Chap. 26 An Expotftion upon the Book of JO Verf 2 721 whola context under that frame and form of this expofition, as if 7,6 did but rebuke Bildadfor undertaking the matter on Gods part, whereas he fhould have ufed his utmofl endeavours for the fupport and comfort of him a poore weak creature, labouring u Eder heavy burdens of molt lad a fltetions,and wanting counfel, how to bear and improve them as layed uponhim by the hand of God. For this 7.4had no power and might expeíft help from his friend ; but he beflowed all his help in vindicating thehonour of God againft lob, not in helpingor advifing lob how to beare up under the hand of God, and therefore he thus interrogates him. Hon, haft! rlo is helped him that loath no power ? But Thirdly, I rather expound the words of 70b himfelfe, as being NO Al burdened and diftceffed withgreat aftliftioi1,and under fore temptations, and therefore fitly reprefented in theft words,a man withoutpower, an arme without ftrengtl, andhim that bad no wif- dome; at leapt th,t he was fuch in the opinion and ju ;fgernent of his friends. As if he had laid, O Bildad, Thou Iaokft upon not at a nsan without power, fíreragtb,or wifdome; very well, be it fo au in.. deed (rhoagh not in thy fence) it is fe, what haft thou done ? bow haft :km helpedhim tbat k without power? howPave, thou the arm that bath no ftrengtb? how haft thou performed the part of a friend, either in comforting me, or in counfelling me? fo the words arc a dole Ironical) rebuke ofwhat T.hind Paid in the former Chapter. Thorca,4 toftrengthen andhelp me, confider how well thou haft madegood thy own; intendment ; bow haft than helped him that 4 without power?thegî;,baft[poker wordsfitter to weaken,tben tofireng- then, to caft down,then to raffe up; and fo haft quite mftakex the matter. Thou O culdot not have amplified the p aeraend majefty of G.;d before aman in my candition,Tbtu fboseldeff rather have opened the dolirine offree grace, and of ¡befatherly Plies of God to bis poorfervants and children, while they are under bir fharprf cor- relfiens : Thy words fhouldhave been like eyle, like milke and ko- ny, but thou haft [pokes very bard words,if rot gal andwormwood to my wearied forte. Though what thou haft fpokenbe in itfelftrue, yet it is tome improper and unfnitable,out of time andunfeafonables and therefore weigh with thy ferfe ; How haft thou helpedkilo that is without power? We mar paralel this context with that ofthe Apoftle, (s Car. 4. S. io.) where with much holy derifionhe rebukes the over weening and high opinion which the ûrinehi. Z2z2 and
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