4.4_o 2._o cor._n 10.18_o and_o be_v clean_o in_o his_o eye_n or_o have_v his_o approbation_n we_o ought_v not_o much_o to_o regard_v misconstruction_n from_o man_n psal_n 35.11_o 12_o 13._o job_n 16.20_o 3._o man_n even_o good_a man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o blind_v as_o to_o judge_v truth_n to_o be_v error_n either_o simple_o mistake_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o or_o misconstruct_v man_n true_a expression_n and_o charge_v more_o upon_o their_o speech_n then_o they_o mean_v by_o they_o for_o so_o do_v zophar_n quarrel_n and_o intend_v to_o refute_v this_o true_a assertion_n of_o job_n in_o the_o first_o branch_n thereof_o condemn_v his_o pure_a doctrine_n as_o unsound_a and_o in_o the_o second_o relate_v to_o his_o conversation_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n reckon_v it_o unsound_a that_o he_o who_o be_v so_o afflict_v shall_v reckon_v himself_o a_o regenerate_a and_o purify_a man_n or_o at_o least_o judge_v he_o a_o insolent_a liar_n in_o assert_v that_o he_o be_v without_o sin_n this_o shall_v warn_v godly_a and_o orthodox_n man_n to_o be_v guard_v against_o such_o exercise_n as_o these_o 4._o as_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o quit_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o integrity_n so_o they_o ought_v to_o speak_v very_o sober_o and_o humble_o of_o it_o before_o god_n not_o only_o that_o they_o may_v avoid_v guilt_n and_o sin_n which_o they_o contract_v by_o pride_n and_o insobriety_n but_o that_o they_o may_v also_o prevent_v the_o misconstruction_n of_o other_o for_o herein_o job_n fail_v as_o god_n afterward_o mark_v and_o by_o his_o way_n of_o manage_v his_o good_a cause_n in_o bitter_a complaint_n and_o expostulation_n with_o god_n give_v some_o occasion_n of_o this_o challenge_n and_o misconstruction_n as_o if_o he_o have_v think_v and_o speak_v too_o high_o of_o his_o own_o purity_n verse_n 5._o but_o o_o that_o god_n will_v speak_v and_o open_v his_o lip_n against_o thou_o 6._o and_o that_o he_o will_v show_v thou_o the_o secret_n of_o wisdom_n that_o they_o be_v double_a to_o that_o which_o be_v know_v therefore_o that_o god_n exact_v of_o thou_o less_o than_o thy_o iniquity_n deserve_v in_o the_o second_o place_n zophar_n in_o these_o verse_n subjoin_v his_o intend_a refutation_n of_o this_o assertion_n of_o job_n wherein_o for_o the_o more_o distinct_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v first_o the_o way_n he_o take_v to_o refute_v job_n which_o in_o stead_n of_o argue_v with_o he_o himself_o be_v by_o wish_v and_o desire_v that_o god_n will_v take_v he_o in_o hand_n to_o dispute_v with_o he_o according_a to_o his_o own_o desire_n chap._n 9.34_o 35._o and_o refute_v and_o convince_v he_o v._o 5._o he_o speak_v of_o god_n in_o term_n take_v from_o among_o man_n and_o wish_v that_o god_n will_v not_o only_o speak_v or_o make_v he_o know_v his_o mind_n which_o may_v be_v do_v by_o inward_a inspiration_n but_o that_o he_o will_v open_v his_o lip_n against_o he_o or_o speak_v with_o a_o audible_a voice_n to_o he_o and_o convince_v he_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o all_o of_o they_o consider_v second_o that_o whereby_o he_o expect_v god_n can_v convince_v he_o and_o wish_v he_o can_v do_v it_o be_v by_o show_v he_o the_o secret_n of_o wisdom_n that_o they_o be_v double_a to_o that_o which_o be_v v._o 6._o for_o understanding_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o remark_n 1._o this_o wisdom_n the_o secret_n whereof_o he_o desire_v may_v be_v show_v be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o though_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o great_a depth_n and_o be_v unsearchable_a in_o his_o providence_n and_o dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n rom._n 11.33_o and_o be_v commend_v as_o such_o in_o general_n v._o 7_o 8_o 9_o to_o confirm_v his_o particular_a conclusion_n intend_v here_o yet_o in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o secret_a or_o infinite_a wisdom_n in_o know_v of_o man_n and_o what_o their_o fault_n be_v as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o inference_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n and_o what_o be_v more_o express_o assert_v v._o 11._o 2._o these_o secret_n of_o wisdom_n be_v say_v to_o be_v double_a to_o that_o which_o be_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o exact_a proportion_n as_o if_o they_o be_v only_o double_a and_o no_o more_o to_o it_o but_o general_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o those_o secret_n of_o wisdom_n be_v much_o more_o than_o that_o which_o be_v so_o isa_n 40.2_o 3._o but_o the_o great_a