358 Chap.3. An :Expofition upon the Bookof J OB. VerCS' but ftronger pain , and an ability to bear a heavier burdenof of -- fli±ion ? The glory and beauty of the creature is gone in dark times ; when fuck a day comes as Joel fpeaksof, a dayofblacknefr andgloominefr,where's your bravery ? what becomes of your fine- nefs ? But that which flains the creature molt ,_ is myflical darknefs , the darknefs of ignorance , and of fin ; the darknefs ofguilt, andofGods difpleafure: 0-how is the beautyofthe Soul : (which is far more glorious then all vifible creatures) how is the beautyof that flained ., when it lies under anyofthefe darkneífes Hence therefore we fee what a blefing light is, and howwe are bound to biefs God for light , for natural'light , for the outward light of a comfortable condition, but efpeciallyfor the light of his countenance; which,is better then life; for the light ofknowledg, for : the light of grace , howMould we for ever biefs the Father oflights ? Let a Clouddwell upon it.) This is the fifth branchof thecurie; ACloud (as Naturalifts teach) is a thick vapour railed upby the . heat of the Sun to the middle region ofthe ayr , and thereby the cold condenfcd becomes fo thick , that it ftops and intercepteth -. the light : Clouds and darknefsgo together, as in the nine- ty-feventh .Palm, Verf. 2. If there be Clouds, there is darknefs, Clouds and darknefr are round about him. So that to fay, Let a Cloud dwell upon it , is but a further exemplifying of the fame thing before it was, Let darknefr be upon it ; now, Let á Cloud dwell upon it. Dwelling, notes the continuance and confiflencyofdarknefs; he loth not fiy,let a Cloud pals over it, (for Clouds properly are un- fixed, Clouds move continually, and are carried on tine wings of thewind;) But job would have his Cloud a fixed Cloud, a Cloud. fo black and Co Itrong, as might not be diffolved, but caule a conti- nued eclipfe upon the day. A Cloud , and thed wellingofa Cloud, imports fometime the and protection of God over his people : Exod. 40.38. We read ofa Cloud thatwascontinually over the Tabernacle, a Cloud was over it by day, anda pillar offire by night. In the/ fire there . was direétion , in the Cloud protection, andmercy in both.- So Ifs, q.. 5. God promifeth to create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion,and upon her Alfemblie,r,a Cloud : which is expound- cd in the clofe ofthe verfe ; For upon all his glory ( his Church . and.Saints), there (hall be a defence.._, But.here the Cloud, and the elwelling:,.
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