The conflict of Iob By way of dialogue. Compiled for illustration, or opening of that great encounter: and may also serue as a paraphrase vpon that heauenly worke. By R.H.

IOBES CONFLICT by way of Dialogue Compiled for illustration or opening of that great encounter , and laying it out to euery Christian Reader in most plaine , profitable , and familiar manner , euen as linely as if it were now present before his eies .

Syrraxis . 1. Speakers . The Poore . The Naked . The Lame . The Blind . The Widdow . The Fatherlesse . The Stranger . The Innocent . The Oppressed .

The matter in this , & the next Syrraxis is taken from the 29. and one and thirty chapters , & accordeth to the first verse of the first chapter . THe poore mans cause is pittied of none , no comfort to be had ; mercy and liberality toward the distressed soule is cleane departed out of the land . For where shall a Man finde one that will consider the cause of the needy : If he be indebted , will call his neighbours and friends together and make a collection for his releefe ; if he be in prison , will visite and redeeme him , if sick , will comfort him , if naked , will cloth him , if robbed and spoyled of his goods , will doe that for him , which Abraham did for Lot : namely , aide and assist him in the recouery : or if that cannot bee , will open his owne hand and take some order likewise among his acquaintance , and the wealthy of all sorts , for a supply of his wants . This last is my case , for dwelling in the borders of the North , the a a Deut. 1.44 . called also Amalekites . Numb. 14 , 45 because they dwelled near together . Numb 13 , 30 Amorite ( an euil neighbour of ours inuading vs ) tooke away al our substance : But what helpe is there to be had for vs , or for any man in this estate ; verily though he that is thus afflicted be an honest , iust , and vpright man , fearing God , and walking diligently in his calling ; yet is there as little regard taken of him , as if he were a man destitute of the feare of God , and care to doe well . O therefore brotherly affection what is become of thee ! O fatherly b b In the Haebrew tongue ab father , & Abon poore , haue one roote . ( Viz: ) Adah signifiing to be willing to shew that our affection and will to the poore , must be like the affection of a father to his child . compassion where art thou to be found ! O comiseration where maiest thou be sought for ! Good Abraham is dead long agoe , and good Hospitality is dead with him ; washing of the Saints feet was in vse in his dayes , now it is forgotten : He kept three , hundered in his house vprising and downelying , and yet was hee but a yeomanlike man ( as it were . )

Beside no straunger could come neare his house , but order was taken for his entertainment , and the more bare he was , the more care was had for the relecuing of his necessity , and so that he shewed himselfe to be the child of God , thrice better welcome did hee finde . Howbeit one man there is ( and but one that is commended for his care toward the poor . c c Chap , 29 , 12 , 16 Chap , 31 , 16 19 ) It is Iob , a man by report of great wealth , honour , and reputation , beloued both of the peeres and people , admired for his wisedome , iustice , and mercy : I will therefore repaire vnto the place where hee abideth , which is ( as I vnderstand ) heere in Huz , a land neare vnto vs that are of Edom , and a part of our Country lyeth toward the East , and bordereth vpon Arabia Petraea , ( where also as I heare hee hath Lands , Lordships , and great store of pasture groundes for his Cattell ) vnto him I will open my griefe , nothing doubting but hee will yeald me some help in my distresse , and the rather , because he descendeth of good Abraham , and from that good branch of his Isaac , and from Esau his elder ( though his worst sonne , ) for euen in his seed remaineth circumcision , a seale of the couenant of blessing made vnto Abraham , as also among many at this day , the true knowledge of the Lord God almighty , and faith in the promised Messiah .

Naked .

HE descendeth from Abraham indeed , and he is not vnlike that Noble progenitor of his , but may well bee his Nephew : for if there were euer any that came neare that holy Patriarch , it is this man : Chap , 1.5 , 1 who is of singular sincerity and soundnesse in his profession , most absolute in the administration of Iustice , a man that hath exceedingly profited in the true practise of each vertue , not only those of a regenerate mind ; as wisedome , knowledge , vnderstanding , iudgment , counsell , art , foresight , prudence , deliberation , ( wherewith hee is aboundantly inducd : ) but those which proceede from a sanctified will : as courage , loue , mercy , bounty , humility , gentlenesse , meekenesse , kinde-speaking , vprightnesse , truth , patience , temperance . These as they are the life of religion , so haue they brought no smal grace and credit to his so honorable faith and profession , being the seruice of the high God , maker of Heauen and earth .

These ioyned with the feare of God , reuerence of his name , obedience to his will , detestation of sinne , renouncing of euill , hating of couetousnesse , cruelty , and oppression ; a zeale and delight to aduance Gods glory , to stand couragiously for the maintenance of the truth , to stretch forth the bowels of compassion toward the afflicted of all sorts ( specially the most miserable ) and aboue all toward the distressed soules , whom the Lord of his grace hath drawne out of darkenesse vnto the marueilous light of his word : these I say , are vndoubted and vnfallible euidences of that sure Anchor of hope , and inuincible fortresse of faith to dwell in him , against which , all the pollicy and power of Sathan shall no more preuaile then it preuailed against Abraham himselfe , the father of the faithfull .

Thou shalt not faile therefore doubtlesse , but receiue comfort at his hands : for I neuer heard of any that made their mone vnto him but he pittied their estate , and yealded some help to them in their misery . But hee will examine thy life , and the cause of this thy necessity ; hee will inquire of thee and looke for some testimony of thy honest conuersation , which if he finde to be answerable to that thou reportest , he will out of question shew thee fauour .

I speake vpon mine owne knowlege and experience , for trauelling into Arabia I fel into the hands of robbers ( wherof that country hath store ) who stripped me of my apparrell , and left me starke naked : which being done , because I was ashamed to go where I was knowne in that case , I spent much trauell in that pittifull plight , in seeking releef at the hands of many , but when I found none , at length I calling to mind the great fame of Iob , I thought I would see whether his goodnesse were answerable to his report : And therefore I went and shewed my selfe vnto him , and made knowne my estate ; who assoone as he saw me , was so moued with compassion , that he could not forbeare , first to groane in spirit , and aboundantly to weep ouer me ; afterward to breake forth into these most affectionate and louing wordes : ( A lasse ) my brother , my flesh , bone of my bone , what hath befallen thee ? Then taking me straight way by the hand , he spared not his owne cloake ( though a very costly one ) but cast it ouer me , led me in to a warme fire , and prou●ded me of apparrell , and all things necessary . See what a warm and durable b b chap , 31 , 20 suite he gaue me of the sheepe of his pasture , and he is full c c chap , 31 , 19 of such good workes .

Lame .

REceiuing a maim in the defence of my country Idumaea ●●ainst the Sabaans , Iob beside his owne princely beneuolence , procured me a yearely pension out of the Exchequer , which so reuiueth mee , as if I had my lims a a Chap , 29 , 15 restored me againe . The like goodnesse hee extendeth to all the impotent .

Blind .

IOb vnderstanding that I was borne blinde , beside the furnishing of me with outward thinges conuenient , caused me to be brought alwaies to the place of gods worship , where his will is to be opened by his seruants , there to bee taught what was the meaning of the sacrifices offered vpon the altar , which with mine eies I could not behold : That so I might see in spirit the Messiah and sauiour promised , and inioy the light euerlasting in the world to come . And thus he hath beene to me , and many a a chap , 29 , 15 more in my case , to the aged ( especially both men and women ) better then bodily eyes , which onely behold these earthly riches , pleasures , and vanities , but see not the end of their creation ; that is , so to glorifie God with the eyes of their body here , that hee may giue them to inioy the light eternall in his kingdome of glory .

Widdow .

a a Chap , 29 , 13 MY husband dyed , left me seuen small Children , and greatly indebted , insomuch that his creditors came assoone as he was dead and seized vpon all my goods : but when I complained to him , desiring his ayd , he called the creditours before him , demaunded to see their euidences , told them he would heare the matter , and so stayed their course . And when the matter came to hearing , and their right appeared , he treated with them not to bee extreame in exacting their right , but to be conten●ed to loose if not all , yet a great part of their due . And what they would needs haue , if they repaired vnto him at a day appointed , they should receiue it .

Now in the meane time , he sent to the wealthy of his acquaintance , desiring them to ioyne with him in a work of charity , and so they making a purse together , yet in such sort , that he himselfe bare the greatest share , ( as euer hee doth in these gratuities ) the debte was discharged . And this he did for me at my first motion . Neither it is his manner to delay such as I am when they put vp a supplication to him , but a a Chap , 31 , 13 forthwith to dispatch them , as also al other suiters , and the rather if they bee needy and distressed with all possible expedition .

Fatherlesse .

I Being a poore Orphan , a a Chap , 19 , 12 left to the wide world , destitute of a friend to bring me vp , he tooke the tuition of mee , placed me where I was catechised in my youth , trained vp in the knowledge of the true God , my patrimony b b Chap , 31 , 19 redeemed out of the handes of those vntrusty frindes , to whom my father left me . He hath had a care of the fatherlesse , euen from his infancy . Being a child , he was wont to bring them home with him , to be c c Chap , 1 , 18 nourished in his fathers house as his brethren , and he now taketh a felicity in calling such to his table d d cha 33 , v , 17 : neither can hee eate his meate with pleasure if he haue not som of them with him to partake of it .

The hungry of all sortes must needs be his guests , otherwise he thinketh not his meate well bestowed . For these he prepareth banquets , these he feasteth , to prouide for these is his chiefe study and ioy of hart . O therefore how would it grieue him that a fatherlesse child should any way e e Chap , 31 , 22 miscary , receiue the least hurt or iniury through his default : for he knoweth that the Lord neuer passeth them ouer without some fearefull f f Chap , 31 , 23 , iudgement , that offend this way .

Stranger .

WHen I was weary , hungry , weather-beaten , out of my way , and euen ready to perish ; and the rather because of the darkenesse of the night wherein I had occasion to trauell , I lighted vpon Iobs house , where I was so refreshed by him , that my heart reioyceth to thinke of it , and my tongue can neuer so sufficiently commend it as I would ; neither can I euer bee satisfied vntill some occasion be offered me to shew forth some token of my thankefulnesse .

Infinite are the thankes that are due to him . For his house is as a common a a chap , 31 , 32 Inne to all passengers , there is a table alwaies prepared for them , Water for their feet , fire and lodging euer in readines . A stranger can neuer come amisse thither , some repast is to be had at all times , lodging at all seasons . His Gates are shutte against none , ( carrying the shew of honest men ) none are excluded , but all receiued as well at midnight , as at nooneday , reasonable cause being alledged for their vnreasonable trauelling . And when they depart they go not away empty , but he contributeth vnto them according to their necessity , euen so much as may bring them if their need require to their iournies end : And he seeth them also safely conducted , accompanying them some part of the way , either himselfe ( if his leasure and their worth be thereafter ) or else by his seruants , which is a duty that he c c chap , 29 , 12 neuer neglecteth .

Innocent .

IF a case be intricate and doubtful , very diligent and carefull is he to sift it out : very iudicious a a chap. 29 , 9. x , xi , 21 , 22 , 23 and sharpsighted to discern where the rightlyeth , and very iust in giuing sentence accordingly ; looke therefore that you haue not ( being a borderer ) offered those Amorites wrong in times past , and now spying their oportunity they haue righted it ; if it be so , he will quickly find it out , and cause you to be we punished for troubling him in so bad a matter .

But if the cause be good , then feare nothing , but stand assured that hee will quickly see that you haue sustained losse vniustly , and affoorde you the best help may be had : and so that you your selfe shall confesse , that he hath dealt well by you , yea beyond that you euer hoped for . So he dealt by me being sometime in trouble , conuented before a Iudge , imprisoned , arraigned at the barre vpon a false accusation , and like to haue beene condemned to b b Chap , 39 , 13 death , had I not appealed to him .

When I came before him and pleaded mine innocency ( he sifted out very carefully and wisely the truth ) not onely cleared c c Chap , 29 , 12 me of the accusation saied to my charge , which was all that I expected ; but found out likewise to the great admiration of all men , and my credit for euer , the offender ( who was the man himselfe that followed the matter so eagerly against me . ) See therefore ( I say ) that your matter be good , and no fault committed on your part , and that you be an innocent & harmelesse man ( as ) you pretend , and then I make no question but that your remedy shal be aboue that you looke for .

He is a very rare man ( I tell you ) and such a one as the Lord seemeth to haue set apart for this purpose , to comfort the hearts of the d d chap. 29 , 25 mourners , and to haue lifted vp to honor for this end , to remoue the wronges of the Innocent .

Oppressed .

SVndry times hath hee marueilously righted my cause , when the violent hand of the oppressor hath beene vpon me , and wroong the pray a a Chap , 19 , 17 by the sword of iustice out of his teeth . Now blessed bee the Lord that sent him , blessed the kingdome that inioyeth him , blessed let him be all the dayes of his life , most blessed and happy in his death , after death most honorable and glorious among the saints .

Syrraxis . 2. PERSONS . The Tennant . The Servant . The Youth . The Ancient . The Prince . The Commons . The Abiect . The Enemy . TENNANT .

I With my fellow tennantes that haue liued vnder Iob these many yeares , ( for he is a man that wil not easily be brought to remoue an olde tennant ) must needes veryfie the testimony of these men concerning him : for surely hee is a man very pittifull , and bene ficial to such as want , and ready to succour such as haue any way sustained wrong to the vttermost of his power . And as for my selfe and my estate vnder him , it is such as I would not desire a better Lord .

I know none like him in all this Country . I heare them complaine euery where of the hardnes of their Landlords , as that they are still commaunding such seruice at their handes , as they can neuer be quiet , nor haue any time to followe their owne businesse . Their purse , prouision for their owne House , Corne , Grasse , Cattle , Cart , Plow , Oxen , Asses , Cammels , must be at their commaund , whensoeuer they will call them , what occasion soeuer they haue of their own , or what vse soeuer of their commodities . Their fashion is like wise , vpon euery light cause to put out their tennant , or if they can finde no coulourable matter against him , to finde a hole in his coppy or lease , and so to make him forfeit his estate . And now that the world beginneth to abound with people , to raise their rents , or to put them to great fines , ten times the valew they were wont to pay , & yet notwithstanding to abridege them very much of their old estate . For if there be a good inclosure , meddow , peece of ground , woods for building , or fuel , that , they take in their own hands . Let the tennant speak to them of this , he shall be reuiled ; let him plead his right , so far is he from hauing his cause heard , that they threaten him either with death or banishment , or beggery , if he proceed , or else they rate him thus : What wilt thou quarrell wich thy Lord ? Thou wrangler thou , thou impudent fellow ? How darest thou be so bold to meddle with mee thy Lord and Maister , from whom thou , thy Wife , children , and seruants , haue your maintenance , and by whom thou hast reaped this and that benifit ? Or else they lay such matter of accusation against him , that may indanger his life , and so the forfeiture of liuing and goods into their hands . Of such Landlordes the word is full , and poore tennants feele it to their smart .

But Iob he is none of this ranke , for if there be any thing grieueth his tennant , he is very ready to heare his allegations , a a chap , 31 , 13 and to yeald rather to the losse of some of his own right , then that hee should sustaine the least wrong . Yea when a tennant complaineth vnto him , hee is not at rest , vntill he hath satisfied him to bis content , and he is glad to see that he is willing to thriue vnder him . And when hee perceiueth him to be behind hand , he laboureth to helpe him , bid deth him call for his letters , or his word to any friend that may pleasure him .

In the time of Warre he defendeth him with his armies , and when the King calleth for his seruice or tribute , he easeth him all he may ; for he knoweth that the Lord hath appointed him but as his Steward ouer his people , and that he must render an account vnto him one day , how be hath demeaned himselfe in his office .

Seruant .

I Haue serued him these 7. years , he payeth me my wages duly , he vseth no outragious wordes or tearmes of reproch , no nor vncomely speech vnto me ; he is not easily moued to anger , nor hastily to punish , but of much patience , able to bridle his affections . He is often in his Godly admonitions , and fatherly instructions , as well toward God , as in regard of our duty to man . We haue prayet euening , morning , and at noonetide , thanksgiuing at meat , and some matter of Religion handled , which wee may tearme the reading of a Chapter ; being nothing else but a chiefe head or ground-point of Druinity deliuered vnto vs .

Euery Sabaoth we accompany our Maister to the publike place of sacrifice and prayer . If a controuersie arise among vs that are seruants , he will discide it , neither must it go any further . If any thing trouble vs about our places , he will that we make the matter known vnto him , for be cannot indure that there should be any grudging , or mournning within his walles , but will that there bee contentation at all hands . When any one is found to be contentious , factious , a false accuser , a talebearer , or discloser of secrets , or enuious ; a fighter , a quarreller , a proud person , a boaster , swearer , drunkard , adulterer , one giuen ouer to idlenesse , a common gamster , a deceiuer , a worshipper of false Gods , a despiser of the true God , his words , ministers , or Seruants , or else disloyall to his Prince , ( who is in Gods stead ) he must not abide in his house , or any way looke for his countenance , or protection .

