. (1.) In acknowledging God's hand; seeing God in the affliction (Job 5:6): Affliction arises not out of the dust; it comes not by chance. Job did eye…

A Christian has an invisible guard; Satan is sensible of it, though we be not; he says of Job, You have hedged him round about: God's heirs are well attended; angels wait upon them at Christ's direction. Other creatures serve us, as if they were in league and covenant with us; s…

1. That by these contrary providences, God is faithfully pursuing the great design of his electing love upon the souls of his people, and orders all these afflictions as means sanctified to that end. Afflictions do not fall out by chance, but by counsel (Job 5:6; Ephesians 1:11)…

It is well for us and ours, that our times are in God's hand, not in our own. And however immature soever it seemed to be when it was cut down; yet it came to the grave in a full age, as a shock of corn in its season (Job 5:26). They that are in Christ, and in the covenant, neve…

So he will protect his Church from the men of that city that is spiritually called Sodom, as Lot's house, wherein were the angels, was defended from the men of Sodom, by their being smitten with darkness or blindness, so that they wearied themselves to find the door; and as God…

Third, in urging this doctrine more hardly upon the people, to cause them not to rest on the letter of the law, but seek to the promised Messiah, in whom only was their righteousness — as young heirs and minors are kept under tutors while their minority expires. But, first, who…

He goes not away pulled by the hair, but willingly, gladly (Hebrews 11:8, 15); they desire a better country. (Job 5:26) Like a shock of corn in his season; it would be the loss of the corn to be longer out of the barn. Death shall not come while it be welcome (Job 7:3); as the h…

But we see none of these things in Hezekiah, for he is not ashamed to confess his fault, notwithstanding he was endowed with the true fear of God. Therefore if we desire to seek reconciliation with God, and to feel his favor in the day of adversity, let us give some testimonies…

But the Lord detects and discovers their treacheries, so as every one may see they dance but in a net. After Job has said, that God catches the wise in their wisdom: to show what this wisdom is, he calls it craftiness (Job 5:13). As touching that which by and by follows; namely,…

He takes the wise in their own craftiness; and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong. They meet with darkness in the day-time, and grope in the noon-day as in the night," (Job 5:12-14.) -- Ed. 9. But they, having heard the King, departed It is truly an instance of base…

If Christ reply in the negative, they will exclaim that he wickedly abolishes the Law; and if in the affirmative, they will give out that he is not a prophet of God, but rather a pander, who lends such countenance to the lust of men. Such were the calculations which they had mad…

The resurrection of Christ would undoubtedly have been less manifest, or, at least, they would have had more plausible grounds for denying it, if they had not taken pains to station witnesses at the sepulcher. We see then how the Lord not only disappoints the crafty, (Job 5:12,)…

What-ever they do in Religion, they do it not to him, Amos 5. 25. They have neither heard his Voice at any time, nor seen his Shape, John 5. 37. knowing nothing for themselves, which is their Duty, Job 5. 27. And yet it is hard to convince them that such is their condition.

It prevents abundance of sin, which else wicked men would commit, Genesis 19:11 The Sodomites were greedily pursuing their lusts: God providentially hinders it, by smiting them blind. Jeroboam intends to smite the Prophet; Providence interpos'd, and wither'd his arm, 1 Kings 13:…

1. Sicknesses, diseases and all sorts of judgments are wholly at God's disposal. Affliction comes not forth of the dust, neither does trouble spring out of the ground, yet man is born to trouble, as the sons of the burning coal lift up in flying (Job 5:6, 7). 2. When God intends…

The Reformed church was defended as Lot and the angels were in Sodom, by smiting the Sodomites with darkness or blindness, that they could not find the door. God then fulfilled that in Job 5:11, etc. "To set up on high those that below; that those which mourn may be exalted to s…

Thirdly, the seed is cast into the earth seasonably, in its proper season. So are the bodies of the saints (Job 5:26). You shall come to your grave in a full age, as a shock of corn comes in, in its season.

Lastly, (to come home to the particular object of this chapter) the reapers are never sent to cut down the harvest till it be fully ripe; neither will God reap down saints or sinners, till they be come to a maturity of grace or wickedness. Saints are not reaped down till their g…

How often does an envious fretful soul, like a sharp knife, cut its own sheath, and, as they say of the viper's brood, eat its own way out: all which meekness happily prevents. The quietness of the spirit will help to cool distempered heats, to suppress melancholy vapors; and th…

Indeed; on the contrary, have you not found that it very well deserves your best affections and services? Enquire of those that have made trial of it, consult the experiences of others: call now, if there be any that will answer you, and to which of the saints will you turn (Job…

There is no truer misery, then false joy, says Bernard. There is a great difference between the prosperity of the wicked, and that which the godly have; God carries his people when he exalts them, as the Eagle her yong upon her wings, he exalts them to safety, according to that…

They speak mischievous things, says David, but I as a deaf man heard not; but mark verse 15. In you O Lord do I hope, you will hear, O Lord my God; What need David hear, God will hear: the less we hear in this case, the more will God hear, Job 5:21 You shall be hid from the scou…

APPLICATION. No sooner come we into the World as Men, or as Christians, by a natural, or supernatural Birth; but thus we are tossed upon a Sea of Troubles, Job 5. 7. Yet Man is born to trouble, as the sparks flie upwards.

This he largely describes in Isaiah 19:11-14: drunkenness and staggering are the issue of all their wisdom, for the Lord gives them the spirit of dizziness. So also Job 5:12-14: they meet with darkness in the daytime; when all things seem clear about them and a man would wonder…

The Lambs Innocency will not preserve it from the Wolf. Job calls slandering the scourge of the Tongue, Job 5:21. You may smite a man and never touch him.

What words you would use to them, use the same thoughts to yourself: heart answers to heart. 3. You understand a truth; you have arguments evident and strong, why you should believe it; repeat them over to the soul with application (Job 5:27). See it, and know it for your good.

2. An applicative sight, not only knowledge, but prudence (Proverbs 8:12): I Wisdom dwell with Prudence. Wisdom is the knowledge of principles, prudence is an ability to apply them to our comfort and use, that we may know it for our good (Job 5:28). Many are right in generals; b…

Counsels, though never so wisely laid, yet are blasted, if we do not make this our business to approve our hearts to God in those actions. Remember in one place it is said, The counsel of the froward is carried headlong (Job 5:13); and in another place (Isaiah 44:25), The counse…

And (Joel 2:17): "On the fasting day let the priests the ministers of the Lord weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, spare your people, O Lord, and give not your heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them, why should they say among the people…

If God be for us, who can be against us? (Job 5:27) Lo, this we have searched, so it is, hear it, and know you it for your good. The benefit of sound doctrine consists in the application thereof by the hearers.

1. How likely it is that the children of God will be exercised with afflictions, because God in his Word has laid in so many comforts beforehand; a full third of the Scriptures would be lost, and be as bladders given to a man that stands on dry land, and never means to go into d…

(Romans 8:31) What shall we then say to these things? (Job 5, final verse) Lo, this we have searched, so it is; hear it, and know you it for your good. (Hebrews 2:3) How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?

1. Their Author is God. We think them fortuitous, from chance, but they do not rise out of the dust (Job 5:6). Whoever be the instruments, or whatever be the means, the wise God has the whole ordering of it.

Carnal sense is not easily persuaded, but the new nature prevails at length, and then they readily subscribe to the truth of it. The word is clear in this point (Job 5:17): Behold, happy is the man whom the Lord corrects. The first word [Behold] summons our attention and observa…

How much are we obliged to God's providence, who does not only defend us against open violence, but secret machinations. It is the Lord who takes the wise in their own craftiness, and disappoints the counsels of wicked men against his people (Job 5:12). Many things are contrived…

He was the light of the world, which without him is a dark dungeon. More particularly it appears that man is dark: 1 By his groping, which is constantly attributed to blindness and darkness in the Scripture: Be pleased to peruse (Deuteronomy 28:29, Job 5:14, and 12:25, Isaiah 59…

There was never such a thing seen in Israel; therefore though your heart tells you, there was never a sinner as I am, yet God is able to do that which never was done in Israel, therefore expect still what may be. Again, though you cannot conceive it, yet know there is a sufficie…

What if we have more afflictions than others, if we have more of God's company? God's honor is dear to him; it would not be for his honor to bring his children into sufferings, and leave them there; he will be with them to animate and support them; indeed when new troubles arise…

What account can the unfruitful Christian give to God? God will come with this question: where is your fruit? A godly man dies full of fruit (Job 5:26): you shall come to your grave in a full age, like a shock of corn. The unfruitful Christian comes to his grave not as a shock o…

God sits laughing while hell and earth sit plotting, Psalms 2:4. He disappoints the devices of the crafty, he breaks their studied thoughts and plots, as the words import, Job 5:12. in one moment pulling down the labors of many years policy. Indeed as great men keep wilde beasts…

4. The believers are blessed through Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:10, 13; Psalm 32:1-2; Romans 4:6; Psalm 2:12; Psalm 119:1). Their afflictions and death are blessed, precious in the eyes of the Lord, not qualified with any law-curse (Job 5:17; Psalm 94:12; Matthew 5:6; Luke 6:22;…

Heaven, Earth, Sun, Moon, Beasts, Birds, etc. being all made servants to man, were in a manner fellow-Covenanters in their kind with man in the Covenant of Works: As a King covenants with a great family, his servants and dependents have the benefit of the King's Covenant-peace,…

After Satan's fiery darts, comes the White Stone; no better balm to heal a tempted soul than the oil of gladness: as after Christ was tempted, then came an angel to comfort him. 4th Season. After desertion: desertion is a poisoned arrow shot to the heart (Job 6:4). God is called…

The tongue is made almost in the fashion of a sword; and the tongue is sharp as a sword (Psalm 57:4). Their tongue is a sharp sword. Kind, loving words should be spoken to such as are of a heavy heart (Job 6:14). To him that is afflicted, pity should be shown. Healing words are…

Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it's the name by which God is known (Psalm 111:9): "Holy and reverend is his name." He is the holy one (Job 6:10). Seraphims cry, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isaiah 6:3).

(3.) God being a Father, if he desert and hide his face from his child, it is in love. Desertion is sad in itself, a short Hell (Job 6:9). When the light is withdrawn, dew falls: yet we may see a rainbow in the cloud, the love of a Father in all this.

There is a great power and efficacy in good discourse. (Job 6:25) How forcible are right words! By holy conference on a Sabbath, one Christian helps to warm another when he is frozen, to strengthen another when he is weak.

The allusion is to the poisoned darts which the Scythians of old, and other nations now, use in war, dipped in the blood and gall of asps and vipers, the venomous heat of which, like a fire in their flesh, killed the wounded with torments most like to hell of any other. Job also…

Now this first kind of temptations, by outward Judgments, is most grievous; when the Lord lays his own hand upon his servants so heavily, as they shall think themselves to be quite forsaken. In this temptation was David as we may read at large: Psalm the 6: and Psalm 38: and Job…

No, but hope when there is no hope, keep faith when there is no feeling. And to strengthen us herein, remember the faith of Job (tried and sifted, so as few have been) who though the arrows of the almighty stuck in him, and the venom thereof drunk up his spirits, Job 6:4. Yet ev…

If so be you have tasted the Lord is gracious. Time was, when they found comfort in drawing nigh to God; His Word was as the dropping honey, very delicious to the palate of their soul: but now it is otherwise, they can taste no more sweetness in spiritual things, than in the whi…

What will you arm? lusts against Angels? And do you know the terror of his wrath? one spark of it is enough to drink up all your blood and spirits (Job 6:4). The present life is but a vapor, soon gone: if God be angry, he can arm the least creature to kill you.

But it is a sad dispensation, when God cleaves a saint with a wedge of his own timber; and links one sinful misjudging of God, in this fever of soul-desertion, to another: and justice sews (in a permissive providence) one sin to another, to lengthen the chain, if free grace, a l…

Error 3. When we see we must suffer, we tacitly are offended that Christ will not give us the first vote in our own jury, and that he would not seek our own advice in this kind of cross, not this; except to one man, David, God never referred the choice of a cross, but then grace…

He that walks with the wise shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. 3. Such as are most likely to be faithful (Job 6:15-16). My brethren have dealt deceitfully with me as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away.

It is nothing by way of comparison with God, nothing by way of exclusion of God, nothing in opposition to God. It should be nothing in our esteem, so far as it would be something separate from God, or in co-ordination with God (Isaiah 40:17): All nations before him are as nothin…

He may express his just displeasure, and correct us for our sins for a while; but he takes off his punishing hand again, because he knows we are soon apt to faint and fail, being but a little enlivened dust, of a weak constitution, not able to endure long troubles and vexations.…

And we find it in Scripture referred in diverse ways. First, it is put for unsavory meat without salt or sauce, as (Job 6:6): Can that which is unsavory be eaten without salt? The word [unsavory] there is the same as this here rendered folly or foolishly.

And Christ is to the believer, not what idols are to the men of the world, but what a most loving husband is to his wife, being the object of her heart-contenting and satisfying love: wherever these properties of true love to Christ are, there may the soul lay claim to him as it…

In this may I resemble them, and come among the people of the Lord, in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ (Romans 15:29). Oh let not those thirsty souls that wait for me as for the rain (Job 29:23), return like the Troops of Tema, ashamed with their heads cover…

Hear me speedily, O Lord, for my spirit fails; hide not your face from me, lest I be like those that go down into the pit; q. d. Lord, make haste and recover my languishing soul; otherwise, whereas you have now a sick child, you will shortly have a dead child. And in like manner…

Spiritual Terrors, as well as spiritual Consolations, are not known till felt. O when the Arrows of the Almighty are shot into the Spirit, and the Terrors of God set themselves in array against the Soul; when the Venome of those Arrows drink up the Spirits, and those Armies of T…

Thus he is said (Hebrews 1:3) to uphold all things by the word of his power: As a weighty thing is upheld in the hand of a man, when he loosens his hand all falls to the ground: So it is said (Job 12:10), In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all man…

God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able. God knows our frame, that we are imbecil and weak; our flesh is not as brass, Job 6 12. And the Lord will not try us above our strength, he will not lay a Giants burden upon a Childs back. God will not…

If you broach a Vessel that which is within will come out; by that which comes out of the Mouth, you may Guess what is within in the Heart, Luke 6 45. Out of the abundance of the Heart the mouth speaks. 6. Good discourse is beneficial, Job 6:23. How forcible are rights words?

Now if God does but loosen his hand, his almighty grasp, all comes to nothing. (Job 6:9) Let him loose his hand, and cut me off. Life, and the comforts of life, depend upon God in every kind.

As their joys are unspeakable and glorious, so their sorrows are sometimes above expression: A wounded spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:14). Common natural courage will carry a man through other afflictions — but when the arrows of the Almighty stick in their heart (Job 6:3), t…

As now he begs God in mercy to do for him: the equity of my cause being known, let them join themselves to me. As Job to his friends (Job 6:29): Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; indeed, return again, my righteousness is in it. That is, in this matter, every good man w…

And for why are these passionate requests? He tells us, The arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison of which drinks up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me (Job 6:9). And therefore though he could patiently bear all that the rage of the De…

Secondly, be convinced of the misery and desperate danger of a natural condition, for until we see the plague of our hearts, and the misery of our state by nature, we shall never be brought out of ourselves, to seek help in another. Thirdly, be convinced of the utter insufficien…

So Eli spoke to Samuel (1 Samuel 3:17), hide nothing from me. Job (Job 6:24), teach me and I will hold my tongue — he will quietly hear all, and attend that most, which may carry the cause to his conscience. If yet the evidence of the truth be such that he cannot gainsay, his mo…

In desertion God rains hell out of heaven (to use Calvin's expression). The arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison of which drinks up my spirits (Job 6:4). This is the poisoned arrow that wounds to the heart.

The grammarian who declines all other nouns, knows not how to decline death. Is my strength (said Job) the strength of stones? Job 6. 12. Suppose it were, yet, -- gutta cavat lapidem, -- the continual dropping of sickness would in time wear away this stone.

Desertion is the arrow of God, shot into the soul. Job 6.4. The arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my Spirit. The Scythians in their Wars did use to dip their Arrows in the blood and gall of Asps, that the venomous heat of them might the more to…

As if he had said, It must be a stone, or brass, that must bear your wrath. Though you were as strong as brass or stones, you could not bear it, when the mountains tremble at the wrath of the Lord) shall a poor worm or bubble, and a shadow endure it? (Job 6:12) Conceive this muc…

The tempering of the wheels and motions of a distempered conscience is so high, and supernatural a work, that Christ had to have the Spirit of the Lord on him above his fellows, and must be sent with a special commission to apply the sweet hands, the soft merciful fingers of the…

2. Consider that Christ loves you with the truest love: There is little true love in the world, you have many that truly hate you, few that truly love you: and there is much dissimulation in the pretended love and affection of some; all that flatter you do not truly love you; lo…

So that suppose, that taken severally, they be the smallest and least of your sins, yet their multitude makes them more and heavier than all your other. Nothing smaller than a grain of sand, but if there be a heap of them, there is nothing heavier (Job 6:3) — my grief is heavier…

I roared all the day. Much more bitter exclamations did Job send forth, and yet what men were these (Job 3:3; Job 6:2)? What excellent worthies of the Lord?

So our near friends are more committed to our care than others, and our near neighbors than those that live at a great distance; and the people of our land and nation are more in some sense committed to our care than the people of China, and we ought to pray more for them and to…

Now we know there is a kind of all-sufficiency in a fountain; whatever water a man wants, he may have his supply at the fountain; whereas cisterns and broken pits will be presently exhausted. We may observe in many fountains that to the eye they seem to have far less water in th…

The third is, that all men which are humbled have not like measure of sorrow, but some more, some less. Job felt the hand of God in exceeding great measure, when he cried, O that my grief were well weighed, and my miseries were laid together in the balance, for it would be now h…

1. By opening some Scripture phrases. 1. To forgive sin is to take away iniquity (Job 7:21): "Why do you not take away mine iniquity?" The Hebrew word Vethagnabir signifies to lift off.

O discover it now to me, and recover me now from it. And having found the root and cause of their troubles, ingenuous souls will shame themselves for it, and give glory to God by a humble submission, and vindication of the equity of his proceedings (Job 7:20), I have sinned, wha…

Daniel, in his captivity; Ezra, when the people were under wrath; Esther and her maids, when the church's destruction is warped, and in weaving, by prayer loose the captive bands, and break death's jaws. So low a man as Job (Job 7:20) was, What shall I say to you, O preserver of…

Or does he not seek the effectual pardon of his numbering the people? (Job 7:21), "And why do you not pardon my iniquity, and take away my transgression?" (Isaiah 27:9), "This is all the fruit, to take away his sin" — this cannot be the potential and ineffectual removing of sin,…

Also from God's Providence who permits this, that we may not be careless and secure after temptation, though we have gotten the victory. For our life is a continual warfare (Job 7:1): Is there not an appointed time for man upon earth? The same word signifies also a warfare.