obscurity_n in_o these_o word_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o word_n render_v here_o that_o which_o be_v it_o signify_v sound_a wisdom_n a_o law_n and_o that_o which_o have_v a_o essence_n or_o be_v and_o real_o exist_v or_o be_v as_o here_o all_o those_o agree_v and_o come_v to_o one_o purpose_n here_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n wisdom_n in_o know_v man_n and_o his_o fault_n according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o the_o spiritual_a law_n which_o be_v then_o imprint_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o otherwise_o reveal_v to_o they_o though_o not_o as_o yet_o write_v be_v double_a or_o much_o more_o than_o any_o thing_n man_n can_v know_v of_o himself_o or_o then_o what_o exist_v in_o man_n sound_a judgement_n and_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o or_o he_o can_v see_v and_o take_v up_o in_o that_o law_n and_o that_o therefore_o god_n know_v that_o of_o man_n which_o deserve_v double_a to_o any_o trouble_n that_o be_v or_o exist_v and_o lie_v upon_o he_o this_o last_o clear_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a consider_v the_o demerit_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v suit_n well_o with_o his_o inference_n which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o a_o key_n to_o open_v the_o former_a word_n v._o 6._o wherein_o he_o will_v have_v job_n know_v and_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o affliction_n have_v befall_v he_o yet_o god_n do_v exact_v less_o than_o his_o iniquity_n deserve_v or_o god_n so_o to_o say_v forget_v of_o his_o iniquity_n and_o do_v not_o remember_v all_o of_o it_o when_o he_o chastise_v he_o or_o he_o lend_v out_o of_o his_o iniquity_n as_o the_o word_n will_v also_o bear_v upon_o interest_n or_o to_o a_o day_n when_o he_o afflict_v he_o that_o be_v he_o on_v god_n more_o than_o he_o have_v yet_o pay_v and_o be_v oblige_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n to_o great_a punishment_n than_o he_o yet_o fâ—lt_v thus_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o whole_a purpose_n in_o short_a be_v that_o if_o god_n will_v interpose_v to_o debate_v this_o cause_n with_o job_n and_o let_v he_o know_v how_o spiritual_a the_o law_n be_v how_o much_o he_o know_v of_o man_n according_a to_o that_o law_n above_o what_o man_n know_v of_o himself_o and_o how_o much_o man_n sin_n according_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o that_o law_n deserve_v above_o what_o be_v inflict_v upon_o he_o in_o this_o life_n job_n will_v not_o have_v speak_v so_o much_o as_o he_o do_v of_o his_o own_o purity_n but_o will_v have_v look_v upon_o his_o suffering_n as_o far_o short_a of_o his_o deserve_n this_o be_v sound_a general_n doctrine_n that_o god_n law_n be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o perfect_a that_o his_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o man_n be_v above_o what_o he_o can_v know_v of_o himself_o that_o man_n sin_n transcend_v his_o own_o knowledge_n and_o even_o godlies'_n man_n deserve_n be_v above_o their_o sad_a calamity_n but_o all_o this_o prove_v nothing_o against_o job_n who_o whatever_o his_o fail_n be_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o debate_n never_o plead_v perfection_n according_a to_o the_o strict_a rigour_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o sinlesness_n but_o only_o that_o he_o be_v sincere_a according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o condescendance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n nor_o do_v he_o deny_v his_o own_o ill_a deserve_n but_o only_o plead_v that_o he_o be_v not_o wicked_a notwithstanding_o his_o affliction_n and_o his_o affliction_n be_v very_o sharp_a he_o resent_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v inflict_v upon_o he_o a_o reconcile_a man_n as_o if_o god_n be_v about_o to_o destroy_v and_o cut_v he_o off_o in_o anger_n in_o this_o purpose_n consider_v abstract_o and_o in_o general_a we_o may_v observe_v those_o sound_n truth_n and_o instruction_n 1._o error_n be_v such_o bewitch_a and_o intangle_a evil_n that_o whatever_o be_v man_n duty_n to_o oppose_v they_o yet_o the_o root_n out_o thereof_o be_v above_o their_o reach_n therefore_o do_v zophar_n quit_v this_o task_n of_o refute_v job_n suppose_a error_n as_o too_o hard_a for_o he_o and_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v interpose_v in_o it_o man_n be_v neither_o able_a to_o hold_v out_o clear_a ground_n of_o light_n for_o every_o thing_n he_o know_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n nor_o though_o he_o have_v clear_a light_n be_v he_o
