An exposition with practical observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…

Or, secondly, He desired a reason, not so much to satisfy himself, as that the world might be satisfied; that they who judged and condemned him, as an hypocrite, might have their rash judgement confuted and answered by a determination from heaven. As if he had further said, Lord, if thou wouldest but show me this thing, it would either stop the mouths of those, who have been so forward to censure me; or stop my mouth from any further complainings to thee: I cannot rescue my self out of thy hand, nor dare I accuse thy wisdom, in laying thy hand upon me. But, Lord, deal not with me by the strict rule of thy sovereignty, which is to act above all rules, and to do what thou wilt, because thou wil•, without giving a reason to thy creature. I cannot charge thee with injustice, if thou shouldst resolve to keep me still unresolved I know thou art not obliged to give me an account of any of thy matters; but Lord, condescend so far to dust and ashes, Show me wherefore thou contendest with me. If it be for sin, a sight of that (through thy grace) will humble me for it, and cause me to return to thee from it. If it be for trial, I shall undergo it with more patience, and my friends will behold me under it with more charity. Let all or some of these considerations prevail with thy majesty, to open this secret to me, and expound the myster•e of my afflictions, Show me wherefore thou contendest with me.

Or, secondly, He desired a reason, not so much to satisfie himself, as that the world might be satisfied; that they who judged and condemned him, as an hypocrite, might have their rash judgement confuted and answered by a determination from heaven. As if he had further said, Lord, if thou wouldest but shew me this thing, it would either stop the mouthes of those, who have been so forward to censure me; or stop my mouth from any further complainings to thee: I cannot rescue my self out of thy hand, nor dare I accuse thy wisdome, in laying thy hand upon me. But, Lord, deal not with me by the strict rule of thy soveraignty, which is to act above all rules, and to do what thou wilt, because thou wil•, without giving a reason to thy creature. I cannot charge thee with injustice, if thou shouldst resolve to keep me still unresolved I know thou art not obliged to give me an account of any of thy matters; but Lord, condescend so farre to dust and ashes, Show me wherefore thou contendest with me. If it be for sinne, a sight of that (through thy grace) will humble me for it, and cause me to return to thee from it. If it be for triall, I shall undergoe it with more patience, and my friends will behold me under it with more charity. Let all or some of these considerations prevail with thy majesty, to open this secret to me, and expound the mystere of my afflictions, Shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.