He speaks expressly of the multitude, because they were a great people; and therefore boasted of it as if they had been invincible. Where he adds that the remnant shall be feeble, he means, there shall be such a change, that there shall be great odds between their former and lat…

We obtain peace with God, when he begins to be gracious to us, by taking away our guilt, and “not imputing to us our trespasses,” (2 Corinthians 5:19;) and when we, relying on his fatherly love, address him with full confidence, and boldly praise him for the salvation which he h…

It certainly argues the great esteem God has of a man, when he thus follows him with sanctified Providences (whether they be comforts or crosses) for his good. And so much is plain, from Job 7:18 Lord what is man, that you shouldst visit him every morning, and try him every mome…

Oh how quietly will you then behave your selves under the changes of Providence? It may be, two or three days have made a sad change in your condition: the death of a dear relation has turned all things upside down: that place is empty where lately they were, as it is, Job 7:10…

THus you see what care Providence has had over your souls, in preventing the spiritual dangers and miseries that else would have befallen you in the way of temptations: in the next place I will shew you, that it has been no less careful for your bodies,and with how great tendern…

He comes nigh in mercies also, Psalm 145:18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, &c. Yea, he is said to visit us by his Providence when he corrects, Hosea 9:7 and when he saves and delivers, Psalm 106:4 These visitations of God preserve our spirits, Job. 10:12 And…

We use to say, a light burden is heavy, if the journey be long; a man may bear anything for a brunt, or for a spurt, but to have a sad load continued upon the shoulders all the day, pinches sore. Job's load lay upon him day and night, day after day, indeed month after month (Job…

1. Not only Afflctions in general, but great and manifold Afflictions, and those attended with all sorts of aggravating circumstances, are alwaies consistent with the pardon of sin, after signal tokens and pledges of it, and of the love of God therein, Job 7:17, 18. What is man…

For look, as these blessed spirits did exceedingly rejoice at their conversion (Luke 15:10) and thought it no dishonor to minister to them while they stood in the field (Hebrews 1:14), so when they are cut down by death, they will rejoice to be their convoy to heaven. When the c…

The Poem. Observe in summer's sultry heat, how in the hottest day: the husbandman does toil and sweat about his corn and hay. (Job 7:2, Genesis 3:19) If then he should not reap and mow, and gather in his store; how should he live, when for the snow he can't move out of door? (Pr…

Your days will consume like smoke, while your heart is smitten and withered like grass (Psalm 102:3-4). Your months will be months of vanity, they will fly away and see no good (Job 7:3). If he will but quicken you again, then you must call upon his name (Psalm 80:18).

Joseph is rich and all the corn of Egypt is his, and his brethren want bread, and are low like carriers, driving horses with loads on them. 5. Job gets no leave to swallow his spittle (Job 7:19). Precious Israel is plowed (Psalm 129:1) and her back made a field of blood; like tw…

(3.) From the peevishness of fond and doting love (2 Samuel 18:33): And the King was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: as he went, thus he said, O Absolom, my son, would God I had died for you, O Absolom, my son, my son — like the wives of the East-…

It is but as a vapor (James 4:14). A little warm breath turned in and out by the nostrils (Job 7:1). Is there not an appointed time for man upon earth?

All are yours, for you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. If they look to heaven, they can rejoice and say, Glory be to you, O Lord, who have prepared this for our everlasting dwelling-place: if they look to the earth, Glory be to you, O Lord, who do not leave us destitute in th…

Mere crosses and troubles are not an argument of God's displeasure, but acts of his faithfulness; so that we have reason to give thanks for his discipline, rather than question his love. In the book of Job 'tis made a mark of his love, as in those words which are so frequent, (J…

This makes him afraid either to live or to die. His trouble is so intense, that sometimes his soul chooses strangling and death rather than his life, as he, Job 7:15. And yet the very thoughts of death are a grievous amazement to him, because he is afraid that it will but post h…

The Scriptures are so pregnant, reasons so plain, arguments so strong, that though before they did not see, they could not think it, or be brought to believe, that their sins were so heinous or their condition so miserable, yet they now know not how to gainsay it. Thus [illegibl…

God's rod is Sceptrum Regale, a scepter of dignity. Job calls God's afflicting of us his magnifying of us (Job 7:17). Some men's prosperity has been their shame, when others' affliction has been their crown.

2. Do we endure no pain at all in our life? Job felt so many miseries, that he did choose rather to die than live, Job 7. 5 and 15. My flesh is clothed with worms, my skin is broken and become loathsome, so that my soul chooses strangling and death, rather than life; the life of…

It makes it enquire how to get cure and remedy for the evils which before were confest. Job 7:20. I have sinned, What shall I do to you,O you preserver of men? &c.

For my part, I know not whether it is best to live thus, or to die out of hand. My soul chooses strangling rather than life, and the grave is more easy for me than this dungeon (Job 7:15). Shall we be ruled by the giant?

He will be with you in all your stealing and pilfering, and in all your cursed devices; if you belong to him he will not give you over. And in another place Job says (Job 7:19), How long will you not depart from me, nor let me alone until I swallow down my saliva? You had better…

1 That it is among the greatest of miseries, when a man shall be without the forgiveness of his sins. So much is manifest by the lamentations of the godly, who have greatly lamented this thing (Psalm 90:8; Job 7:20, 21). As also by the imprecations against the wicked, against wh…

And it is a merciful condescension of the Lord to poor creatures thus to concern himself for their safety and benefit. 'What is man, that you should magnify him, and that you should set your heart upon him, that you should visit him every morning, and try him every moment?' (Job…

2. Where the believer is willing, that his pain, and his hell, may be matter of praising of God (Psalm 77:13): Who is so great a God as our God: the church was then deserted, as the Psalm makes clear. 6. She puts Christ in his chair of state, and adores him: the deserted soul sa…

(Isaiah 59:12): For our transgressions are multiplied before you, and our sins testify against us. (Job 7:20): I have sinned against you, O preserver of man. (Psalm 40:12): My sins are more in number than the hairs of my head.

How do thoughts trouble the Belshazzars and Nebuchadnezzars of the world (Daniel 4:19)? So Proverbs 4:16 — they sleep not unless they have done mischief; if their desires remain unsatisfied, they do disturb their thoughts, like froward children by their crying: so as, often, the…

4 His old sins will come fresh into his remembrance, and trouble him. He is sleepy, and in his sleep he has visions, and dreams and anxiety of spirit (Job 7:14). 5 In this misery God supports his faith, that it fail not, and he then not forsake Christ (Job 13:15).

Their hope was not an anchor, but a spider's web. Now at Death they lose their hopes, they see they did but flatter themselves into Hell (Job 8:14). Whose hope shall be cut off.

God forbid. (Job 8:3). Does the Almighty pervert justice? 1. God is not bound to give an account of his actions to his creatures.

They who lose the Heavenly Kingdom lose the society of angels, and what sweeter music than to hear them praise God in consort. They lose all their treasure, their white robes, their sparkling crowns; they lose their hopes, (Job 8:14) Whose hope shall be cut off. Their hope is no…

Let me tell you that this looking or expectation is not that blind hope that is found in men ignorant and presumptuous, that regard not what they do, presumption is a child of darkness, the fruit of ignorance and inconsideration, when men are once serious they find it an hard ma…

This way that many take, is not to draw the evidences of believing from works of holiness, which is warrantable, but the founding of faith, or their hope of heaven on works, and the use they make of their faith, is to ward off challenges for the imperfection of their works, and…

Why does David complain that he was as a bottle in the smoke, and pray so often that God would quicken him, if under a dead disposition we were not to pray? 4. If often the saints beginning to pray do speak words of unbelief and from a principle of nature, and if words flowing f…

Besides they observe the number of the verses at the end of every book: as also that [in non-Latin alphabet] in [in non-Latin alphabet] Leviticus 11:42 is the middle letter of the Law; [in non-Latin alphabet], Leviticus 10:16 the middle word; Leviticus 13:33 the middle verse; th…

The blossom of childhood hopes to come to the budding of youth; and the bud of youth hopes to come to the flower of age; and the flower of age hopes to come to old age; and old age hopes to renew its strength as the eagle. But if we measure life by a pair of Scripture compasses,…

Godly men, though never so poor, are to look upon those who are carnal, as base and vile, especially to think to take satisfaction in eating, and drinking, and playing with them, when as there are such holy Ordinances, and high priviledges with Gods people, to satisfy yourselves…

Their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost (Job 11:20). The hypocrite's hope shall perish, and his trust is but as a spider's web; he shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand; he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure (Job 8:13-15). Where will the hope of hy…

There is nothing more common than to see men big with groundless hopes of heaven. 1. A man may have great hope that has no grace; you read of the hope of hypocrites (Job 8:13-14). The performance of duties is a proof of their hope; the foolish virgins would never have done what…

A wicked man's hope is as far from being good as his heart; the Hebrew word for hope signifies both confidence and folly — it is fitly applied to a wicked man's hope, for his confidence is folly. The hope of a godly man is compared to an anchor (Hebrews 6:19); the hope of a wick…

Psalm 112:10: "The desire of the wicked shall perish." Job 8:13-14: The hypocrite's hope shall perish: whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web. Proverbs 10:28: The expectation of the wicked shall perish.

You may then go to the promises boldly, and take your own Christ into the arms of your faith, and say, 'My beloved is mine, and I am his.' Yes, you may be confident it shall be well with you in the judgment of the great day, for 'God will not cast away the upright man' (Job 8:20…

The next attribute is God's power (Job 9:19). If I speak of strength, lo he is strong.

Laws are founded upon reason; and he must be wise that makes laws. God in this respect is most fit to be a Lawgiver; he is wise in heart (Job 9:4). He has a monopoly of wisdom (1 Timothy 1:17).

The next attribute is God's wisdom, which is one of the brightest beams of the Godhead (Job 9:4). He is wise in heart.

You would be loath to trade in vain; and why not as well to hear sermons in vain? (Job 9:29) Why then do I labor in vain? Put this question to your own soul, Why do I labor in vain?

So he causes a man's soul to forget all good — as in Lamentations 3:17 the church in desertion is said to do — and to forget his own mercies, as Jonah speaks. He can multiply suggestions so fast, and come in with such a tempest, that as Job complains (Job 9:17) he will not suffe…

And that reproach which is cast upon a Christian, is cast upon Christ; and Christ takes it as done unto himself: the persecutor wounds Christ Jesus through the sides of a poor Christian; which is a fearful thing. For, in so doing, he sets himself against the Lord Jesus, he kicks…

1. God's wisdom is excellent. He is wise in heart (Job 9:4); he knows the causes of things; yea, at one instant; the angels light their lamps at this sun. 2. God's power is excellent.

God's wisdom is a distinct notion from his knowledge; he does not only know all things, but has ordered and disposed them with much counsel. The wisdom of God is asserted in the word (Job 9:4 and Job 12:13), and proved there by what he has bestowed upon man; he that teaches man…

But I can ask heaven — he can give more than heaven, and above heaven; indeed I can think of Christ, but he can give above the Christ that I can think on, because I cannot comprehend infinite Jesus Christ. Rule 11. Christ is not so intent and heart-bent on freedom from death and…

The heavens, even the heavens are the Lord's; but the earth has he given to the children of men; and oppressors are the landlords of it (Psalm 10). God arises to judge (verse 18), that the man of the earth may no more oppress (Job 9:24). The earth is given to the hand of the wic…

A judgment cannot be made of a man's life from one of these only, but from all. The prime source and fountain of all is God, or the divine Providence, which commands the sun, and it rises not, and seals up the stars (Job 9:7), which can countermand the ordinary course of nature,…

Lastly, the Scripture shuts up all men under sin, even the most sanctified (Proverbs 20:9; 1 John 1:9). Job confesses he cannot answer one of a thousand (Job 9:3). And David says, If you, Lord, shall mark what is done amiss, who can abide it? (Psalm 130:3).

Thus David in the 39th Psalm says: I held my peace, Lord, because you did it. If the fear of God's power restrains us not, we will never cease murmuring: and therefore Job, considering that he had to do with God, says: I will lay my hand upon my mouth: I will make humble supplic…

Jerem. 2. 22. Job 9. 30, 31. their own Sorrow, and Repentance, and Tears of Contrition, and that sorry Amendment of Life they can attain to, shall do this Work for them. And every especial defiling Act, or every renewed sence of it, shall have an especial Act of Duty for its Cle…

By the dead's rising at his command, it appeared that he was the Author and fountain of life. By his walking on the sea in a storm, when the waves were raised, he showed himself to be that God spoken of in Job 9:8, that treads on the waves of the sea. By his stilling the storm,…

O what groundless Jealousies and suspicions of God are found at such times in the hearts of his own Children! Job 9. 16, 17. Psalm 77. 7, 8, 9.

If one man sinagainst another, the judge shall judge him; but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him? There is not, says Job between us one that might argue the case, in pleading for me, and so make up the matter, laying his hand upon us both, Job 9:33. We now…

The Merchant resis not here, but he hearkens with much solicitousness after the things that should bring home his riches, especially if they have in them his All. Hence such Ships are called Ships of desire, Job 9:26. Such a man greatly desires the speeding of them to their Port.

The wisdom of God is also to be Considered and submitted unto. Job 9:4. He is wise in heart who has hardened himself against him and prospered.

It is called a flower (Psalm 103:15), a vapor (James 4:14). Job sets forth fragile life very elegantly in three of the elements — land, water, air (Job 9:25-26). Go to the land, and there man's life is like a swift post.

"He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." So as to walking on the sea in a storm: Job 9:8. "Which alone—treadeth upon the waves of the sea."

2. Beside that, every being must be from the being of beings, and so every action natural or supernatural must be attended with suitable influences from God; so the Scripture is clear. That 1. God can serve a sort of law-inhibition upon all creatures, that they act not; and what…

Answ. If God first by order of nature, but in the same moment of time, must stir and bow our souls to holy duties, before our souls can act and stir themselves, then must God domineer over free-will, and make it a mere passive lump in acting it, it's palpably false. For first, b…

But 1. Free goodness, and not natural necessity, made the world; and that same freedom intervenes, in continuing, being and acting in creatures, which act by nature. Fire casts heat, the Sun light and influences, the Sea ebbs and flows by nature; yet there must also be a free ne…

3. In that there is a promise, to him that has it shall be given (Matthew 25:29, Matthew 13:12), but how far the promise extends is after to be discussed. (3.) As touching influences natural, they seem to be common to free and voluntary agents, and also to natural causes; so the…

The Lord by casting an ague of love-sickness in the soul, moves the free-will of the Spouse, and of the Martyrs to die for Christ, rather than deny him, because love of itself considered as separated from the Lord's physical motions on the soul, works upon the will more strongly…

3. Sovereignty challenges submission to the will of God in doing and in suffering, because it is his obliging will; we fail not a little in the former when we pray, because the mast of the ship is broken, and death is at the bedside; and we hear the Word, because it is the fashi…

For if one man sin against another, the judge shall judge herein; but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him? (1 Samuel 2:25). There is not any days-man between us to lay his hand upon us both (Job 9:33). In this state of things the Lord Christ as the Son of Go…

Now meekness restrains these winds, says to them, Peace, be still, and so preserves a calm in the soul, and makes it conformable to him, who has the winds in his fists, and is herein to be praised, that even the stormy winds fulfill his word. A brisk gale is often useful, especi…

Luke 19. 42. The longest date of it can be but the time of this Life: This is our day to work in, Job 9. 4. and upon this small wyre, the weight of Eternity hangs. But sometimes the season of Grace is ended, before the night of Death comes; the accepted time is gone, men frequen…

2. Taking away the pollutions of all our actual transgressions: there is a defilement attending every actual sin. Our own clothes make us to be abhorred (Job 9:31). A spot, a stain, rust, wrinkle, filth, blood attends every sin.

Some that have moral resolutions of amendment, dislike at least gross sins, and purpose to avoid them, and it is to them cleanness enough to reform in those things; but they consider not, what becomes of the guiltiness they have contracted already, and how that shall be purged,…

God may permit or suffer us to be tempted, as a Lord or Sovereign, which has power over his own creature, for the trial and exercise of grace, and can absolutely dispose of it according to his own will; but he leads us into temptation, as a Judge. And therefore this is one of th…

Now this is a great encouragement to us, that we go to a God that has an absolute right, for which he is responsible to none. We go not to a servant, or a subordinate agent, who may be controlled by a higher power, and whose act may be annulled; but to an absolute Lord, to whom…

2. In company, there our words must be apt and orderly, moving as much as may be, not to God, but to the hearers; managed with such reverence and seriousness, as may suit with the gravity of the duty, and not increase, but cure the dullness of those with whom we join. And what i…

God can with a word raise all the Militia of Heaven and Earth against us: and shall we dare affront him? Job 9:4. Who has hardened himself against him, and prospered?

Counsel to know fit means to bring his purposes to pass, and wisdom to order the means for attaining these ends. Observe there first, how wisdom and strength are there coupled, as in that text, so elsewhere: Job 9:4: "He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength." As he has wisdo…

[illegible] is it not that evil [illegible] God to [illegible] sometime to [illegible] judgment [illegible] angry [illegible] God would not rebuke [illegible] who knows the power of his anger and [illegible] happy they that [illegible] do not withdraw his anger. The proud helper…

Indeed, if we do but fall into sin, it is matter of grief and shame: so that suffering is as far to be preferred before sin, as joy is before grief, and glory is beyond shame. To which this also may be added, that God himself takes pleasure, joy and delight in the trials of good…

Isaiah 42:24. Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers, did not the Lord, He against whom we have sinned. Though afflictions are sent for other causes, and not for sin only, as we see in that instance of the man that was born blind (Job 9:3), nevertheless, it is cer…

The experience of all men proved it undeniable? Did ever any provoke the Lord and prosper (Job 9:4), and can I in reason expect it should be other and better with me, than it was with any that was ever before me? Can I be so foolish to think that God should send another Christ,…

Give diligence to make your calling and election sure, for so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom (2 Peter 1:10). Our time allotted to us is short; Job compares our life to a swift post (Job 9:25): my days are swifter than a post. The p…

And in chapter 8 he proves Christ to be a more excellent High Priest, a Minister of a more excellent Tabernacle, and a more excellent Ministry, because he is Mediator of a better Covenant. He is a days-man who lays his hands upon both parties at variance — both upon God and man…

18:19. Hence says Gregory in Job 9. lib. 9. cap.

For if one man sin against another, the judge shall judge herein; but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intercede for him? (1 Samuel 2:25). "There is not any mediator between us, to lay his hand upon us both" (Job 9:33). In this state of things the Lord Christ as the Son…

We make them liars, in that we promise such great matters to ourselves of them. Whereas in the end the leaning staff becomes a knocking cudgel, and the prop to sustain us, like the Egyptian reed, proves a prick to pierce and pain us, and as Job complains of his friends (Job 9),…

And why not, thought he, with me? though by reason of the impediment that attends this place, I cannot perceive it (Job 9:11). Thirdly, For that he hoped (could he overtake them) to have company by and by.

Those which ascribe this to God in an eminent degree. Job 9:4. He is mighty in strength; excellent in power; who is like to him? The Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.

What cannot that God do that can create; nothing can stand before a creating power; He needs no pre-existent matter to work upon; He needs no instruments to work with, he can work without tools; He it is before whom the Angels veil their faces, and the Kings of the earth cast th…

You had better a great deal now have your hearts humbled and broken, and see your sins, than to see them when there is no remedy. And in another place the holy man Job says (Job 9:18), You will not allow me to catch my breath, but fill me with bitterness. Your eyes have looked u…

Position 10. God's mercy, as it makes the saints happy, so it should make them humble: mercy is not the fruit of our goodness, but the fruit of God's goodness. Mercy is an alms that God bestows; they have no cause to be proud that live upon the alms of God's mercy (Job 10:15). "…

2. In other debts, men may get a protection, so that none can touch their persons, or sue them for the debt; but who shall give us a protection from God's justice? Job 10:7: there is none that can deliver out of your hand. Indeed the Pope pretends that his pardon shall be men's…

They could not look through the dark shades of Death into light, immortality, and glory. See the twofold spirit of the Old and New Testament, with respect to the apprehensions of Death expressed; the one Job 10:21, 22, the other 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2, 3, 4. But there is nothing m…

God works strangely; he brings Order out of Confusion, Harmony out of Discord; he makes use many times of unjust men, to do that which is just: He is wise in heart, Job 10.4. He can reap his Glory out of men's fury, Psalm 76.10.

