A35535:3101
An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and…An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and…
An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and the thirty fourth chapters of the book of Job being the substance of forty-nine lectures / delivered at Magnus near the Bridge, London, by Joseph Caryl ...An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and the thirty fourth chapters of the booke of Job being the substance of forty-nine lectures / delivered at Magnus neare the Bridge, London, by Joseph Caryl ...
London: printed by M. Simmons, 1661
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The hiding of Gods face, or the veiling of his favour is exceeding grievous unto any person.
The hiding of Gods face, or the vayling of his favour is exceeding grievous unto any person.
When he doth it, who can behold him? This manner of speaking doth not only hold out, that if God will hide his face no man can see him, or know him; for God is a secret to all men until he is pleased to reveal himself; yea all the truths of the Gospel are secrets, and mysteries, till God is pleased to reveal them and make them known (Math: 11.25.) Father I thank thee (saith Christ) that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; that is, thou hast not opened them to the wisest, &c. (there needs no other hiding of them from the wisest of men, than a forbearance to open them) but to the babes, who are (though weak, yet) humble and teachable, thou hast opened them, and opened their eyes and hearts to see and receive them. This speech holds out not only this truth, that when God doth not reveal himself, no man can know him or any thing of his mind, or that neither his nature, or his will are known but by some way of revelation; but this form of speaking (Who can behold him?) plainly tells us, that if God hideth his favour, he is so terrible, that none can have the boldness or courage to behold him. For the hiding of his face, implieth an appearance of anger and displeasure; and when he is angry, who can behold him? If the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance, as the Apostle speaks (2 Cor: 3.7.) surely then no man can steadfastly behold the face of God when his countenance is filled with wrath. Some said to Christ (John 14.8.) Show us the Father and it sufficeth; that is, reveal to us the love and good will of the Father, and that will satisfy us, that will fill up all the desires and longings of our souls; we shall have nothing more to wish for, nothing more to look after, if thou wilt but show us the father. Now, on the other side, if the Father will not show himself, if the Father will hide himself from the soul, what then can suffice? what can comfort? where is our refuge or rest?