When a seruant hath cause to debate with him about a matter of difference , a a Chap , 31 , 13 he disdaineth not to confer with him about it , but with all meekenesse submitteth himselfe , remembring b b chap , 31 , 15 that he is made of the same mould , begotten of the same seede , formed after the same manner in the Womb , purchased with the same bloud , appointed to the same inheritance with him . Notwithstanding he keepeth them , and his family of all sorts in awe , and will haue them to know their duty toward him , to shew themselues modest , silent , and humble in his presence , and not to answer againe .

If vpon his vsage toward them , ( at the complaint of other ) they find themselues agrieued , his will is they should make their griefe known vnto him ; neither is he ashamed if hee haue doone amisse in iudgement , to reuerse the sentence . He abhorreth cruelty , and bitter dealing , which is then properly when the party that is punished is innocent , or the correction , and the fault are not equal , neither doth he like of ouermuch seuerity , where the nature of the offence deserueth very grieuous & heauy punishment ; knowing that in regard of the later , the Lord calleth for mercy ; in regard of the former , that he shall not be able to answer c c chap , 31 , 14 for it , when his maister ( which is in heauen ) shal call him to a reckoning , and iudge without respect of persons .

Youth .

THe grauity of this mans person , and his seuere countenance ( well befitting a gouernor of the common-wealth ) hath made me withdraw my selfe oftentims when hee passed through the streete , as being terrified with the sight of his countenance , a a chap , 29 , 8 and not daring to looke him in the face . He doth more good with his very sight and looks , then others can doe with their cruell threates , and punishments : for it is a great matter to be of sober and graue carringe , pithy , and sententious of speach , of a constant iudgment , and setled resolution , and withall of a countenance full of authority , and maiesty ; for these must all goe together , and ioyne handes in a magistrate , that will doe good amonge the people ; Neither is it the countenaunce of a man onely , that will do it , vnlesse the other likewise concurre .

But these linked together , like vnto twins in the womb , are of more power to perswade , then all the eloquence of the finest Rhetorician : these preuaile more , to bring both young and old to reuerence , feare , and obedience toward such as are in authority , then to be popular , or applyable to euery mans humour ; smiling in countenance , pleasing in speach , and plausible in behauiour . For Rhetoricke allureth onely the care , grauity lodgeth in the hart : popularity is not in nature , but commeth of affectation ; and therefore is liked but for a time , and can neuer be fitted to all mens fancyes . Grauity is naturall , or diuine , and therefore alwaies esteemed and honored .

Auncient .

I Haue liued fourescore yeares , yet it neuer greeued mee to do a a Chap , 29 , 8 reuerence vnto Iob because of his wisedome and grauity , being much greater then theirs that are his elders . And though his humility and curtesie be such , that he wold not suffer mee to be vncouered , or to stand , but biddeth me , ( if he be not in his seat of Iustice ) couer my head , and sit downe when I come before him ; yet notwithstanding his place and worthines requiring it , I thinke I should derogate from the honour due to so rare a personage , if I should do the one or the other in his presence . For if honor be to be giuen to auncient yeares ( which must needes be confessed to be a duty in nature , ) then much more to wisdome and vertue , which are more ancient then the world it selfe .

The speciall thing mouing the younger sort to an estimation of their elders , is a supposall of more experience , piety , and knowledge then to themselues : which if they find not , they withdraw their reuerence , and preferre in their iudgement such ( how yong soeuer ) whom they finde most beautified with these good Ornamentes . The elders likewise , and gray-headed fathers themselues , that are of greatest place , are woont to admire and honor the Persons of young men , to whom they find themselues inferiour in counsell and vnderstanding . This moueth me , and the rest of the auncient , so highly and honourably to repute and esteeme of Iob , for in him are most eminent , knowledge , prudence , grauity , courage , constancy , godlinesse , and whatsoeuer beside may garnish a gouernor and ruler of the common-wealth .

Prince .

IN regard of this great wisedome and iudgement of his , they that are ioyned in counsell with him , are al silent Chap , 29 , 9 , 10 , when he commeth in place . We may conferre of matters , but we decree nor conclude vpon nothing till we heare him speake . And therefore we expect and respect altogether in our meeting his sentence : which as it is expected and desired of vs , Chapter , 29 , 11 , so when it commeth , resolueth so fully that was in question , that wee forthwith as muing nothing to except against it , are compelled to condiscend thereunto .

It was neuer knowne as yet , that any thing agreed vpon , and decreed by his apptobation , hath beene reuersed , disliked , or repined at afterward ; but that whatsoeuer ordinance hath beene enacted at his consent and desire , hath had the allowance and commendation of al men , and hath procured him a blessing Chapter , 29 , 11. at the hands of both rich and poore , together with the well disposed of all sorts .

Hence it is , that the people haue a conceit that all good that is done for the common-wealth is by means of Iob , and nothing done without him . This it is to haue the good opinion and harts of the Commons .

Commons .

VErily he hath our good opinion and loue of our harts , the prayers and blessings of vs all , ch. 29 , 11 , which also he wel deserueth : neither haue we a conceit of him aboue his worth , but his worchines is farre more then wee conceiue . Whatsoeuer good hath come vnto the land , eyther he hath beene the immediate cause thereof , or else it hath proceeded from his good example . ( For the good example of a man in authority , is a speciall meanes to drawe on others to the imitation of his vertues . )

I would wee had many such gouernours , that our loue might not be thus abridged to one , but imparted to more ! O it were asweete thing , to see Princes contending who should excell other in the gouernment of the Common-wealth : yet so , that they would not forget the emulation that ought to be in men of eminent place concerning vertuous life . For no musicke soundeth more pleasant in the eares of the Commons , then to heare , that wisedome and vertue go ioyntly togither in the Nobility of the Land .

But it is very Lamentable to consider , what complaining there is euery where of Noble-men : If they woulde studdye to bee like Iob , then there would bee no such matter against them . Hee chap. 31 , 1 , hath made a couenaunt with his eyes , that they shall not allure him to Wantonnesse , and that he wil not abuse them vanity .

I woulde the rest of the Nobility woulde make such a Couenaunt , and keepe it as hee doeth . For a chast bodye , chast lookes , chast thoughtes , where are so many incitements and prouocations to euill : deserueth no vulgar commendation , and the want of these is no smal blemish and blot to their houses , it staineth also their blood , whereby all manner of vice ouerspreadeth their families . For though vertue doth not , yet vice doth come by propagation . What cuill then may wee not expect in the Noble , and what punishment are not they themselues to looke for , as diseases of body , consumption of goods , sale of inheritance , rooting out of stocke , anguish of soule , torment of conscience , & the fire of Gods wrath to deuour that their fire where the sinne of vncleannes raigneth . Iobes foot goeth not awry . Chap. 31.4 , 7. But when shall a man finde almost other Noblemen in the waye , they are out of the way in the administration of Iustice , out of the way in the gouernement of themselues and their families , out of the way in their recreations , as being either not lawdable , or immoderate .

Iobes hart Went not after his eies . Chap. 31.7 , Their harts are carried away , and ouercome with worldely preferments , and profits , with sensual pleasings and vanities , with an ouerweening desire to haue all at their commaund , according to their liking ; to haue nothing to crosse them in their opinion , affection disposing of things , to be auenged vpon all that stand in their light , Ch. 31 15 and to right all causes ( as they terme it ) though it were neuer so wrong , seruing their turne .

Iobes a a Chap , 31 , 7 hands were not defiled with iniquity , but couetousnes , oppression , cruelty , bribery , sticketh to their fingers like birdlime . Neither hath Iob by the brightnes of the Moone , the glory of the sunne , chap , 31.26 . and the rest of th●se heauenly spheres , being induced to forsake the Lord his God , the Fountaine of light , and perfection of glory and brightnes ; but they haue beene easily misled , and seduced , not onely by the beauty of those excellent creatures , but by other most base , vile , and contemptible , making to themselues not onely Goddes of golde and siluer , but trusting in the Wedge of Gold it selfe , beleeuing to be saued by their owne arme , yealding diuine worship to the persons of Men , placing their chiefest felicity and glory due vnto God , in earthly honours and fleshly delightes .

Iobes rare vertues therefore , of piety and Godlinesse , may worthily be writen in great capitall Letters , and set vp as a mirrour to al that are in authority : neither to them alone , but to vs of the Commons likewise , and men of all degrees : for we , and they , being no lesse to be blamed then Princes and high estates , stand in great neede of the light of such a President to guide vs .

And what hath been spoken in the reprehension of you that are Princes , hath beene onely , and to no other intent , then to reduce you from error to the imitation of that Noble patterne of life and religion , worthy Iob , who dayly conuerseth among you . And further to incite and stirre you vp so to shine before vs in all good knowledge , and holy conuersation , as you shine aboue vs in wealth and estimation .

Abiect .

IOb supposeth it an vnreasonable thing to deale otherwise then he would be dealt withall : for very nature it selfe prescribeth this Method , and therefore he doth as willingly indure the censure of the meanest ( be they neuer so base ) and their iust reprofes , as he would they should indure his : Yea , so farre is hee from being offended with them in so doing , that hee holdeth it a great fauour , that they would do him that kindnes , as to put him in mind of the neglect of his duty .

Such is his modesty , Chap. 31.34 . that when the poorest man in the Country obiecteth any thing against him , hee will not ( being guilty to himselfe of the accusation ) seeke by vertue of his place to carry away the matter against his accuser , but keepe himselfe close , and not come abroad , to the end that all men may both perceiue his sorrow for his offence , and that he will not resist but willingly yeald vnto the silliest wretch , in a matter of truth .

His manner is , speeches proceedinge against him from a troubled and grieued minde , so ouercome for the present , with the violence of their passions , that their vnderstanding is ouerwhelmed : not to seeme for the instant , to take any greate notice of them , but giuing them waie a while , vntill the fit be ouer , afterward to reproue them for it .

When the iniury is priuate , he holdeth it an honour to beare it , wisedome to passe it ouer , pollicy , not to avenge it ; for though it be good in the opinion of the great ones , that such fellowes as we are , should be made to know our selues , yet euen in their owne iudgement , hee that shall bring them vnto it , shall procure hatred to his owne person .

Let great Men therefore say what they will , yet this is certaine , and themselues do confesse it , that mercie , lenity , kindnesse , patience , the brooking of iniury , passing ouer of offences at all handes , is the onelie way to win them to obedience , and reuerence at the handes of the multitude of all sortes . And in a Man that would draw others to the worship of the true God , there is no such meanes as this . For this if any thing , ( because it is aboue nature , and such as moueth to admiration ) will cause the hearts of the vngodly , and vnbeleeuers to relent .

Enemy .

THough we loue not Iob , yet we must needs saie of him , that hee is not malicious , but easie to forgiue an offence , and that he reioyceth not at the fall of of his enimy , but is sorry a a Chap. 31 , 29 when he seeth him come to misery . We know wel , that hee wanteth not some b b chap. 31 , 31 about him , that would faine stir him vp to recompence his wronges to the ful ; howbeit he wil not be brought vnto it , but ( notwithstanding their continuall instigations to the contrary ) ceaseth not to render good vnto vs for euill , striuing to ouercome vs that way , and to draw vs to a better affection of him , by heaping vppon vs good turnes from time to time . He dealeth with the Lord by continuall and earnest praier , to change our heartes ; then the which , what can the greatest friend in the World doe more for vs ? He is a rare friend indeed , that will do this hartely for him that is his best beloued : But it is ordinary in him , to shew such duties of loue to his most deadly enimies , as else where can hardly be found among those of nearest alliance , or such as are tied together in the dearest knot of friendship . The most part of men think they haue acquited themselues like brau Champions , if they haue beguiled their enimy by any cunning practise ; but his study is to deale faithfully with all men , and to be most carefull thereof in a matter that concerneth his enimy , that thereby their mouths may be stopped , when they shall haue no colour for that they speake . Howbeit his weakenesse and his c c Chap. 31 , 27 wantes he alwaies confesseth , and is ready to craue pardon if he haue offended at the hands of his enimy .

He still acknowledgeth how subiect he is to transgresse , and what a combate he hath with his affections , and euill desires , and how hardly he subdueth them ; and that sometimes they preuaile . Let his aduersary declare vnto him wherein he hath committed a fault , he will confesse it , and shewe tokens of sorrow for it .

And as for the increase of his substance , though it bee growen to be exceeding great , yet surely hee is not proud of it , neither doth he boast of it , as if it came by his owne wit , or industry , or as if he had receiued it for some desert in him , more then in other men : neither doth he so reioyce in it , as if the delight of his hart were thereupon . But he is as humble with all his wealth , as he that hath not a morsell of bread for his belly : Blessing , and praysing of God for his great benefits , is euer in his mouth , his hart is lifted vppe in prayer to GOD day and night , for grace to vse them to his glory , the good of his Seruantes , and needy people .

If we should not witnes this , the heauens aboue , the earth and dumbe Creatures beneath , would conuince vs of malice , and all the worlde would condemne vs to speake against our owne conscience . For there was neuer any one that hath spoken against him , but the matter being well examined , shame hath couereth his face . And the tryall of that hath been inuented to his discredite , hath bene as a crowne d d ch. 31.35.36 and ornament vnto his head .

He offereth to helpe him that wil accuse him all he can , to put vp a bil of e e chap. 31 , 37 of indictment against himself , to honor him as a prince that shall do it ; which argueth his clearnes of conscience , his confidence that no man can charge him with ought , his great desire both to know his faults himself , and that they should be discouered to others . He that doubteth of this our testimony , let him consider that it hath proceeded of no good will , but our conscience hath forced our tongue to pronounce it : And againe , let him go when he will , ( for there is no time amisse ) and take a suruey of Iob , and obserue him well , in his equity and wisedome , in the handling & disciding of causes , his diuine and heauenly speeches , his bountifull hand to the poore , his admirable modesty ioyned with a goodly maiesty in all his actions , the comely orders in his house , the graue instructions of them that are about him , and most principally his fatherly admonitions to his children will so rauish him , that he shal be constrained to veryfie more then I haue spoken .

Syrraxis . 3. Persons . Iob. Children . Seruants . Iob.

O My children , the comfort of my life , I must remember you stil with my wonted instructions . Labor for the knowledge of the Lord , feare him , obey his will , trust in him alwaies , be diligent , and skilful in your calling● . Call your family to the hearing of the word , & praier , and examine them in their faith , suffer no vnruely person to stay in your houses , and for your owne partes , auoide the company of the vngodly , and giue them no entertainment .

Keepe good hospitality , if it stand with your hability , for the Religious , Vertuous , Poore and Distressed . Doe good vnto all such euery way , but let your comfort there be greatest , where you find most goodnes . Helpe the widdow and the fatherles ; succor the stranger , right the cause of the oppressed . In all these things , so farre as I follow the wil of the Lord , let my example be a pattern vnto you . But principally looke that the morning and euening sacrifice be held vp in your houses , knowing that without it , it is as impossible that the loue of God should continue with you , as a lampe without oile , fire without fuel , the life without norishment . Especially then look to this duty , when you are either feasting f f Chap , 1 , 4 , 5 in your houses , or abroad with your friends : for at such times the flesh being pampered , ouerwhelmeth the good graces of God , and causeth a security in vs . The thing I simply dislike not , but greatly commend , as being a means to increase loue , to confer of Religion , and to ioyne together in praier . And verily it reioyceth me at the hart , to see this concord and agreement among you my children , for therein I see ( to my vnspeakable comfort ) the fruits of the labors I haue bestowed vpon you , in your instructions ; as also your louing and kind nature , vertuous and godly disposition . But my counsel is , that you be not too much in it , & that when you do it , you take heed of excesse . For at Feasts there is euer superfluity of meate and wine , which making the hart merry , the tongue is apt to run ouer , and to breake forth into either wanton , vaine , reuengefull , reproachfull , or malicious words .

At such times therefore be sparing in your speeches , and for the auoiding of ydle , and loose talke , propound some godly question to be debated , make a couenant with your eies , your eares , your appetite , specially that they offend not , and with your heart , that it be not drawne away , nor your minds so taken vp with those pleasant dainties , that you forget God . Beware likewise of disorder , an vnseperable companion of banquets , and that you haue a respect to the time ; for then to giue your selues to feasting , when the Lord calleth for weeping and mourning , for the trangression of the land ; or in time of war , famine , pestilence , or any other calamity , ( either publicke , or priuat , and concerning your selues ) were such an iniquity , as the Lord woulde not suffer to escape vnpunished .