able_a to_o make_v it_o convince_a to_o other_o nor_o though_o his_o light_n be_v convince_a as_o to_o that_o point_n of_o truth_n be_v he_o able_a to_o search_v out_o and_o discover_v all_o these_o idol_n and_o lust_n which_o embark_v man_n in_o way_n of_o error_n and_o against_o truth_n and_o though_o he_o can_v discover_v all_o these_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o over-awe_n man_n nor_o put_v he_o from_o his_o pride_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v convince_v or_o to_o retract_v what_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o for_o another_o man_n all_o this_o let_v we_o see_v what_o a_o tyrant_n entour_n be_v when_o man_n once_o give_v up_o themselves_o slave_n to_o it_o and_o how_o much_o need_n there_o be_v of_o humble_a self-denial_n and_o humble_a dependence_n on_o god_n in_o those_o who_o will_v effectual_o oppose_v it_o job_n 32.13_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o 2_o tim._n 2.25_o 26._o 2._o god_n be_v able_a to_o convince_v and_o argue_v a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o error_n be_v he_o otherwise_o never_o so_o stiff_a and_o obstinate_a in_o they_o for_o he_o put_v it_o upon_o god_n to_o speak_v and_o open_v his_o lip_n against_o he_o as_o know_v he_o can_v effectual_o convince_v he_o can_v hold_v out_o light_a clear_o and_o make_v it_o convince_a he_o can_v turn_v man_n idol_n and_o lust_n which_o do_v engage_v they_o into_o dâ—ttays_n which_o their_o conscience_n can_v refuse_v and_o he_o can_v cause_v his_o terror_n drive_v man_n from_o their_o error_n this_o show_v that_o matter_n be_v not_o hopeless_a in_o time_n when_o error_n prevail_v though_o man_n ability_n and_o diligence_n prove_v ineffectual_a and_o it_o warn_v these_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o error_n by_o other_o to_o beware_v of_o make_v god_n their_o party_n 3._o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o secret_a a_o great_a and_o unsearchable_a depth_n and_o his_o footstep_n in_o his_o proceed_n be_v not_o easy_o trace_v for_o there_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o wisdom_n see_v psal_n 147.5_o this_o call_v for_o sobriety_n in_o our_o inquiry_n about_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o avoid_v presumption_n and_o conceit_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n 4._o god_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a discoverer_n of_o his_o deep_a counsel_n to_o man_n in_o so_o far_o as_o be_v for_o their_o good_a and_o behoof_n for_o he_o must_v show_v the_o secret_n of_o wisdom_n he_o must_v not_o only_o give_v we_o his_o word_n whereby_o we_o may_v understand_v so_o much_o as_o be_v needful_a of_o his_o work_n but_o must_v open_v our_o eye_n to_o take_v up_o what_o be_v reveal_v there_o psal_n 119.18_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o go_v about_o this_o search_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n 5._o it_o be_v in_o particular_a one_o secret_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o know_v much_o more_o of_o we_o than_o we_o can_v know_v of_o ourselves_o for_o in_o this_o the_o secret_n of_o wisdom_n be_v double_a according_a to_o the_o law_n to_o that_o which_o consist_v in_o our_o own_o sound_a judgement_n and_o knowledge_n as_o have_v be_v explain_v his_o law_n be_v spiritual_a rom._n 7.14_o and_o the_o best_a sight_n of_o ourselves_o can_v bring_v we_o up_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n beside_o that_o we_o be_v ofttimes_o blind_v with_o tentation_n desertion_n lust_n self-love_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o can_v discern_v what_o otherwise_o may_v be_v obvious_a enough_o unto_o we_o this_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o our_o best_a estate_n within_o time_n we_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o any_o conceit_n of_o perfection_n 1_o cor._n 4.4_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v rather_o beside_o our_o lay_n to_o heart_n our_o know_a fail_n be_v bewail_v our_o hide_a and_o secret_a error_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v psal_n 19.12_o 6_o god_n can_v do_v no_o wrong_n in_o afflict_v the_o most_o righteous_a man_n for_o beside_o that_o god_n may_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o absolute_a dominion_n afflict_v the_o most_o innocent_a every_o son_n of_o adam_n though_o regenerate_v have_v sin_n in_o this_o life_n which_o deserve_v all_o his_o affliction_n and_o much_o more_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o strict_a justice_n ezra_n 9.13_o and_o therefore_o in_o stead_n of_o quarrel_v what_o god_n do_v when_o he_o afflict_v he_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o