An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth, fortieth, forty-first, and forty-second,…

These two Scriptures considered either apart, or compared together (besides many more which might be called into this service) are a clear proof that there are Contenders with God about his works. Yet possibly some may say, surely there are none to be found so bold and presumptuous; What contend with God?

I answer, First, There are some who do it very openly, avowedly, and with a bare face; they stick not to speak their dis-satisfaction concerning the works of God, and belch out blasphemy against what he hath done, or is doing in the world. Such doubtless were they, of whom it is said (Isa. 8.21.) They shall pass through it hardly bestead and hungry; and it shall come to pass, that when they be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their King and their God, and look upward; not in faith and patience, as they who in such extremities call earnestly and humbly upon God, but in passion and vexation, as they who wickedly curse God, and depart from him. Such also are they spoken of (Rev. 16.9.) who being scorched with great heat at the pouring out of the fourth vial upon the Sun, blasphemed the Name of God, who had power over those plagues, and repented not, to give him glory.

I answer, First, There are some who do it very openly, avowedly, and with a bare face; they stick not to speak their dis-satisfaction concerning the works of God, and belch out blasphemy against what he hath done, or is doing in the world. Such doubtlesse were they, of whom it is said (Isa. 8.21.) They shall passe through it hardly bestead and hungry; and it shall come to passe, that when they be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their King and their God, and look upward; not in faith and patience, as they who in such extremities call earnestly and humbly upon God, but in passion and vexation, as they who wickedly curse God, and depart from him. Such also are they spoken of (