God therefore being a faithful creator, tenderly loves all his creatures. So Job reasons with God, that he will not cast him off, because he is the work of his hands (Job 10:3). 2. God will bear with his creature, to see whether it will be brought to any good end and use before…

2. Their obstinacy in sinning: they are fallen so as they cannot rise again, they are called wickednesses as sinning with much malice and obstinacy; as if you should say, wickedness itself; the devil's sin is as the sin against the Holy Ghost, a malicious, obstinate, spiteful op…

Surely our iniquities will inquire after us, if we will not inquire after them. Indeed, in the day of affliction, a gracious soul is inquisitive about nothing more than the procuring and provoking cause of his troubles (Job 10:2), Show me for what you contend with me? That is to…

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 devours the man that is more righteous than he? In point of God's goodness too, Job expostulates the case with God (Job 10:3): Is it…

And in very many other places they render the term by one Greek word for idols, sometimes by another, as Isaiah 46:1, Psalm 106:36. For the Hebrew root also signifies "to form" or "to fashion"; as Job 10:8, "Your hands formed me." And so idols seem to be able to be called by thi…

And (2.) that peculiar vital Life which we have by the union of the rational Soul with the Body is from God also, and that in an especial manner, Gen. 2. 7. Job 10. 12. But neither of these are any-where called the Life of God.

But this is vastly different from the case of the saints under sanctified afflictions; for as they have highr motives and nobler principles, so they have lower and more sensible ones too; and these are, in their kind and place, very useful to them. (2.) Besides, you must know, t…

He comes nigh in mercies also, Psalm 145:18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, &c. Yea, he is said to visit us by his Providence when he corrects, Hosea 9:7 and when he saves and delivers, Psalm 106:4 These visitations of God preserve our spirits, Job. 10:12 And…

Seeing God gives the greater, we need not to doubt but he wil affoard the lesse. In this reason Christ teaches us, to make right use of our creation; namely, by the consideration of it, to learne confidence in Gods prouidence for all things needfull to our naturall life: Job. 10…

Duties of religion performed by whole societies of men, ought to have in them according to our power a sensible excellency correspondent to the majesty of him whom we worship. Because wisdom and youth are seldom joined in one, and the ordinary course of this world is according t…

By his holy sovereign will as above all laws that bind the rational creatures, he does as he pleases, and what he pleases: and none can say What do you? Hence 1. its graciousness of holy sovereignty, that because he is sovereign, he does not crush us; the flesh speaks that in Jo…

2. God bears much affection to man as he is his creature, and the work of his hands, and the saints plead it when they would be spared, and when they would be saved. As (Job 10:3): Is it good to you that you should oppress, that you should despise the work of your hands? So vers…

2. This puts them upon a diligent search after the provocation: they conclude on this, that there is blame in them; God would not have so deserted them, if they had not some way prevaricated: this therefore they must find out, and they are in great anxiety of mind till they can…

I am a worm, and no man. Bradford a Martyr, yet subscribes himself a sinner, Job 10:15. If I am righteous, I will not lift up my head:

2. What we must do when we are brought low. 1. Let us search the sin which is the cause of our trouble, Job 10:2. Show me wherefore thou contendest with me: Lord, What is that sin which has provoked thee to bring me low? Lamentations 3:40.

So the Lord does cancell the bond, and blots out the writing, that neither sin, nor the Devill shall have any processe against him in a way of condemnation. Fourthly, Pardon of sin is expressed in Scripture by acquitting of a man from his iniquity, Job 10:14. If I sin, you marke…

I looked then, and saw a man named Evangelist coming to him, and he asked, “Why do you cry?” He answered, “Sir, I perceive, by the book in my hand, that I am condemned to die, and after that to come to judgment (Hebrews 9:27); and I find that I am not willing to do the first (Jo…

Well, if you will not, then take that cursed heart of yours, and expect God's wrath with it, if you repent not. See how God deals with a sinner in this kind; the text says, his bones are full of the sins of his youth, which shall lie with him in the dust (Job 10:11-12). Although…

And if a gracious soul is so apt to be humbled for other men's sins, much more for his own. Fifthly, the upright soul is inquisitive under the rod to find out that evil for which the Lord contends with him by affliction (Job 10:2): 'Show me why you contend with me'; and Job 34:3…

These effects convince us that there is an infinite power which is above and overrules all things, for every principal and primary cause is more excellent than the effects thereof. (12) From the being of man, the curious workmanship of his body in the womb, which is wrought most…

The angels wear a veil, they cover their faces, as adoring this infinite majesty (Isaiah 6:3). Elias wrapped himself in a mantle when God's glory passed by; admire where you cannot fathom (Job 11:7). Can you by searching find out God?

And now Eli, verse 14, said to her, How long will you be drunken? Put away your wine from you. This word was like pouring vinegar into the wound. When Job was afflicted with God's hand, his friends, instead of comforting him, told him he was a hypocrite (Job 11:2). These were cu…

Indicate Futura — show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know you are gods. The perfection of God's knowledge is that it cannot be searched out to perfection (Job 11:7). What angel can reach the top of these pyramids?

2. Our divine knowledge is imperfect; we know but in part, said Paul (1 Corinthians 13:9), though he had many revelations, and was wrapped up into the third heaven. We have but dark conceptions of the Trinity (Job 11:7). Can you by searching find out God? Our narrow capacities w…

God loves thus to be overcome with arguments in prayer. 7. Prayer that would prevail with God must be joined with reformation (Job 11:13). If you stretch out your hands toward him; if iniquity be in your hand, put it far away from you.

We would fain bring it to that, to be at our own dispose, to be answerable to none, that should call us to an account: the tumult of the nation against Christ was about bonds and yokes (Psalm 2:3). The pale or the yoke is grievous to us, see Job 11:12; Jeremiah 31:18. Now being…

Even so stands the case with gracious hearts; if they are in frame in one duty, yet how dull, dead, and disordered when they come to another. And therefore every duty needs a particular preparation of the heart (Job 11:13): 'If you prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands…

A Brotherly Examination of some passages of Mr. Colemans late Sermon upon Job 11:20. as it is now Printed and published: By which he has to the great offence of very many, endeavoured to strike at the very root of all Spiritual and Ecclesiasticall Government, contrary to the Wor…

'Tis our duty to seek after God, though we can never arrive to a perfect knowledge of him. (Job 11:7) Can you by searching find out God; can you find out the Almighty to perfection? He prohibits not the searching, though he asserts the impossibility of finding him out to perfect…

Secondly, God compares the ten Tribes to the wild Ass in way of contempt of them. As in the former place of Job 11:12, Vain man would be wise; though man be born like a wild Ass's Colt: he would fain think himself somebody, yet he is a most base and vile creature. And if any of…

The second use is for conviction and reproof, and indeed we cannot well tell where we shall begin here. However the first thing that it reproves is our natural pride, though this be the sinfulness of our very infancy, yet we are ready to look upon ourselves as something; it's a…

1. The word "men" is used for Adam, and all his sons (Hebrews 9:27). (2.) Often in the fullest sense, not regenerated, nor wholly reprobated, are called men (Job 11:11, 12; Psalm 12:1; and 4:2; and 53:2). (3) Believers are called men (Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 3:21, 22).

4. Muster up your thoughts and ways: Our thoughts and affections are like the strings of an instrument out of tune, and therefore we must take some pains to wind and screw them up. This is that which Zophar advises to (Job 11:13), to prepare the heart, and then stretch forth the…

Some by sinful ways have gotten wealth; but that Scripture has been verified in their experience, Proverbs 10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing. Either God has blown upon it by a secret curse, that it has done them no good, or given them such disquietness in their conscie…

And in this Scripture you have represented, The immense and transcendent goodness of God, who is infinitely above us and all our thoughts, Job 11. 7, 8, 9. Canst you by searching, find out God? canst you find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as Heaven; what canst…

Secondly, if you would keep your comforts, keep your conscience clear from harboring the guilt of sin. Job 11:14-15: "If iniquity be in your hands, put it far away; if sin be in your conduct, away with it." Let not sin be in your heart, nor in your house, then shall you lift up…

Heaven will be clouded if the heart be filthy. If iniquity be in your hand, put it far away; if sin be upon the conscience, harbor it not (Job 11:14-15). For then you shall lift up your face before God, you shall be steadfast, and not fear.

For can we find out the Almighty to perfection? Can we by searching find out God (Job 11:7)? How shall poor limited finite creatures come to know what beseems the Infinite Holy One to do, any otherwise but as himself declares that he has done it?

- 1. To prayer. - 2. In prayer. 1. A stirring up of the heart to prayer (Job 11:13). If you prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands toward him.

1. You are all foolish in your natural estate. Whatever vain opinion you have of your own wisdom, which is indeed but an indication of your folly, according to (Proverbs 26:16), the sluggard is wiser in his own conceit, than seven men that can render a reason; yet this is a grea…

But whether this may warrant none to pray, while they first prepare themselves to pray, before they pray, by praying, and so that prayer which is preparatory must be prepared by another preparatory prayer; and so, without end, spiritual preparations must in infinitum go on befor…

Can we by searching, find out God? Can we find out the Almighty to perfection? (Job 11:7). As it is in itself an essential, eternal property of the Divine Nature, we can have no comprehension of it: we can but adore it in that infinite distance wherein we stand from God; but in…

This carries the Mystery of the Wisdom of God, above the Reason or Understanding of Men and Angels to be the Object of Faith and Admiration only. A Mystery it is that becomes the Greatness of God with his Infinite Distance from the whole Creation; which renders it unbecoming him…

THE Ocean is of a vast extent and depth, though supposedly measurable, yet not to be sounded by Man. It compasses about the Whole Earth, which in the account of Geographers, is Twenty one thousand and six hundred Miles in compass; yet the Ocean surrounds it on every side, Psalm…

We cannot by searching find out the Almighty to perfection: it is high as heaven, what can we do? It is deeper than hell, what can we know; the measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea (Job 11:7-9). We may all say one to another of this, surely we are m…

Now it is an especial point of wisdom, to seek the best good that we can, as for ourselves, so also for our children: indeed this is an evident sign of a parent's true love of his child. 2. There is a necessity that children be taught piety, because they are not born but made Ch…

Popish Enemies never prevail, but they Blaspheme. 2. Let us put away iniquity out of our Tabernacles, Job 11:14. Sin is not worth keeping: who would keep a Plague-sore?

Men are dishonest out of choice, and therefore think there is more of liberty and bravery in it; but to be simple argues imperfection. (Job 11:12) Vain man would be accounted wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt; not only for untamedness and affectation of liberty, bu…

Ezra 9:13. Seeing that you our God has punished us less than our iniquities deserve. Job 11:6. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves. 4. He is not hard to be pleased, nor inexorable upon every failing.

He that gave the law, he it is that writes it upon the heart. Alas! we in ourselves are but like the wild ass's colt (Job 11:12), both for rudeness of understanding, and also for unruliness of affection. Well then, if we be tamed and subdued, he must have all the glory and the p…

When he lays on some heavy cross, he might have cast us into Hell, and laid his hand upon us forever. See (Job 11:6): "O know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves." We have low thoughts of sin, and therefore have grievous apprehensions of God's judgm…

They should look and long for some help, for the rescuing of their children, even till their eyes did fail in waiting, but all in vain. So (Job 11:20) The eyes of the wicked shall fail them, they shall not escape, but their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost. They may l…

What is such company and converse good for, but to quench zeal and fervency, indeed, the ready way to lose credit and good name; and if not innocency, yet always time, which is too precious to be squandered away and lost, much more to be sinned away! Shall a man of much talk be…

The hope of God's people keeps their heart from breaking, and it shall never be ashamed, but this hope of sinners will break their heart in hell, for there it will be ashamed, when the wicked dies, his expectation shall perish, and the hope of unjust men perishes (Proverbs 11:7)…

Since it is thus, men ought not to walk after the inclinations of their own hearts. 3. The thoughts and imaginations of the heart of a sinner are vain and vile (Job 11:12). Vain man would be wise, though man is born like a wild ass's colt.

Wolves, (Matthew 7:15). Asses, Job 11. 12. Swine, 2 (Peter 2:22).

Indeed that there is a God, and that this God is to be worshipped is a Law written in the heart of Man, and is consonant to Reason; but who God is, and the right mode of Worship, this is such an Arcanum that Reason can no more find out, than, the Philistines could Samson's riddl…

But as Job speaks, "Where shall this wisdom be found, and what is the place of understanding?" (Job 28:12). "Can we by searching find out God? Can we find out the Almighty to perfection?" (Job 11:7). As it is in itself an essential, eternal property of the divine nature, we can…

This carries the mystery of the wisdom of God, above the reason or understanding of men and angels to be the object of faith and admiration only. A mystery it is that becomes the greatness of God with his infinite distance from the whole creation; which renders it unbecoming him…

How little of God will our intellect contain? Job 11:7. Can you find out the Almighty unto perfection?

It is on the account of sin, that the heart is said to be deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9). Take a man in other things, and as Job speaks, though he would be wise and crafty, he is like the wild ass's colt (Job 11:12), a poor, vain, empty, nothing. But consider his hea…

I shall instance in some remarkable places; 1 Kings 8:27. Behold, the heaven, and heaven of heavens cannot contain you. Job 11:7, 8, 9. Can you by searching find out God? can you find out the Almighty to perfection? Isaiah 66:1. Thus says the Lord, behold, heaven is my throne, a…

But according to the universal system, the wicked has in his death as real and well-founded a hope as the hope of the righteous. Job 11:20: "Their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost." Chapter 27:8: For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he has gained, when God ta…

David upon his own experience affirms that by God's Word he was made wiser than the ancient, than his teachers, than his enemies. Ancient men who have much experience of many times, and of many things done in those times, commonly get much wisdom by their long experience; so as…

Hence it is that men generally pretend to these excellencies of knowledge and wisdom, even such as are most destitute of them, and rather than want these perfections, they will call even their vices and imperfections by this name: craft, and silence, and secrecy, and reservednes…

And therefore unnaturalness of affection is reckoned up by the Apostle among the foulest of sins, when like Ishmael the nature of men grows wild and brutish, as the philosopher calls such men [in non-Latin alphabet], men of savage and fierce dispositions. And therefore in the Sc…

Question 2. Is God infinite in being and perfection? Yes (Job 11:7-9; Job 26:14). Well then, do not the Vorstians, Socinians, and Anthropomorphitans err, who maintain that God is finite in being and perfection? Yes.

2. His greatness appears by the effects of his power; He made heaven and earth (Psalm 124:8), and can unmake it. God can with a breath crumble us to dust; with a word he can unpin the world, and break the axle-tree of it in pieces: He pours contempt upon the mighty (Job 12:21).…

6. Men being left of God and destitute of saving grace, freely, and of their own accord fall into such sins as render them obnoxious to the just wrath and vengeance of God (Romans 11:7), The election has obtained, and the rest were hardened, freely and of their own accord, they…

I add, he is your God. And this alone, if we will take the Scriptures' verdict, will carry it, and lo, as he is styled the Father of spirits in common, and yet withal a father of their spirits, out of special love: so in like manner, he is styled both the God of the spirits of a…

2. Over Angels and Men. The soul of the least animal and the smallest plant is formed and preserved by God, but the breath of mankind is more particularly in his hand (Job 12:10): In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. 1. Over good Angels…

For that law differs from nature itself only by its relation to a certain object. This law, therefore, teaches that God exists and is to be worshipped, and that right and justice are to be observed among men — as Scripture also testifies: Ps. 145:15; 141:7–9; Job 12:7–10; 37–39;…

Others translate girdle: but because the Prophet sets Christ before us decked as it were with his royal ornaments, I have rather translated it sword-girdle, or hangers: for this also is a kingly ornament as was the scepter which was given him previously. And Job, meaning to show…

He now more plainly expounds that which he had set down briefly in the former verse; to wit, that Shebna shall be deposed by God's just judgment, to the end Eliakim may succeed him. Doubtless God by his providence disposes of all the changes which happen in the world: for as Job…

And because man's chief strength consists in his loins, or reins, the Hebrews take the weakening of the loins, for the dissolving or weakening of the strength. We may also expound it a little otherwise, to wit, that the Lord will spoil or ungird them; according to the common phr…

He that has a rectified palate, knows what is good food, as soon as he tastes it, without the reasoning of a physician about it. There is a holy beauty and sweetness in words and actions, as well as a natural beauty in countenances and sounds, and sweetness in food; Job 12:11. D…

Providence rings the changes all the world over. He encreaseth the nations, and destroyeth them; he enlarges the nations, and straitneth them again, Job 12:23 The same it does with persons, Psalm 102:10 Thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. See what a sad Alteration Providen…

And that the true reason why men cannot prosper, is their forsaking that rule, 2 Chron. 24:20 It's true, if God have a purpose to destroy a man, he may for a time suffer him to succeed and prosper in his sin, for his greater hardening, Job 12:6 But it is not so with those whom t…

And it comprises somewhat more than merely to die; it expresses also to find out and experience, what is in death. And [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], is sometimes rendered by [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], to know (2 Samuel 19:36), and sometimes the substantive by [⟨in non-Latin alphabe…

If one come from the dead, if Angels should descend from heaven to preach to him; there is no hope of him. If God shut up a man, who can open (Job 12:14)? As there was none found in heaven or earth, that could open the seals of that book (Revelation 5:5), so is there no opening…

He graciously inclines the will and hearts of men (Deuteronomy 30:6; Jeremiah 32:39, 40; Ezekiel 36:27) as the saints pray (Psalms 119:33, 34, 36, 88; Psalms 86:11; Canticles 1. & 4). He hardens the heart, and blinds the mind, as in his judgment he pleases (Job 12:16; Ezekiel 14…

Though the Saints cannot see the one, yet they can clearly discern the other, Ier. 12. 1. Ieremiah was at a stand; so was Job in the like case, Job 12. 7. So was Asaph, Psalm 73.▪ and Habbakkuk, Chap. 1. 3.

3. God tries us, by permitting the temptations of Satan, and his instruments; for surely these things do not befall us without a providence. (Job 12:16): "The deceived, and the deceiver, are his," his creatures; and nothing can be done or suffered in this kind, without God's pro…

For as the beams of the sun are no longer continued in the air than the sun shines; or, as the water retains the impress and stamp no longer than the seal is kept on it; so when God takes off his providential influence, all vanishes into nothing. Thus he is said (Hebrews 1:3) to…

The Ephori had Power over the King of Sparta; the Tribunes over the Roman consuls; much more has God a Soveraign Power over all. He poureth contempt upon Princes, Job 12:21. He threw the Proud Angels to Hell.

We can neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor drink without this intimate support and influence from him. The Scripture sets it out by a man's holding a thing in his hand, (Job 12:10) In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. Now if God does bu…

Then as to the inward case he may justly desert us in the time of trial, when we should give a testimony for him, and take the word of truth out of our mouths, all these speeches: Hide not your commandments from me (verse 19), incline not my heart to covetousness (verse 26), and…

They all read a divinity lecture to those that have a mind to hear it; and preach the goodness, and power, and wisdom of God by a loud and audible voice. It is true we are deaf, but they cease not to cry to us (Job 12:8). Speak to the earth, and it shall teach you; and the beast…

Go to the animate creatures, the beasts of the field, (Psalm 36:6) You preserve man and beast. (Job 12:7-8) But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach you; and the birds of the air shall declare to you: Or speak to the Earth, and it shall teach you; and the fishes of the sea s…

As we have God's power to trust in against their violence, so God's wisdom against their frauds and deceits. Job 12:13: "With him is wisdom and strength, he has counsel and understanding." Wisdom implies his accurate knowledge of things; counsel his advised government of them.