Children .

We remember wel ( good father ) your precepts , we know them to be the commandements of God , and we wil obserue them to the vtterm ost of our power .

Iob.

But what say yee my sonnes to the matter of banquetting , hath it not bin a means to make yee forget God , to sin against him , and blaspheme a a chap. 1 , v. 5 his name ? I do not mean , that abhominable blasphemy of thundring out curses , either against God , our selues , or others , with the tongue seuerally , or with the tongue and hart ioyntly , which is more heinous ; nor rapping out detestable oaths , nor of sinning against our owne soules by damnable periury , nor of odious lying , and abusing the holy name of God by speaking vainely or vnreuerently of him ( for this were too grosse vsage for my children ) and had I receiued but the least inkeling of this , I would haue broken the neck of your feasting long agoe : but my meaning is , of letting passe from you some sinister affection of God , some euill thought of his seruice , of any of his seruants , or of my seuere discipline , by which I kept you in awe in times past , or of my fatherly authority ouer you now .

Tell me therfore my sons what yee haue done ? for I haue had a fear b b chap. 1 , 5 from the beginning , euer since yee first entered into feasting , that al things were not wel . Methinkes I can neuer be careful inough for you , because of your youth , which is most prone in it selfe , to euill lusts , affections , desires , and cogitations , especially , when it is inflamed with wine , and delicate meats . For this cause , rising vp earely to day , I haue for you , taken and offered vp a propitiatory sacrifice , c c Offered burnt offrings ibid , 5. Iob sanctified them chap , 1. v , 5 or an whole burnt offring for euery one of you seuerally a liuely tipe of the most perfect sacrifice of the Mesiah to come , which shal be offered vppon the Altar for vs . Go to the Laver , wash your hands , clense your hearts , and be prepared , and come my sonnes , and ioyne now with me your selues in sacrifice to God : for this is it , that must turn away the Lords displeasure from you , if so be it should bee gone forth against you , for your trespasse in this matter . Chil. Our father ( my brethren ) giueth vs good counsel , yet for the matter of banquetting , as hee alloweth and commendeth it simply in it selfe , so I cannot perceiue why honest meeting should any way trouble his mind . His caueats indeed are notable , much to be regarded , and ruminated of vs , and the rather because good rules easily slip out of our minds , as also because experience teacheth , that dainties pleasing to the pallate , make men exceed the meane ; sweet Wines swallow vp remorce for sin , drown the holy meditations and desires of the mind , and cause in vs an vnfitnes for prayer , and al other religion . The sum of al is this , that wee haue a care to be temperate , and in good order , which if we looke vnto , there is no danger at al in the matter . Keep we then ( deare brethren ) this precept , and we shal not need to stand in feare of any disquietnes , that may come vnto our reuerend father , or hurt to our selues by our feasting . For why should it be more hurtfull to vs , then to the godly of former ages , that haue al vsed it without exception ? Seing therefore that the L. hath giuen vs abundantly wherewithal to do it , how can we spend it better , then in making mery one with another . For it is the onely thing for brethren and sisters to meet : there is nothing comparable to it , that such should make much of one another . Call we then our seruants together , whereby preparation may be made , and prouision had , for we must go ouer d d cha , 1 , v , xiii chap. 1 4 For where are banquets there must needs be seruants once again with our invitation , beginning with the Eldest , and so round about vntill it come vnto the youngest .

Seruants .

There shall be nothing wanting on our part , set you down what you wil haue , where and when , & it shall be prouided for you . Sirs , how like you this , wee shall haue a World of good-cheere , the onely thing that Seruantes desire , for they loue alife to see victuals stirring , that so they may be merry , and bid their friends welcome . It is good seruing of such Maisters , for they will not call vpon vs for worke , as those worldlings are wont , that neuer thinke they haue enough doone , though Seruantes sweate out their heartes for them . But tell me my companions in good sadnesse , what you thinke of this banquetting ; of our old Maister his praying and sacrificing so often , while our young Maisters are at their feasting . And for that he is neuer there present himselfe , maketh me somthing to doubt , and I am affraid there will come no good of it . For the Diuell is a very busie fellow , and a chiefe guest , as I haue heard old men say at these banquets .

Syrraxis . 4. Persons . Sathan . Lord . Sathan .

WHat a deale of holinesse is there in this Man ; Chap. 1 , v , 6 Morning , and Euening sacrifice : Oblations for himselfe , for his Children peace offeringes , offeringes of redemption , burnt offerings , praying with his family , praysing the Lorde with Psalmes , and Hymnes , and singing them vnto the ❀ a ❀ a Chap. 30 , 31. Harpe , and other instruments of Musicke ; preaching vnto them , Catechising them , instructing his Children , by Doctrine , admonition , exhortation : talking , conferring , reasoning about Religion with all , ( as well strangers , at familiar friendes ) and he hath neuer doone with it ; he is in it day and night , earely and late , no time commeth amisse for it , nothing can hinder him from it , those that haue any dooings with him , shal be well lessoned I trow . But I will misse fowly of my marke , if I alter not this geare shortly : for the Lord shall hardly say me nay , or I will be doing with him eare it be long .

Oh I cannot be at rest , vntil I be about it . Oh , how much good it would do me to be vpon his skirts : for this is my delight to vexe mankinde , and to get them into my clutches to torment them : herein is my ioy , heerein is my felicity , to macerate that pampered flesh of theirs . O how tender , how dainty , and delicate they are ? But when I take them once in hand , I put them to such hard meate , and so crush them , that I bring them to dispaire , and loe , then they are where I would haue them . But when it is so , that I cannot haue my swinge at the Sonnes of Adam , when the World flourisheth , the graces of God abound in Men euery where , War ceaseth , peace is maintained vpon the face of the earth ; then fret I , then am I consumed with enuy , eaten vp with malice ; then sorrow woundeth my life , griefe and vexation teareth and renteth my spirit . Hence it is , that because I am not permitted to meddle with Men themselues , I wreake my anger vppon the Corne , fruite , Grasse , trees , Houses , Cattell , &c. procuring mil-dewes , immoderate shewers , Hailestones , Caterpillers ; lightnings , and flames b b Chap , 1 , 1 of fire from Heauen , to destroy them .

This doth a little ease my Malady : but if this may not be graunted me , yet I neuer rest , night nor day , from venting out of mallice one way or other to the annoyance of men . One while leaue being giuen me ( for here is the mischiefe I can doe nothing without leaue ) c c Chap. xi , xii Chap. 2 , 5 , 6 , I so shake the earth with fearefull Earth-quakes , which turneth vppe the Mountains by the roots , swalloweth vp Citties , & Countries , causeth the very foundation and Pillers of the earth to tremble : another while , I so trouble the ayre ( the feat of my kingdome ) with Hideous and horrible Thunder-claps , powring down withall such mighty streames of Waters , and so darkning the light of the Heauens , that it strippeth the sons of men of all comfort of life , causeth the hair of their heades to stand an end , and their harts to shiuer in their bellies . Neither doth this satisfie my fury , ( for I must be doing still , and playing my prizes in euery corner ) but here I enter into beasts ; there , into men ; and those of rarest gifts of wit and learning , whereby they become mad : here I sow heresies , and false doctrine , there scisme , & contention ; here I lay riches and honours before the Religious professors of the truth , to pul them from their sincerity ; there I puffe vp the harts of the learned with pride . The iust man I tempt with bribes , the Wise man , with a conceit of great wisedome ; the good Man with an high opinion of his deserts ; the temperat man , and him that hath gouernment ouer his affections ; with dainties of all sortes , with pleasures of each kind , with strong motions to vncleanenes , vncomely speeches ; with matter of reuenge ; with prouocations vnto blasphemy . When I find a mans humor once I am safe ( and I can quickly guesse at that to ) I follow him at an inch , I am with him to bring at euery turn whatsoeuer he be . There is none that is free from my assaultes , King or Begger , young or old , Male or female : All is one with me , I pitty none , I spare none , very infants and sucklings are my prey ; I haue a cast at all one way , or other , and so to , that I neuer leaue them vntill I haue fetched them ouer the coales . Adam himselfe scaped not my fingers ( alas silly man ) for all his great wisedome , he was no match for me . None of these fell finally , but rose againe . Noah withall his righteousnesse , I turned into a very Swine . Lot withall his godlines , into an incestuous beast . Abraham that was such a beleeuer , into a very dissembler , whom haue I not ouercome ? Where haue I not preuailed by my tentations ? What man was there liuing at any time vnder the cope of Heauen , that I haue not foyled more or lesse , first or last in the Combate ? Shall Iob then be able to stand out alwaies , and set vp the flag of defiance against me ? No , no , the Lord will cal for me shortly , I will then be in hand with him , to see whether he may be won to let me buckle with him a little ? O how doth malice with her poyson and venim torment me , till I haue disgorged my stomacke vpon him ?

Lord.

Come Sathan , giue in thine account heere before my Tribunal , do that homage that to me thy Lord belongeth . These my good seruants , my holy Angels , they are alwaies most willing , and ready , most speedy , and cheerefull , most obedient and faithfull , both to execute my comm●●dements , and to bring in a reckoning vnto m● of their seruice ; euen of their own voluntary inclination , loue , & affection toward me . But I can haue neither the one nor the other done by thee nor by any of thy retinue ( which canot be numbred for multitude ) saue only what by strong and violent hand I wring from thee . I make vse of these my good seruantes , and so of thee , not that I stand in neede of any of you ( for I am all sufficient of my selfe , and therefore my name is Shadai * * Shadai of Shadad , veftere because the Lord is able to lay all things wast that shall any way anoy his children . ) but that through their ministery , my goodnes might the better appear to my church militant , for whose sauegard I imploy them : As also thorough thy ministery , whom together with them I haue ordained as a terrour and scourge to the aduersaries of my church , and as a triall of my spouse , that so she might be comforted and incouraged in her warfare ( on the one side ) and on the other side , experienced in my deliuerance , hardned and armed against whatsoeuer assaults for the aduancement of my kingdome .

I dare vndertake for thee Sathan , that thou meanest nothing lesse then this , and that it is ful sore against thy mind to set forward my kingdome : for though thou art heere present before me among these my sons : yet is thy meaning as contrary to theirs , as the light of this my throne , and the darkenes of thy Dungeon of Hell . It is my mightie power that hath dragged thee hither , otherwise thou wouldest not haue come before me .

And now thou art heere , I know thou art come as a malicious enimie of mine , and wilt also quarrell with mee about something before thou departest ; For thou hast not thy name for nought : but continuest a sworne enimy of mine ( as thy name Sathan doth import . ) And such a one , whose guise hath alwaies beene to oppose himselfe against me and my seruants , euer cauilling with vs , peering and prying spightfully into vs , euer spying a knot in a bulrush , and seeking to vndermine vs withall thy cunning ; and therefore art thou iustly termed the Diuell . Thy very countenance bewraieth as much for the present , and the fury wherewith thou art inflamed , breaketh foorth in thy face . Surely there is some great matter that inrageth thee . Where madest thou thy last walke Sathan ?

Sathan .

I haue bin walking vp and downe , ouer and ouer againe in my c c chap. 1.7 principallity , according to thine appointment .

Lord.

This is no d d chap. 1 8 direct nor perfect answere to my question . For I woulde knowe from what part of the earth , and from what businesse thou nowe commest , and art called from , and withal thy true vsage , what it hath bin ? which if thou wilt tel , thou must needes confesse , that thou hast plaied the part of the geeedy Lionesse robbed of her whelps , in biting most cruely , in wounding most greeuously and incurably . In deuouring ; destroying whatsoeuer thou mightest , that came in thy walk , without mercy . Playing the Dragon in thy wily , fierce , & malicious dealing , stil playing vpon the aduantage : sodainely assayling , hotly pursuing , and neuer giuing ouer . The Tyrant in thy cruel tormenting of the bodies and soules of my people , murdering of them , acording as thou hast euer done from the beginning , in that thy vsurped principallity ( where I haue giuen thee power ) left no means vnatempted to draw to disloyalty , wher I haue not restrained thee of thy wil to hurt , and more particularly thou hast carried a most malicious eie against some one of my seruants .

Shew me therefore distinctly from what place and person thou now commest ? against whom thou didst lay thy siege ? whom thou soughtest to tempt ? About whom thou didst vse al thy might , and policie to ouercome and subdue , as thou hast the rest of the world ( for the most part ) and yet couldest nor preuaile ? Which is the thing that maketh thee thus out of patience , not only euer since ( and that continually ) I last reckoned with thee , but immediately before I forced thee to come before me , and wast euen then too too busie about it , when the Scitation was serued vppon thee for this thine apparence . Shew me ( I say ) plainlie and expressely without any further circumstance , whether this bee not the matter that displeaseth thee ?

Sathan .

Most thinges please me well enough , yea all things in a manner , are according to my hearts desire , yet , can I not , neither shall I euer be satisfied as long as there is any thing at al , when I am in my circuit , thogh it be of very great compasse , that shal neuer so little crosse mee of my will .

Lord.

Thou wouldst faine cloke the matter of thy griefe , chap , 1. v , 7 but thou canst not hide it from me . Who so inconstant as thy selfe , counterfetting all colours , yea euen of the Angels of light , and yet in dissembling thou art alwaies one and the same . I perceiue I must come nearer home vnto thee , and laie thee naked by naming the partie . For I see , though I presse thee neuer so hard , thou wilt not withstanding for al that confesse nothing . Because my seruaunt Iob is a good man , thou dost visite him I am sure in thy walk , frequentest very often his house , ouer lookest him verie straightly , and hast thine eie euer vpon him : How saiest thou therefore , is it not he that is a corziue to thee ? Be not silent , but speake ? He wil not accuse himselfe , though he be neuer so guiltie , but had it bin to accuse other , wee should haue had a thousand words in this space . Trie him on that eare and he will reuiue his spirits by and by . If Iob be not my faithfull seruant , louing me and mine in trueth , fearing me exceedingly , walking in al my commandements most carefully , hee deceiueth me much , hast thou ought whereof thou canst accuse him Sathan ?

Sathan .

I heare thee stil marueilously commending him , Chap 1 v 9 but I see no such great cause .

Lord.

Loe now he speakes , now his natural corruption , and cankred malice breaketh forth , toward my seruants . No , dost thou see no great cause why I should commend Iob ? Is he not the onely man in the worlde for knowledge , for vertue , for religion , faith in my promises , fear of my name , obedience to my wil ? Doth he not loue the saints , comfort the afflicted , countenance the good , hate sinne , punnish the wicked ? Verily neuer was there wisdome nor grauity vpon earth , neuer Iustice , mercy , nor integrity among men , if not in him . Denie me Iob for my seruant , denie me also a Church vpon earth , grant me that ( which if thou wilt not do , Sathan then take from me the making of the world , and al , for I made it for my seruantes which I traine vp therein ) and thou canst not ( though neuer so malicious ) but graunt in like manner , that Iob deserues more highly to bee commended , reputed as my faithfull seruant , and to be rewarded .

Sathan .

Rewards a a Verse . 8 he hath not wanted good store ; honor , credite , b b chap , i , v , x wealth , blessings of Cattle , lands , children , in great abundance : thy special hand of sauegard , compassing him round as a wal of defence , thy fauor shining vpon him continuallie from heauen in the earlie and latter raine , in pouring downe al comforts that his hart can desire , and in the remouall of al calamitie whatsoeuer .

This is the thinge that hath made him serue thee , who would not do it if he might haue so manie benefits heaped vpon his backe as thou hast heaped vppon him ? Rewardes wil draw anie man to fidelitie . I haue thousands that are as careful to worship and honor me , thogh they receiue none of al these things at my hands , as euer Iob was to serue thee . The feare of my punnishment bringeth them to it : yea though I doe afflict them neuer so much , yet they dare not displease me , but beare it patientlie , and seeke by al means to appease my wrath . Thus woulde not Iob doe , if thou shouldst but once touch him neuer so little , but would out of al peraduenture cast vpon thee as many reproaches as euer thou hast cast fauors vpon him .

Make trial of him by some more then ordinary affliction , see what is in him by the susteining of the losse of all that euer he hath ( thou canst giue him more at thy pleasure ) and commit the handling of him to mee , and either hee shall proue an Hippocrite , or else I wil be contented ( if any curses , and punnishments can possibly be added to these that I now indure ) to abide the hazard of them , or if that be not inough , let me abide the shame of it for euer .

Lord.

