5e6 Chap. 40. an Expoftion atpan atBait of Jos. Verf. z works of providence, both in the Church and all over the world, without [pot or wrinkle, or any fuch thing. Only herewill be the difference, the Church will be prefenced not having fpot or wrinkle, or any fuch thing (fhe bath had her fpots andwrinkles, and many fuch things ) But the works of God (hall then be repre- fented, as never having had any fpot or wrinkle,or any fuch thing; that is, then it (hall be made appear, that they were always with- out fpot or wrinkle, altogether jufi, righteous and perfeL. Further, From the whole fentence, in that here wehave an in- timation of mans contending with God, and prefuming to in- firuó him, take thefe two inferences from ir. Firfi; There is much pride in the heart of man. There would never be any contending with God, were there not much pride in the heart of man; For (Prov. a 3. jo. ) only by pride cometh contention : If fo,then, where no pride is, there is no contention. There are indeed feveral_ ocher occafions of contention ; Come out of covetoufnefs, others out of malice, con- tend with their neighbours, yet all may be refolved into this,the pride of mansheart ; pride bears part with all theoccafions and . caufes of contention. Ic fhould be matter of great humiliation to.us, that our hearts are proud at all ; but that they rife even to fuch a Night of prideas produceth contention, and trying Mafle- ries (as it were )with God himfelf, how fhould that humble us.. And if to contend with man, our equal, be a fymptome of pride, what is it to contend with God, who is infinitely above all, men l Secondly, Take this, Inference from it. There is a great deal of folly bound eep in the heart of man. If man were not vain and foolifh ? he would not willinglydo any thing, that (would have the leali fgnification of a contention with God, much lets that which can fignifie nothing elfe. Solomon faith, fools will be needling ; it is highell folly to be thus medling with Gods matters. Again, it is a fufficient proof of our igno- rance and folly,to attempt( in any way) to infirul God or teach hitn, either what to do or how to do, either when to door in what meafure to do, or towards whom to do anyof his works.; but they who are unfatisfied with the works of God, and in that fenfe con-
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