Creation and Providence (which is creation upheld and continued) are witnesses for God! So that I may say with Job (Job 12:7-9): Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach you, and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell you; or speak to the earth, and it shall teach you, and th…

So he saw more perfectly the ditch that was on the one hand, and the quag that was on the other; also how narrow the way was which led between them both. Also now he saw the hobgoblins, and satyrs, and dragons of the pit, but all afar off; for after break of day they came not ni…

It is with me as it is with a weak man among the strong, or as with a sick man among the healthy, or as a lamp despised; so that I know not what to do. “He that is ready to slip with his feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease.” (Job 12:5). Mr. Great-Hea…

In him we live, move, and have our being: You say, so has a carnal man his life from Christ; True, but he acknowledges it not; In him was life, and that was the life of men (John 1:3-4). A Christian man has his natural life from Christ, as from a head that gives both spiritual a…

Surely when Jacob wrestled with God on the strength of some such promise (Genesis 32:12), he little thought of any question, whether it were in the power of God to perform it; yes, and the event showed that there ought to be no such question (Genesis 33), for the Lord turned the…

(1.) If we look intra nos, within us: here we see our sins represented to us in the glass of conscience, lust, envy, passion. Our sins are like vermin crawling in our souls (Job 13:23). How many are my iniquities?

And though the Lord had cause enough against him, yet no cause is pleaded; it is resolved into an extraordinary dealing in which God took a liberty to glorify himself by singling out one of his stoutest and most valiant champions and setting him hand to hand to wrestle with the…

Yes, and after God has pardoned them also in our consciences as well as in heaven, yet the guilt may return again and leave us in darkness. Thus in Job 13:26, for the sins of his youth — which he had undoubtedly humbled himself for and had assurance of the pardon of — God did wr…

And the like was Heman's case, and this also long, even from his youth up (Psalm 88:14-15). So from Job (Job 13:24), yes, and from Christ himself: 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' But concerning this, you will ask: how can this dealing of his stand with his everlastin…

When on the contrary carnal reason and our dark hearts (which are led by sense) are possessed with the sense — the deepest and most exquisite sense — and impressions of (that which the heart is most jealous of) God's sorest wrath and displeasure; and that felt and argued not med…

Faith is never stopped cold — it is a most desperate thing. Job vows he will trust God though he kills him (Job 13:15). So do you: whether God will condemn or save you, do what he will with you, do not cease to cast yourself upon him for mercy, nor to serve and love him.

Say that at the last day he shall need no other judge against you than yourself. Only beseech him to consider what honor it will be to him to pursue dry stubble and to break a poor dried leaf that crumbles under his fingers if he but touches it — as Job pleads (Job 13:25) — to b…

Thus did these believers in this place. And this faith did Job notably testify, when God had taken from him, children, goods, health, yea, and all that he had, yet then he said, Job 13:15, Though he kill me, yet will I trust in him. And so must we endeavor to do if that case bef…

A child of God being conscious to himself of sin, takes the Candle and Lantern of the Word, and searches into his heart: he desires to know the worst by himself; as a man who is distempered in body, desires to know the worst of his disease. Though our joy lies in the knowledge o…

Only he would (to say so) have your consent to, and your approbation of what he does for the greater peace and tranquility of your own minds. Surely therefore it is meet, meekly and submissively to be said to God, whenever and however he chastises, I have borne chastisement, I w…

And to call sins to remembrance, is to punish sin: the Shunammite says, (1 Kings 17:18). Are you come to me (O man of God) to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son? Job complains, (Job 13:26). You make me to possess the iniquities of my youth. Now though out of unbelief…

3. Let all this produce in you a holy obstinacy of trust and obedience, or an invincible confidence in God, and close adherence to him, whatever your dangers, straits and extremities be; and this will guard your heart against all tempting of God: 1. A resolute trust and dependen…

All the faith we have or can obtain is little enough in the time of temptation. Job, that said in his affliction, "Though the Lord kill me I will still trust in him" (Job 13:15, verse 26), says also that God wrote bitter things against him and made him to possess the sins of his…

The second rule is, that when we know not what to do, by reason of the greatness of our distress, we must then fix our hearts on Christ without separation. He that climbs up a ladder, or some steep place, the higher he goes, the faster he holds (2 Chronicles 20:12; Job 13:12). H…

Let us learn therefore to apply this doctrine to our use, as often as the calamities of this present life do press us: and let us not cease to hope in him, although all things seem utterly desperate. If he should kill me (says Job) yet would I trust in him (Job 13:17). And David…

A little Child approaches Superiors with Awe: So do the Saints approach God with holy Awe and Reverence. Job 13:11. Shall not his Excellency make you afraid, and his Dread fall upon you.

I know his love is like himself, unchangeable. Job. 13:1 having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end: for this God is our God for ever and ever, he will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14 Did he love me in my youth, and will he cast me off in m…

We now understand, what a critical and dangerous season Youth is, the wonderful proclivity of that Age to every thing that is evil. Why else are they called Youthful lusts? 2 Timothy 2:22 When David asketh, Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? it's plainly enough implyed…

Thirdly, suppose all this, that you could have a lease of your lives, and you could be assured that when you come to old age your hearts should not be hardened; yet consider this, that the more sinful and evil the days of your youth have been, the more disquietness of mind and h…

Thirdly, spirituall life shewes it selfe in resisting and enduring temptations: for every child of God has many and gricuous assaults, so as the righteous shall scarce be saved: and in all and every one of these, we must live by faith, and thereby relie on Christ, not on our sel…

And dispositions on Elihu to plead for the Lord's sovereignty, so as if he should hold his tongue, he should give up the ghost, his belly should burst like new wine-bottles (Job 32:19). And Job must plead for God, and for his own integrity, that he was not a hypocrite, as his fr…

2. It implies sickness and weakening of the person, as in Amnon's love to his sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1, 2, 3, 4). It comes from apprehended wrath, and the curse of the Law (Psalms 90:8; Psalms 32:3, 4; Psalms 6:1; Psalms 38:1, 2, 3, 4, &c.; Daniel 9:11; Romans 7:24; Isaiah 33…

4. The redeemed of God are not all one and the same way deserted. 1. Some are extremely at under as Job, who apprehended that God did pursue him as an enemy (Job 13:20), though Job and every believer be the friend of God (James 2:23). 2. The spouse's desertions are less, being c…

1. The unrenewed man turns away his ear from the Law, and will not let the news of the Gospel lodge in his ear, or the outer room of his soul; you set not a work the literal actings and cogitations of the heart, to think whether Christ, and heaven and hell concerns you, or no. S…

And partly, because God for our exercise will make us feel the smart of old sins, which are already pardoned; as an old bruise, though it be healed, yet ever and anon we may feel it upon change of weather. Accusations of conscience may return, for sins already pardoned; as (Job…

When you are resolved, let him deal with you as an enemy, you will stick to him as a Father. (Job 13:15): "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." Faith can take God as a friend, and Father, and put a good construction upon his dealings, when he seems to come against us as…

True it is that now and then he is called the father of our souls and of our spirits, according as he is spoken of in the Epistle to the Hebrews (Hebrews 12:9). However, even as in respect of the flesh also, the honor and dignity of bearing the name of father, belongs not to any…

But afterwards: David, though he began with God betimes (Psalm 25:7), yet prays, Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgression. And (Job 13:26) For you write bitter things against me, and make me to possess the iniquities of my youth. Old bruises may trouble us long af…

He has upon special occasion dispensed with other Commands, but never with the ninth. With the seventh Commandment in the polygamy of the Patriarchs; and with the second in Hezekiah's Passover; but a man must not lie for God (Job 13:7-9), because this Commandment has more in it…

You will not be put off, as she cried so much the more, and the woman of Canaan turned discouragements into arguments. Job 13:15: Though he slay me yet will I trust in him. 4. The submission and resignation of faith (Matthew 6:33).

2. We are freed from those doubts and fears and terrors which accompanied the state of sin (Job 36:8): If they be bound in fetters, and be held in the cords of afflictions. Job 13:27: You put my feet also in the stocks. Lamentations 3:7: He has hedged me about, that I cannot get…

Now to pick an answer out of God's silence, and a gracious answer out of his rebukes, shows great faith. Job says (Job 13:15), Though he slay me, yet I will trust in him. Faith supports us under the greatest pressures; when God seems to deal like an enemy, yet even then trusts i…

God will bring his creatures to such a thorough obedience. You may have no visits of his love, no beam of his grace, though you meet with a dumb oracle, and he seems to cast you off, and you have many fears, yet venture through with a holy obstinacy that you will not give over,…

1. In all afflictive providences. Those who are poor and destitute, or in prison and banishment, or bereft of children, or oppressed with guilty fears, or assaulted with any other calamity (Job 13:15): Though he slay me, yet I will trust in him; still he is a good God. Here is t…

Joseph was made a slave, that he may be made governor of Egypt: his brethren sell him, that they may worship him: and he is cast into prison, that he may be preferred at court. Thus God by shame brings to honor; by misery, to happiness; by sorrow, to comfort; and by death, to li…

And by extremities he still tries his children: our graces are never exercised to the life, till we are near the point of death; that is faith which can then depend upon God. (Job 13:15) "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." And (Psalm 23:4) "Indeed, though I walk throug…

Sometimes the aim of it is merely for correction for former sins; it is a penal over-clouding for our unkind and ungracious dealing with him. God may do it for sins; indeed, many times for old sins long ago committed, he may charge them anew upon the conscience (Job 13:24, compa…

The changes of this world perplex our faith; therefore we should not look to the instability of things below, wherein there are continual vicissitudes, but to the sure covenant. 4. Not only when our hopes are delayed and obscured by the changes and chances of this world, but con…

We may speak what we will, and we will speak what we may: Oh, what an unruly tongue has that man, who can say his tongue is his own! Patient Job in a fit of passion did say, let me alone that I may speak, and come of me what will (Job 13:13). Alas, isn't it thus with many, when…

When Saul excused his sin under the pretense of sacrifice, it was yet called rebellion, and reputed as witchcraft, a most abominable thing (1 Samuel 15). Job upbraids his friends with this irreligious piety; says he (Job 13:7), Will you speak wickedly for God, and talk deceitful…

The sins of youth will lie heavy upon an old age; indeed, if God gives repentance to you when you are old, it will cost you the dearer, that you did repent no sooner; and you will regret it, that you have been so long in sin, and are now to live but a little while to testify you…

The confessions and supplications made by holy men long after their conversion do likewise manifest this. Job bitterly complains of the [illegible] of his youth (Job 13:26). And David prays that the Lord would not remember the sins of his youth, nor his transgressions (Psalm 25:…

And indeed grace is never so put to the proof, as when God hides his face from us. To believe in a withdrawing God, to be following hard after him, when he seems to be going away from us; to hold him the faster, when he offers to knock our hands off; to resolve with him (Job 13:…

We have been assured that they may so be; and to what a measure the privation may arrive, God only knows, and it is our duty to be laying in for a wet day. A Christian ought to be provided to be able to hold out in a storm, as well as to flourish in a calm: though he wants the c…

This ought not to be, nor does it serve to the duty lying upon you at such a time, but is contrary to it. God expects that now you should not let go your hold of faith on him, but that you take the faster hold, and say as he (Job 13:15), Though he slay me, I will put my trust in…

Secondly, be convinced of the misery and desperate danger of a natural condition, for until we see the plague of our hearts, and the misery of our state by nature, we shall never be brought out of ourselves, to seek help in another. Thirdly, be convinced of the utter insufficien…

For because the light [illegible] reflect [illegible] it comes to be reflected. So Job complained (Job 13:26), You make me to possess the sins of my youth. So David (Psalm 77:4), You keep my eyes waking.

And David prays: forgive me the sins of my youth. If the memory of sins past is a trouble to the godly man, oh what a rack, what a gibbet will it be to the heart of him who lacks grace (Genesis 4:7; Job 13:26; Psalm 25:7)? The misery on the right hand is prosperity and ease, whi…

And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live Goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, &c. And it is likewise used in Job. 13. verse 23. How many are mine iniquities and sins, make me…

David had let his soul loose in that, and he did hardly recover himself again, scarce one of a thousand yet ever took hold of the way of life. And the drunkard will confess the danger of his sin in general, when he sees his drunken mates lie groveling in the dust, he will be ash…

Wash, make yourself clean. But who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? (Job 14:4). Therefore the [reconstructed: Precept] is turned into a promise (Ezekiel 36:25).

Q. How is this sinne propagated? A. It is conveyed from parents to children not by imitation but by generation (Genesis 5:3; Psalms 51:5; Job 14:4; John 3:6). Q. What do you understand by actual sins?

Before this relation whose loss you lament, was born, the time of your enjoyment and separation was unalterably fixed and limited in heaven, by the God of the spirits of all flesh; and although it was a secret to you, while your friend was with you: yet now it is a plain and evi…

3. We may confirm it from well-grounded reason, for it cannot be otherwise; if the root be of such a nature, can the branches be otherwise? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean thing? No, not one (Job 14:4). When Adam fell the root was corrupted, and the branches cannot…

Job says of such (Job 27:20), in this life, "Terrors take hold of him as waters, and a tempest steals him away in the night." But consider what it is to the saints; Job complains (Job 14:16), "Do you watch over my sin?" (Verse 17) "My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and you…

1. We know no grace as common to all and every one of Adam's sons, as nature. 2. Because the Scripture makes nature, wrath, sin, death, common to all (Romans 5:14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21; Romans 3:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15; Job 14:4; Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:1, 2, 3; Hebrews…

He speaks expressly of the multitude, because they were a great people; and therefore boasted of it as if they had been invincible. Where he adds that the remnant shall be feeble, he means, there shall be such a change, that there shall be great odds between their former and lat…

The Prophet mentions his tears, as a sign of his repentance, and also of his zeal and affection: not that they obtain grace, or that they can appease God of themselves: but to show that by means hereof, prayers which proceed from affection, are distinguished from those which pro…

To seal, is either to keep safe, or to hide, cover and conceal. The former can have no place here, though the word seem once to be used in that sense, with reference to sin (Job 14:14). But this sense has a perfect inconsistency with what is spoken immediately before, and what f…

Indeede art may help to preserue life till it come to the period in nature, but further to prolong it, is beyond the art and power of man: for man is not lord ouer the spirit to retaine the spirit, Eccles. 8. 8. God has herein appointed his bounds[illegible][illegible]which he c…

The seed lies many days and nights under the clods, before it rise and appear again. Even so man lies down, and rises not again till the heavens be no more (Job 14:12). The days of darkness in the grave are many.

Will he see their graces fainting, their hopes gasping, the new creature panting, the things that are in them ready to die, and will he not regard it? Yes, yes, there is hope of a tree if it be cut down, and the root thereof wax old in the earth, yet by the scent of water it wil…

Every man is in this sense a captive under sin original, in that, will he, nill he, he is born in sin: and the flux of justice so determined, ere the man was born, but the unrenewed Objector is not so a captive. He that was never humbled for sin original, as David confesses it h…

Suppose that the Creator of eyes has once given the faculty of seeing, and that he is not obliged to restore it ever when the man casts it away; and that the man a thousand times winks, and shuts his eyes, and hates to be anointed; and you shall see there is no ground to quarrel…

2. No natural necessity, such as that of the Sun to give light, the fire to cast out heat. Nor 3. No brutish necessity void of a discoursing faculty, such as that of the swallow building her nest, the bee making honey; but we must say there was some eminent, holy and spotless ne…

Death is a separation of Soul and Body, till the Resurrection, 2 Corinthians 5:1. Vve know that if our earthly house of this T[•]bernacle be dissolved. Job 14. 10, 11, 12. Read the words.

We are naturally unclean, defiled; habitually so. For who can bring a clean thing, from that which is unclean (Job 14:4). That which is born of the flesh is flesh (John 3:6).

All our words, speeches, actions, they are all upon record; what means we have enjoyed, what mercies, what opportunities, what calls, and what messages of his love and grace. (Job 14:17) My iniquity is sealed up in a bag. As men's writings or bonds, which they have to show for t…

We read of Gods Book, Revelation 20:12. The books were opened: and his Bag, Job 14:17. My transgression is sealed up in a bag.

And this can be no other than a federal holiness, because those their ancestors were utterly incapable of transmitting any inherent holiness to them, that being the incommunicable prerogative of God. This federal holiness lying still in the root — the covenant with Abraham — wil…

This raises in us some hope of speeding and prevailing with God. The words of the text are emphatical — 'made and fashioned' — God has bestowed much care upon us to make and fashion us, and therefore he will pity us and spare us (Job 14:15): You shall call, and I will answer you…

He will search Jerusalem with candles and visit such as sit upon their lees and say who sees us — you shall find he knows both good and evil and he will work both as a reward to such as deserve. This Job felt by experience (Job 14:16): For now you number my steps, do you not [re…

2. They that never heard of Christ, perish by the Law, and not by the Covenant of Grace of which they never heard, and the Gospel is written in the heart of none. 3. The first Covenant was holy and spiritual, and God should unjustly threaten death upon infants, if they be not gu…

The Leviathan in strength is far above Job, he cannot command him. (Job 14:4) Will he make Berith a covenant with you, will you take him for a servant forever? That is, the Leviathan will not engage as a servant to obey Job as his master.

But it is sure the Lord had not intended to commit heaven and hell any more to a sanctified will, but mutable and slippery in Adam, but to commit all to Christ, to a better covenant, better promises, to a way of free grace not of nature. Yet these men commit the salvation and da…

1. You are all by nature under the guilt and defilement of sin. Sin and uncleanness are hereditary to all Adam's children, and they derive to them in the channel of natural generation; for this we are told (Ephesians 2:3): We are children of wrath, even as others; and he demands…

Sure this agrees with Mr. Daniel Williams's New Doctrine: It was not Gospel-holiness which Paul counted dung, says he. No doubt Job's righteousness was the fruits of faith as well as Paul's, and purified his heart too; who says he knew that his Redeemer lived (Job 14). But yet f…

Now wee beseech you Brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together to him. Then besides it does crosse the Scripture to say that at Christs coming, onely some men shal rise but not all, Job 14, 10, 11, 12. But man dis and wasts away, indeed, man…

He is described with seven eyes to show his omniscience. Thou numberest my steps, Job 14:16. The Hebrew word signifies to take an exact account.

As who should say, you say that the wrath of God is incensed against swearers, and drunkards, and the like; but we see them prosper, and because they do prosper thus, their hearts are set to work wickedness, but however, it is true the Lord does sometimes bear with wicked men; t…

All which do clearly show, that it is a doleful and dreadful condition to be without the pardon and forgiveness of sins. As doleful and dreadful as it is, yet till a man attain this benefit of justification, all his sins do remain in God's sight as fresh and clear, as the very d…

I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. Indeed, we gather from Job's pleading, chapter 14, that humble saints think not themselves only below grace and mercy, but also below the glory of justice and wrath (Job…

2. The surety never injured the creditor by injustice done against the eighth Commandment, but the broken man has failed in this. But I would be resolved what truth can be in those scriptures — 'Who can say I have made my heart clean?' (Proverbs 20:9); 'Who can bring a clean thi…

So Saul (1 Samuel 24:17-18) and (1 Samuel 26:2), but it is not so with a pierced heart, it never leaves braying after the Lord (Psalm 42:1-2) and (Psalm 84:3) and (Psalm 34:5-6). My soul is athirst for God, He will wait, till his day come (Job 14:14). 3. Again, conscience may be…

I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me; I live now, from an inward principle of the Lord Jesus, he lives in me, and he speaks as the Father has given him commandment, (John 14, last verse) And the Son can do nothing of himself, (John 5:19) This is the whole life of any member…

Between the birth and death of a man, how many things merely contingent do occur? How many chances; how many diseases, in their own nature all evitable; and in regard of the event not one of them but to some prove mortal: yet certain it is, that a man's days are determined, the…

The weakness of the members of infants is innocent, and not their souls: they want nothing, but that the members of their bodies are not as yet ready instruments of sin. They are not sinful only by an external denomination, accounted so, because of the imputation of Adam's actua…

Is the guilt of the sin of our first parents imputed, and the same death in sin, and corrupted nature, conveyed to all their posterity, descending from them by ordinary generation? Yes. (Romans 5:12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19; 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22, 45, 49; Psalm 51:5; Genesis 5:3; J…

Q. 6. Do we stand in the same Covenant still, and have we the same power to yield obedience to God? A. No, the (a) Covenant was broken by the sin of Adam, with whom it was made, (b) our nature corrupted, (c) and all power to do good utterly lost. (a) Genesis 3:16, 17, 18; Galati…

Q. 2. Wherein did that hurt us their posterity? A. Divers ways; first, (a) in that we were all guilty of the same breach of covenant with Adam, being all in him; secondly, (b) our souls with his were deprived of that holiness, innocency, and righteousness wherein they were at fi…

The very Heathens by the light of nature saw this; Heriocles the philosopher said, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, it is grafted in us by nature to sin: men roll sin as honey under their tongue. — They drink iniquity as water (Job 15:16). Like a dropsical person, that thirsts for dri…

5. Pray for sanctification. Job propounds a question, Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean (Job 15:14)? God can do it.

