a t 8 Veri.. S. anEnortionopon the Book of J o s, Chap. JOB , Chap. 36. Verf. 8, 9, 10. 8. And if they be bound infetters, and be holden in cords of aiiaion 9. Then he fieneth them their work, and their tranfgreons, that they have exceeded: io. He openeth alfo their ear to difoipline , and commandeth that they return from iniquity.. THefe three verles hold forth three things in. particular , which concern the righteous, of whom Elihu laid in the for- mer verfe,not only,thac God doth not withdraw his eyes: from them,, but eflabli(heth, them. on high, or advanceth them highly in this world. Firff, That poffibly they may be cafl into fore affl &ions, evem after their exaltation,& thenewly promifed laftingnes of it,(v.S.) Secondly ,. That the procuring caufe of thefe affiiecions , is their own fin ; for we find mention of their tranfgreffion in the 9th verle, and of their iniquity in the tenth. Thirdly, That the purpofe and defigne of God towards them, when they have brought themfelves intoflreighct,& are call in- to in aHi&ed condition, is very gracious,and'tends co their ever- lafling good. And this defigne is three-fold. Firfl, To difcover their fin to them; chat's laid down at the 9th verle , Then he Pheweth them their work, and their tranfgref- ions, Secondly, Toprepare them for a better receiving of faithful counfel and inftruaion, at the t oth verle , He openeth atfo the.`r ear to difcipline. Thirdly , To bring them quite off from their fn ; that's ex- preffed in the clófe of the tothverle, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. Thefe are the parts,. this the purpofe of the Context under hand;. Verf. 3. and ifthey be bound to fetters. There is fome queflion who are tobe enderflood as the Ante- cedent to this, they, if they , who are they ? Some, becaufe the words
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