admire_v that_o god_n do_v not_o prosecute_v he_o with_o great_a severity_n consider_v his_o deserve_n lam._n 3.22_o therefore_o say_v he_o know_v therefore_o that_o god_n exact_v of_o thou_o less_o than_o thy_o iniquity_n deserve_v beside_o these_o truth_n zophar_n mistake_n in_o this_o way_n of_o reâ—utation_n be_v useful_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o 1._o he_o be_v earnest_a in_o his_o wish_n that_o god_n will_v appear_v in_o this_o cause_n expect_v certain_o that_o god_n will_v approve_v of_o his_o sentence_n and_o opinion_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v deceive_v for_o god_n condemn_v he_o among_o the_o rest_n when_o he_o determine_v in_o the_o controversy_n it_o teach_v that_o even_o godly_a man_n shall_v be_v sober_a and_o cautious_a in_o their_o appeal_n to_o god_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o their_o self-love_n do_v not_o blind_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o dream_v of_o god_n approve_v of_o that_o which_o indeed_o he_o abhor_v so_o also_o tentation_n may_v represent_v god_n as_o a_o pâ—â—ty_n as_o zophar_n suggest_v to_o job_n here_o when_o he_o be_v none_o 2._o he_o do_v here_o assault_n job_n by_o lay_v before_o he_o such_o find_v truth_n of_o god_n knowledge_n of_o man_n man_n ill_a deserve_n etc._n etc._n which_o have_v they_o be_v as_o pertinent_a as_o they_o be_v true_a in_o themselves_o the_o debate_n have_v be_v at_o a_o end_n yet_o job_n be_v not_o convince_v by_o they_o as_o conclude_v nothing_o against_o he_o to_o prove_v he_o wicked_a it_o teach_v that_o a_o sincere_a man_n who_o have_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n may_v in_o his_o affliction_n look_v upon_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o omniscience_n of_o god_n the_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n his_o justice_n in_o afflict_v the_o desert_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o own_o impurity_n and_o yet_o all_o those_o not_o discourage_v he_o nor_o prove_v he_o wicked_a because_o afflict_a for_o 1._o albeit_o all_o that_o be_v true_a yet_o such_o a_o man_n have_v flee_v to_o christ_n in_o who_o he_o be_v hide_v and_o his_o sin_n cover_v and_o so_o god_n deal_v not_o with_o he_o according_a to_o all_o these_o fault_n which_o he_o by_o his_o omniscience_n find_v in_o he_o nor_o according_a to_o strict_a justice_n or_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v satisfy_v in_o christ_n but_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o albeit_o there_o be_v sin_n in_o godly_a man_n beyond_o what_o they_o know_v of_o themselves_o yet_o all_o their_o affliction_n be_v not_o chastisement_n for_o sin_n but_o some_o be_v send_v only_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n patience_n and_o other_o grace_n 3._o albeit_o god_n be_v pursue_v sin_n in_o his_o saint_n by_o affliction_n and_o may_v pursue_v they_o yet_o more_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v wicked_a for_o he_o pursue_v david_n for_o his_o further_a humiliation_n and_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n who_o yet_o he_o have_v pardon_v 2_o sam._n 12.9_o 14._o thus_o ought_v we_o to_o join_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n acknowledge_v the_o just_a sentence_n of_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v secure_v against_o the_o execution_n thereof_o otherwise_o such_o as_o make_v not_o use_v of_o christ_n must_v be_v at_o the_o poor_a shift_n to_o turn_v atheist_n psal_n 14.1_o 2._o to_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o spritual_a law_n and_o mince_v their_o own_o sin_n to_o procure_v to_o themselves_o security_n and_o stupidity_n in_o stead_n of_o true_a peace_n verse_n 7._o can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n 8._o it_o be_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v 9_o the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o he_o may_v inculcate_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n upon_o job_n he_o subjoin_v to_o v._o 12._o several_a amplification_n and_o consideration_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o attribute_n and_o first_o in_o these_o verse_n he_o commend_v the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n show_v that_o although_o he_o have_v wish_v god_n may_v show_v job_n so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o may_v convince_v he_o that_o god_n