Second, a natural man cannot perfectly keep all God's commandments, because he is so interlarded with sin. He is born in sin (Psalm 51:5; Job 15:16) — he drinks iniquity as water. All the imagination of his thoughts are evil, and only evil (Genesis 6:5).

(Nehemiah 9:26.) They have cast your laws behind their backs. 2. Sin is a contumacious affront to God, 'it's a walking contrary to him (Leviticus 26:40), the Hebrew word for sin, Pashang, signifies rebellion; sin flies in the face of God (Job 15:25). He stretches out his hand ag…

And Heaven itself was in some sense so purified, as the Tabernacle was because of the sins of the people among whom it was (Leviticus 16:16). Sin had entered into Heaven itself in the apostacy of angels; from where it was not pure in the sight of God (Job 15:15). And upon the si…

Luke 18:1. God I thank you that I am not as other men are, I fast, I give tithes: Here was a triple crown of pride the Pharisee wore; righteousness though it raises the name, it depresses the heart (Job 15:10). If I am righteous, I will not lift up my head.

Their natures engage them to holiness, and ours being corrupted engage us to sin; their nature will not permit them to sin, and our nature will not permit us to do that which is good (Romans 7:21). And yet the Angels are ashamed of this their nature; they cover their faces, when…

It is a great pity that the ordinances of God, as to their quickening and comforting effects, should be like those human ordinances the Apostle speaks of, that perish in the using. O then, let me say to you as Job 15:11 says: 'Do the consolations of God seem small to you?' Look…

They think they can do what they please without any care of God over them. The restraining of prayer is a casting off the fear of God (Job 15:4). You cast off fear — why? — and restrain prayer before God.

Thus Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner gave themselves over to wickedness and strange sins; and then justice quickly trussed them up for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. That man is even ripe for hell, that is become a contriver of…

And we are not stronger than he. It is an entering of the lists of contention with him, a running upon him, even his neck, on the thick bosses of his buckler (Job 15:26). It is for a worm to bid a challenge to Omnipotency itself: yes, what shall I say?

This habitual holiness of Christ was inconceivably above that of the angels. He who charges his angels with folly, Job 4:18, who puts no trust in his saints — and in whose sight the heavens are not clean, Job 15:15 — always embraces Christ in his bosom and is always well pleased…

Our hearts are filled with distempers, when once we cease to be frequent with God in private. It is said of Job (Job 15:4), "You restrain prayer before God." That passage is notable (Psalm 14:4): "They eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the Lord."

He is one that is born in sin: (Psalm 51:5) Behold I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me; and things natural, are not easily altered. And as he is born in sin, so he is greedy of sin; (Job 15:16) He drinks in iniquity like water; it notes a vehement prop…

Who has hardened himself against him, and prospered? Such as live in the open breach of Gods Commandments harden their Hearts against God; they raise a War against Heaven, Job 15:25. He strengtheneth himself against the Almighty.

Are there not many prayerless Families in this City and Nation? Job 15:4. You casteth off fear, you restrainest prayer.

The same is true of any other transporting object. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:2), and (Job 15:31): Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity; for vanity shall be his recompense. (Romans 8:20): The creature is made subject to vanity.

To begin with the most notorious. 1. Some desire sin with a passionate earnestness (Job 15:16). He drinks iniquity like water.

Why are [reconstructed: you] so disquieted, O my soul? They look to the grievance, not to the comfort, as that which is of no use: they aggravate the grievance, and lessen the love of God; Are the consolations of God so small with you? (Job 15:11). It is spoken to them who have…

When Hezekiah was arrested with the sentence of death in the mouth of the Prophet, here was his comfort and support, O Lord, you know that I have walked before you with a perfect heart. And (Job 15:16), Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. 2. Before the world a man will b…

1. These comforts though not absolutely necessary to salvation, yet conduce much to the well-being of a Christian, and therefore not to be despised. It is as oil to the wheels (Job 15:11). If neglected and not sought after with earnest diligence, they are despised, which cannot…

Secondly, That usually he does protect his people against the plots of the proud, and brings the mischief they intend to others upon their own heads. Job 15:35. They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepares deceit. But to keep the notion of the text.

But because ingenuity is perished from off the earth, and men are generally more apt to be wrought upon by arguments drawn from fear than love, therefore the Scripture propounds to us the consideration of the dreadful justice of God arrayed in all the terrible circumstances of i…

In the great day of recompense, these slothful ones will learn to pray and beg, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us, but they shall have nothing, namely, of that which they beg, no door opened to let them into the House of God, where is bread enough. I remember I said, that sins of o…

The angels he has charged with folly (Job 4:18). The heavens are not clean in his sight (Job 15:15). Man in his best (now) estate is altogether vanity (Psalm 39:5).

If once Satan get the heart fearless, it becomes careless and thoughtless, as I may so speak. Eliphaz couples them together (Job 15:14): "You cast off fear, and restrain prayer; you have taken off the activity of fear: fear has fallen from his authority, and then it follows you…

These comforts are of a divine infusion, and they are twofold: either here or hereafter. First, comforts here. They are called the consolations of God (Job 15:11) — that is, great comforts, such as none but God can give; they exceed all other comforts as far as heaven does earth…

8. Pray for heart-purity. Job propounds the question, who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean (Job 15:14)? God can do it; out of an impure heart he can produce grace; make that prayer of David (Psalm 51:10).

Young men of desire (Ezekiel 23:23) do easily dazzle our eyes, and when we are not renewed in the spirit of our mind, unsanctified hearts are weak in apprehending, and more weak in discerning of things. 5. So must there be a deadening of the husband to the wife (Job 19:17), to s…

He that can search in any measure by a spiritual light into his own heart and soul, will find, God be merciful to me a sinner, a better plea than any he can be furnished withall from any worth of his own. What is man that he should be clean, and he that is born of a woman that h…

Like the Thraci[illegible]ns, who when it thunders, gather together in a body, and shoot their Arrows against Heaven. The sinners in Brittain do even send God a challenge, Job 15. 25. They strengthen themselves against the Almighty; they run upon him even on his neck, on the thi…

People sin with greediness, Ephesians 4.19. They drink iniquity like water, Job 15.16. They are grown Rampant in wickedness, having laid aside the veil of modesty, Zephaniah 3.5.

There is no passion in the heart of man more infinite than our fear, it troubles us with jealousy and suspicion of the utmost that may happen; but when we have extended our fears to the utmost, the power of God's wrath reaches further. Whenever we sin, we challenge the Almighty,…

It falls out with man's heart as it does with a garden that is neglected — it will quickly be overcome with weeds if you look not diligently to it, and the way to look to it is constancy in this duty. That is a notable place: Job 15:4 — when Eliphaz observed some distemper in Jo…

And it is Job's praise, (Job 1:22) in all this Job sinned not, nor charged God with folly. 3. It is a strong faith in this woman, that, in a manner, conquers Omnipotence by believing; indeed, Satan, winds, fire from heaven, wife, Sabeans, indeed, apprehended wrath cannot prevail…

Fourthly, a man then remembers God, when he prizes God, and fellowship with him, for many times we are straitened in our own bowels, because we prize him not at his worth. Are the consolations of God a light thing to you? (Job 15:11). They should countervail all our discourageme…

Uncleanness seems to bear the worst sound, and to lead the mind to the worst apprehensions of all the rest; but it is God with whom men have to do in their confessions; and before him, What is man that he should be clean, and he that is born of a woman, that he should be righteo…

Is the guilt of the sin of our first parents imputed, and the same death in sin, and corrupted nature, conveyed to all their posterity, descending from them by ordinary generation? Yes. (Romans 5:12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19; 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22, 45, 49; Psalm 51:5; Genesis 5:3; J…

Furthermore the will of a Christian is renewed and purified by Christ; which appears in that it is so far freed from sin, that it can will and choose that which is good and acceptable to God, and refuse that which is evil, according to that of Paul, It is God, which works in you…

Now, a reed is easily shaken with the wind. Temptations shake the godly, and though they are pardoned yet they know it not; Job in a temptation thought God his enemy (Job 16:9), yet then he was in a pardoned condition. Quest. But why does God sometimes conceal the evidence of pa…

And again it is said, that God by his son made the world (Hebrews 1:2). As for the Holy Ghost, the work of creation is also ascribed to him: and therefore Moses says, The spirit moved upon the waters (Genesis 1:2): and Job says, His spirit has garnished the heavens ([reconstruct…

7. The terrors of God (God is always in this sad play) do set themselves in battle array against me. Or, (Job 16:13): His archers compassed me about round. In the Hebrew: his great ones; or, his bowmen (because they are many, or because the great ones did fight afar off) have be…

Why does David complain that he was as a bottle in the smoke, and pray so often that God would quicken him, if under a dead disposition we were not to pray? 4. If often the saints beginning to pray do speak words of unbelief and from a principle of nature, and if words flowing f…

Isaac that was the son of the promise, we know how he was reproached and contemned by Ishmael: and it is observable, when the Apostle speaks of the reproach of Isaac, in Gal. 4:29 it is said, Ishmael persecuted Isaac; now that persecution was nothing but his mocking and reproach…

The words of vain men are small things, whoever fears such words so as to do evil, or to leave off good, are the weakest of men; these are like unto Soldiers who are cast down and overcome, not with some violent strong tempest, but with some small weak puff of winde, these are t…

Concerning the going away of Christ, I have spoken before: of the Comforter his coming and sending, I shall now treat, as being the thing aimed at. The word being of sundry significations, many translations have thought fit not to restrain it, but do retain the original word par…

3. There is this profit in it; it is a mighty solace and support in affliction, especially when we are censured, scorned, and despised of men, and know not where to go to find a friend with whom we may unbosom our sorrow; then to go aside, and open the matter to God, it is a mig…

My soul drops. It may relate (1.) to the plenty of his tears, as the word is used in Scripture (Job 16:20): My friends scorn me: but my eye pours out tears to God, or drops to God — the same word; so it notes his deep sorrow and sense of his condition. The like allusion is in Jo…

(Psalm 45:16): In stead of fathers shall be sons. (Job 16:4): Oh, if your soul were in my soul's stead. 4. It is when the son comes in the room and stead of the father, or one kills another, which is a sad exchanging of one person for another, and though the following king does…

1 Peter 5:6. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. When God afflicts his people, and cuts them short in their privileges, it is time then to sew sackcloth on their skin, and defile their horn (or honor) in the dust, Job 16:15. 4. What a horrid sin Pride is!

It takes away the power of consideration, and all that influence that it ought to have upon the soul. Hence sinners that are wholly under the power of this rage, are said, to run upon God and the thick bosses of his buckler (Job 16:21). That wherein he is armed for their utter r…

Babylon shall be weary of the evil that God will bring upon it (Jeremiah 51:64); and O that none of Zion's children were weary of adversity too! How sad a moan does Job make of his long-continued affliction (Job 16:6-7): 'Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged; and though I fo…

The tempering of the wheels and motions of a distempered conscience is so high, and supernatural a work, that Christ had to have the Spirit of the Lord on him above his fellows, and must be sent with a special commission to apply the sweet hands, the soft merciful fingers of the…

How sweet to take faith's back-bond, subscribed by God's own hand into the cold grave with you, as Christ did (verse 10): You will not leave my soul in grave. 4. Faith says, sense is a liar — fancy, sense, the flesh will say (Job 16:13): His archers compassed me round about, he…

3. Reason, Sense, no, Angels seeing Christ between two thieves dying, and going out of this world bleeding to death, naked, forsaken of friend and lover, they may wonder and say; O Lord, what do you do here: Yet the Faith of the Thief found him there, as a King, who had the keys…

4. If Christ's eye but look on a hard heart it will melt it. 5. I show here the Minimum quod sic, the smallest of prayer, in which the life and essence of prayer may breathe and live: now prayer being a pouring out of the soul to God, much of the affections of love, desire, long…

Abraham even then accounts himself an ungodly man, when in his heart and spirit there is no guile; so that Abraham stands not justified by the first act of his faith, his calling, but by his acting this faith; as long as we have flesh in us, there is an ungodly frame of heart in…

We have remarkable instances of it in those holy men that we have an account of in the book of Job: not only were Job's three friends, that seem to have been eminently holy men, guilty of it, in very unreasonably censuring the best man on earth, very positively determining that…

Hypocrites' obedience is but [in non-Latin alphabet] for a season: it is like plastering work, which is soon washed off; but true obedience is constant. Though we meet with affliction, we must go on in our obedience (Job 17:9). The righteous shall hold on his way.

Christ could not be more holy than he was; but our grace is receptive of further degrees, we may have more sanctity, we may add more cubits to our spiritual stature. 2. Then the kingdom of grace increases when a Christian has gotten more strength than he had (Job 17:9): He that…

And here we have occasion offered first of all to consider who is our father by nature. I shall say to corruption (says Job) you are my father: and to the worm, you are my mother: seeing God vouchsafes this great prerogative to them that love him, that he will be their father: t…

For by the same reason men might still continue in their sins, and not make any progress in knowledge and holiness, that so they may not seem unconstant, which were contrary to the Scripture, wherein we are commanded not to fashion ourselves according to the former lusts of our…

Dress and pamper the body as you will, that beauty will not abide with you; therefore, why does all this pride, vanity, and bravery serve? Seeing a very little while will lay it all in the dust; and when all our projects will come to an end, as Job says (Job 17), my purposes are…

The righteous Man is truly said to be one whose Heart is fixed, trusting in God, (Psalm 112. 7.) and to have his Heart established with Grace, (Hebrews 13. 9.) and to hold on his Way. Job 17. 9. The Righteous shall hold on his Way, and he that hath clean Hands shall wax stronger…

4. It is Corroborative and strengthening; confirms resolutions, and establishes the heart. Hereby they who have felt this quickening, cherishing, healing virtue are also strengthened with might (namely, by the Spirit) in the inner man; so that they hold on their way, and being o…

First, What is man as to his extract? A little dust, made of the dust of the ground: one that may say to corruption, You are my father, and to the worm, You are my mother and my sister (Job 17:14). His fabric was not one jot of any better materials than theirs.

3. Christ's presence, or nearness with him, and fruitfulness, go together: And where the breasts are not as clusters, no condition the believer can be in, is to be accounted presence. The second effect is in these words, And the smell of your nose like apples: apples are savory…

8. Though this jealousy be vexing, yet sometimes the believer cannot rid himself of it, it will so prevail, and is so cruel against him. 9. In the similitude of death and the grave, that is here made use of, it is implied, that no man shall escape death and the grave, they are a…

The second general head is, what is the treasure that our Savior speaks of here? I conceive it is principally intended of the thoughts of the heart, which are called the possessions of the heart (Job 17:11), because these are the first-born of the soul, and enjoy the inheritance…

The drift of Christ's farewell-sermon to his disciples we have in the first words of it (John 14:1): Let not your hearts be troubled. It is the duty and interest of all good people, whatever happens, to keep trouble from their hearts, and to have them even and sedate, though the…

He that sits down content with the grace he has, and is not pressing forwards towards perfection, and striving to grow in grace, to get the habits of it more strengthened and confirmed, and the actings of it more quickened and invigorated, it is to be feared has no true grace at…

And then you shall come to know that honor is sanctified to you, and that it is in love, and you shall be more able to rejoice in the honor that God shall bring to your names then you would have done, and so your reproachers shall be servants to you. There is only one place of S…

That God, who is the Author of all kind of being, has given you this, called you from darkness to his marvelous light, if you be a chosen generation, it is he that has chosen you (1 Peter 1:2), if you be a royal priesthood, you know that it is he that has anointed you. If a holy…

1. The persons that receive it: we that were aliens, and enemies, and bond-slaves; that were of another line and stock: that might say to corruption, You are my Father; to the worm, You are my mother, and my sister. (Job 17:14) We that were cousin-Germans to worms, a handful of…

3. Death is killing, but sin much more; death deprives of natural and temporal, but sin deprives of spiritual and eternal life; death kills but the body, sin kills the soul, and brings it under a worse death than the first, namely, the second: Men may kill us, but only God can d…

I know your works, and the last to be more than the first (Revelation 2:19). The righteous shall hold on his way, and he that has clean hands shall be stronger and stronger (Job 17:9). But you will say, why does that man abate and languish in his duties, that does them from a na…

Secondly, I would premise this, though many may go far (very far) in the way to Heaven, and yet fall short, yet that soul that has the least true grace shall never fall short. The righteous shall hold on his way (Job 17:9). Though some may do very much in a way of duty (as I sha…

5. Walking with God, imports a continued progress in Grace; it is not only a step, but a walk; there is a going on towards perfection: A godly man does not sit down in the middle of his way, but goes on till he comes at the end of his Faith, 1 Peter 1. 9. Though a good man may b…

His failure in that particular is attributed to his want in the general. Job 17:9: 'The righteous shall hold on his way, and he who has clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger.' He who has his heart once changed holds on.

1. He can at our first conversion make us glorified and perfected saints; but it is his wisdom to take a time and succession to perfect his saints. He took about thirty and three years on earth for the work of our redemption, and would for three days lodge in the grave, as it we…

Thirdly, the vanity and sinfulness of the mind appears in the godly, that though they entertain good thoughts, yet the mind is not, will not be long intent on them. Some things there are, which we are, and can be intent upon, and accordingly dwell long upon them, and therefore i…

(Job 16:9-11): "He tears me in his wrath who hates me, he gnashes upon me with his teeth; my enemy sharpens his eyes upon me: they have gaped upon me with their mouth. God has delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked." So he is very positive i…

2. Sin is worse than death. Aristotle calls death the terrible of terribles, and Job calls it the king of terrors (Job 18:14), but sin is more deadly than death itself. First, death, though it be painful, yet it were not hurtful but for sin.

The root of the matter was not in them: they wanted depth of earth; the plow had not gone deep enough, and therefore, though the earth were good and the seed good, yet not being well covered it miscarries. Exoriuntur sed Exuruntur: the roots are burnt up, like the wicked (Job 18…

Men quarrel with God's revealed will, and therefore no wonder that they quarrel with his providential will; whereby we deny him his right of governing, and slight his actual exercise of his right. As if God were accountable to us for his dispensations, and must have only a respe…

God has been pleased to deal thus graciously for us, to bring our enemies into snares by their own Counsels. In (Job 18:7) 'tis verified of many that their own Counsels have cast them down. And (Psalm 9) toward the latter end, The wicked is snared in the work of his OWN HANDS: H…

Only he would (to say so) have your consent to, and your approbation of what he does for the greater peace and tranquility of your own minds. Surely therefore it is meet, meekly and submissively to be said to God, whenever and however he chastises, I have borne chastisement, I w…

Princeps, Dominus, Caput familiae; the Prince, Lord, and Head of the family, that has right to the inheritance, and distributes portions to others. Hence [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩] is used for every thing that excels, and has the preeminence in its own kind (Job 18:10; Isaiah 1…

Neither is the word any where else used in the Scripture, and may as well have something foreign in it, as come from its root. So also v. 17. is no where else used for sobolescet, or pliabit, as it is here rendered; from a Son, which is but three times used in that signification…

To have the arm of divine vengeance up, with the glittering sword of revenging justice, ready to give him the deadly stroke; to have nothing before him but a fearful expectation of fiery indignation which shall devour him, when it lights upon him; in the fullness of his strength…

No doubt but a man may express his displeasure against the miscarriages of another, as much as at any time there is occasion for, without suffering his resentments to recoil upon himself, and to put his own soul into a hurry. What need a man to tear himself (his soul, so it is i…

And to deliver them who through fear of death were all their lives subject to bondage. And in Scripture It's called, the King of terrours, Job 18. 14. Or the black Prince, as some translate.

