An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, and thirty-seventh chapters of…

First, That's knowledge from afar, which is of things out of sight, or invisible, of things which not only are not, but cannot be seen. As if Elihu had said, I will not discourse about such things as fall under common sensitive observation, I will not speak of eye-objects, but of that and such things, as no eye hath seen, nor can see, ⟨p. 144⟩of God, and of Divine things, the things of God.

Secondly, From afar, may imply this, I will not treat about matters of a late Date or Edition, but of things done long since. Thus David prefaced his Speech, (Psal. 68.2, 3.) I will open my mouth in a Parable, I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard, and known, and our Fathers have told us. Such things are far off from us, which were transacted and done a great while ago, or in former Ages, or in the first Age. As if Elihu had said, I'll fetch my knowledge, not from yesterday, but from ancient times, from the very beginning of the Creation, or from the Foundation of the world; such things are truly afar off; or, I will fetch my knowledge from those things which were before the beginning; that's more truly afar off. Thus a Learned Translator glosseth upon the Text,¹ I will speak even of those things which were before any thing visible was, even from Eternity. The things of Eternity are most proper to set forth and illustrate the honour of God, and most lively express his Power and Divine Perfections.

Secondly, From afar, may imply this, I will not treat about matters of a late Date or Edition, but of things done long since. Thus David prefac'd his Speech, (Psal. 68.2, 3.) I will open my mouth in a Parable, I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard, and known, and our Fathers have told us. Such things are far off from us, which were transacted and done a great while ago, or in former Ages, or in the first Age. As if Elihu had said, I'le fetch my knowledge, not from yesterday, but from ancient times, from the very beginning of the Creation, or from the Foundation of the world; such things are truly afar off; or, I will fetch my knowledge from those things which were before the beginning; that's more truly afar off. Thus a Learned Translater glosseth upon the Text,