3._o it_o be_v in_o particular_a a_o evidence_n of_o wickedness_n when_o prosperity_n turn_v man_n impious_a contemner_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o slighter_n of_o all_o his_o interest_n for_o in_o this_o do_v they_o evidence_n their_o insolence_n here_o albeit_o much_o adversity_n will_v wring_v out_o the_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n of_o man_n heart_n yet_o prosperity_n will_v embolden_v they_o to_o it_o much_o more_o 4._o god_n do_v notice_n the_o heart_n and_o practice_n of_o of_o wicked_a man_n as_o speak_v ofttimes_o loud_a blasphemy_n however_o they_o smooth_v the_o matter_n with_o their_o tongue_n for_o they_o say_v this_o not_o all_o of_o they_o with_o their_o tongue_n though_o some_o may_v come_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n but_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o by_o their_o practice_n psal_n 14.1_o 2._o 5._o god_n be_v so_o long_o suffer_v that_o he_o follow_v even_o the_o wicked_a with_o offer_n conviction_n and_o excitation_n to_o their_o duty_n for_o that_o they_o will_v have_v he_o depart_v import_v he_o be_v with_o they_o follow_v they_o to_o reclaim_v they_o which_o show_v how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o get_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o light_n and_o sober_a principle_n and_o to_o turn_v open_a and_o avow_v atheist_n but_o when_o they_o be_v most_o wicked_a they_o will_v be_v haunt_v with_o somewhat_o check_v and_o convince_a they_o 6._o wicked_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o follow_v after_o god_n when_o he_o seem_v to_o flee_v from_o they_o that_o his_o presence_n and_o company_n be_v a_o burden_n to_o they_o and_o they_o can_v endure_v the_o mean_n be_v afford_v they_o and_o that_o light_n and_o those_o conviction_n whereby_o he_o seek_v to_o reclaim_v they_o for_o they_o say_v depart_v from_o we_o 7._o that_o they_o say_v this_o to_o the_o strong_a god_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v do_v not_o only_o testify_v job_n respect_n to_o god_n who_o they_o sleight_v in_o that_o he_o call_v he_o by_o that_o name_n as_o such_o insolent_a miscarriage_n shall_v excite_v godly_a man_n to_o their_o duty_n so_o much_o the_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o harden_v in_o their_o course_n that_o they_o fear_v not_o his_o power_n or_o that_o he_o be_v the_o strong_a god_n which_o show_v the_o power_n of_o obduration_n that_o it_o be_v afraid_a of_o no_o hazard_n 8._o such_o as_o will_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_o godly_a aught_o to_o resign_v themselves_o up_o to_o god_n to_o observe_v and_o follow_v his_o will_n and_o not_o their_o own_o inclination_n for_o thy_o way_n or_o god_n way_n not_o wherein_o himself_o walk_v but_o which_o he_o have_v enjoin_v to_o man_n be_v the_o path_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o trace_v 9_o man_n must_v have_v solid_a knowledge_n of_o god_n way_n what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o advantage_n there_o be_v in_o follow_v of_o they_o before_o they_o can_v observe_v they_o for_o so_o be_v here_o suppose_a that_o there_o must_v be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n 10._o albeit_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o god_n way_n be_v a_o special_a favour_n yet_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o esteem_n of_o it_o for_o they_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n they_o have_v the_o light_n and_o all_o reproof_n joh._n 3.20_o because_o they_o be_v vex_v thereby_o and_o if_o wicked_a man_n desire_v not_o knowledge_n because_o it_o will_v trouble_v they_o and_o interrupt_v their_o joy_n in_o their_o sinful_a course_n they_o must_v be_v much_o more_o harden_a who_o have_v knowledge_n and_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o yet_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o conversation_n 11._o it_o be_v a_o character_n of_o wicked_a man_n when_o not_o only_o their_o practice_n but_o their_o affection_n be_v corrupt_v for_o not_o only_o be_v they_o ignorant_a but_o they_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n which_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o simple_a ignorance_n 12._o when_o man_n do_v not_o delight_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n way_n nor_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n as_o all_o treasure_n they_o do_v upon_o the_o matter_n bid_v he_o depart_v from_o they_o for_o the_o one_o be_v subjoin_v as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o other_o depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n verse_n 15._o what_o be_v the_o almighty_a that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o and_o what_o profit_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o in_o this_o verse_n we_o have_v a_o account_n how_o the_o wicked_a do_v confirm_v themselves_o in_o this_o wretched_a resolution_n