An exposition with practical observations continued upon the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters…

Thirdly, note, That when we see any one doing ill, it is good to mind him of the good which he hath done. Eliphaz saw Job fainting, enraged as a mad-man, or as a man astonished, he tells him of the wise and grave counsel and instruction he had given before, consider what thou hast done. As in the Revelation Christ speaks to the Church of Ephesus, (Rev: 2. 5.) Remember from whence thou art fallen, and do thy first works; when the Church did ill, then he tells her, what she had formerly done well. So the Apostle, Ye did run well, having begun in the Spirit, will ye end in the flesh: when he saw them run upon fleshly ceremonies and ordinances, ye began in the spirit (saith he) consider that, and end as ye began. As in dispute and reasoning, a false conclusion cannot be derived from true premises, so neither can it in practise or in living. Holy premises conclude in holiness. He never began well, that ends ill.

Thirdly, note, That when we see any one doing ill, it is good to minde him of the good which he hath done. Eliphaz saw Job fainting, enraged as a mad-man, or as a man astonished, he tels him of the wise and grave counsell and instruction he had given before, consider what thou hast done. As in the Revelation Christ speaks to the Church of Ephesus, (Rev: 2. 5.) Remember from whence thou art fallen, and do thy first works; vvhen the Church did ill, then he tels her, what she had formerly done well. So the Apostle, Ye did runne well, having begun in the Spirit, will ye end in the flesh: vvhen he saw them runne upon fleshly ceremonies and ordinances, ye began in the spirit (saith he) consider that, and end as ye began. As in dispute and reasoning, a false conclusion cannot be derived from true premises, so neither can it in practise or in living. Holy premises conclude in holinesse. He never began well, that ends ill.

Fourthly, observe, That the good we have done is a kind of reproach to us when we do the contrary evil. When a mans latter actions contradict his former, or when his actions contradict his professions, the former good is a stain or blemish to him; It had ¹been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, then after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment given unto them.