What is the issue of it? His own counsel shall cast him down (Job 18:7) — first he shall be entangled, then cast down, and all by his own counsel, until he comes to be ashamed of it as Ephraim was (Hosea 10:6). Whenever in trials we consult our own understandings, hearken to sel…

These do but expose themselves to speedy ruin. Bildad said of the wicked, "His own counsel shall cast him down" (Job 18:7). They need no other means to ruin them, than their own brutish course.

Death separates not from the love of God, that sin does (Romans 8:38-39; Isaiah 59:2). 2. Death is terrifying — it is the King of Terrors (Job 18:14) — it is a grim thing, a very sour and tetrical thing: it is ghastly and frightful, for men are not only unwilling but afraid to d…

What a terrible desolation was that on Sodom! In allusion to which, tis said of a wicked man, in Job 18:15: Brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation. Why, there is a dreadful storm of ardent brimstone, ready to fall upon those Houses, where the children are not bringing…

Far less has it any truth that a real mercy can be removed in wrath from Infants in Jesus Christ, in whom the Nations are blessed. And we see in Deuteronomy 28, the blessing of an observed Covenant and the curses of a broken Covenant are extended to the fruit of the body, to the…

You hope to be saved (and so did many thousands that are now in hell) but alas, what ground have you to build your hope upon? "The hypocrite's hope shall perish, whose hope shall be cut off; and whose trust shall be as a spider's web" (Job 18:13-14). Ah, Sir, what will your hope…

The redeemer shall come to Zion. Some understand it of Cyrus, others of an angel, but the most ancient Jewish doctors understand it of Christ the Redeemer of the elect (Job 19:25). My redeemer lives.

The saved body shall arise again. Some hold that the soul shall be clothed with a new body; but then it were improper to call it a resurrection, it should be rather a creation (Job 19:26). Though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.

God sometimes melts his people in a furnace. 2. God sometimes lays various afflictions on us (Job 19:17): He multiplies my wound. God shoots various sorts of arrows.

And their disposal into a burying place is rehearsed by Stephen as one fruit of their faith (Acts 7:15, 16). Job gives testimony to his faith herein (Job 19:25, 26). So does David also (Psalm 15:17), and in sundry other places.

And there is a spiritual discerning of spiritual things, which no natural man has (1 Corinthians 2:14, 15). In heaven, we shall see Christ with bodily eyes (Job 19:27): but even there, there is a spiritual sight of him, and of spiritual things, something of which is here; and be…

As for them in 1 John 2:19, of whom it is said, They went out from us, but they were not of us, &c. why may not this going out be understood of a local departure, or of a departing from the company, and communion of the saints, and such duties and acts of love as that church-rel…

The fifth argument is taken from express testimony of scripture. Job has an excellent place for this purpose, I am sure (says he) that my Redeemer lives, and he shall stand the last on the earth, and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet I shall see God in my flesh,…

Apply it, 'tis a poor, comfortless meditation to think of a blessed hope and the certainty of it, unless we have an interest in these things, an hungry man takes little pleasure in gazing upon a feast when he tastes not of it; the reprobate hereafter are lookers on, and David sp…

But I speak of ordinary infirmities. Job's friends were good men, yet he said — Job 19:3 — 'These ten times have you reproached me.' So then, no such conclusions follow from this first ground of doubting.

We may also make our complaint to men. So did Job (Job 19:21), Have pity, have pity on me O you my friends; for the hand of God has touched me. And it is a mercy if we have any friends that are wise, faithful, and experienced.

First, that the same body which was so pleasant a sight to you shall be restored again — yes, numerically the same, not just the same in kind, so that it shall not only be what he was but who he was. These eyes shall see him, and not another (Job 19:27). The very same body you l…

Use, 2. It is a most comfortable doctrine, in reference to all ups and downs of the time, and to all the straits that His Church and people can be put to; it cannot be ill with Christ, and it shall not be ill with them: He may have contests, but He shall get, indeed, He has gott…

Troubled Christ prays. Tempted Job believes (Job 19:25). The scourged apostles rejoice (Acts 5:41).

That seeing of the salvation of God, is neither conversion, nor preparation of a people for Christ. 2. The phrase of seeing God, and the salvation of God, being set down as a powerful fruit of the Gospel, has never in Scripture so low a meaning as is not wanting to natural men,…

3. The manner; glorification takes not away the substance and natural properties of the body; for there is a glorious transfiguration, but no abolition of the substance of Christ's body, it was the same body of Christ before, and after transfiguration. Glory frees us from natura…

God in the plainest and most positive manner, revealed and testified his special favor to Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Daniel, and others. Job often speaks of his sincerity and uprightness with the greatest imaginable confidence and assurance, often calling God to witness…

So Psal. 135. 17. Job 19. 17. which is a thing Material or Corporeal. But most frequently it denotes things purely Spiritual and Immaterial.

Shall Tribulation? There was a time when Job could call nothing in this world but trouble his own: he could not say, my Estate, my Honour, my Health, my Children; for all these were gone; yet then he could say, my Redeemer, Job 19:25 Well then, there is no cause to sink whilst I…

Exodus 4. 24, 25. David had his scoffing Michal, 2 Samuel 6:20 And patient Job no small addition to all his other afflictions, from the Wife of his bosom, who should have been a support to him in the day of his trouble, Job 19:17 No doubt, but God sanctifies such rods to his Peo…

(2 Timothy 4:8) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, henceforth there is a Crown laid up for me. Indeed, not only Paul, but Job also (Job 19:25): I know that my Redeemer lives, and I shall stand up before him at the last day. He knew Jesu…

Nature of it as given to him. Testified to and confirmed (Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17, 19; Job 19:25). Opened; with sundry other Places.

In the Scripture we find it both ways used. Sometimes (I say) to touch, does signify, the greatest and the sorest affliction or punishment that can be; and so Job does express all the afflictions that fell upon him at the last only by touching (Job 19:21). Have pity upon me, hav…

The husbandman knows, that though the seed rot in the earth, yet it will rise again. And the believer knows, that though after his skin worms destroy his body, yet in his flesh he shall see God (Job 19:25), and the resemblance between the seed sown, and springing up; and the bod…

The life intellectual of reason. The life of grace, in the vision of the face of God (1 John 3:2; Revelation 22:4; Job 19:26), knowing him. In the influences of fulness of joy and delights, or pleasures, and that so long as Christ-God shall live for evermore.

The Lord sends a praying disposition on David, as a seed of praying; & a praising disposition that he must rise at midnight and praise (Psalm 119:62), and prevent the dawning and the night-watches to cry and pray (v. 147, 148). And an hoping disposition on Job, that when he is d…

Obj. 3. I cry, and I am not heard. Answ. The godly man may move the same doubt (Job 19:7; Psalm 22:2). 2. There are degrees of discerning an answer, and degrees of the Lord's opening to the knocking of faith; it were fit yet Magus prayed more (Acts 8:22), and that he went about…

There will be use herein, of our bodily eyes, as shall be declared. For as Job says, in our flesh shall we see our Redeemer, and our eyes shall behold him (Job 19:25, 26, 27). That corporeal sense shall not be restored to us, and that glorified above what we can conceive, but fo…

It is like a Burning-glass, so it contracts the Beams of the Threatnings, twists them together, and reflects them on the Soul, until it smoke, scorch, and flame. If the wrath of a King be like the roaring of a Lion, then what is the Almighties wrath! which is burning wrath, Job…

The Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Body, is a Doctrine full of singular Consolations to Believers, 1 Cor. 15. and most clearly asserted in Scripture, Acts 26. 8. Job 19. 25. 1 Cor. 15, &c. And it is well for us this point is so plainly revealed; because, as it is a most com…

By all these proofs it appears that if a master bids his servant come, go, do this, or that, he must obey. The contrary to this is the highest degree of disobedience, as when servants refuse to be at their master's command, and to do what they charge them to do: as Ziba, who bei…

What does this phrase (my eyes shall be upon the faithful) imply, but that he will diligently and carefully inquire after such: indeed my eyes (says he) not another man's eyes: he would not put all the trust upon others: he would himself make what proof and trial he could. Such…

5. From the providence of God, permitting it for wise reasons. Job owns God in it (Job 19:13-14): He has put my brethren far from me, and my acquaintance are truly estranged from me. My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.

He means the hope of immortality, opposite to that vain show and false appearance which is in worldly things. This was that Job comforted himself with, that ancient believer (Job 19:26): Though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. And the Macca…

They ought to be reproved for it, but yet withal to be encouraged: we may say to them, as Christ did to Peter, when he began to sink, and cried out, I perish, Oh! you of little faith; but not vote them for unbelievers, or conclude them to have no grace, because sinful corruption…

2. To such as labor under spiritual desertions. And to such it is that our doctrine more directly points; and because it is a time wherein there are not a few who labor under these in a great measure, whose condition says as he did (Job 19:21), Have pity upon me, oh my friends,…

[illegible] is such a childish heedlessness that a man should ever be at a loss for his spiritual estate; as though one should live in his possessions, and if he go but a mile out of the town, and the day grow soggy, he cannot tell where he is though he be upon his own ground. W…

There life natural is only endangered, here eternal salvation is hazarded; therefore their greater need calls for the greater pity. As Job complained (Job 19:21): "Have pity upon me, O my friends, have pity upon me, for the hand of God has touched me." The spirit of a man will […

Put a backing of steel to the glass, and you may see a face in it; so the human nature of Christ is as it were a backing through which we may see the glory of God. In this sense that scripture is to be understood (Job 19:26): With these eyes shall I see God. Setting forth the ex…

His name is sweet; it is as ointment poured forth (Song of Solomon 1:3). It was Job's wish: Oh that my words were now written, that they were graven with an iron pen and laid in the rock for ever (Job 19:23). And it is my wish — O that this sweet name of Christ were now written,…

God gives us his Word as his will and testament which he leaves in charge with us to see it performed. If God would only have had his laws to be known or talked of, he might have delivered them to parrots; if he would only have had them kept safe, he might have graven them with…

To such I say as our blessed Savior (Matthew 22:29): You do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. First, not knowing the Scriptures: the Scripture tells us expressly, that the same body that dies shall rise again (Job 19:26): In my flesh shall I see God, not in…

SECT. 1. The first privilege of being with Christ. 1. Vision (Job 19:26). In my flesh shall I see God; the sight of Jesus Christ will be the most sublime and ravishing object to a glorified saint.

So that this gives the Apostles argument its due temperament: for he meant not to scare them into a cowardly flight, or sullen despaire of victory, when he tells them their enemy is so subtile and politick: but to excite them to a vigourous resistance, from the assured hope of s…

2. For a doubting child of God, because the light of evidence (which to them, in that case is dim) comes nearer to the natural light of reason, than to spiritual light, therefore faith must be set on work to act as faith, and faith acts most strongly when reason is weakest. Natu…

11. They are not rightly mortified who are not deadened to creature-comforts, to father and mother, for they forsake, and the mother may forget the fruit of her own womb, but the Lord cannot forget his own (Psalm 27:10; Isaiah 49:15). My friends (Job 19:19): 2. All my friends, 3…

Curtius says that the Macedonians put to death such as were near of blood to traitors: Marcellinus says so much also of the Persians. The just Lord punishing the sins of the fathers upon the children, to the third and fourth generation, teaches that conjunction of blood (such as…

Of the same force is the Hebrew word 'asham' (Isaiah 53:10; Leviticus 7:2): 'He made his soul an offering for sin' — a piacular sacrifice for the removing of sin — which the apostle abundantly clarifies by saying he was made sin itself (2 Corinthians 5:21), sin there being put f…

There will be use in this of our bodily eyes, as shall be declared. For as Job says, "In my flesh shall I see my Redeemer, and my eyes shall behold him" (Job 19:25–27). That corporeal sense shall not be restored to us — and that glorified beyond what we can conceive — but for th…

I am like a Deer that is struck with a Dart, my Soul lies a-bleeding, and nothing can cure me, but a sight of him whom my Soul loves. 4. Divine Knowledge is appropriating, Job 19. 25. I know that my Redeemer liveth. A Medicine is best when it is applied; this applicative Knowled…

The Hebrew word for afflicted, signifies to be melted; God seems to melt his people in a furnace. 2. God does sometimes lay diverse afflictions on the Saints, Job 19. 17. He multiplieth my wounds: as we have diverse ways of sinning, so the Lord has diverse ways of afflicting; so…

3. Subject to all outward miseries: All the troubles incident to man's life are the bitter fruits of original sin; the sin of Adam has subjected the creature to vanity (Romans 8:20). Is it not a part of the creature's vanity, that all the comforts here below will not fill the he…

The sinner shall never taste of luscious delights more to all eternity. His honey shall be turned to the gall of asps (Job 20:14). At death there shall be an end put to all reprieves.

And in his Epistle to Coroticus or Cereticus (Malachi 4:2), You shall dance as calves loosed out of bands: where our common Latin has, You shall leap as calves of the herd. And (Job 20:15-16), The riches which he shall gather unjustly, shall be vomited out of his belly, the Ange…

XXIII. Finally, by way of supreme contempt they are called by the Hebrew term signifying "filth, dung, wallowing-places:": Ezekiel 23:3, "He committed fornication with them to defile himself," with dunghill-gods. Leviticus 26:30; Deuteronomy 16; the term signifies "dung;": Job 2…

He calls that the fire of the enemies with which God consumes his adversaries; taking this word fire, for God's vengeance: for it must not be taken here for that visible fire with which things are consumed in this world; neither yet for lightning only; but by a figure it is take…

Wickedness is sweet in his Mouth; and therefore he hides it under his Tongue; he spares it and forsakes it not; but keeps it still within his Mouth. Job 20:12, 13. Herein chiefly consists the straitness of the gate, and the narrowness of the way that leads to life; upon the acco…

And David in a sense and from experience hereof prayes, that God would not remember the sins of his youth, Psal. 25. 7. And a Reflection from them is sometimes the Torment of Age; Job. 20. 11. So he in whom we have chosen to exemplifie the Instances of such a Course.

(3.) The truth is, the word has not necessarily a plural signification, [in non-Latin alphabet] lamo, is most frequently put for [in non-Latin alphabet], by the inserting of [in non-Latin alphabet], whereof we have sundry instances in the Scriptures, Genesis 6:2. Blessed be the…

Lastly, let the fearful end of these delightful things be considered. Those morsels which were so sweet in going down, they must come up again as bitter as gall: Job 20. 12, 13. Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue, though he spare it, and…

He said, Son be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven. And when God would contract the sum of all misery into one word, He says, His sins shall lie down with him in the dust, Job 20. 11. Ah soul!

If the wrath of a King be like the roaring of a Lion, then what is the Almighties wrath! which is burning wrath, Job 19. 11. Tearing wrath, Psalm 50:22. Surprizing wrath, Job 20. 23. And abiding wrath, Job 3. 36.

All the means and endeavours used to cleanse them, are in vain; all the grace of God they receive in vain: They hold fast deceit, they refuse to let it go, Jeremiah 8:5. Sin is not in them as floating Weeds upon the Sea, which it strives to expel and purge out, but as Spots in t…

Indeed, Lord, and if ever my Conscience, which by rebellion is now grown silent, should be in judgment awakened in this life, Oh what an Hell should I have within me! how would it thunder and roar upon me, and surround me with terrors! Your word assures me, that no length of tim…

Such as are destitute of Gods Fear never meet with satisfaction. Job 20:22. In the midst of his sufficiency he shall be in straits.

There is a secret moth that eats up all their contentment, they are under terror, discouragement, and want of peace: God teaches them that nothing can be satisfactorily enjoyed apart from his blessed self. "A fire not blown shall consume them" (Job 20:26). Partly in the continua…

One then thinks of evil, yet with good thoughts, when he thinks of evil, to grieve and repent for it, to abhor and forsake it: and one thinks of good with evil thoughts, when he thinks of good to neglect and scorn it, to call it evil, and so to persecute it. But thoughts of sin…

Yet again, if there be any pleasure, it is but for a season, a very little while — it is soon over and gone, like the crackling of thorns under a pot. The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment (Job 20:5). But the miseries of sin may…

What will riches gotten by piracy and murder be at last? You young men, that have a mind to turn pirates in hopes of getting gold, hear what God speaks to you from His word (Job 20:15, 16): He has swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out o…

But when men out of a corrupt inclination are customarily carried in the continuance of some distemper, it [illegible] like another nature, he may lose his life and soul, but is like never to lose his lust, that will go to his grave, and so to Hell with him. (Job 20:11-12) When…

God has no passions in him, properly essential to him, but we ascribe them to him with respect to his Providence. The Scripture therefore signifies such things to be the fruits of his indignation (Jeremiah 4:4; Leviticus 26:28; Job 20:28). Godly men are taken away by death, but…

3. Consider what a poor contemptible thing the world is, it is not worth setting the affections on, it cannot fill the heart; if Satan should take a Christian up to the Mount of Temptation, and show him all the Kingdoms and glory of the world, what could he show him but a fancy,…

When conscience doubts that some course is not good — though it is ambiguous — if you are reluctant to have it examined fully, it is a sign you have a false heart and desire to continue in it. It is a sweet morsel to you (Job 20:12). When sin is kept as an ulcer that you will no…

It is sweet in his mouth. He spares it and forsakes it not, but keeps it [illegible] his mouth (Job 20:13). A hypocrite [illegible] far: he may forego many sins (as [illegible] did) yet there is some sin or other which is an evil way that his soul is going to destruction in.

The Devil can so cook and dress sin, that it pleases the sinner's palate. But hear what Job says, Job 20:12, 14. Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, it is the gall of Asps within him.

It is the property of a hypocrite to dispense with his conscience, at least for some one special, beloved sin. As Job among other his characters makes this one, that he holds his wickedness as a sweet thing in his mouth and hides it under his tongue, and favors it, and will not…

3. If you would delight in the Law of God, purge out the delight of sin; sin will poison this spiritual delight. If you would have God's Law sweet, let not wickedness be sweet in your mouth, Job 20:12. When sin is your burden, Christ will be your delight.

Jude 7, "Suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." Job 20:23, "When he is about to fill his belly, God shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him." Isaiah 51:17, "Awake, awake, stand up O Jerusalem, which has drunk at the hand of the Lord, the cup of his fury; you have drunken th…

As also by the imprecations against the wicked, against whom it is wished as the greatest evil, that their sins might not be covered, nor blotted out (Nehemiah 4:5; Psalm 109:14). The comminations also of God do show the same; for it is threatened and denounced against men as on…

Men are close buttoned, and like day-men, when it is dark night. It is fearful to lie down with our day clothes (Job 20:11). Sin is a sad winding sheet: Oh! what believer says, I would have a suit of clothes for the high court and throne to be an essay, to see how a suit of glor…

Why? There's something of God in the cross that the carnal eye cannot see: because, as Zophar says (Job 20:26), a fire not blown shall consume him. Some make it (and not without reason) a fire that has no noise of bellows or wind to make it take fire, and to flame up.