upon_o some_o false_a ground_n and_o reason_n namely_o that_o they_o see_v no_o excellency_n in_o god_n though_o he_o be_v almighty_a and_o alsufficient_a wherefore_o they_o shall_v serve_v he_o nor_o any_o advantage_n to_o be_v reap_v by_o call_v upon_o he_o whence_o learn_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o true_a piety_n when_o man_n be_v not_o their_o own_o but_o do_v give_v up_o themselves_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v subject_n and_o servant_n to_o god_n and_o when_o they_o make_v conscience_n of_o prayer_n as_o a_o special_a part_n of_o their_o homage_n and_o service_n and_o as_o a_o mean_a of_o keep_v near_o their_o master_n of_o draw_v out_o furniture_n and_o strength_n for_o their_o other_o service_n and_o of_o partake_v of_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o for_o these_o two_o be_v join_v here_o as_o the_o character_n of_o godly_a man_n in_o those_o time_n wherein_o the_o wicked_a refuse_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o that_o they_o serve_v god_n and_o pray_v unto_o he_o and_o both_o these_o must_v be_v join_v by_o those_o who_o will_v approve_v themselves_o too_o god_n for_o other_o service_n in_o our_o ordinary_a conversation_n will_v not_o excuse_v the_o want_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o prayer_n will_v not_o afford_v we_o a_o dispensation_n to_o live_v in_o other_o thing_n as_o we_o please_v 2._o the_o word_n render_v prayer_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v to_o meet_v god_n which_o not_o only_o intimate_v that_o supplicant_n shall_v have_v their_o face_n towards_o god_n by_o holiness_n and_o shall_v not_o pray_v so_o to_o say_v over_o their_o shoulder_n to_o he_o while_o their_o heart_n and_o inclination_n be_v another_o way_n but_o further_a also_o that_o prayer_n be_v a_o tryst_n and_o mean_v of_o intercourse_n betwixt_o god_n and_o they_o wherein_o god_n be_v come_v to_o meet_v they_o isa_n 64.5_o and_o they_o not_o only_o go_v to_o meet_v he_o but_o do_v take_v up_o his_o meeting_n of_o they_o as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o that_o duty_n and_o particular_o that_o prayer_n be_v the_o right_a way_n of_o meeting_n god_n when_o he_o come_v with_o threaten_a judgement_n and_o to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n as_o the_o word_n principal_o import_v 3._o we_o have_v here_o also_o a_o account_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o encouragement_n of_o serve_v god_n which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o these_o time_n and_o aught_o yet_o to_o be_v study_v namely_o 1._o high_a thought_n of_o god_n particular_o as_o a_o alsufficient_a god_n able_a to_o protect_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n needful_a for_o they_o who_o serve_v he_o for_o so_o be_v import_v that_o he_o be_v hold_v out_o as_o the_o almighty_a or_o alsufficient_a to_o invite_v man_n to_o serve_v he_o see_v gen_n 17.1_o 2._o the_o advantage_n that_o man_n reap_v by_o serve_v god_n particular_o by_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o have_v also_o be_v hold_v out_o that_o here_o be_v profit_n in_o pray_v to_o he_o see_v 1_o tim._n 4.8_o &_o 6.6_o and_o we_o shall_v study_v both_o these_o for_o low_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o want_v of_o hope_n will_v hinder_v service_n and_o prayer_n doct._n 4._o it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o they_o loathe_v to_o be_v servant_n to_o god_n nor_o can_v endure_v a_o yoke_n or_o any_o above_o they_o and_o the_o more_o prosperous_a the_o more_o insolent_a be_v they_o for_o here_o they_o decline_v to_o serve_v he_o see_v psal_n 12.4_o 5._o it_o be_v also_o a_o character_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o harden_v themselves_o in_o the_o slight_v of_o god_n service_n by_o entertain_v low_a thought_n of_o he_o for_o what_o be_v the_o almighty_a say_v they_o that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o they_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o acknowledge_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o they_o look_v upon_o his_o glorious_a title_n as_o nothing_o else_o but_o fine_a word_n to_o which_o he_o be_v nothing_o answerable_a in_o his_o bless_a nature_n or_o they_o think_v they_o need_v no_o proof_n of_o his_o alsufficiency_n but_o can_v stand_v upon_o their_o own_o leg_n and_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n without_o he_o 6._o such_o as_o will_v not_o serve_v god_n do_v not_o only_o transgress_v a_o command_n and_o prejudge_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o happiness_n