Thou knowest it Sathan to bee otherwise with Iob , chap. 1 but that by these thy perswasions thou wouldst faine draw me to deliuer him into thy hands , that by the malice ( where with thou art swolne vp to the brim ) might breake out vpon him . Thou enuiest his prosperity , and that is the cause thou art so earnest against him . This a a Verse . 1 thou thinkest wil make any man good , but it is cleane contrary : for albeit I haue appointed it as a meanes to make men better , yet through the corruption of nature , it hath turned to the marring of many of the better sort of men .

It marred the old world , it marred the Sodomites : neither did Esau ( the founder and father of the Country where Iob dwelleth ) want welth . Many haue I blessed heretofore as abundantlie as now I doe Iob , and manie there are at this time in the world , among the Egiptians , Canaanites , Chaldeans Sabaans , and there are some in Edom to , that are not much inferior , yet notwithstanding none of them al , haue beene induced thereby to serue me , but rather haue thereby taken an occasion , to cast off my yoke from their shoulders , and to yeeld themselues ouer to al lasciuiousnesse and wantonnes of life .

Though I bestow riches and rewards vpon men , to make them more in loue with me , yet for the most part they of all other are most vnkind , vnthankful , forgetful , proud , ambitious , contemners of my worde , cruell , craftie , and requite me with worse and harder measure then anie beside . It is wonderful to see what contrarie effects riches work to those that I intend ? For whereas I bestow them as comfortes and helpes to the godlie in their proceeding and growing in Religion : they turne to the choking vp the good feedes of my word , to the drowning of the good graces of my spirit , and conuerting them whom I haue not onely indued with a reasonable soule , but inspired with diuine knowledge into vnreasonable beastes .

And therefore Iob is an admirable man , whom wealth hath not corrupted , but made more dutifull , forward , and cheerefull in my seruice , and more humble toward the poore . And as for the feare of thy punishmentes , it is a very idle speech , and a fond thing , for any one to stand in awe of ought thou canst do against them , seeing thou canst not lift vp thy finger against any one ( no not the a a Not Achab himselfe . 1 Kings 22 , 20 , 22 most wicked ) without my speciall leaue and authority . For albeit thy power is aboue theirs , they are by nature vnder thy thraldome , and thou leadest them for the most part as captiues and Prisoners at thy pleasure : yet my hand is aboue thine , I redeeme whom I will , how vile sinners soeuer , yea though vessels of wrath , from vnder thy seruice , vse toward them long patience , and shew toward them my rich fauours , and mercies for a time . Neither canst thou hold any in perpetuall bondage , vntill I giue them wholy ouer vnto thy tyrranny .

In that thou vauntest of thy thousands , whom thou hast brought to thy seruice , or rather slauishe seruitude , for feare of punishment ; thou sayest truely , because it is for feare , and not for loue they doe it . But what a mischieuous mind is this , that nothing will content thee , but the losse of al that euer he hath ? Which how can it be granted thee ? For by thine owne confession , I haue set a Hedge about him for a defence against thee ? Wilt thou haue mee to remoue that Hedge without a cause ? But he feareth me not ( thou sayest ) as I suppose : but whatsoeuer he doth is in Hypocrisie , that so his turne may be serued : wherein to omit thy impudency in controling my testimony of him , ( and that to my face ) thou shalt find by wofull experience , that hee is no Hypocrite , neither can bee brought by the greatest affliction thou canst deuise , to curse , and blaspheme me .

Sathan .

Suffer me to afflict him and good enough ? Chap , 1 , v , xi

Lord.

I assure thee thou shalt haue shame enough by it , Chap 1 , v , xii and the infamy thou thinkest to bring vppon me by his blaspheming my name , shall through his patience , and constancy in glorifieng and blessing the same in his extreamest misery , light vppon thine owne head . And whereas thou makest account to destroy Iob thereby , & to insult and triumph ouer my Church : so farre shalt thou bee from that , that thou shalt destroy thereby thine own kingdome , and doe him such honour , as neuer shall be forgotten , and be a meanes that my Church shall take vp the same as a song of tryumph and victory against thee , in all thy tentations , vnto the worldes end . Wherefore to put away all doubts concerning Iobs constancy , I will yeald him ouer into thy hands a a verse . 12 . Spare not any thing he hath , none of his thousands of Cattell , none of his Sheep , Oxen , Asses & Cammels ; none of his Corne , Grasse , Woodes , Vines , Barnes , & Storehouses , none of all his seuen Sons , or Daughters , which hee valeweth aboue all the treasures in the world , only meddle not I charge thee with his person .

Sathan .

The Assisses being now ended , and my commission sealed : it remaineth that I play the Hangman . I will bee gone therefore in post a a Chapter 1 Implyed in exiuit , departed verse , xii hast , and put my commission in execution with all my skill and cunning , and who can go beyond me ? With all my industry and diligence , and I am vntireable in my indeuoures . Neither will I abate him the least pinnes point of my graunt , saue onely certaine messengers , to bring him tydinges of his losses , his Wife to vexe him , and some of his Seruants to grieue , and contemne ❀ b ❀ b chap , 19 , 16 him in his misery .

It grieueth me to doe this , but that I must needes . For my desire is , to lay on loade vpon all that he hath , and to spare nothing , vntill I haue belched out all my malice , revenged my deadly and insatiable hatred vpon him to the vttermost , and with the stretching out of my commission euen vpon the tainterhookes .

Notwithstanding if I should doe this to , and sweepe away all that he hath hand smooth , not leauing any thing behind me : yet would not my hart for al that be satisfied . For there being an vndraineable fountaine of spight there , against the Lords elect , it is impossible I should euer haue my fil at them as I would . I hauing now sued out the lords commission , I am bound to follow the matter : but that is not it that I regard . It is enough for the Angels , that keepe their standing , to aime at obedience to the law of God when any thinge is imposed vppon them : Let the Lord intend therfore what he wil here in my drift is , through the greatnesse , sodainesse , strangenesse , and diuersity of affliction , proceeding by degrees , and yet winding vp it selfe together at the last , and comming in vpon him as it were all at a clap , to bring Iob to curse , and blaspheme God in his hart . The Lordes purpose I know heerein is , to vse mee as an instrument to procure his honor by Iobs constancy : but my purpose , to purchase honour to my selfe , and to deface his glory , all I can , by the vnmasking of this mans disguised holinesse , and discoureing of his dissimulation . Now for a time to play this my Tragedy in , I was neuer better fitted in my life . For at this very instant ; his Sons and Daughters are all a banquetting b b Verse xiii , together : and doe not so much as once thinke of any euill , that is toward them . I will fetch about for my other exploits , and be vpon them in a trice , before they dreame of such a matter , and tumble downe the very house wher they are assembled vpon their heads . Chap. i ,

Syrraxis . 5. Persons . Foure Messengers . Iob. Sathan . Mess. 1.

AS we were plowing the fields , Verse xiiii and attending vpon the cattell very carefully , those old neighbor theeues of ours , the Sabeans , a people together with the rest of the Arabians , famous as thou knowest for their robberies vpon the countries adioyning , rushed vpon vs being very many and mighty , before we were aware , tooke away thy Oxen b b verse xv and Asses by violence , slew all thy seruantes there abiding , though they withstood them most manfully , saue onely my selfe , who haue hardly escaped with my life to bring thee tydings .

Mess. 2.

A great , and fearefull fire fell downe from Heauen , and hath deuoured all the flockes of c c Verse 16 sheep with the shepheards , my selfe excepted : whom alone , being horribly scarred therewith , it hath spared to be a Messenger vnto thee .

Mess. 3.

The Captains of the Chaldeans , a warlike people , and giuen to the spoile , setting themselues in battell aray , haue ceazed vpon thy d d Verse xvii Cammels , haue with their triangle , e e Set out three bands . verse xvii or wedgelike Army , cleaft , and broken through thy seruantes that kept them , as they stood close together , and well appointed to resist : and they are put to the sword euery one , so that there is none of them remaining , beside my selfe , and that not without much danger of death , to signifie the matter vnto thee .

Mess. 4.

As thy f f Verse xviii Sonnes and Daughters were banquetting together , a mighty , and firce storme g g A great wind v , xix rumbling a farre off , and seeming to cleaue the Heauens whence it brake forth : came circularwise h h From beyond the wildernrs verse xix vppon the House where they were met together , with such a force , as if all the foure windes had conspired the downefall of it , and boistrously breaking vppon the foure corners thereof , hath blowen it vp from the foundation , Foure corners of the house v , xix and it hath crushed in pieces all thy children , and their family ; onely I , and none but I , am left of the whole company , to declare vnto thee the lamentable accident .

Iob.

O wretched Man ! Chap , 1 , v , 2● am I depriued not onely of my Cattell , and seruantes , but of my Children to ? all my children , both sonnes and Daughters , and that so sodainly , so strangely , so fearefully , to the woonderment of al men : Sabaan robbers , Caldean soldiors , fire from heauen , a whitle wind , or rather a conspiracy of windes blowing from foure quarters of the world , taking away and killing all , consuming al , ouerturning house , and ouer whelming al my children , my seauen sonnes , my three Daughters , so that not one of them is left : not one of three to cherrish me in the the time of sicknesse ; not one of seauen to defend mee in the day of battel ; not of ten , one to stand before mee as a pleasant obiect to mine eies and solace to my soule , both in prosperity and aduersity .

The rest I regarde not so much ; neither in truth is the losse of them any grief at al in a maner to me , for I neuer posessed them with that loue , but I could easily part with them ; but the losse of my children which proceeded out of my loines , were partakers of my nature , were deriued of my bloode , were the image of my person , the crowne of my age , the ioy of my life , my onely worldly delight , the most singular reward and speciall earthly inheritance of the Almightie ; Vpon whom I had bestowed vntollerable pains , but that they were my children , for whome I had taken vnspeakeable care in their vertuous education , godly instruction , wholsome admonition , and exhortation .

The losse of my children ( I say ) entreth into my soul , had they not proued wel , their ordinarie death ( so they had died in repentance ) would not haue bin so heauy vnto mee : but then to be taken from me when I saw such excellent fruites of my labors in their Loue-feasts and religious meetings , in their willingnes alwayes to ioyne with me in sacrifice and the seruice of God : And againe that I shoulde be stripped of them in such extraordinary and marueilous manner , as if they had bin the most outragious offenders vppon the face of the earth ?

These considerations presse me downe to the ground , and pierce me to the quicke ; And ( in truth ) what heart would not this make to bleed with griefe ? What eie would it not cause to gush out with riuers of teares ? Can I then that am a father , ( a most louing and indulgent father ) forbeare to lament ? Nature compelleth , Affection inforceth , Loue constraineth mee to it ? But if I should striue to bridle nature , and burie my loue and affection , because peraduenture I might be thought otherwise to be impatient ( though indeed to refraine from mourning in such a case , were not onely an vnnatural part , but meere sauagenesse ) yet beside this necessarie duty which nature require that my handes , the custome of my Country would call me vnto it , after an outward forme .

In this regard therefore , I must at the least arise vp from my chaire a a Then Iob arose , v , 20 of ease , and addresse myselfe to the renting of my garments , shauing of my head , prostrating my bodye vpon the earth , bowing and humbling my soule to the dust : which ceremony , albeit it be common as wel to the infidel , as the beleeuer , yet notwithstanding , it is not without verie profitable vse ; as that we haue our heartes rent and wounded for our sinnes , which are the cause of our misery ; that we cut off and shaue away by the hand of a sanctified spirit , the superfluities and excrements of our corrupt nature and euil conuersation ; that we submit our selues in al b b Fel downe , verse 20 lowlines of minde vnto his will when he afflicteth vs , and become suiters vnto him for helpe vppon our knees by prayer c c Worshipped verse , 20 and thanksgiuing . Conforming my selfe therefore to the fashion of my people , and mourning after their maner , I take vp this complaint . O transitory riches , ! O the vncertainety of the thinges of this life ! O how vading and fleeting they are , ( euen a verie spunge ) now full , nowe drie .

This verie morning , I was owner of seuen thousand Sheepe , three thousand Cammels , fiue hundered yoake of Oxen , fiue hundred shee-Asses . This morning I was Maister of a great Familie , and I had many hundreds of Man-seruants , and Maide-seruantes , bondmen , and freemen , Farmers , and Tennants , with their Wiues , and Children depending vpon me : some for Tillage , and other for Husbandry : some for the heardes of Cattle , some for the Cammels and Asses , some for Trauaile and Marchandize to other Countries ; which is a cheefe vse of those Beastes , Finally , ( which is the onely thinge that indeede maketh me thus to dwell vppon this recitall , as being neuer satisfied with it , and ready to take euery occasion againe and againe to enter into it .

This morning I was a father of tenne children , but now I am not owner so much as of one Cammell , one Oxe , one Asse , one Sheepe ? Now I am not Maister of fiue seruants , no , not of one ; for they are become my Maisters , and mocke at my calamity ; Now I am no father at al ; now I am vtterly childles , my fountaine is dryed vp , my fruite is turned into barrennes .

By the course of nature my children should haue suruiued me ; neither was there any appearance to the contrary , they were all in the prime and flower of their time , they were al lustie and strong , they liued in health , wealth , and pleasure , yet the hand of the Lord hath taken them away , and I their father remaine behinde them , to doe that dutye for them which I looked that they shoulde haue done for mee .

But I must remember my selfe . For thus farre I haue yeelded to nature : and now it is time that I cal my selfe backe to the consideration of the smiter whose hand hath done this , whoe as he gaue meal , so hee might in right take all : For his they were and not mine , I was but a Tennant at wil in them , he might recouer them into his proper possession whensoeuer he would . I brought nothing into the world at the first but nakednes , had it not pleased him to cloath me , I had remained so still : which if hee had done , where had my costlie attire , my thousands of increase and goodly progenie beene ? But had I died possessed of all my goodes , coulde I haue carried to my graue ( whether now the Lord is about to bringe mee ) anie thing more then a winding sheete ?

God saw it good that it should bee thus , hee knoweth that men in prosperity easily forget both him , and themselues ; are vnmindfull from whence they come , and dream of an immortality here vpon earth .

Men when they grow rich , they grow lasie , and are like vnto restie lades , and therefore need the spurre of affliction to quicken them . Abundance is a lethargy , that benummeth mens sences in such sort , that they haue no liuely feeling of their wretched estate : For these , the Lord hath appointed the whip of correction to rouze them from theyr security . As long as wee are aloft here in this world , our minds are taken vp with the things below , and not lifted vp to him that is aboue . Wealth abounding , the worship of God is at a low ebbe , heauen is buried with vs in the graue while we are in our glorie ; our eies being filled with the thinges of this life , our heartes are empty of humility toward God or man , and of the consideration of other mens wants .

The best of vs al are that point : it is good therefore that we should be abased . While we haue the spectacle of death before our eies , we see into our end : otherwise wee cast it behind our backes . In this regard , that heauy and woful sight of my childrens Funerals ( the saddest subiect that euer I beheld ) may proue wholesome and fruitful vnto me .

Thus a a Verse 22 In al this did not Iob sinn nor charge God foolishly . he that is almighty , as he turneth all thinges , ( though the meanes seeme neuer so contrarie ) to his owne glory : so maketh he whatsoeuer rough and hard vsage of his ( notwithstanding the harshnes of the course to our thinking ) redound to the good of his elect . Vnlesse therefore we will deny the Lorde his due , with hold from him his right , be vnreasonable not to see , vnthankefull not to acknowledge his goodnesse ; we must not be vnmindful to render him b b blessed bee the name of the lord . v , 21 praise , nor forgetful to blesse him with mind and voice , no not for his greatest seuerity in our chasticements .

Sathan .

I haue met with Iob soundly : chap 2,1 yet haue I not preuailed . When the Lord calleth me next vnto an account , I will sollicite him once againe , and see whether I may obtaine leaue against his person : for doubtlesse , the cause that he thus perseuereth in his integrity , is nothing else , but for that hee feareth least the Lord should afflict him in his body , or take away his life from him : Which were it not as a kirbe to hold him in , hee would certainely breake forth into all impiety .

Syrraxis . 6. Persons . Lord . Sathan . Iob. Lord.

THough I decreed it before , Chap 2 , v. 1.2 and cannot be drawen to ought , either by thy instigation ( Sathan ) or the perswasion of any other of my Creatures , but what I haue determined within myselfe , yet thou through the greatnes of thy malice , wherewith thou diddest prouoke mee , wast the onely instrument to bring to passe , that Iob , who notwithstanding so many , and so great losses , remaining still as true , and as sure a professor of my name ; as dutifull a practiser of my will ; as innocent , and blamelesse a man as euer before , deseruing for his singular care to obay mee in all thinges , and aboue all men , none like him . v. 3. of what kindred or nation soeuer at this day ( not the holy seed of Iacob excepted , whom I haue picked out as a peculiar inheritance to my selfe ) the continuance of my former mercies should be punished in this extream maner . But what successe hast thou had in it , doth thou find a a Hast thou considered . Chap , 2 , v , 3 Chap , 2 , v , 4 him an Hypocrite , or doth he curse me according to thy suggestion ?

