An exposition with practical observations continued upon the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters…

Obs. 2 That such is the pride of mens spirits by nature, That so l•ng as they prosper in their sins, they will even contest with God Himself: ⟨p. 515⟩Malac. 3.7. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Is not this the speech of many proud spirits? being taxed about any crime, they presently answer, Wherein have they done such and such things? Remarkable is that of Saul, 1 Sam. 15.13. when he told the Prophet he had performed the commandment of the Lord; then Samuel labours to convince him of his sin saying, What meaneth the bleating of the sheep and the lowing of the oxen? yet in the 20. verse he is at it again, I have obeyed the commandment of the Lord. It was otherwise with David when the Prophet came to him, I have sinned against the Lord, 2 Sam. 12.13. 'tis a good sign of a soul truly humbled when it can join issue with the word. Affliction sanctified brings men to see their sins and to acknowledge their guiltiness. God in afflictions marks men out, and then Conscience will prey upon a man, as Simeon and Levi fell upon the men of Shechem, for then they were sore and unable to resist; in time of affliction then thou shalt find conscience hard enough for thee; what pangs of conscience have men in their sickness? saying as he in Prov. 5.12. How have I hated instruction and my heart despised reproof? Oh what a deal of guilt is opened and discovered in an affliction? afflictions are to the soul as earthquakes to the ground, which open the graves and discovers abundance of filth.

Obs. 2 That such is the pride of mens spirits by nature, That so l•ng as they prosper in their sins, they will even contest with God Himself: ⟨p. 515⟩Malac. 3.7. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Is not this the speech of many proud spirits? being taxed about any crime, they presently answer, Wherein have they done such and such things? Remarkable is that of Saul,