Chap.id. An Expofitionupon the Bookof J O B. VerCi7. fmitten, how (hall the ungodlyand (inners efcape unfmitten? Many are fmitten, not for any injuflice in their hand ( there is forceother end, and that a jufl one, why they are fmitten) nor is God unju(i in (miting them.Now,if jutl ones arc(with- out any injuflice) thus fmitten ; how ju(i is it with God to (mite thofe who are unjufl ? The repenting thief rebuked him that blafpemed, and fpake evil ófChri(l, upon this con- federation, Doff thou notfear God,feting thouart in the fame condemnation ? and tee juffly ; for we receive the due rewardof our deeds : This man and we are in the fame condemnation, but not in the fame fault ; we are all condemned to dye,' but wejuilly,and he unjufily,7bis man bath donenothing amifr,}gut we have done much amifs , Luke 22. 40,41. Now as this Theef waspatient under his own jufi fufferings, feeing ano- ther fuller who was jute : So when we hear that the Lord aft fli6':s thofe who have done no evil, how ought fuch to lay Their hands upon their mouthes, who are afided for the evil which they have done. We know , faith the Apofile , Rom. 3, 19. that whatfoezer the Lawfaith (in a way of threatning j it faith to them who are under the Law (that is, who are not only under it,as having heard the precept of the Law, but are under it alto, as having by fin deferved the penalty ofit) that every mouth may beffopped,and all the world becomeguilty before God; or, fubjeet to the judgment of God, not having a word to objeo4 why fentence (hould not be executed,becaufe they have tranfgrefed. Myprayer is pure. Taking Prayer either for the worfhip of God in general, or for that fpecial duty ofcalling upon the name of God:Note from it, That, Onlypure prayer is acceptableprayer. Cain broughtan offering to God, as well as Abel ;But unto Cain and his offering God had not refpett , Gen.4.5. It is not what we do, but howwe do it,which is acceptable to God. Pure Prayer is pleating to the pure God, and no other can pleafe him. Heathens have told us, that their Gods require pure worthippersand pure worthip : The impure fpirit imi- tatesGod, hewill be worfhipped, and he will have ( accor- ding , 535
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