God's anger

Inquire of thy heart, whether this decay did not come by thy own riot, or through the vainglorious affectation of an abundant hospitality. If this, or that, or any other habitual sin, were the cause of it, begin with mortification there. First, mourn for thy sins: then faithfully depend upon thy Creators providence, and thou canst not fail of convenient sustenance.

Inquire of thy heart, whether this decay did not come by thy own riot, or through the vainglorious affectation of an abundant hospitality. If this, or that, or any other habituall sin, were the cause of it, begin with mortification there. First, mourne for thy sinnes: then faithfully depend upon thy Creators providence, and thou canst not faile of convenient sustenance.

But it may be, that this is not the complainants case: he is not taken with a tabe or wasting of his substance; like a scarce sensible consumption of ⟨p. 73⟩his bodily vitals. But his fall is with a precipice; from a sublime Pinnacle of honour, to a deep puddle of penury. Such was Jobs condition, so did he fall; from being rich and happy in the Adverb, to be poor and miserable even to a Proverb. He had not only abundance of good about him; but Omnia bene, all went well with him. Yet how suddenly did he fall from this abundant prosperity, to the depth of miserable poverty! Did he now follow the suggestions of that corrupt nature, which lay in his bosom, and whispered to him on his pillow; Curse God and die? No, but he apprehended the inspiration of grace; Bless God, and live. So his last days were better then his first. That infinite mercy did so crown his patience with triumph, that his temporal estate was doubled. Yea, but what posterity had he left to enjoy it after him? Yes, for even the number of his children was doubled too. For besides those seven Sons and three Daughters, which were now with his Father in Heaven; he had also seven Sons and three Daughters with himself upon Earth. Piety and Patience cannot be cast down so low, but that the hand of mercy can raise it up again. In the multitude of all my losses and crosses, O Lord thy Comforts have delighted my soul.