1. Use: All without this covenant are miserable; Christ undertakes not for them. The Lord deals with them by law — read Deuteronomy 28, Leviticus 26, Job 20, chapters 18 and 27. They have bread, but it is not sure; not so the believer (Isaiah 33:16): 'His bread shall be given hi…

There is no peace to the wicked, says my God (Isaiah 57, last verse). The joy of a hypocrite is but for a moment (Job 20:5). Though Joseph's brothers had their sacks full of corn, and their money in their sacks' mouths, yet they were all afraid, the old man afraid, every mother'…

(Jeremiah 2:19) Your own ways and your doings shall correct you. Reason 2. God will have it to be bitter to us, not only to correct us for former wickedness, but likewise to make us cast up our sins in a free confession and a serious reformation; as long as sin is sweet to us, w…

2. If we love our pleasures more than God, we make a God of pleasure (2 Timothy 3:4): [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩]: lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Many let loose the reins, and give themselves up to all manner of sensual delights, they idolize pleasure (Job 21:12-13)…

Then follows that dismal sentence (Matthew 25:41): Ite Maledicti, Depart from me you cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. He that said to God, Depart from me (Job 21:14), and to religion, Depart from me, must now hear that word pronounced from his…

How then does God say, he will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children? Response: Though the son be not damned for his father's sin, yet he may be severely punished (Job 21:19). God lays up his iniquity for his children.

The wicked have the waters of a full cup wrung out to them (Psalm 73:10), as if they had a monopoly of happiness; they have all they can desire; indeed, they have more than heart can wish (Psalm 73:7). They steep themselves in pleasure (Job 21:12); they take the timbrel, and har…

Homines capiuntur voluptate ut pisces hamo, Cicero. Pleasure is the sugared bait men bite at, but there is a hook under; (Job 21:12) They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ: And a parallel Scripture, (Amos 6:4) That lie upon beds of ivory, that chan…

Though they have an enemy in the field that is always laying of snares or shooting of darts, yet they do not stand sentinel or get their spiritual artillery ready. They put on their jewels, but not their armor (Job 21:12). They take the timbrel, and harp, and rejoice at the soun…

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…

2. The soul is shown, or made to see the sufficiency of Christ Jesus: it could never see it, or believe it, if it were not shown, by a powerful work of the Spirit. Yes, the heart of man makes strong opposition against the way of the Gospel, it hates the knowledge thereof (Prover…

If we do not care to please him: An ungodly man thinks of nothing less than pleasing God, he neither cares to know his ways, nor to walk in them, they are willingly ignorant (2 Peter 3:5). They do not search that they may not practice, and so err not in mind, but heart: We desir…

But be they what they will, they cannot pity as God, relieve and succor as he. And often times we may say with Job (Job 21:4), As for me, is my complaint to men? and if it were, why should not my spirit be troubled? That is to say, what great advantage can I get by these complai…

You cast off fear — why? — and restrain prayer before God. The neglect of prayer arises from a conceit of the unprofitableness of it (Job 21:15). What profit should we have if we pray to him?

1. Be sure to keep out of your Counsels your false principles, be not acted in your Counsels by false principles. 2. Keep out of your Counsels wicked men, take heed that they do not join with you in your Counsels, in (Job 21:16) Their good is not in their hand: the counsel of th…

Only he would (to say so) have your consent to, and your approbation of what he does for the greater peace and tranquility of your own minds. Surely therefore it is meet, meekly and submissively to be said to God, whenever and however he chastises, I have borne chastisement, I w…

Answer: The thing in question is not concluded; we say not we are to pray for the salvation of none but believers only, and that Christ died for none but those that already believed: we are to pray for all ranks, believers or unbelievers, as Christ died for thousands of both, bu…

These men are far from having the Lord Jesus, and life in him; they are so far off from seeking the Son, as that they do not so much as seek those mercies and benefits which in Christ are conveyed to their souls, they neither have him nor none of his. They say to the Almighty de…

Secondly, our common people are deceived, who think because they deal truly, and justly before men, that they are in as good a case, as they that hear all the sermons in the world: as though true happiness stood in civil conversation. Thirdly, this doctrine serves to beat down a…

Of such Children, that Scripture, Psalm 49:19 will one day be verified, except they repent, They shall go to the generation of their fathers, where they shall not see light. (2.) And how many families are there, though not so prophane, who yet breed up their Children vainly and…

A man builds with timber that has a fire in it, that lays the foundation of his estate by sin, he lays up iniquity for his children. And so does God (Job 21:19). It is commonly said likewise, Dives aut iniquus aut iniqui haeres.

Verse 3. Your two breasts are like two young Roes that are twins. The two breasts (which is the fifth part here commended) are spoken to in this third verse: They were spoken of (Song of Solomon 4:5) with the same commendation, and we conceive the same thing hinted there, is aim…

The Greek word may be rendered, seeing you shove it away with your shoulders. As if a sick [reconstructed: man] should bolt out the physician, lest he should cure him (Job 21:14): Who say to the Almighty depart from us. God is loath to [reconstructed: be] gone; he woos and besee…

Ver. 14. "With whom took he counsel, who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?" Or what needs that (Job 21:22): "Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judges things that are high."

1. Are there any who abhor God? such a sad word is spoken of the Jews (Zech. 11:8): Three Shepherds also I cut off in one month, and my soul loathed them, and their soul also abhorred me. Departing from God, as a whorish woman forsakes her husband, is charged upon the confederat…

5. Job gets no leave to swallow his spittle (Job 7:19). Precious Israel is plowed (Psalm 129:1) and her back made a field of blood; like two legs and a piece of an ear of a devoured sheep, plucked out of the mouth of a Lion (Amos 3:12), the man Christ a man of sorrows and acquai…

Others blaspheme the attributes of God, that charge the all-seeing eye with blindness, saying, the Lord shall not see (Psalm 94:7), that charge the eternal mind with forgetfulness, saying, God has forgotten (Psalm 10:11), that charge the almighty arm with impotency, saying, can…

Those that listen to the counsel of the ungodly, and stand in the way of sinners, as willing to walk with them, will come at length (if Almighty grace prevent not) to sit in the seat of the scornful (Psalm 1:1). Let us therefore abide by that which Job and Eliphaz, even in the h…

Who are they that say to God, Depart from us, we desire not the knowledge of your ways, but such as take the Timbrel and Harp, and rejoice at the sound of the Organ, and spend their days in wealth? Job 21. 11, 12, 13. Pleasures do not so much delight the flesh, as they endanger…

It is his Blessing that makes good men rich, and his Permission that makes wicked men rich. That Maxime came from Hell, Quisque fortunae suae faber: Every man is the Contriver of his own Condition: Certainly, The good of man is not in his own hand, Job 21. 16. Promotion comes no…

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…

Because there is not so much as a word of it for the time (so the word is) this greatens, and fills the heart of man, and makes it big to do evil. And not only is the Lord's long suffering mistaken by the ungodly, but even by his own, that should understand him better, and know…

And that nobleman who saw plenty in Samaria, but could not taste of it (2 Kings 7:19). So (Job 21:23), One dies in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet: When he has gotten abundance of worldly comforts about him, death seizes on him of a sudden. 6. God yet is furthe…

IT shews us that it is not in Vain to serve God. The Wicked who know not God, think him an hard-master, and say as they, Job 21:15. What profit should we have if we pray to him?

As if God had made them to be like the Leviathan who plays in the Sea. Job 21:13. They take the Timbrel and Harp, and rejoyce at the sound of the Organ.

1. David a man after God's own heart makes this prayer: the more love any have to God, the more they desire to know his ways. Carnal men are of another spirit, they say (Job 21:14), Depart from us, we desire not the knowledge of your ways. The more ignorant, the more quiet; they…

Most wicked men are mad when their lusts are set a working; and there are some whose constant frame of heart it is, who make haste, who march furiously as if they were afraid of coming to hell too late, bear down conscience, word, and all before them, that set themselves to do e…

So many that shine now in the pomp and splendor of worldly accommodations, and are merry and jocund as if all would do well; alas poor creatures where are they going? (Job 21:12-13) They take the timbrel, and the harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ; they spend their days…

Shall we sit as judges upon his actions, and think that might have been prevented, this might have been better ordered either for God's interest or our own comfort? Men will be teaching God how to govern the world: for we prescribe to him as if he did not understand what were fi…

So long till all their fears are over. (Job 21:9) "Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them." And their oppressions are multiplied.

But not to will, though we have no power, and much more not to will when we have power, is a sin. The reason why the wicked bade God depart from them, was, because they had no mind nor desire to be acquainted with his ways (Job 21:14); so also (Romans 1:28), they did not like to…

It strives with, and fights against God; and if its power were as great as its will is wicked, it would not suffer God to be. God is a troublesome thing to sinners, and therefore they say to him, depart from us (Job 21:14), and of Christ Jesus, let us break his bonds asunder, an…

How many does it send from the cradle to the grave, so that they have run their race before they can go? Others die in their full strength, (beside the havocs it makes by war, etc.) as some do always eat their bread in darkness (Job 21:23). Man no sooner begins to live, but he b…

As God upbraids Israel of old, that they changed their glory for that which did not profit, and (worse than that great King who sold his Kingdom for a draught of water) they leave and part with a fountain of living waters, for a cistern, an empty cistern that has none, yes, for…

The punishment (which is worthy of a remark) does answer to, and is called by the name of sin; What is sin? but a departure from God: And what the doom of sinners? departure from God; as if God should say to them, you liked departing while you lived, now depart from me; you woul…

Surely no, but now this people call upon God always, they seek him daily, certainly these are no hypocrites. 3. Says God, They delight to know my ways — sure this frees them from the suspicion of hypocrisy, for (Job 21:14) they say to God depart from us, we desire not the knowle…

This also appeared in Adam's sin: out of the folly of his own deluded thoughts, he would have dethroned the Almighty, and hoped by Satan's counsel to set himself in the room of God: "You shall be as gods, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3), and he saw it to be good to get knowle…

And what is worst is a willful ignorance — there is a difference between not knowing and not wanting to know. Many are in love with ignorance; they hug their disease (Job 21:14; 2 Peter 3:5). Ignorant minds are impure; there is no going to heaven in the dark.

Instead of mourners, we have those who revel. They take the timbrel and harp; they spend their days in wealth (Job 21:13). They do not mourn in soul, but indulge the flesh.

These sighs and groans are stirred up by the Spirit of God; by the beating of this pulse, judge of the life of faith in you. A wicked person has none of these breathings after Christ (Job 21:14): they say to God, depart from us. If the heart moves toward Christ, the Spirit as a…

It reproves those who, instead of running the race of God's commandments, spend all their time in jollity and mirth, as if their life were more a dance than a race. Job 21:12-13: They take the timbrel and harp and rejoice at the sound of the organ; they spend their days in mirth…

Far less has it any truth that a real mercy can be removed in wrath from Infants in Jesus Christ, in whom the Nations are blessed. And we see in Deuteronomy 28, the blessing of an observed Covenant and the curses of a broken Covenant are extended to the fruit of the body, to the…

Where is the man whose heart is dilated in love to God? Many court him, but few love him: People are for the most part eaten up with self-love; they love their ease, their worldly profit, their lusts, but they have not a drop of love to God: Did they love God, would they be so w…

As Moses when his face shone, put a veil over it. If you are humble, you shall be acquitted at the Day of Judgment (Job 22:29). He shall save the humble person.

The saints are called vessels of honor, they are called jewels for the sparkling of their holiness, because filled with wine of the Spirit; this makes them earthly angels. 6. Holiness gives us boldness with God (Job 22:23, 26): You shall put away iniquity far from your tabernacl…

If sin be so great an evil, then there is no sin little. There's no little treason; every sin strikes at God's crown and dignity; and in this sense it may be said, as Job 22:5, Are not your iniquities infinite? The least sin (as the Schoolmen say) is infinite objective, because…

Hence he rejects all those multiplied outward services which men trusted to, as if they obliged him by them, because without them or their services he is the sovereign possessor of all created beings and their effects (Psalm 50:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12). All thoughts hereof are to be…

We are not in a capacity to receive this blessing, till we take an oath of allegiance to Christ, and continue in obedience to him. 2. The next note is, delight in communion with God: Job 22, Acquaint yourself with him and be at peace. A man that is at peace with God, will be oft…

How unreasonable is it to think God most high in place, and not in perfection, and if in perfection, not in knowledge and discerning? They imagined of him as of a great prince, taking his pleasure upon the battlements of his palace, not beholding the worms upon the ground; muffl…

2. Keep out of your Counsels wicked men, take heed that they do not join with you in your Counsels, in (Job 21:16) Their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me. And so in (Job 22:18) Oh! keep out wicked men from your Counsels. 3. Keep out your own en…

To you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul, and (Psalm 86:4) Rejoice the soul of your servant, for to you do I lift up my soul, so (Psalm 143:8) cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. All these places show that there can be no sincerity and seri…

He calls that the fire of the enemies with which God consumes his adversaries; taking this word fire, for God's vengeance: for it must not be taken here for that visible fire with which things are consumed in this world; neither yet for lightning only; but by a figure it is take…

We ought, therefore, to accept this consolation, with which the angel soothes Zacharias, that we have no reason to fear, when God is gracious to us. For they are greatly mistaken who, in order to enjoy peace, hide themselves from the face of God, whereas we ought to acquaint our…

He needs us not, but is perfectly blessed nd happy in himself without us. We can add othing to him, Job. 22:2 Can a man be profitable God? No, the holiest of men add nothing to him; yet, see how great account he makes of us.

God did not destroy the nation of the Jews, because God had his own people mixed among them. Lo, (Job 22:30) and this conclusion administers matter of thankfulness, to all men upon earth, to make you bless God, that he keeps his people alive among you, for it is for the elect's…

What is the reason that men are so sensible of outward shame, more than of secret sins; and care so much what men think of them, and speak of them, and not what God sees or knows? Does not this declare that men think as those atheists of whom Job speaks (Job 22), and do they not…

Another man would fain go to God, but he knows not the way. (Job 22:21) Acquaint now yourself with him, and be at peace, thereby good shall come to you: that is, serve God, and you shall prosper. The meaning is this, one that is acquainted with God, when he has anything to do, h…

Fifthly, is not the inheritance of the Saints, that kingdom of glory, that incorruptible undefiled crown that is reserved for them, riches? and yet how many are so far from esteeming reproaches riches, as they will venture the loss of that too, rather then they will endure repro…

Oh, it is a wonder this has not closed the hand of Providence against me, and pulled down a Curse upon all! Ah Lord, let me now learn to acquaint myself with you, then shall I decree a thing, and it shall be established, Job 22. 28. THE POEM.

Can he judge through the dark cloud? Thick clouds are a covering to him that he sees not, and he walks in the circuit of heaven? (Job 22:13-14) Answ.

3. When we do our best, we cannot deserve these mercies, or merit anything at God's hands; for all we do is already due to God, as we are his creatures; and the paying new debts will not quit old scores. The question is proposed, (Job 22:2) Can a man be profitable to God, as he…

A carnal man cannot say the Lord's Prayer, without being afraid; they tremble at the remembrance of it; they are afraid it should be true, and afraid to be heard; if it might go by their voice, Christ should never come. The voice of corrupt nature is, Depart from us: And what ca…

And this is that which discovers the faithless and disobedient world. Job 22:12-14: "Is not God in the height of heaven? How does God know?

Joshua 1:8. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate therein day and night. Job 22:22. Receive, I pray, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart. By the law is meant the whole word of God.

1. We cannot merit of God. Job 22:2: "Can a man be profitable to God, as he that is wise is profitable to himself?" Job 35:7: "If you are righteous, what do you give him? or what does he receive at your hand?"

Some err out of simple nescience, ignorance, or mistake; or else through the cloud with which some present temptation overcasts the mind; these err in their minds: but others err in their hearts, that care not for, or do not desire to hear of their duty to God. A man that errs o…

A general intimation is not so clear a ground of hope as a particular and express promise; the more of these we have, the more explicit are our thoughts about God's protection, and the more are our hearts fortified and borne up in praying to him, and waiting upon him. "Chirograp…

What proportion is there between a cup of cold water given to a disciple of Christ, and that ocean of everlasting joy and pleasure, which shall be the reward of it? A man might more reasonably expect to buy stars with counters, or to purchase a kingdom with two mites, than think…

Indeed they set up their own traditions, their own idols and delusions, and lord it over the law, making the command of God of none effect (Matthew 15:8-9). So for the goodness of the word (Job 22:17; Malachi 3:14): it is in vain to serve God and what profit is there that we hav…

A carnal heart is unwilling to make out after the discovery of the truth, and like bats, live most at ease when they have least light, fly abroad in the night: the less knowledge they have, the less trouble they find, and therefore they are willing to make no inquiry to know tha…

Hence the carnal heart is said to bear up himself against all the assaults of the Word (Deuteronomy 29:19). When all the curses of the law were denounced with never so much evidence, yet the presumptuous sinner blesses himself, promises all good to himself, and secretly feeds hi…

Or what does he receive of your hand (verse 1)? Your wickedness may hurt a man, as you are, and your righteousness may profit the son of man (Job 22:2). Can a man be profitable to God, as he that is wise may be profitable to himself?

But Repentance makes the Pomgranate bud, and the Vine flourish with full clusters. Fill Gods bottle, and he will fill your basket, Job 22. 23. If you return to the Almighty, you shalt lay up gold as dust.

Answer. 1. An humble soul is emptied of all swelling thoughts of himself: Bernard calls Humility a Self-annihilation, Job 22:29. Thou wilt save the humble.

What fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? 2 If you would walk with God, get acquaintance with him, Job 22. 21. Acquaint now thyself with him.

Moreover, this duty is required, that we may be acquainted with God: for there is a strangeness between the Lord and us when we do not call upon his name. It is the command which you shall find in Job 22:21: Acquaint yourself with the Lord [reconstructed: and] you [reconstructed…

Neither indeed could he believe he saw through the thick clouds; "Is not God" (said he) "in the height of heaven, and behold the height of the stars how high they are." "And how does God know? can he judge through the dark clouds? Thick clouds are a covering to him that he sees…

7. Yet is the hope of the humble green at the root, it shall not be as a broken tree (Psalm 9:18). 1. Because God shall save the humble (Job 22:29). 2. And hear his desire (Psalm 10:17).

First, 'tis to be wise for our selves. There's an expression (Job 22:21): "He that is wise is profitable to himself"; and (Proverbs 9:12): "If you be wise, you shall be wise for your self"; intimating, that wisdom regards a man's own interest and advantage, and he is not a wise…

Can our best works, merit pardon of sin, or eternal life, at the hands of God? No (Romans 3:20; Romans 4:2,4,6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7; Romans 8:18; Psalm 16:2; Job 22:2-3). Well then, do not the Papists, and some of the Quakers err, who maintain, that the good works of re…

So when God's Spirit joins himself with this chariot of the Word, then it becomes effectual. Be exhorted to prize the Word written (Job 23:12). David valued the Word more precious than gold.

He that has once tasted Christ in a promise is ravished with delight, and how would he scorn a motion to sin! Job said, the Word was his appointed food (Job 23:12). No wonder then he made a covenant with his eyes.