ps_n 8.3_o 4_o and_o 113.5_o 6_o 7._o 2._o that_o we_o must_v be_v humble_a in_o our_o converse_n with_o he_o consider_v what_o he_o and_o we_o be_v gen._n 18.27_o 3._o that_o we_o must_v not_o please_v ourselves_o with_o the_o performance_n of_o ordinary_a service_n to_o he_o psal_n 48.1_o and_o 145.3_o mal._n 1.14_o but_o shall_v be_v abase_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o short-coming_a in_o our_o best_a performance_n as_o solomon_n have_v low_a thought_n of_o his_o stately_a temple_n 2_o chron._n 2.6_o and_o 6.18_o 4._o that_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o stoop_v more_o to_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o not_o suffer_v his_o condescend_v love_n manifest_v to_o we_o at_o any_o time_n to_o hide_v his_o greatness_n nor_o presume_v to_o strive_v with_o our_o maker_n 5._o that_o be_v his_o servant_n we_o shall_v know_v that_o we_o serve_v a_o great_a master_n psal_n 146.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o jer._n 50.34_o so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o expect_v great_a thing_n in_o his_o way_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n joel_n 2.21_o of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v before_o doct._n 3_o it_o commend_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v unsearchable_o and_o incomprehensible_o great_a both_o in_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o work_n for_o god_n be_v great_a and_o we_o know_v he_o not_o here_o consider_v 1._o man_n be_v under_o a_o disease_n of_o ignorance_n of_o god_n not_o only_o such_o as_o the_o athenian_n who_o worship_v a_o unknown_a god_n act._n 17.23_o or_o the_o gentile_n who_o like_v not_o to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n rom._n 1.28_o or_o gross_o wicked_a man_n who_o labour_n to_o fix_v themselves_o in_o atheism_n psal_n 14.1_o but_o even_o more_o general_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o he_o hence_o â—low_v all_o disorder_n in_o man_n walk_n their_o sinful_a shift_n 2_o chron._n 25.8_o their_o unbelief_n and_o slavish_a fear_n psal_n 9.10_o be_v 51.12_o 13._o their_o carelessness_n in_o his_o service_n josh_n 24.19_o 20._o their_o persecution_n of_o his_o people_n joâ—_n 16.2_o 3._o and_o many_o the_o like_a miscarriage_n their_o ignorance_n of_o his_o omnipresence_n make_v they_o careless_a to_o look_v to_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o not_o consider_v of_o his_o wisdom_n make_v they_o afraid_a when_o they_o be_v leave_v upon_o his_o hand_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o do_v proclaim_v that_o there_o be_v much_o practical_a atheism_n and_o ignorance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o albeit_o man_n do_v endeavour_v to_o remedy_v this_o ignorance_n yet_o god_n remain_v still_o unsearchable_a psal_n 145.3_o we_o see_v but_o his_o backpart_n and_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o and_o when_o we_o think_v we_o see_v most_o in_o his_o work_n and_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o dispensation_n we_o see_v only_o but_o a_o part_n of_o his_o way_n and_o hear_v but_o a_o little_a portion_n of_o he_o job_n 26.14_o which_o may_v cause_v we_o rather_o mourn_v for_o our_o own_o short-sightedness_n than_o quarrel_n his_o dispensation_n 3._o such_o as_o do_v indeed_o see_v most_o of_o god_n and_o take_v he_o up_o aright_o in_o his_o dispensation_n will_v be_v most_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o short-coming_a as_o here_o elihu_n be_v we_o know_v he_o not_o though_o he_o see_v further_o than_o all_o the_o disputant_n in_o this_o cause_n by_o which_o mark_v man_n may_v try_v their_o real_a nearness_n to_o god_n and_o their_o knowledge_n of_o he_o doct._n 4._o it_o be_v a_o special_a proof_n of_o the_o incomprehensible_a greatness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v eternal_a therefore_o it_o be_v subjoin_v by_o way_n of_o confirmation_n neither_o can_v the_o number_n of_o his_o year_n be_v search_v out_o in_o study_v his_o eternity_n godly_a man_n may_v not_o only_o see_v his_o immutability_n mal._n 3.6_o and_o their_o mercy_n that_o from_o eternity_n they_o be_v think_v upon_o and_o that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o eternal_o happy_a with_o himself_o &_o wicked_a man_n may_v see_v that_o they_o can_v outlive_v he_o and_o his_o enmity_n against_o they_o as_o they_o may_v outlive_v their_o other_o enemy_n but_o they_o may_v see_v such_o deep_a and_o eternal_a counsel_n in_o his_o work_n that_o man_n who_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o job_n 8.9_o must_v acknowledge_v their_o ignorance_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v but_o of_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o