Sathan .

Yea , but I did take away his goods onely , which was but as it were a stripping him of certaine superfluities , that he might not bee to gorgeous in his attire , surfait of his daintaies , swell to much with the ouerflowing of his riches , and thou hast reserued also a remnant * a * a Chap , 7.13 of those . His Children they were but a cause of sorrow , and care vnto him : many a man hath no feeling of the hurt of others ( an other mans skinne as it were ) though they be neuer so neare vnto him . If thou wouldest therefore permit b b verse 5 me to afflict him in his own body , c c Skinne fo● skinne v. 4 beate him vpon his own skin and flesh , he would soone alter his note : grant me this my suite also I pray d d Shelach fut●● rum imperans mitte quaso Beza , Tremelli us Mercer . and so likewise chap. 1 xi Imlo si non . And so chap. 1 , xi , includeth in it an imprecation or curse which the Haebrewes for modesty sake doe for the most part omit . chap , 2 v , 3 thee , and then if he vomit not out of his hollow heart , most horrible blasphemy , send me into the deep , or bind me vnder eternall chaines of darkenesse .

Lord.

I haue commended Iob vnto thee Sathan : yet thou beleeuest me not , but telleth me to my head that I am a liar , yea wouldest faigne obtaine that at my hands , to proue me so . Thou disanullest also my fore-knowledge of things to come . For in pleading that Iob shal not continue constant vnto me , when I tearme him my seruant , and giue this title vnto none , but such as shall perseuere so vnto the end : dost thou not all this ? These things I beare at thy hands : but thou shalt haue the shame , and torment of it at the last .

Lying is thy old trade , & of thy own inuention : yet who so forward to lay it vpon another as thou , herewith I haue beene well acquainted heretofore : but as for thine intreaty vnto me that is more rare . What can Sathan intreat , Is he become a suppliant ? Is it possible that he which was wont to be at defiance with his maker should now submit himselfe ? But euer marke this , it is for some aduantage to himselfe , otherwise he would neuer bee bent against his nature and haughty spirit , to be so courteous . Sathan himselfe can be kind to get commodity : but alas silly Serpent , how he is to seeke in his owne occupation wherein he is so ancient , and how he begs for a whip to beate himselfe ? Thou wouldest bee doing Sathan with Iobes body , thereby to make him dispaire ( for thou meanest to lay on loade vpon him ) and to breake forth into blasphemy against mee . Which how shall it bee effected , when such as are mine cannot bee wrung out of mine handes : and therefore not so wrought by all the pollicy thou hast , how bloudy soeuer , to raile at me , or distrust in my mercy in their heart , and then where art thou with thy execrable protestations ? Howbeit if their be no remedy , but thou wilt stil wilfully procure thine owne infamy , and confusion , be it so , take Iob vnto thee : ( but with this prouiso ) that thou do nothing to indanger b b Nec appetito nec adimito Iunius . Verse 6 , his life .

Sathan .

What a prouiso is this , I cannot possibly so torment Iob , as this exception and limitation tormenteth my spirit . Thou speakest of a Whip , this is a whip indeede to scourge me withall . Indanger not his life ( quoth he ) what a cooling card is that ? I had as leaue almost , ( but that my fingers itch till I am tampering with him , and that I haue no power to forbeare him , that hath been so long a sworne enimy to my proceedings ) he had forbidden me to meddle with him at all . It is miraculous at least , if not impossible , which he imposeth ? Can the bottle be broken and the Wine preserued ? So , can I smite Iob in his bones , and in his marrow , and yet saue his flesh ? Wel , seeing I may not goe beyond my commission , I must be the more sparing : yet so notwithstanding , that I will make him smoake for it , before I haue done . Neither will I delay the time one c c Verse 7. moment , but put the matter in execution : for I canot be at rest now I haue obtained leaue , vntill I haue doone the feate . I am not like those lazy seruantes , that when they should go about their businesse , must bee followed with a Whip ; but I am nimble and quicke ; neither doe I thinke all is to much that I do for my Maister , but I neuer thinke that I doe enough for him , specially when I perceiue that the matter I goe about concerneth my selfe , but then it is passing pleasurable vnto me when I see I may reuenge my selfe in it .

It is wonderfull how this setteth me an edge , and how swiftly it carrieth me about my worke ; And the more holy the party is against whom I am sent , the more hotly do I pursue and follow him . That holinesse of his is the thing indeed , that maketh me straine forward with all my might , stretch as it were euery ioynt of my body , and throw my selfe headlong with the greatest violence . Now as I am swift in flight , so am I speedy in the deuising , and conc●iuing of the meanes to effect that which is inioyned me .

The distance betweene Heauen and Earth being verye great ? I passe it ouer as it were in an instant , and therein without any longer deliberation , cast in my head for the whole issue of my businesse . This is now my plot , I will poison the aire with noisome & contagious vapours , which I will cause to light vppon the body of Iob : whereby shall arise e e With sore boiles . verse 7 botches so innumerable , that they shall couer his whole body like a Leprosie ; so great , that they shal equal the bunches of the Camels , and transforme him into a most vgly Monster ; for bignes like vnto the Elephant ; for deformity beyond any of the liuing : Their matter it shall be firy , or melancholick , choller exceeding Adust , burning , aking most vehemently , and payning him more then if hee were cast into a burning Furnace : Their name it shal be vnknowen vnto the Physitians , and much trouble them about it , whether they may call them cruell bile-sores , or Carbuncles , or Plague-sores , or the Egiptian scab , or the Leprosie , or Elephantiasis , they shall not be able to define : For they shall come somewhat neare to these , but exceed the worst of them by many degrees , and shall be such , as no Physitian nor Chirurgian euer laid his eie vpon . Their effectes shal be a deadly stinch , as of carrion , or whatsoeuer may be thought more noysome : Which venting forth , when he f f Verse , ● scrapeth off the parched scurfe , shall distemper him out of measure , and make his head in a maner to breake asunder .

Iob.

Somewhat the Lord hath left me , as my Wife , a few Seruantes , an house , ❀ g ❀ g chap , 7 , 13 a bed with some furniture : Chap , 3,8 but as for the former I haue no benefit of them , for they neglect that duty belonging vnto them , forsake me now in my calamitie , and leaue me here mourning . Though others stand agast at me , being so monstrous with biles and botches , yet it is not their part to be as strangers vnto me , but rather according to the greatnes of my distresse should giue me the greater attendance ; and the more others shunne me , the more should they be careful to looke to me . Seruants to be vnkinde , it is not so much to be admired , for they are oftentimes very vntrustie , void of all loue and duty , specially then , when there is most vse of them : but for my wife that should be as my right hand , yea as myne owne hart to run *c *c chap 19 , 17 awaie from me , is more strange ; yea more to bee wondred at then the hugenes of my body , and the exceeding strangenes of my disease , albeit verie fearfull , and strange indeed : For beside the bignes and vglines of my botches or vlcers , ( for I know not what I may terme them ) whereat al men are astonished . I am so pestered therewith , that there is not so much as the point of a needle d d From the sole of his foot vnto the crown of his head . free throughout my whole body . I would think my selfe an happy man , if I had but the vse of my nailes and fingers end : But such is the malignity of the sores , that I haue lost euen the vse of them , and am compelled to make my teeth do the seruice , that belongeth to them , ( an vnseemely peece of seruice ) * * Testa pus cor rodens abster sit Kimhi . V 8 yet had I a fine linnen cloath or any at al , were it neuer so course , which I might hold in my mouth , after I had scraped my sores with a potsheard to do away the matter that yssueth from them ( because a potsheard is so hard and sharp that the roughnes therof doth agrauat my paine exceeding greeuous in it selfe ) it would somewhat ease me , yet for all that , the malignity of these my sores are not so greeuous vnto me , nor so extraordinary , ( all circumstances laied together that may augment it ) as the vnkindnes of my Wife , who though shee will not come at me her selfe , yet might she ( were not she not past al feeling of her dutie ) furnish me with linnen in my necessity .

Syrraxis . 7. Persons . Iobes Wife . Iob. Sathan Iobes Wife .

DOest thou not see how ridiculous thou art , in that thou continuest sittting in a a chap. 2.8 and he satte down among the ashes Ashes , to shew thy magnanimity , humility , and repentance : seing that he doth nothing but afflict thee more and more ? When we lost our Cattle , Seruants , and Children , thou criedst b b chap 2.9 Dost thou yet continue in thine integrity Blessed be the name of the Lord : now , thogh the grief of thy body bee neuer so great , thou bewraiest no discontentment , which declareth that thou art of the same minde still , and wouldst vtter it to , but that it is painefull for thee to speake . A man that is sodainely oppressed with affliction may be cast into a trance , and be so amazed therewith , that he is able to say nothing for a time , but remaineth speechlesse : but this affliction was not sodaine , but thou hadst a warning peale thereof in thy former losses : neither is this thy disease , such as benummeth the sences , but such rather as woulde make a man roare , and cry out like a woman in trauel , or as they are wont that are pierced with hot yrons , euen hundreds at once .

Thou striuest mightily against nature , thinking it to bee an admirable vertue to forbeare anger and fretting in such a case , but thou hurtest thy selfe more inwardly , and gainest nothing by it . When we receiued rewards from the hands of the Lord for our seruice , then blessing was seasoable ; but now , methinkes it is very vnseasonable and absurd . But I know it is thy onely delight to bee praying and praising the Lord , howsoeuer the world goeth . Al is out of course with thee , if that bee not done , and that being once formed , thou thinkest thy selfe wel , how wretched soeuer thou att ,

No maruell surely thou hast profitted so greatly by it : he that hath aduantaged himselfe in such manner as thou hast done by it , cannot but bee further incouraged thereunto . These botches , this deformity , this groaning of thine , are the fruits of thy great labors and thankfulnes . Art thou not wel recompenced thinkest thou ? I pray d d she speaketh by way of derision v. 9 thee as long as thou hast a tongue to speak , neuer leaue magnifying of the Lord . For doest thou not see how this kindnes of his calleth for it at thy hands ?

Iob.

MY praier and praising of God , Chap: 2 : 10 is not the cause of my affliction , but it is the Lords pleasure to try me , how contentedly , I am able to beare it . Hee e e Shall we receiue good at the handes of God and not receiue cuill , verse . x hath sent vs prosperity a long time , and now it is will to deale in another sort with vs , and we are to praise God as wel for the one as for the other . Haue I not told thee so many times , and vsed prayer in the time of prosperity , to prepare vs against the day of aduersity ? There was neuer any of the Children of God , that haue bene exempted from it , but haue al vndergone it , and that with patience ; yea haue reioyced that the Lord hath vouchsafed them that mercie , and haue reaped exceeding benefit by it . What a saying therefore is that of thine , to blesse God in time of affliction is vnseasonable . In affliction to blesse him there is nothing more profitable for vs , because there is no more speedie nor soueraigne remedie to rid as from the sorrow of it then this . Alas , what an ignorant woman art thou , not to vnderstand that God hath ordained this for his seruants to humble them : and againe , that he hath appointed Women to be comforters , and to giue good counsel to their husbands in this case . It greeueth me more then my calamity , that thou which hast had so many good instructions aboue other women , hast learned no wisedome at all , but att worse then many vnbeleeuing f f Persian women , Hester , 1 , 22 women , so farre from thy dutie in being a good wife that thou art worse then a beast , yea euen a block . For they in their kinde specially mate vnto mate , are a comfort each to other in their misery .

Wife .

Away with such wisdome to become so deformed , the like whereof was neuer heard of . If this be the Lords kindnes toward his Seruants , let him serue him that wil for me . But serue thou him stil , blesse him as long thou hast any breath , looke vppon thy selfe , and consider how well hee hath deserued it at thy hands ? Wouldst thou haue mee to attend thee in this case , or to command any of thy seruants to do it ? Dost thou not perceiue that the scent ❀ f ❀ f chap. 19 , 17 of thy sores is so strong , that it will kil as many as come near thee ? yet blesse him notwithstanding : no doubt but this extraordinary goodnes towarde thee , is woorthy of more then extraordinary praise and thankes ?

Sathan .

g g Iobes wife to be incited to deride her husband was by Sathans instigation , and a ioy vn to him questionles when he had drawn her vnto it . THis is a sport alone for me : al that I haue done hitherto is nothing to this : For I with my plagues haue hurt the body alone , but she woundeth the soule ; She commeth roundly indeed and directly to the point . These Women they are the best in the world , for that what they conceiue they lay it downe at the first or second worde : If her husband must perish , shee thinkes it were as good for him to come vnto it by blasphemy h h Beza makes hir perswasion no greter fault , then that shee did aduise him to giue glory to God in coufessing of his sins , and acknoledging that his holines was but in Hippocrisie accordingly as did his Iob friends : but I follow the generall receaued opinion , for they which take the word in its proper signification , hold it notwthstanding to be an execration . then any other way , for that is a speedy course , and she must haue al thinges dispatched out of hand : wherein she fitteth my humor wel , for I wold haue a short cut made of it . These delaies I cannot abide , no more can she . We iumpe in opinion likewise for the means , for blasphemy to be the only means of al other is the resolution of vs both . If the L. suffer that to escape without present death ; he were worthy to be railed at . And I presume though hee be verie patient , yet he wil not indure to be reuiled , and I make no doubt but that Iob can do no lesse at the last , but yeeld vnto his wife ; for is he stronger then Adam was in his innocency ?

Iob.

b b Chap , 1 , 10 Be these words for one that hath beene instructed in the knowledge of the high God ? The worst of all the Heathen , among whom we liue , could not speake more wickedly ? But this is thy wisedome , thou woldest not haue me blesse God . What then ? Raile against Heauen , and blaspheme the euer liuing God ? O miserable and exerable wisedome ! What a strange thing is this , that receiuing so much good from the handes of the almighty , wee should not be contented now with this misery : which how long it shall endure we know not , the Lord may remooue it , to morrow next , if it please him .

Though our goods be lost , the Lord hath enough in store if we serue him : and as for my trouble , ( I being contented with it my selfe ) what needest thou to murmure ? Thou wouldest do something if it were laide vppon thine owne body . I know for a truth that it shall not continue ouer long : so mercyfull is the Lord , that hee will remoue it in due time , one way or other : and wee must waite therefore his leisure a while . The mighty God giue me strength to beare willingly and comfortably this his visitation , and supply vnto mee by the power of his spirit , that which is wanting , that as my paine shall encrease , so my faith , and patience may be greater ; and as I shall be depriued stil of outward comfortes , so the inward ioy of my soule ( fixed strongely vpon his promisses in the Messiah ) may abound more and more .

Rest satisfied here with I pray thee my Wife , and disquiet me no longer : and seeing I am so loathsome and vnsavory , keepe thee I beseech thee farre enough from me . I would be loath to infect thee , and more loath that the sting of thy tongue ( more deadly then any Serpent ) shoulde poyson mee . Hitherunto ( O Lord my God ) thou hast so supported me with thy grace , that notwithstanding all my troubles , I haue not shewed my selfe impatient . Continue I pray thee thy fauor toward me still , euen to the end , that no assaultes of Sathan , ( how strong soeuer ) may ouercome me : that so at the last , thou maist be glorified through my victory , and receiue thankes and praise for my deliuerance .

Syrraxis . 8. Persons . Eliphaz . Bildad . Zophar . Sathan . Eliphaz .

MY good friendes , Chap , 2 , xi we are met together to consult of going to see and comfort Iob , who is most strangely and grieuously visited with sicknesse by the hand of God ? How say yee , shall we goe louingly together to comfort this our old friend in his aduersity ?

Bildad .

You doe well Eliphaz to admonish vs of this duty : for we ought to be mindful of al men , ( specially of the godly ) and more particularly of such among them as are our neighbours and acquaintance , in their tribulation .

Zophar .

I like the motion well , I will be ready whensoeuer you shall appoint : Some comfortable doctrine in this his estate would be verie welcome ; it were good therefore we were prouided this waie .

Eliphaz .

Let vs goe about it cheerefully , being a thing both commaunded of God , and commended of Men. Many a one had beene a castaway if this duty had beene neglected ; the best of vs all needeth counsell in such a case , for we are not easily perswaded to die , wee are not easily armed against Sathans temptations , whose maner is more strongly to assaile vs , then at any time beside . Sicknesse is trouble some , bringeth forgetfulnes , idlenes of braine oftentimes , and therefore good admonitions are necessary , to put vs in minde of God ; to stay vs from dispaire . to advise vs in our affaires , as well for the disposing of that wee haue , as for the ordring of our selus in the extremity of our sicknes . Concerning our behauiour , speach , and demeanor euery way ; for therein we become children againe , needing no lesse guides to direct vs , then Nurses to feed vs , by whose exhortations we may be brought to beare patiently and with contentation of minde , the Lordes visitations , how tedious soeuer , and vntollerable to the flesh .