Hence faith is such a wonder-working grace, and enables a Christian to persevere. 3. If you would hold out to the Kingdom, set before your eyes the examples of those noble, heroic saints who have persevered to the Kingdom; Vivitur Exemplis, examples have more influence upon us t…

Lastly, afflictions serve to make manifest the graces of GOD in his children. The Lord (says Job) knows my way and tries me; Job 23:10. Deuteronomy 8:2, Remember all the way (says Moses to the Israelites) which the Lord your GOD led you, this forty years, for to prove you and to…

God does neither suspend his purpose on what men will do, nor take up conditional resolutions with respect thereunto. He does not purpose one thing, and then change his resolutions upon contingent emergencies; for he is of one mind and who can turn him (Job 23:13). Nor does he d…

If you accept of him, as your Prophet, you will regard his Word: and hence we enquire what esteem you have thereof? Hear what he said (Job 23:12): I have esteemed the word of his mouth, more than my necessary food. It may be you will say, I hope I love and prize, and esteem his…

This is to be righteous to be faithful to the death, and not suffer the breastplate of holiness to be shot through. My foot has held his steps: his way have I kept, and not declined (Job 23:11). And whoever is thus divinely qualified, is entitled to this privilege in the text, h…

There is nothing in the world which he more passionately desires, than that he could live exactly according to the excellent precepts of religion, (so that he desires death itself for this end, that he may live in perfect and constant exercise of all virtues and graces) there is…

As these seasons cannot be changed by man, so neither can this course and way of his providences be changed. Job 23:13: He is of one mind, and who can turn him? And what his soul desires, that he does. Indeed, while his pleasure and purpose are unknown to us, there is room for f…

The poor and desolate have an advantage for the actual exercise of those graces, which a prosperous condition wants: God changes the metal by it; what was lead and iron, he makes come forth as gold. (Job 23:10) when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Crosses and suffer…

Fourthly, they taste a sweetness in the word above others: the second ground received the word with joy; and Herod heard John Baptist with gladness; but where there is true grace, they go farther: they delight in the word, it is sweeter to them than the honey: few can say so in…

Only he would (to say so) have your consent to, and your approbation of what he does for the greater peace and tranquility of your own minds. Surely therefore it is meet, meekly and submissively to be said to God, whenever and however he chastises, I have borne chastisement, I w…

That God does give men secret hints and intimations of his Will by his Providence, cannot be doubted; but yet Providences in themselves, are no stable rule of duty, nor sufficient discovery of the Will of God. We may say of them, as it is, Job 23. 8, 9. Behold, I go forward, but…

It's a presumptuous invading of Gods Prerogative, to dictate to his Providence, and prescribe to his wisdom. (2.) There is a great deal of vanity in it: all the thoughtfulness in the world will not make one hair white or black: all our discontents will not prevail with God to ca…

We may break our peace, and waste our Spirits, but not alter the Case. We cannot turn God out of his way, Job 23:13 He is in one mind. We may by strugling against God increase, but not avoid or lighten our troubles.

Thus he tempted Abraham by the offering of his sonne, Gen. 22. 1, 2. and the Israelites, by sending false Prophets among them, Deut. 13. 3. And in this sense afflictions are called temptations, Iam. 1. 2. because God tris man by affliction, as gold is tried in the fire: and all…

Now gold (as often has been said) signifies preciousness and solidity, so all of them are settled and fixed on a good and precious ground, which cannot fail, and therefore they cannot shake, slide, nor slip, but prosper he must in his ways, and nothing can mar his design, for he…

He means not only recreations or superstitious usages, but even God's own ordinances, says an Expositor, the mere verbal perfunctory use thereof will not advantage the soul: but godliness is profitable to all things, the right spiritual worship of God brings along with it abunda…

Upon this account bread is called a staff (Psalm 105:16), because what a staff is to an aged or feeble man, that bread is to the faint and feeble spirits, which even so do lean upon it. And look what bread is to the natural spirits, that, and more than that, the word is to graci…

When he hideth his face, who then can behold him? As Job speaks, so may we, Behold I go forward, but he is not there: and backward, but I cannot perceive him; on the left hand, where he does work, but I cannot behold him; he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see hi…

So Job complains as we observed before. "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive him: on the left hand where he does work, but I cannot behold him: he hides himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him" (Job 23:8, 9). Which way soever I…

It teaches us to follow God with an implicit faith, as Abraham did when he went out not knowing where he went, but knowing very well whom he followed (Hebrews 11:8), and quiets us with this, that though what he does, we know not now, yet we shall know hereafter (John 13:7). When…

In such a time be vigilant and circumspect, or you will be surprised. Job says that in his affliction God made his heart soft (Job 23:16): there is a hardness, an insensible want of spiritual sense, gathered in prosperity, that if not watched against will expose the heart to the…

But this is our comfort, that as it does discover sin; so it conduces to mortify sin. Therefore says Job (Job 23:10): When he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold; that is, purified and refined, and having the drossy part eaten out. 8. God permits us to be tempted of Satan a…

He does what he pleaseth in the Armies of Heaven and earth, Daniel 9:35. His Power is as large as his will, Job 23 13. What his Soul desireth, even that he does. The Ephori had Power over the King of Sparta; the Tribunes over the Roman consuls; much more has God a Soveraign Powe…

Bread of life, we cannot live without it. (Job 23:12) I have esteemed the words of your mouth more than my necessary food. Food is that which keeps us in life, and enables us to action and work.

6. Because of their love to God, they have a value for every thing which comes from God, and leads to him. Common mercies point to their Author, and their main end is to draw our affections to him, and enable us in his service; but these are apt to be a snare, and are used as an…

Sometimes it is put for turning aside to the right hand or to the left: as (Deuteronomy 17:11): You shall not decline from the way which they shall show to you, to the right hand or to the left. Sometimes for turning back (Job 23:11): My feet have held his steps, his way have I…

Alas, we have much idle time on our hands; if we would give that to God it were well. 4. The value of godly exercises above our natural refreshings: the word is sweeter than appointed food (Job 23:12). "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food."

2. This exercise of grace is made illustrious when it is put to the trial. Grace is like gold, which is discovered by the trial of it, both as to the reality and excellency of it: and what says he (Job 23:10)? When he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

The soul comes easily to give way to the authority of the truth, that would take any sinful lust away. To the like purpose is that of Job (Job 23:16) when the armies of God's indignation had encamped against him, and the terrors of the Lord had drunk up his spirit; says he, God…

Many shall be tried: persecution is the touchstone of sincerity; it discovers true saints from hypocrites; unsound hearts pretend fair in prosperity, but in a time of persecution fall away (Matthew 13:20-21). Hypocrites cannot sail in stormy weather; they will follow Christ to M…

Hence 1. there is no conflict between mercy and justice (as Arminius says) nor any natural desire in God to have all Angels and men saved, which is hindered by justice. Job says truly (Job 23:13), He is of one mind, and who can turn him? (from this end which he intends, as if he…

On this account, the afflictions that the children of God are visited withal, are compared to a furnace, and to a refiner's fire, in which, remaining dross is separated from the good metal, to make it yet more pure. This good effect Job encouraged himself that he should obtain b…

"When he hides his face, who then can behold him?" As Job speaks, so may we: "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him; on the left hand, where he works, but I cannot behold him; he hides himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him"…

Then our minds fall into clouds and darkness; faith is at a loss, we cannot behold his glory; indeed, we may seek him but cannot find him. So Job complains as we observed before: "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him; on the left han…

6. He shows his love to the Word by preferring it above things most precious. 1. Above food, Job 23. 12. I have esteemed the words of his mouth, above my necessary food. 2. Above riches, Psalm 119. 72. The Law of thy mouth is better unto me, than thousands of gold and silver.

Here God and the soul are immediately concerned, and it is a great conquest to do what we would, though we come exceedingly short of what we should do. Secondly, It discovers itself in the mind also: when we address ourselves to God in Christ, we are, as Job speaks, to fill our…

Sometimes he tries the strength and ability of his servants' graces, and thus he tried Abraham (Hebrews 11:17); and sometimes he tries the soundness and sincerity of our grace; so the Ephesian angel was tried, and found dross (Revelation 2:2). And so Job was tried and found true…

When therefore a Christian is to come before God in prayer, he considers what matter he has stored up against such a time, that he may rear up a building for the most High to dwell in. And he not only prepares fit matter, but likewise observes what order is best to dispose these…

It is certain, the Assyrian shall be broken, because the Lord has purposed it: which were a weak kind of reasoning, if his purpose might be altered. No, he is of one mind and who can turn him, and what his soul desires, that he does (Job 23:13). The Lord of Hosts has purposed, a…

Answer: To sin presumptuously is to sin against convictions and illuminations, or an enlightened conscience. Job 24:13: They are of those that rebel against the light. Conscience, like the Cherubim, stands with a flaming sword in its hand, to deter the sinner, yet he will sin.

How was Peter's sin enhanced and accented, that when Christ had done more for him than others, he had dropped some of the holy oil upon him; he had taken him into the number of the Apostles, he had carried him up into the Mount of Transfiguration, and shown him the glory of heav…

So in Isaiah 63:10: 'They rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit, therefore he was turned to be their enemy and he fought against them.' Now to sin against light is called rebellion (Job 24:11). When men go about to extinguish and darken the light of direction which God has set up…

For he withholdeth all the working of his Spirit in and by that light which alone renders it effectual. His Spirit shall not strive any more therein, and then it is easy for them to rebel against the light they have, as he speaks (Job 24:13). And let all men hence take heed, whe…

For men to be forced by the power of their lusts, to act for the most part against their light, as they do where sin has the dominion, it is a sad and deplorable condition. Such persons are said to rebel against the light (Job 24:13), because of its right to rule in them, where…

1. Pain. 2. Reproach and shame. 3. The curse of God and man. The pain in Christ's death comes under a twofold consideration: 1. Naturally: 2. Legally; the nature of the death was painful, for death of itself is painful; no man pays that debt with ease and nature smiling and spor…

Two sorts of patients die of their disease. Those who sin presumptuously — though they know a thing is sin, yet they will do it (Job 24:13): they are of those who rebel against the light. David prays (Psalm 19): keep back your servant from presumptuous sins.

2. They will find it harder to repent, who have sinned frequently against the convictions of the Word, the checks of conscience , and the motions of the Spirit. Conscience has stood as the Angel, with a flaming sword in its hand; it has said, Do not this great evil; but sinners…

Fifthly, They will not be under the Conduct of the Mind, its Light, or Convictions. Rebellion against the Light of the Mind, is the very form whereby their Corruption acts it self, Job. 24.13. Let the Apprehensions of the Mind, and its Notions of Good and Evil be what they will,…

For wherever you are, there is an eye that sees you, an ear that hears you, a hand that registers your actions. By this argument Solomon dissuades from adultery, which for the most part is committed in the night (Job 24:15), because all the ways of men are open and naked to God'…

Proverbs 3:33: The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked; but he blesses the habitation of the just. Job 24:18: Their portion is cursed in the earth. Psalm 37:22: They that be cursed of him, shall be cut off.

2. Armies of them are employed upon this occasion. There are great multitudes of them, as Bildad speaks (Job 25:3): Is there any number of his armies? That is, of his angels: when Joel speaks of the heathens gathering together; there says he, Lord, cause your mighty ones to come…

Yes, they are as the fat of lambs, in Psalms 37:20. They are as a worm, in Job 25:6. They are vanity, lighter than vanity, altogether in their best estate vanity (Psalms 39:5).

We can forget nothing more perniciously than what we are. Man is a worm, says Bildad, and the Son of man is but a worm, Job 25:6. And therefore sayes Job himself, I have said to corruption, you art my father, and to the worm, you art my mother and my sister, chap.

Our Savior has pronounced the blessing of adoption upon the peace-makers (Matthew 5:9), [non-Latin text], those that are for peace, as David professes himself to be (Psalm 120:7), in opposition (such an opposition as meekness is capable of) to those that delight in war (Psalm 68…

'Twas an act of heroical zeal in David, who employed his time waking to the honor of God, which others spent in sleeping: and we read that Paul and Silas sang praises at midnight (Acts 16:25), though then in the stocks, and they had been scourged the day before. And it is said (…

There is none good but one, and that is God. That goodness which we have in participation from him, will appear no goodness in comparison of him; the heavens themselves are not clean in his sight (Job 25:5-6): Behold even to the Moon, and it shines not; indeed the stars are not…

1 To set forth all mankind in general, and so it comprises under it every son of Adam, every mother's child (as we speak). In which sense Bildad uses it, where comparing mankind with the celestial bodies, he says, How much less man a worm, even the Son of Man, a worm? (Job 25:6)…

In the Chaldee it is, Who among the angels? None can do as God, he brought the world out of nothing; and he hangs the earth upon nothing (Job 26:7). This is to make God to be a God to us, when we are persuaded in our hearts, and confess with our tongue, and subscribe with our ha…

Resp. 1. The glory of this kingdom is solid and substantial; the Hebrew word for glory, [in non-Latin alphabet], signifies a weight, to show how solid and weighty the glory of the celestial kingdom is: the glory of the worldly kingdom is airy and imaginary; like a blazing comet,…

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the Spirit of his mouth. Job 26:13. By his Spirit he has garnished the heavens.

Q. You have shewed that there is a God, and only one God, and three persons; tell me now what God is? A. God is so infinite, and incomprehensible, that no creature is able fully to comprehend or know him (Exodus 33:20, 23; Job 26:14 & 11:7-9; 1 Timothy 6:16). Q. How then may we…

The greatness of God cannot be known, but only by way of negation, that he has none of those infirmities, which may lessen his being in our thoughts, or by way of comparison, that he is above all — God is greater than man (Jeremiah 36:12). 4. So great that he is obliged to put a…

Beyond all doubt, they have been stupefied by a righteous judgment of God, that all might laugh at the gross ignorance of those who have not scrupled to adulterate "and, change the truth of God into a lie," (Romans 1:25.) The first inquiry here is: Was this star one of those whi…

And hereby the Work of Creation was compleated and finished. First for the Heavens; Job 26. 13. By his Spirit he has garnished the Heavens, his hand has formed the crooked Serpent.

3. God's gradual revelation of himself, his mind and will to the Church, was a fruit of infinite wisdom and care towards his elect. These are parts of his ways, says Job, but how little a portion is heard of him (Job 26:14). Though all his ways and dispensations are ordered in i…

The place of their first habitation which they left (Jude 6) was the highest heavens, the most glorious receptacle of created beings; in opposition whereunto they are said to be cast into the lowest hell (2 Peter 2:4). Whereas man was placed in the earth, which although then bea…

By the influences of this Spirit sent by Christ, are the redeemed led (Romans 8:14), directed (Acts 16:6, 9, 10, 14), sealed and confirmed (Ephesians 4:30), having received the earnest of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22), taught, guided, and the Word made effectual (John 16:13),…

Ver. 9. When I made the cloud the garments thereof, and thick darkness a swaddling band for it. Job 26:7. He stretches out the North over the empty place, and hangs the Earth upon nothing; give a reason of East and West. 3. The Lord puts forth sovereignty on Jeroboam's arm to dr…

This is our faith, which as it is in us, being weak and imperfect, we comprehend the representation that is made to us of the glory of Christ, as men do the sense of a dark saying, a riddle, a parable, that is, imperfectly, and with difficulty. On the account hereof we may say a…

It is an ornament of God's own making; is the soul thus decked? It is he that has decked it: by his Spirit he has garnished the heavens (Job 26:13), and by the same Spirit has he garnished the meek and quiet soul. It is an ornament of his accepting (it must needs be so, if it be…

The fashion of the world passes away, and the lustre of it; there is no enduring substance here: Those in the Hebrews were content to part with any thing that endured but for a season, so they might have an enduring substance: and so Abraham looked for a City that had foundation…

2. Nothing appears on which the globe of the earth and water should lean and rest. Job 26:7: He stretches out the north over the empty place, and hangs the earth upon nothing. Now that this vast and ponderous body should lean upon the fluid air, as upon a firm foundation, is mat…

How little a portion is known of God? If Job asked the question, Who can understand the Thunder (Job 26:14), we may much more ask, Who can understand the Trinity? But in heaven we shall see God as he is, that is, perfectly (1 John 3:2).

Your knowledge is but as the light of a Torch, your ignorance as the Cimmerian darkness. Job 26.14, How little a portion is known of God? The Septuagint renders it, How little a drop!

This is our faith, which as it is in us — being weak and imperfect — apprehends the representation made to us of the glory of Christ as men do the sense of a dark saying, a riddle, a parable: that is, imperfectly and with difficulty. On this account we may say at present, "How s…

The works of God, they are likewise unsearchable; the works of creation and of redemption. Job 5:9. Which does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous, things past finding out: And then he instanceth in the works of God, Job 26:14. Lo these are part of his ways: But how little…

This power is visible in the creation. He hangs the earth upon nothing, Job 26:7. What cannot that God do that can create; nothing can stand before a creating power; He needs no pre-existent matter to work upon; He needs no instruments to work with, he can work without tools; He…

Question 2. Is God infinite in being and perfection? Yes (Job 11:7-9; Job 26:14). Well then, do not the Vorstians, Socinians, and Anthropomorphitans err, who maintain that God is finite in being and perfection? Yes.

What preserved him? It was his sincerity (Job 27:6). My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.

He prefers sanctity before safety, and had rather keep his conscience pure than his skin whole. He says as Job, my integrity I will hold fast, and not let it go (Job 27:6). He will rather part with his life than his conscience.

1. To God; The righteous are said to be gathered (Isaiah 57:1). A [reconstructed: sinner] is carried away in a [reconstructed: storm] (Job 27:20). The righteous is gathered as we gather precious fruit and candy it; so greatly does God value the death of a saint, that he makes in…

They have had a gift of prayer, and were constant in the exercise of it; but the love of sin, and living in it has devoured their gifts, and wholly taken off their minds from the duty itself, which is the proper character of hypocrites; will he delight himself in the Almighty? W…

But 4. positive despair, rancor, and malice against the holy Majesty of God; when the soul shall wish, and die of burning desire, to be above and beyond the spotless essence of the infinite Majesty of God; and shall burn in a fire of wrath against the very existence of God, and…

He that does evil has not seen God, a serious sight of God certainly works some change in us. (2.) In prayer a strong love to God is acted, for it is the expression of our delight in him (Job 27:10). Will he delight himself in the Almighty?

A man never gets any thing with Satan, but he shall lose that which is more precious: he never makes a proffer to our advantage, but to our loss and hurt. Follow the world as hard as you can, lie, deceive, cheat, and you shall be rich; put the case it is so, but I must lose my s…

Without this worship of God we cannot keep up our service to him. Not without delight, witness these Scriptures, (Job 27:10) "Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?" (Isaiah 43:22) "But you have not called upon me, O Jacob, but you have been weary…

1. Answer. It is possible a carnal man may pray in secret, but with these differences: 1. He is urged to it by the challenges of an accusing conscience, he is (as it were) dogged to it, he dare not but do it; but a child of God has a gracious principle, inclining him to it, from…

The Ways of the Lord are right, and the Just shall walk in them; but the Transgressors shall fall therein. Job 27:8, 9, 10. What is the Hope of the Hypocrite?—Will he delight himself in the Almighty?

No; the matter is plain, his religion is measured by his secular interest, and he will only be so long religious as will serve that purpose. And the reason is plainly assigned in the foregoing words, Will he delight himself in the Almighty? (Job 27:10) His religion has no deligh…

2. Prudence and moderation in discourse, and so dropping is opposed to floods, that with violence overflow. 3. This phrase signifies a continuance in seasonable, prudent and edifying discourse, as Job 27:22, My words dropped on them, and Deuteronomy 31:2, My doctrine shall drop…

4. A treasure makes holy duties constant and perpetual, though there may be some temporary intermissions, yet never a total cessation in acts of religion; Will a hypocrite pray always? (Job 27:10) No, verily: the water rises no higher than the spring, and waters fail that have n…

Will such a spring as this maintain a stream of affections; when carnal motives fail? What will you answer (O my soul) to that question, (Job 27:9-10): Will God hear his cry when trouble comes upon him? Will he delight himself in the Almighty?

Carnal hypocrites will be much in outward worship: they have their qualms, and pray themselves weary, and do something for fashion's sake, when foreign reasons move them; but will they so pray, as to delight themselves in the Almighty? Will they always call upon God (Job 27:10)?…

It is acted; for it is delight in God, which makes us so often converse with him. Thus the hypocrite, (Job 27:10) Will he always call upon the Lord? Will he delight himself in the Almighty? They that love God, cannot be long from him; they that delight in God, will be often unbo…

A wicked man prays himself weary of prayer, and professes himself weary of holiness. A man is judged by the tenor of his life, not by one action, but as he holds on his way to Heaven (Job 27:10). Many run well for a while, but are soon out of breath.

Quite contrary to the hypocrite, he may act from compulsions and urgings of conscience, from legal bondage: it may be a sin-offering, but it is not a thank-offering; he cannot do it with that delight and complacency that God has required. (Job 27:10). it is said, Will he always…

1. The witness of a good conscience, for then this will be matter of great joy and great peace to you (2 Corinthians 1:12): "This is my rejoicing, the testimony of my conscience, etc." If men reproach you, yet let not your hearts reproach you (Job 27:6). The heart has a reproach…