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

Reas. In the time of affliction the soul sees that it hath to deal with God; the false medium of things are then taken away; they see sin as sin, the false glosses wherewith sin was wont to be set out withal,¹ are then removed. Luther saith, that many of Pauls Epistles could not be understood but by the cross. Men in prosperity can dispute against the Truth, and grow wanton with it, but let God but lay his hand upon them, how easily will they yield? Afflictions awaken the conscience so that the Truths of God come with more power, Job, 33.16. and Job, 36.10.² He openeth their ears to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity: He commandeth them in another way to return from iniquity then.³ Did not God command them before? but not with that power and efficacy, the voice of prayer is very pleasing to God when fervent.

Reas. In the time of affliction the soul sees that it hath to deale with God; the false medium of things are then taken away; they see sin as sin, the false glosses wherewith sin was wont to be set out withal,¹ are then removed. Luther saith, that many of Pauls Epistles could not be understood but by the cross. Men in prosperity can dispute against the Truth, and grow wanton with it, but let God but lay his hand upon them, how easily wil they yeeld? Afflictions awaken the conscience so that the Truths of God come with more power, Job, 33.16. and Job, 36.10.² He openeth their ears to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity: He commandeth them in another way to return from iniquity then.³