248 Chap. 3 3 . An Expofition upon the Book, of J o B. Verf.3. ( which.is the.fulfilling ofthat law of Chrift, Gal:-6. 2. ) that he may be a burden to his brother.Andwhile at -one tine youmight have done and fpokenal molt what you would to him.,andhe could beáre-it, at another time, doe what you -can, or fpeake what you can, he is offended. Such changes and varieties are found upon the molt gracious frames of fpirit, which the belt of Saints have in this world : We have only this to hold to, the Rate of grace is unchangeable, and we are waiting for fuch a frame-of grace as dhallnever change. That -gracious frame in which the hand of Godwill fetus-upin the day of our refurreelion to glory, (hall never change, -nor decline a haires breadth to all eternity. We fhali heas pure, and as holy, and as fpirituall, and asheavenly,.and as meeke, and as full of the`praite-of God for ever, as.ever. As full to eternity.asin thevery firft moment-in which that glorious frame (hall be-let up. Butin this life to how great a degree pf grace foever we attaine ,-we feldome retaine the fame degree, but. are flowing and ebbing like thewater, waxing and warning like theMoone. obwas found ftriving with God, who a little before had fohumbly fubmitted and was fo fully refigzed unto -him. Secondly., Obferve. There is afpirit inman veryapt toflrive with God. Doeye thinke ( faith -the Apoltlejam: 4. ç.) that the Scrip- ture faith invaine, Theffirit that dwelleth in :us, lufleth es-envie, or(as the margin bath it) envioufly;turely no ; the Scripture doth not fpeake this in vaine, and if any thinke it doth, their thoughts are vaine. Now, as there are luitings inmen to envie agarníf their brethren,becaufe of the gifts and good'things ofGod which they enjoy;fo there -are lultings inmen to difcontentagain(t God, becaufe,of the evilis which themfelves fuffer.When Godfeemes tocontend with us, we really fall to contending with God. The waters of Meribahwillbe an everlafting winds of this ; ofwhich Mofes fayd (.Numb: 2o. 13 . ) 7his --is thewater ofMeribah, be- caufe the children of Ifraelftrove with the Lord, andhe was fanïli- fied in them. The Apoftle doth more the timate this readinefs of man to ftrive -with God, while by a vehement expoftulation he checks it, and reproves all men for it. (t Cor: ro. 22. ) Doewe .provoke the Lord to jealosrfie ? areweftronger then he ? They fu pre- me
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=