Bildad .

Doubtlesse the visitation of the sick in generall is a necessary duty , & it were not onely a want of loue in vs , but of common humanity to neglect to visit our friends , & those with whom we haue bin familiar ( chiefly such as we are wel perswaded of for their religion & conuersation ) in their affliction and calamity . But the speciall duty that God calleth for at our hands in this behalfe , is , that we ioyne with them in prayer , being the onely meanes to procure vnto them sound comfort , a sight & sorrow for sin , an assurance through faith in the Lords promises of the forgiuenes of it , together with his fauour in the remouall of the guiltynes of conscience , which otherwise will euer bee griping the hart , and the punishment due vnto the same , in a word , an ease and help euery way , in their distresse .

Zophar .

I a a vers , 12. when they lift vppe their eies a farre off they knew him not , canot saie it is he , for this is such a disfigured body , monstrous and terrible to looke vpon , as big as two bodies , couered all ouer with bloud , and ilfauored matter , that I haue no knowledge at all of him : but by that which I haue heard it should be he , yonder he lies in the middest of a heap of ashes all alone , as a man forsaken and forlorn : no eie pittieth him , that hath bin so pittiful to all . See what a solitary companion pouerty is , all haue betaken them to their wings and fled from her , as from a desert . It is because there is no food here as in times past ? O this feeding of the belly is a notable load stone to draw company vnto vs . It is because there is no mirth here ? For mirth hath a certain hidden vertue in it to procure an appetite there , where mourning marres the Market ? Where is his Wife with her handmaidens ? Where are his Seruantes that are left ? Is there no trusting to these in sicknesse ? Not to them that liue by vs , nor to them that are one with vs ? Whom then shall we trust ? But what a fearefull spectacle is hee ? Doth not his sight affright you ? How is he pestered with sores , are you not amazed at it ? Would it not make all the World to wonder at him , if they saw him ? Can you forbeare marueling ? Can you forbeare weeping to see your friend thus handled ? Verily it would make an Adamant to shed teares .

Eliphaz .

Indeede I know not whether I may wonder , Chap , 2 , v , xii or weep most , while I behold and consider him ? That which is aboue my vnderstanding moueth me to the one , nature to the other ; which when I look higher I must yeald vnto . For what is not the Lord able to doe ? Desist we therefore from the former , and addresse we our selues to the latter , for to make a wonderment of our friend , and a man of that , worth , what folly ' What want of discretion , knowledge and loue should we bewray ? Admit it were our own case , would we be contented to be made a gazing stock , pointed at with the finger , and that all men should stand astonied at vs , and there rest ? Such vsage would go neerer our harts out of question then all the troubles , and torments in the world beside . As a token therfore of our sorrow a a Verse 12 , They lift vp their eies & wept , &c. which we conceiue , that we are humbled in spirit , rent wee our cloaths , lifting vp our voyce vnto Heauen with a lamentable cry , cast we dust vpon our heads , and shed we forth Ryuers of teares for the desolation of our friend . Harken how lamentably he groaneth , groane we ; and grieue we in spirit with him : sit we here , or rather take we vp here an abiding for a certaine b b Verse xiii , Nothing is more ordina rythen the in sulting of the wicked ouer the Godly which they haue from Sathan . 1 Kings 22.24 . time by him , obseruing his gesture , that so we may apply our speeches accordingly .

Sathan .

See how these men wonder at my power , & they may wel wonder at it : for I haue painted Iob with as many colours as the rainbow . The Leopard is not fuller of spots then he with sores , the Gyants are not more huge , & admirable for their stature , then he , for the greatnes of his swoln , & mishapen body . My workmanship is absolute , of corupt matter , festering , swelling , burning , aking of blisters , botches , biles , stripes , wounds great plenty ; these are in the view of the world to make him and his religion odious . Besides , I haue stirred vp his Friends , who are able because of their auncient loue , grauity , and knowledge , to preuaile very much with him , by setting before him the greatnesse of his sins , and the exceeding anger of the lord against him , to bring him ( and that vnder the colour of kindnesse and goodwill ) to despaire of the Lords fauor toward him . This my plot doth maruelously please me aboue all the rest , and hitherto I haue had my desire in it : for I perceiue they begin already to suspect him , not to be the man they took him for in times past , and that because of my strange wonders that I haue wrought vpon him . This was done in the depth of my pollicy , and it proceedeth happily . Adams smart hath made some men suspicions of their wiues , so that they will not be led by them . But what man is there , but that he will harken to the counsel of an olde wise and faithfull friend , whom he presumeth doth intend his good ? I haue prouided me of three of them for failing ; that in the mouths of three witnesses my perswasions may be ratified . Three to one , and they al haile persons against a diseased wretch , bereft of his wits , is oddes enough .

Syrraxis . 9. Persons . Iob Eliphaz

The substance of Iobes complaint in the 3. chap. is set downe in that which succeedeth , though I haue not precisely tyed my selfe to the order of verses , and to speak the truth , the speech proceeding from a troubled spirite , confounded with the violence of his passions , what method could he obserue in it ? and therfore to haue kept my selfe to an order , had bin nothing else , but to transvert the nature thereof ,

Iob.

OVnhappy day wherein I was borne ! O cursed houre a a chap 3 , 3. of my natiuity ! O that the womb had shut me vp , and that I had neuer seene the sun ? Let it bee from henceforth noted for a day of misery , couered with b b Verse 4 darkenes from aboue : a day of feare c c Verse 5 and horror to the sonnes of men , and vtterly without al ioy or comfort , why was I brought forth into the world ? Why was I nurced d d Verse . xi xii . by my mother , nourished , and trained vp ? Why liued I in pleasure , prosperity , wealth and honor ? How much better had it beene for me to haue lien in the graue , e e Verse . 13 that so I might haue felt no torment ? Lamentable f f Verse , 20 is the greef that I now suffer ? I haue no ease , no part free ; boyles and vlcers , that ouerrun my whole body ! O most welcom now wold death g g Verse , 21 22 be vnto me , the most greevous death , that the head of the cruellest Tyrant could inuent . If any kind of death might betide me , I should thinke my selfe as happy as the Kings , h h Verse xiiii that while they liued here vpon earth were commanders of the world : or as the Princes i i Verse , vx that had their houses filled with gold , or siluer , all maner of treasure and welth , now sleeping in the dust , where high k k Verse xix and low are alone without difference : For they without al feare , void of all labor l l Verse xiii and sorrow ; free from anger , threatning , oppression , they complaine not ; they sigh not , they are not heard to grone or roare out through paine .

My golden daies which before I enioyed were ful of terror , m m Verse 25 26 for euen then I stood in awe of this wretchednes that now is fallen vpon me . And though I did what I coulde to prevent it by publicke and priuate prayer , by obeying the Lord in al things , yet would it not do it . Blessed death therfore , how much do I desire thee ? How doeth the remembrance of thee refresh mee in my irkesome and wearisome life . As often as I consider that thou wilt bring me n n Vers xvii 18 case , that thou wilt put an end to al my griefe , and lay me in the graue , where I shall feele no pain : so often do I cal and cry for thee , so often do I wish for thee as the hireling o o verse xvii Laborer for the night , or as hè that grindeth p p Prisoner at the mil , for an end of his thraldome . I would part with al my wealth were it againe in my possession , for a litle ease , for a litle freedom , so that I might be washed or bathed , or any way find some mittigation . Was ther euer seen such a huge & vglie bodie ? Nothing but sores , and those so greeuous g g Verse xxiiii the matter from hence to the end of this speech dependeth hereupon as if I were pricked with needles in euery part ? I am al of goare blood , mingled with scabs , scum , and scurffe , together with such abundance of corrupt matter , as if there were an vndrainable fountain therof in euerie vaine and ioynt of my bodie , which maketh me to do nothing els but sigh , and sob continually . If the dogs might licke my sores I were thrice happie , their tongues are phisicke , they would remoue this stinch , which is so strong that it infecteth the aire , and would be kinder vnto me then my friends that wonder at my sight , and are astonyed at my trouble . The burning of my vlcers , the greeuous burning is as the fire to torment me : yea better were it by far that I were in the burning flame , for that wold dispatch me quickly . Now these my sores are deuised doubtles in the forge of Sathans deepest malice , into whose hands the lord hath now deliuerd me ; and how subtle Sathan is to inuent new torments , and how cruel to inflict them , specialy vpon the dearest children of God , whome he most hateth , if the Lord giue him leaue , who knoweth not .

Eliphaz .

These 7. ❀ a ❀ a chap 2 , xiii daies space haue we mournd with thee in silence only , not vsing so much as a word at any time vnto thee : which we haue done partly because thy pain * b * b Because they saw the greefe was great , v , xiii was so great that it wold haue hindred al exhortation : partly because we were so amazed and terified at the wonderful hand of God vpon thee , that we could not tel what to iudge of thee , whether thou wert the man we tooke thee for in thy prosperity , or one that made shew onely of religion , and of external honesty , hauing a corrupt hart , and being closely of a wicked life ; and partly because we expected something from thee , whereby we might from thine owne mouth receiue directions for our speeches . For being in a great doubt because of thy suddaine and feareful punishment , thogh we knew thee wel before , and had a good opinion ; yea wer marueilously in loue with thee , for those excellent vertues and soundnes in religion , seemed to be in thee , yet durst we not determin the matter , vntil we might heare thee speak . But now that thou hast vttered thy minde and that at large , and therein hast discouered most fowly & shamefully the wickednes of thy hart , and thine hipocrisie in times past , we can no longer forbear , but must needs ( now soeuer thou take it ) impart what after long consideration we conceiue of thy calamity ; and withal make a confutation of thy words , wherein thou pleading thine owne ❀ c ❀ c chap 3 , xvii innocency and the iniury * d * d chap 3 , 23 24.25 , 26 that is offred thee in this thy heauy affliction , thou iustifiest thy selfe , and condemnest the L. as vnrighteous and vniust . Howbeit we may safely protest , that howsoeuer we are exasperated by this thy speech , because it derogateth very much from the Lordes iustice , yet wee came vnto thee with a purpose and desire to administer words of comfort vnto thee , according as our weeping , renting of our cloths , casting dust vpon our heads , lamenting for thee with a loud cry , sitting by thee so long , & comming so far to see thee , doth witnes . And thus hauing yeilded reasons both of our so long silence as also of that shall ensue , ( I wil if thou wilt giue me leaue a a chap , 4 , 2 ) yea without thy leaue ( the matter being of such importance ) according as my yeares require , begin first to reply vpon thee .

HOW comes a a chap , 4 , 3.4 it to passe , that thou which hast bin in times of prosperity a strengthner of others in the faith b b Verse v dost now in thine aduersity shrinke vnder the burden , and despair of saluation ? Surely thou hast bin no goodman , thou hast but deceiued the world with this name ; neither did thy fear to offend god c c Verse vi . proceed of an vnfaind loue & reuerence of his maiesty ; but that thou mightst stil inioy thy health , peace , and abundance , thou didst frame thy self therunto , as the maner of worldlings is , that do al for the commodities of this life , and their credite here without any further respect . These men making the getting togither of riches , the liuing in honor and pleasure their happines , wil be drawne to any religion , and be as forward , as careful , as earnest in it , as the soundest professors themselues in the sight of men , as long as they preuaile in that their drift : but if they faile in that , then they straight waye fall away and speake euill of of the way they professed , and reuile the Author of their religion . Euen so dost thou , which declareth that thou haddest no d d Verse 6. confidence in him , whom thou didest worship . For as is the man , so is his hope : a good life is euer in expectation of a good end . Seeing therefore thou despairest , thy profession doublesse hath not bin sound , nor thy life Godly , nor thy conscience innocent , but guilty of much wickednesse . For were it not so , why art thou thus destroyed ? e e Verse 7 Neither do I iudge thee in this , but they are thine owne wordes : for thou criest out that thou art perished , * f * f Chap , 3.23 Whose way is hid . and come to destruction , whereunto none that are truely righteous and godly , do euer come .

This is a sure , and vnfallible position . Consider the histories of al times , & thou shalt find it so ; do but look into the ordinary course of the world , & there thou shalt be taught the g g v , 7 , where were the vp right destroyed . Verse 8.9 same . It is true in them that are contrary minded , who as a fruit of their trauell in the plowing vp the fields , and preparing the hart vnto euill , in sowing the seed , and doing the deeds of vngodlines : are wont to reape the reward of iniquity , and to vanish away with the wind of the Lords indignation . The h h Vers 10 fiercenesse and cruelty of the Lyon and Lyonesse , making affraid the other beastes with their roaring , raging against them , and preying vpon them continually , is the cause why they are i i Verse xi destro●ed with their Whelpes . And so of the Lionlike Tirants , whom the lord depriuing of their goods gotten by oppression & violence , none otherwise then those rauening beastes of their prey , causeth to perish with hunger , and the teeth of their posterity thereby to be broken and left destitute ; notwithstanding the loude crying , and wofull adoe of their fathers for them , of al meanes to helpe them , and so compelled to wander like vagabouds , and runnagates vpon the face of the earth .

THou boastest of thy absolue a a Chap , 3 , 26 Vide Iunium . care and diligence in the carriage of thy selfe euery way : could it possibly bee such thinkest thou , as wherein there was no defect ? I haue receiued it in 〈◊〉 Heauenly vison b b chap. 4 . 1● at the deadest c c verse 13 ●ime of the night , when men are in their deepest sleepe , and again the imaginations of them that are waking most prosoud , a d d Verse , 15 mighty tempest , going before , as a he rauld to proclaime the Lordes comming vnto me , at whose presence when it passed by me , and I had but a little glimpse of it , because of the exeeding brightnesse , and surpassing beauty thereof , euery ioynt of my body did c c Verse xiiii tremble , and the f f Verse xv . haire of my head did stand an end , all which circumstances do notably cleare it from the least suspicion of false-hood : I receiued it I say from Heauen , and in an Oracle from g g verse . xviii God , that the righteousnesse of the holy Angels h h verse , xviii themselues , being compared with the incomparable righteousnes of the Almighty , is imperfect .

Shall we then poore Creatures , that haue our dwelling in earthly houses , which are base & of no durance , that sodainly vanish away , as being to day liuing bodies , to morrow dead carcases and Wormes meat , that with all our excellency , wealth , and wisedome , canot preuent the stroak of Death , when he once layeth his are to the root of our tree , or draw him to a truce of one day or houre , stand vpon it , that we are iust ; and that we are so absolutely i i verse , xvii , xviii , xix good that there is no want in vs , no not if the Lord himselfe should examin vs , according to that integrity that is annexed to his owne essence ? This were to make our felues better then the Angels , yea , equall with God himselfe ; who alone in the iudgement of the very Insidels , is simply , and perfectly good .

Alas silly Wormes , we may more truely confesse of our selues , because of the corruption of our nature , so polluted throughout , that nothing pure can possibly be remaining in vs , that notwithstanding all our care and diligence to do well , wee are neuerthelesse far from perfection , as by the effects of all our actions doth appeare : for without all exception made from the generall rule , wee offend in euerie action ; euen in praier it selfe , the best of all other . And in that we walke more vprightly then many others , we must knowledge it to bee the hand of the Lord vpholding vs : which were it not , we should fal most grossely euery moment , and finally to destruction without recouery : which being so , the case is most plain and euident , that God when he punisheth the best of vs , he doth vs no wrong , or iniury ; neither doth he shew himselfe vniust toward vs , as thou exclaimest against him , because of thine own particular calamity , but executeth most righteous iudgment howsoeuer he dealeth with vs . For as hath bin said , the most righteous man offendeth in the most holy action that he vndertaketh , and so to , that for his default therein , he k k Verse . 20 , 21. deserueth to haue his name rased out here on earth , l l Chap , 5 , 1 & to be depriued of the fauor of God for euermore . It is manifest then , that thou art in an error , thus to stand vpon thy perfection , as who should say , thou wert so good , as that the lord had nothing against thee . What aduocate hast thou that wil plead for thee in defence of that thou maintainest ? Or who is there , that thou calling vpon him neuer so importunatly , or crying aloud neuer so outragiously and shamefully for helpe , will take thy part ? If thou fly to the Godly , they will not , for they are euer the forwardest of all other to acknowledge their wants , & to confesse that their sins haue pulled the iudgments of the Lord vpon them : they know , that to reason as thou dost , and to say they vndergo the Lords indignation vndeseruedly , were to make themselus more righteous then god , which were a detestable kind of disputing , as diminishing the Lords , and establishing their own righteousnes ; pulling God out of his throne of iustice , and placing man in his roome ; aduancing the creature aboue the creator , which is blessed for euer . If to the vngodly , they cannot , for we see the wrath of the Lord breaking forth against them daily for their transgressions , rooting them out , and that in a moment , when they in their owne imagination haue wel nestled themselues , and are strongly perswaded that they are seated for euer , and shal neuer suffer any change or alteration in their estate .

