ChaR. 36. n Expo}tionupon theBookof J e a, Verf. 2r. 327 This thou haft chofen rather than a4iflion. The particular ini- quity (as hath been fhewed) was impatience. Hence note ; He that gives himfelf up to unquiettrofs and impatience under the affliaing hand of god, choofesfin rather than .e f flic`lìon. The Lord by Mofes told his People, when they fhould be brought into great tribulation, Ncaufe of their fin and uneven walkings, becaufe of their breaking the Lords Statures and Com- mandments ( Lev. 26.41. ) If they fhall accept ofthe punifhment of their Iniquity, then it Pall be well with them. If at fuch a time ye Rand not complaining and murmuring againlf nae, but (hall well accept or take the punifhment kindly, and kifs the Rad, ac- knowledging howyou have provoked me, and walked unworthy of former mercy ; then I will flew you favour, and renew your mercies : But if inaffli6tion you fall amurmuring, and fay, furely the Lard bath call us quite off, there's no hope, you chufe ini- quity rather that affli&ion. Thirdly, elihu in this Both not only reprove Ph for doing that which was very evil in it felf, but he reproves him for doing that which was very evil to himfelf ; this thou haft chofen rutiacr than artien. As if he had faid, Thou deft not know r':iïnu own good, in making this choyce. We fay , He is a wife mays that tender(lands bis owngood. Hence note ; They make a very had and miferable ehoyce for themfeives, who chufe intrity rather than a lièlion. Thus Solomon concludes for Wifdom (Prov.8.36.)Hethat fin- neth againft me wrongetb his own foul. He that finneth , wrongs Chriff,but Chrifi palfeth that over,and feemeth to fay, I will bare your wrongs, but pray take heed to your (elves, will younot love your felves ? will you not abflain from fin out of love to your felves ? be that finneth againft me wrongs his own foul ; all that hate me (that is, my wayes) they love death : And furely there is no great beautyin death, that we (hould love it and deire k. They .chufevery illfor theasfelves,that chufefin, the wages where- of isdeath. I grant, to chafe Maim is but a hard choyce (af- fl i kion
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