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…

First, An argument to move the Lord not to destroy him, or or to assure his own heart that he would not. As if he had said, Lord, I know thou rememberest well, what thou hast done for me, what cost thou hast been at in making me at first, and in preserving me hitherto; surely then thou wilt not pull all down in a moment.

First, An argument to move the Lord not to destroy him, or or to assure his own heart that he would not. As if he had said, Lord, I know thou remembrest well, what thou hast done for me, what cost thou hast been at in making me at first, and in preserving me hitherto; surely then thou wilt not pull all down in a moment.

Secondly, The words may import that the Lord in afflicting Job had used only a kind of sacred dissimulation. A dissembler carrieth himself, as if he had no intent to do what he is resolved to do; It is usual with men thus to dissemble hatred, and so have ⟨p. 534⟩some their love. He that purposeth much good to another, hideth it sometimes under sour language and unkindest usage. Joseph had most endeared affection toward his brethren, yet he put a disguise of anger upon it, acting the part of a severe man, who lieth at catch to find out advantages and pick quarrels. Joseph used many stratagems of love, to entangle his brethren, and wrapped up his good will, in hard speeches and rough carriages: Nothing appearing less then what indeed he most was, A loving brother, forgetful of nothing but injuries; Job seems to have had such a conception of God, while he saith, These things hast thou hid in thine heart; And then his sense riseth thus, Lord, I know thou bearest favour and good will towards me still. The fire of thy love is not extinct but covered. Thou dost but personate an enemy, thou art my friend: thou drawest a cloud betwixt me and the light of thy countenance, but thy countenance is still as full of light towards me as ever, and though I see nothing but sorrows on every side, yet I know mercies are hid in thine heart. Thus the words are an assertion of Jobs faith and assurance, that God loved him, while his chastenings lay most heavy upon him. Hence observe, First,