When a destruction m m Chap 5.1 commeth vppon a land , these euer goe to the pot , and first pay for it ; if the theese commeth he taketh of theirs ; if the needy , n n Verse 5 he eateth vp theirs ; if a raine or floud , it marreth and drowneth euermore that which belongeth vnto these ; if the sworde , or pestilence , it deuoureth these , together with their o o Verse 4 progeny : which argueth them capitall male-factors , and that they are with out all pretence or excuse .

Other p p Verse 6 iudges punishing them , they might alledge peraduenture indiscretion , malice , ouersight , cruelty , or the like for themselues : but the iudge of all the World executing his wrath vpon them , they can take no exception , but must acknowledge , that the Lord hath by his displeasure toward them , ( which appeareth in their punishment ) laied them open , as great offenders , to the view of all men .

DOth he not deale so with thee now , Chapter 5. what cloak therefore hast thou to couer thy sins ? Wilt thou say there is nothing in thee that is the cause of this thy misery , but that it commeth out of the earth , or it is a casual thing incident to Man , or else the course of nature , in the which there is sometime a flourish , sometime a decay ? To this I answer , that the cause of mans affliction is in himselfe , and commeth no other way . For , as we see in the sparkles a a chap. 5 , v , 7 of the coales a naturall lightnesse to fly vpward , so in vs there is a natural corruption , which as fire couered breaketh forth , and kindleth the coales of * actual sin ; This is spoken not that originall sin deserueth not death , but to snew how sin commeth in . sin when it is conceiued , the coales of Gods anger against vs , which neuer returneth empty without some blowes vpon our backs that moued him to displeasure . So then the cause of our calamity is not externall , but internal proceeding from our sins within vs : whereunto wee are as inclinable , through the deprauation that cleaueth vnto vs , as the flame or smoake to ascend vpward .

To acknowledge b b Verse 8 therfore vnfeignedly thy fault , and to seeke vnto him by camest praier euen vpon thy knees , that is as able to helpe thee , as he was to hurt thee , thou wilt find when thou hast al done to be thy best course . This e e vers. viii , I wold inquire at God way would I take if I were in thy steed . And so hauing prooued that the Lord doth now visit thee for thy sins , and so deale with thee as his custome hath beene to deale with the most wicked among men , ( whom for a time hee suffreth to flourish , that their fall might be greater ) I will now d d verse . 9 confirm vnto thee , that God is able though thou despairest thereof , as thy speech more then bewraieth , and will , because hee is mercifull , cure such as sue vnto him in sorrow & assurance . And further that which he hath done vnto thee , hath bene in the high Court of his eternal wisedome and Counsel , first concluded vpon , and then afterward in most perfect equity and Iustice administred and executed likewise vpon thee : al which shew thy folly , to contend with him .

Wee cannot handle these his properties so distinctly by themselues , because they are vnseperable companions , and so go to gither , that they can hardly bee found seuered the one from the other in anie of his workes , for sometime his power , sometime his wisedome , sometime his mercie is the most predominate artribute ; and sometimes they are al so eminent , that it can hardly bee discerned whether of them doth beare the greatest sway in action : wherefore we shal be compelled to let them go together . His power f f verse x and so his wisedome is vnspeakeable , in prouiding an habitation and raiment for man , beast , and plants : in feeding and nourishing them together with al creatures which are inumerable with the dew of his blessing : In ruling and ouer-ruling them at his pleasure , for when he wil he chaungeth the verie order which he hath set in nature , and turneth all things vpside downe .

How fruitful doth hee make the earth , that is an element in it owne nature , most vnfitte forgeneration ? for colde , and drie , ( which is the constitution thereof ) is no friend thereunto . The fruite of the Sea , how contrary is it vnto the Fountaine ? the one being fresh , the other being salt ? The g g verse . xi Counsel of the wicked he confoundeth , taketh the most crafty h h v , xii : xiii xiiii and politicke of them in their owne net , and so o●d●eth mutters that they contriue their owne o●●●● throw .

A man would woonder how it should come to passe , that men of that place , wisedome , and experience , should be so blinded , as to stumble at noon day , or grope for light when the sunne shines . Can i i vers , xv xvi be do these great thinges , and can he not raise vp him whom he hath debased ; Yes verily , he both can , and will , if he belong vnto him : for such he preserueth from the k k 18 , verse xix 20 &c sword , from oppression , from violence , from euil tongues , and from whatsoeuer l l Six troubles verse , xix euils , which the wicked are continually subiect vnto .

There m m verse 27 is no doubt therefore , but that the Lorde ( if thou haue recourse vnto him by praier ) will deliver thee out of this thy calamity : and if thou sue vnto him for forgiuenes , with a promise of amendment he wil restore thee againe to thy former estate , and make thee no lesse blessed n n Verse , xvii Chap , 6 vers 2 , 3 then in times past .

Iob.

Thou maruellest at my complaint , but considerest not my paine , though I am wounded by the Arrowes o o vers 4 of the Almighty , and my greefe if it were wel weighed , would bee heauier then the p p verse 3 sand ? My soule doth abhorre such manner of me at as thou doest administer . It hath no more relish or comfort in it , then there is in the white of an Egge , yea it is more bitter vnto me then Wormwood .

Thou condemnest me for my vaine q q verse 6 speeches , not considering that many light speeches are woont to passe from men in such vehemency of paine as I indure . For were I of stone r r x ver: xii or brasse , I were not able to beare it ? How then should I vnder goe it , but that I must needes expresse some greefe ? In the greatest bitternes of my affliction , I euer shewed forth some token of my f f ver x hope in the Lorde : and that which thou gatherest vppon my Words to the contrary , is but thine owne finister conceit .

For what if I swarued aside a little in my wordes , doth it therefore follow by and by , that I despaire of saluation , and so am become a reprobate ? Is this your charity , thus rashly to iudge your Brother ? Howe if I take not that comfort to my selfe , now in the time of my sickenesse , which I gaue vnto the diseased when I was in health ; doth that prooue that there was no soundnes within , but that all was done in Hippocrifie ? Or doeth not rather the vnsupportablenesse of my trouble cause the same ? Which being so great ( were there that Friendship and kindnes in you , you pretend toward me , in this your visitation ; ) your harts woulde rather melt thereat , then you woulde stand thus amazed and incensed .

And I tell you , he that doth not relent in heart to see his Brother in such a case ( as you now see me ) howsoeuer he flatteteth himselfe to the contrarie , yet in verie deed he hath cast off the feare f f chap , 6 , 14 of the Almighty . When I needed you not , you would be very pleasant with me , but nowe you are like a brooke g g v , 15.16 xvii xviii xx , xxi dryed vp in the time of drought , which defraudeth the traueller of his expectation : who seeing such aboundance of Waters in the Winter , repaireth thither in his necessity , with a hope to be releeued . For there is nothing with you now but dumpes , or rough and harsh Wordes , vnsauory and vnseasonable speeches , & condemning my life and religion without cause .

If I shoulde desire your releefe ( which neuertheles one friend may honestly craue of another ) either for my selfe or for mine ; h h Verse xxii or your labour and trauell for me , or else your substance to ransome i i Verse xxiii me out of the hands of an enemy , or to free me from prison : it were no honesty for you to deny me a good worde , kind and louing speech , your charitable opinion , which would be no hinderance nor losse at al vnto you ? Thy heauenly vision proueth that the righteousnes of man is not to bee compared with the incomprehensible righteousnes of the Almighty : And againe , that there is no man but would bee found faulty , if the Lord shoulde strictly examine him : but this is nothing to the matter in hand ( being this ) Whether God punnisheth for no other cause but for sinne ? k k Verse xxv

There is great force in a iust reproofe , but no man regardeth these friuolous Obiections . Thoustandest trifling vpon wondes , and those also are wrested to ●wrong sence : what canst thou truely reprehend ( Eliph●● ) in the substance l l Verse xxvi of my speech ? Leaue off then to be verball , and learne to be more materiall ; let go words and instance in any particular , conuince me of error in it , and I wil yeeld : which if thou canst not do , as in my conscience thou shal not be able ( for I am not guilty within my selfe of ought wherof thou accusest me ) then cease thy reprehension . But were it that this thy reprehension were iust , yet were it want of discretion in thee to greeue a sicke man , as weake , and as vnable to helpe himselfe as a sucking m m verse 27 2● childe . For he that will do good by his phisicke , must haue respect vnto the time , and then administer it , when his patient is fit for it .

Such a one derideth not his patient , though he be neuer so much diseased , and neuer so great a stranger vnto him , but yee play vpon me that am of your old and familiar acquaintance , with termes of reproch . It is not good counsel thou giuest me Eliphaz , when thou aduisest me to accuse my selfe that am innocent n n Verse xxix . of al impiety and vngodlines : For hereby should I dishonor my holie profession , and deface the graces of God in me , and sinne against mine owne soule .

WHerefore seeing you can giue me no better counsel then so , Chap 7 I wil turne awaie from you and speak vnto him that is able to informe me aright : harken vnto me thou which iudgest righteously , while I put my payne and my complaint together in a ballance . Euerie a a chap 7 ▪ 1.2 . daie hath his greefe , the seruant wisheth for the shaddow , the laborer for an end of his worke . The trauels of no condition or degree of men haue an end , but while they liue they are tyed vnto them as an hireling to his wages : yet these are not contional , but haue some intermission ; neither are they without fruite : but b b Verse 3 4 in this my visitation I haue no reliefe , no ease at al , neither is there anie commodity at al comming vnto mee thereby : come not against me , therefore ( I pray thee ) any more , which already haue no rest night nor day , I am courted with Wormes , c c Verse 5 bises , break out of my flesh , my skinne cleaueth asunder as the earth partched with the Sunne , neither do thou hasten my life , that flieth as fast away as a Weauers shuttle , and cannot be recalled backe when it is once gone , it vanisheth away in a trice , like vnto a puffe of wind , or a bubble of Water , before I am aware or can see cause why : I shall neuer be partaker any more of any thy blessings here vpon earth ; I shal bee depriued of thy eies d d Verse 8 of prouidence to attend vppon me , I shal be consumed as a e e Verse 9 cloud before the Sunne from the society of Men , neuer returne againe to liue a naturall life , to conuerse and haue my habitation among them as now I haue . In that I do complaine so much , and shew my selfe impatient in this my distresse , it proceedeth from the vnablenesse ( or as it is indeede ) from the impossibility of flesh and bloud to beare it .

O let me know what is thy purpose ? Heerein am I as the Sea , f f Verse xii or the Whale-fish , that thou shouldest keepe me in ward ? A small matter would tame mee : I was neuer as these wilde Creatures , but most willing to obay thee . What extremity is this , that my g g Verse xiii , bed should yealde me no comfort , no sleepe come into mine eyes , fearefull h h Verse xiiii visions alwaies affright me in the night ; this causeth me so much to complaine and to wish to die , yea rather to be strangled i i verse xv ( the most cursed death of all other ) then to carry about me longer these rotten bones .

To what purpose is al this ? Lesse k k verse xvi 17 xviii . adoe would bring me to the graue ? Will it not serue the turne , but that I must be proued night and day , morning and euening , euery moment , and that I must bee so followed and plyed , that not so much respit must be yealded as to swallow my l l verse xix spittle , but that it is euer ready to choake me vp : which being so , how can it otherwise bee , but that thou hast determined that I shall now sleepe in the dust and not recouer ? Take away therefore my sinne and my transgression , remoue the guiltinesse of my crimes , that otherwise may be as a Clog and terrour to my conscience , and free the same of feare , through the comfort of thy spirit , and of all doubt of forgiuenesse and saluation , through the assurance of thy mercy .

Syrraxis . 10. Persons . Bildad . Iob. Bildad .

I See I must bee compelled to interrupt thee ? Chap 8 how long wilt thou vsesuch speeches as these , being like a a a Verse 2 tempest , to ouerthrow the Lordes iudgementes ? Thy gesture , is as harsh as thy wordes : thy loude voice , earnest speech , angry countenance , mouing of thy body , beating with thy hand , doe declare thy ouermuch heat , and distemper , and that thy passions ouerbeare thee ? And as for thy wordes , I maruell how thou darest vtter them , for that they tend altogether vnto thine owne defence b b Verse 3 and derogate from the Lords iustice .

Be these good speeches : I am innocent , *c *c Chap. 6 , 2. I haue not offended ; my affliction * d * d Ch. 6 , 2 , 3 , 4 is not deserued on my part ; the Lord therefore in punishing me peruerteth the rule of iustice ; the Almighty doth not that which is right . So thou makest the Author of all equity , vnrighteous ; and no God . For seeing righteousnesse is annexed to his essence , if he be not righteous , he is not . But remember what he hath done to thy Children , and why ? And repent thee betimes , least hee strike thee with Death , as he did them for their transgression : which if thou do , it shall go well e e Vers , 5 , 6 , 7 with thee , and it had gone well with thee alwaies , but that thou diddest dissemble with him , and thy latter end had beene more blessed then thy beginning . And so it shall bee still , if yet thou doe bewaile thy former life . But for f f Vers. 8 , 9 , 10 proofe of the former , concerning the Lordes handling of the wicked , I referre me to former times : for what should we speak of our owne knowledge or experience , that were born as it were but yesterday , & our daies are but a shadow in comparison of theirs . The liues of the ancient fathers that liued before the floud ( though nine hundred years ) were but a shadow to , as wel as ours ( in respect of eternity ) and the L. God , with whom a thousand years are but as one day . Howbeit in regard of our daies they were long , and many : and therefore whereas by meanes of the shortnesse of our life wee fee not the rysing and fall of the wicked and their posterity , they liuing long saw it . Beside , the Lord who talked familiarly with them , reuealed his will vnto them in more speciall manner then vnto vs : and further being so graue and of that excellent wisedome , ( through long practise ) they would not be rash , nor ouerseene in their censure .

Now Eliphaz * f * f Chap. 5.3 , to be reuerenced for his years , hath taught thee what their iudgment hath bin concerning the Lordes punishmentes : namely , how he afflicteth no man but for sin , and euery man for sin , in that measure as his sinnes deserue , and this order to bee alwaies kept , and neuer any swaruing from it . And I tel thee , that it standeth no more with the iustice of God , that an Hypocrite should continue , then with nature , that a g g Chap , 8 , xi 12 , 13 , xiiii rush should grow in drye ground , or Sea-grasse without water , or a Spiders web remaine in a place frequented . Hee may flourish for a time , and spread abroade , but wanting the fountaine of liuing Waters and a sure foundation , the heate of the Sunne of the Lordes indignation will partch him , or the beasome of his vengance will sweep him away : neither h h Verse xv shall the prop of their riches , though they haue it to leane vpon in aboundance , saue them from his wrath .

NOw for thy comfort , Chap. 8 , xvi if thou take holde of the latter , he that followeth after righteousnesse , though the Sunne shine vppon him , yet is hee not scorched with the heate thereof , but flourisheth the more , because the place where hee groweth , is a pleasant and fruitfull soile , well manured , watered with the liuing spring of the Lords blessing , and he is deepely rooted in the bankes thereof , consisting of a a a Verse xvii craggy Rocke , into which his roote windeth it selfe , and so his braunches , are diffused , farre and neare . Neither is his grubbing b b Verse xviii vp to be feared , because his root lyeth hid in the rocke and cannot be found . And c c Verse xix therefore , as when he is liuing , many young plants spring from his root , wherin he reioyceth ; so , when he is withered and rotten , they arise from his stumpe , lying hid in the earth ( as it were ) out of the dust , in the which being dead he lyueth .

Hence it appeareth on the one side , that the Lord neuer yealdeth comfort to the impenitent in their distresse , and on the other side , that he neuer reiecteth such as in repentance d d Verse xx seeke vnto him . If therefore thou ( acknowledging thy former wickednesse ) shalt resolue vppon a better course , according as wee haue admonished thee , this thy excessiue mourning shall be changed into inestinable e e Vers , xxi ioy , and thy mouth hath not beene so full of complaintes in this thy aduersity , as it shall bee of prayses , for the rich mercyes thou shalt receiue in thine owne person , and for the confusion thine eyes shall behold to fall vpon the Lords f f Vers. 22 enimyes , the haters , and despisers of his seruants .