shortsighted_a for_o the_o future_a to_o comprehend_v all_o his_o counsel_n who_o have_v guide_v many_o well_o before_o complainer_n who_o be_v but_o new_a up-starts_a have_v a_o be_v doct._n 5._o such_o be_v our_o ignorance_n and_o this_o be_v one_o proof_n of_o it_o that_o we_o can_v take_v up_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n unless_o he_o condescend_v to_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o tharm_n fit_v to_o our_o capacity_n as_o here_o he_o express_v his_o eternity_n thus_o that_o the_o number_n of_o his_o year_n can_v be_v search_v out_o so_o also_o ps_n 102.27_o verse_n 27_o for_o he_o make_v small_a the_o drop_n of_o water_n they_o pour_v down_o rain_n according_a to_o the_o vapour_n thereof_o 28._o which_o the_o cloud_n do_v drop_n and_o distil_v upon_o man_n abundant_o follow_v a_o ample_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o god_n be_v unsearchable_o great_a by_o many_o instance_n wherein_o his_o greatness_n do_v shine_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o produce_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o rain_n which_o he_o propound_v in_o these_o verse_n show_v that_o the_o vapour_n be_v gather_v into_o cloud_n he_o drop_v down_o the_o rain_n out_o of_o they_o moderate_o and_o yet_o sufficient_o whence_o learn_v 1._o the_o most_o common_a and_o obvious_a work_n of_o god_n be_v evident_a proof_n of_o his_o greatness_n therefore_o do_v elihu_n prove_v the_o former_a proposition_n by_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o rain_n wherein_o god_n have_v make_v his_o glory_n to_o shine_v both_o in_o the_o withhold_a thereof_o at_o some_o time_n and_o in_o overflow_a country_n by_o the_o excess_n thereof_o at_o other_o time_n and_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o our_o great_a stupidity_n who_o see_v so_o little_a of_o god_n therein_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v sober_a in_o judge_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n when_o we_o find_v such_o wonder_n here_o 2._o much_o of_o god_n may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o rain_n or_o the_o vapour_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n whereof_o the_o rain_n come_v down_o for_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v little_a promise_a may_v produce_v much_o as_o exhalation_n insensible_o draw_v up_o produce_v refreshful_a shower_n that_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o below_o among_o we_o be_v put_v in_o god_n hand_n may_v come_v down_o in_o a_o blessing_n as_o vapour_n draw_v up_o from_o among_o we_o be_v send_v down_o again_o in_o refreshful_a shower_n and_o as_o vapour_n draw_v up_o in_o heat_n and_o drought_n do_v dissolve_v in_o rain_n so_o we_o shall_v study_v vicissitude_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o will_v still_o turn_v in_o a_o round_a till_o time_n have_v a_o end_n as_o rain_n breed_v vapour_n and_o vapour_n produce_v rain_n and_o that_o contrary_n put_v in_o god_n hand_n will_v do_v well_o enough_o 3._o much_o of_o god_n may_v also_o be_v see_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o send_v rain_n namely_o 1._o that_o he_o will_v not_o let_v the_o cloud_n pour_fw-fr out_o all_o at_o once_o as_o in_o the_o general_a deluge_n and_o when_o the_o hail_n fall_v of_o such_o weight_n that_o it_o kill_v man_n josh_n 10.11_o but_o â—ifts_v it_o down_o moderate_o in_o small_a drop_n of_o water_n and_o this_o may_v show_v that_o god_n moderation_n in_o dispense_n many_o of_o our_o mercy_n be_v a_o remarkable_a mercy_n in_o they_o 2._o that_o he_o distil_v the_o rain_n upon_o man_n abundant_o or_o upon_o many_o man_n as_o the_o original_a may_v be_v read_v that_o be_v though_o he_o sift_v the_o rain_n down_o in_o small_a drop_n yet_o it_o serve_v the_o turn_n and_o that_o to_o many_o place_n at_o once_o and_o this_o may_v point_v out_o that_o small_a thing_n will_v do_v much_o in_o god_n hand_n verse_n 29._o also_o can_v any_o understand_v the_o spreading_n of_o the_o cloud_n or_o the_o noise_n of_o his_o tabernacle_n 30._o behold_v he_o spread_v his_o light_n upon_o it_o and_o cover_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n 31._o for_o by_o they_o judge_v he_o the_o people_n he_o give_v i_o at_o in_o abundance_n 32._o with_o cloud_n he_o cover_v the_o light_n and_o command_v it_o not_o to_o shine_v by_o the_o cloud_n that_o come_v betwixt_o 33._o the_o noise_n thereof_o show_v concern_v it_o the_o cattle_n also_o concern_v the_o vapour_n in_o these_o verse_n he_o prosecute_v more_o full_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o rain_n especial_o more_o tempestuous_a rainâ—_n