Iob.

YOu condemne mee ( my friendes ) for a wicked Man , Chap. 9 and an Hypocrite , and that vpon this ground , because I pleade for mine owne innocency : for therein say you I disanull the Lordes righteousnesse . Which collection of yours , how farre it is from my meaning I will now makes manifest , and herein I will answer , not only to thee Bildad , but to Eliphaz too ; who charged me with the same crime before .

I acknowledge therefore that the L. is iust in his waies , and that man in no sort may bee compared a a Verse 2 with him , neither ought hee at all to contend with him , as being not able to answere one of a thousand b b Verse 3 thinges , that hee shal obiect , not to see one fault of a thousand that he seeeth ; not to vse one reason amongest many for his defence , which is more light then vanity it selfe , when he commeth to his scanning . For mans wisedom c c verse 4 and strength , how is it turned into folly and weaknes ; into how smal a compasse doth it come , and how little way doth it reach , being conferred with the infinit wisedome of God , whereby he determineth of things , & his in comprehensible power to put his counsels in execution ? It is not then for any one to gaine say , but in al submission to yeild vnto him . And there is a necessity in it to ; for if the excellency of his wisedome and the vnsearchablenes thereof , wil not bring me to condiscend ; his strong arme wil presse them vnto it perforce : neither shal they find either peace of conscience to themselues , or any outward comfort , vntil they cease their rebellion , and becom obedient . For who can resist his force , when sometimes he translateth the mountaines d d verse 5 that are so huge and mighty out of their places , and sometimes being angry , laieth them leuell with the plaine , so that the place where they stood before being sought for , cannot be found : maketh the earth e e verse 6 that standeth so sure to tremble , and the foundation thereof to shake .

When he causeth the sunne f f verse 7 to shine most gloriously in the firmament in the day , guiding thereby the worlde , and deuiding the times , and the Moone by her light to abate the darkenes of the night ; and these both , euen as if they were sealed vp to withdraw their shining at his beck . When he stretcheth out the heauens as a goodly g g verse 8 Canopie ouer the whole face of the earth , and walking amidst the vntamed waues of the raging sea , apeaseth the fury therof . When he disposeth of the time , and deuideth it into Autume , Winter , Spring , and Summer , according to the foure constellations of h h verse 9 Arcturus , Orion , Pleiades , the Climates of the South answering thereunto , whose diuers influences worke the diuersity of these foure seasons .

This is the Lordes doing to gouerne the earth below , by the firmament which is aboue , and to giue names to all the hoast of Heauen , and to appoint to euery starre his office and course , and likewise his operation in those inferior bodies . Thus i i Verse x is the Lord , wonderful in his waies , as being such , as neither can bee numbred nor found out : so difficult and hidden are his Councels , that though he set them before our eyes , k k Verse xi and bring them home vnto our view , yet can we not comprehend them . Wherefore , as often as it shal seeme good vnto him to take any mans substance from him , or his life , who shal compel him that is of that mightie power , to make restitution ? Nay , who shall demaund of him , that is of that surpassing wisedome , l l Verse xii and abundant mercy , why hee doeth so ? for these two being alwaies present with him , how can there be either errour or rigor in his iudgement ? Neither doeth the supposition of his will , derogate any thing from the maner and rule of his Iustice .

For albeit it bee his will and pleasure to afflict vs , yet is not this wil of his tyranical and vniust : because , it is neuer seuered from the attributes of his Wisedome , Equity , Mercy , Goodnes , and Patience , whereby he is inclinable in his Diuine nature , which is vnchangeable to nothing , but that which is right , and in such sort to , as he cannot be drawne to the contrary , or to ought that swarueth but the bredth of a naile therefrom .

To let fly his anger m m Verse xii against the strong and haughty of spirit , with their complices & coadiutors of al sorts , declareth his Noble valor and puisance , and that he is a worthy warior , not fearing the faces of the mightiest and proudest aduersary , but dareth encounter him with his confederates , how venturous , how resolute , how well prouided , howe strongely combined soeuer he be ? That heroical vertue of magnanimity is seene , in the pulling downe the pride and stomacke of these Champions , and the effect of his greatnes in grinding them to powder , and confounding theyr conspiracy .

Here is no iniquity in this , but most perfect equity , that rebellion should be taken downe ; disloyalty couragiously repressed . Now if these great ones may not preuaile when they contend with him , nor contend with him neither , but to their ruin , how shal I n n Verse 14 that am so base and vile , standing out against him , make my part good , or bee able to deale with him by argument , but that I must beare away the shame of it , and be wel beaten for my presumption ?

ADmit I were free from all spot of sinne in mine owne sight , chap. 9. xv . yet would I not ( neither was it euer in my mind heere to fore ( though thou laiest it to my charge Bildad ) ❀ a ❀ a chap 8 , 3 to striue with my maker about my integrity : but rather , to sue vnto him that is my indge for mercy . For , shall he that is arraigned at the bar , be at variance with him that hath his life in his hands ? The Iudge can better skil of the law then the Prisoner can , and seeth him faulty and culpable , where hee least suspecteth ; hath sundrie accusations against him , and many waies to condemn him which he neuer dreamed of . But graunt I were of that minde , and that the Lorde would yeelde vnto mee so farre , to suffer mee to plead my cause before him , and maintaine my innocency ; yet notwithstanding the dread of his maiesty woulde strike such a horror and trembling into me , that I should not be able to do it . And againe it is not credible , neither can I beleeve it , that he would giue sentence on my side , with an acknowledgement of iniury offered me one his part : but beleeue rather , that he would satisfie me in rendring a reason why he thus handleth me . For he is a iust God , and there is none iniquity in him : Againe , he is constant in his proceedings , and wil not reuoke them , vntil that which , he intendeth be accomplished .

And as for the feare and astonishment I conceiue in the beholding of his glory , it ariseth from his terrible and dread ful iudgements which are now vppon me , so many waies , and so greeuous , as is almost incredible . When the Lorde would draw men to an awe of his Maiesty , his maner hath bin sodainely to discend from heauen in a Whirlewind , b b Verse xvii Tempest , and Thunder , for so hath he shewed himselfe to me in this my calamity . He hath broken me in pieces like a Gyant , al the waues and stormes of his anger , ( not from beneath and wrought by secundary causes ) but from aboue , sent immediately as it were from his owne hand , as if he had my raculously opened the Windowes of heauen , haue turmoiled me , and he himselfe extraordinarily in the heighth of his indignation , as being incensed out of measure , c c Verse xvii Without cause . hath thundred out of heauen against me , powring out the whole viols of his wrath vpon my body , insomuch that by means of the excessiue bitternes of the griefe which I suffer thoroughout my whole body , I haue no respit to drawe d d Verse xviii my winde .

This deterreth me from being desirous to enter in disputation with the Lord about my affliction , as fearing least thereby he should bee moued the more against me : This also perswadeth me that there is no hope of life remaining for me , and that therefore your arguments making for the restoring me againe to my former estate vpon my confession of Hippocrisie , and of many other notorious offences committed by me , ( which as long as I haue any being , my Conscience testifying otherwise to my vnspeakeable comfort , I wil neuer acknowledge ) are al spent in vaine , and to no purpose .

In vaine likewise ( for I see not to what end it is ) : Diàkenest . Septuag. ch. 9 , v , xvii without cause at leastwise without cause in my vnderstanding , and the apearance of men is it , that I endure this feareful torment ; for they cannot say , neither can I my selfe conceiue , no not then , when I take a straight view of my life , how I haue so offended , to be so strangely afflicted ? Howbeit the Lorde being my Iudge ( in whose sight no flesh whatsoeuer can iustifie it selfe , ) I knowe for a surety that I shall not bee found , neither shall I be able to contend : For he that wil stand in contention , must haue either strength d d Verse 19 to defend himselfe , or right on his side : but I am weake , and the Lord is strong ; he hath the law in his handes , sitteth vpon the iudgement seate , and defineth what right is : I haue small knowledge in the law , to him that is the law-maker : I haue none to commense suite for me in his presence , neither can I my selfe come in place .

Moreouer , the right of a vertuous life which I claime to my selfe ( in regard of Men ) will not be admitted of in his court . My insufficiency to e e Verse 20 speake for my selfe , were my cause neuer so good , and the feare of condemnation by mine owne tongue , because of his sharpnesse , and my dulnesse , abate mine earnestnesse this way . If I should be receiued into his presence , and should vse these words , only to make triall how he would conuince me , he would forthwith without any further proofe , for this my boldnesse and presumption , that I durst vtter a sillable tending to my iustification in his presence , iudge me of mine own mouth , as a proude and wicked person : Yea , vppon his dislike , carefully examining mine owne conscience , f f Verse 26 I should be compelled to acknowledge , that the pangs of my disease distracted my mind , and so be constrained to disalow of my selfe , and to detest what formerly I had defended .

HItherunto I haue spoken in the Lordes defence , Cha , 9 , 21 , 22 and haue saide as much ( and more to ) in the behalfe of his power and iustice , as you haue done . Now , that wee may leaue the rest to the censure of them that shall consider of the conflict between vs , whereas in handling the iustice of God , you shewed it to consist in the reward of the godly , continuing in their vprightnesse ; or if they go astray , in blessing them after chastizement , vppon their amendment , and in the punishment of the vngodly , and that speedily , and to the vtter cutting them off , or else if he suffer them long , in reseruing them to a more heauy , and fearefull iudgement : yet such as neuer faileth to be inflicted vpon them , euen in this life , and proceeded no further , I haue added this withal , that it is a part of the lords iustice , to correct his owne seruants , that are righteous and innocent : because , though the world nor their owne conscience do not accuse them of ought , yet the Lord ❀ f ❀ f Verse xii 1 Iohn 3 , 29 whose eies are better then mens , can find out mater against them , and bring it to the light of their owne knowledge ; in such sort , that they shall bee driuen to denounce the sentence of guiltinesse , euen against themselues .

This is it onely troubleth me : which because you see not into , bringeth in the defference between vs . In your opinion , if the Godly fal not away from their integrity , he afflicteth them not at al : which , if it were true , then a g g verse 23 scourge comming vppon a people , the wicked onely should smart for it : but common experience sheweth , that they which remaine in their integrity , pay for it aswell as the dissolute and disordered : and in such manner and measure of extremity to , and continuaunce of misery , that the Lorde may seeme to bee delighted in their sorrow , and laugh at their distresse .

Then the wicked should not be Lords of the h h verse 24 earth , and the righteous troden vnderfoot , as we see euery where in the world at this day . Then such as are hood i i He couereth the faces of the iudges . verse 24 winked when they should punnish capitall and notorious offenders , and are more then Eagle sighted to spy a hole in an honest mans coate , hunting him in euery corner for his vertues , should not prosper and flourish as they do in all places . If this be not so , let him be brought forth that can disproue me , either in the matter , or in the Author that I ascribe it vnto : For , if God shoulde not haue a stroke in the preferment to earthly honour , or if this should come to passe , without his ordinance , we might iustly exclude him from the gouernment of the world .

But alasse ( that I may returne againe to that I intend ) how momentany is the prosperity of such , as giue themselus to piety ? The light k k verse xxv Horse that runneth in a race striuing to winne the prize , flyeth not more swiftly . The l l verse xxvi shippe , that is loaden with nothing but a few dainties , greatly desired , hauing winde and tyde to helpe her forward , and being neare the Hauen which she hath long wished for , passeth not faster away : The Eagle when shee is hungry , and hasteth to the carcase , cutteth not the aire more speedily , then their happy daies vanish away . Lastly m m My daies Verse 25 I my selfe , who had al my substance and reputation taken from me in the turning of an hand , am a visible proofe thereof . Thus your positions , as wel that the wicked come alwaies sodainly to destruction , as that the godly continue firme and vnmoueable in their happy estate , fall both to the ground .

Trouble and griefe , indeed , the godly are sure of ; that sticketh by them , they cannot be free from it , but as for ioy and gladnes , the wicked haue it in more continuance , and greater measure then they . I must therefore dissent from your opinion , wherein you affirme , that the Lord chastizing his seruants , neuer smiteth at the root , * n * n Bildad Ch , 8 , v. 17 , 18 Elip . chap. 5 , v xix , 25 , 26 to the vtter ruin of them , and theirs temporally , but raiseth them vp againe , either in their own person , or in their posterity : and say of my selfe ( howbeit his seruant ) notwithstanding your rash iudging to the contrary , that he will neuer o o Verse 27 , 28 clense me of these vlcers , which vex and consume my body in euery part . For if I should be wicked p p verse 29 as you accuse me , then the Lord would not heare me , & so I shold vse but wast words in my defence for my recouery : If I should q q Verse 30 be innocent and clean from offence , as he that is washed with snow water , or purged with sope , and so become as white as Snow , or wooll ; yet should I be as a man fallen into a r r Vers. 31 ditch , and wallowing in the mire in his sight . And therefore his decree shall take place vpon me , the s s And mine owne cloths shal make me filthy , v , xxxi herse shall couer me , and the mourners with their blacke attire shall accompany me to to the graue , which all men auoide , and this shall conuince me to be defiled with sinne .

THe cause why I should not bee found innocent , pleading my cause before the L. is , because he is not a man as I a a chap , 9 , v , 32 am : our estate and condition is diuers and far different , and the power of his Godhead would ouerwhelme me . He giueth the mouth to man , he may stop it vp : He openeth the vnderstanding , & powreth reasons into it , he may close it , and leaue it so naked that I shal not haue one argument for my defence . In euery disputation it is necessary , that there be some b b verse 33 moderator and iudge appointed , who by his authority , may prescribe an order therein ; as to reduce them to the point again , when they stray from it , to restrain them from inconuenient tearmes ; to commaund silence ; againe , as occasion shall be offered , to arbitrate the whole controuersie in euery particular .

Now , seeing the Lord , who is of that incomprehensible glory , power , and wisedome , must be one party in the disputation whereof I now speak : where is there any , in heauen or earth , that is able , or may be admitted as arbitrator ? Howbeit , if he might bee intreated to ease mee of this my c c verse 34 paine , to put availe betweene mine eyes and his infinite brightnesse , and to answer me not by thunder , tempest , or Earth-quake , but in a stil and soft voice : then d d verse xxxv I doubt not , but I should purge my selfe euen in his presence , of those heinous crimes you lay to my charge , and proue my selfe to be another manner of Man , than you make account off .

To take this course , mine innocency ( both in respect of men ) though they be mine enimies , if they speak truely , & of mine owne conscience imboldneth ; and my necessity , because I haue none beside to iudge my cause , compelleth me . My purpose therein , is not to cleare my selfe of al fault in the examination of the Almighty , for that I cannot doe , ( according as I haue often acknowledged : ) but that hee might disproue your accusations as false , and approue of me as an vnfeigned fauorer of his truth , and louer of vertue , though now smitten by him as you see .

NOw wil I presuppose that the Lord had giuen me audience , Chap. x and that I were to speake for my selfe in his presence ; then thus would I say vnto him . O my GOD , through the excessiue griefe of my bodye , and a a Verse i anguish of my Soule , my life is so loathsome , so tedyous , so heauie and wearisome a burden vnto me , that I cannot withholde , but must needs let goe what I conceiue in my mind . I know thou art a iust God , iudging righteously , and the earthly Iudges are not of that equity and lenity as thou art : Do not thou therefore denounce the sentence of condemnation b b Verse 2 against mee , before thou hast made the cause of my punishment knowne vnto me : For this were to deal worse with me , then the Iudges of this world are wont . Opression and cruelty is farre from thee : thou wilt not then I trust defraud me of that which is mine owne spoile , and depriue me c c Verse 3 of mine innocency and Iustice , which is my right : for why shouldst thou do so when it will be no commodity nor commendation vnto thee at al ? This manner of dealing is among wicked Iudges , whome all men condemne .

The common artificer hath a loue to his owne handie worke , and cannot abide that it should bee defaced : I am the worke of thy hands , my hope is , thou wilt deale no otherwise by me . They are furious craftsmen that rent in sunder their owne labour : they are as monstrous as the damme that regardeth not her owne yovng ones , that haue a loathing or dislike of their owne cunning . The Magistrate here below sheweth fauor oftentimes to guilty and apparant wicked persons , and thou thy selfe lettest them prosper here in the world : Thou wilt not ( I perswade my selfe ) bee more hard then men ? thou wilt not be kinde to the open offenders , and vnkind vnto me that haue indeuored my self to a better course .

Men are carried with affection d d Verse 4 arising from their corrupt nature , with a peruerse conceipt , with a preiudicate opinion : they iudge by the countenance , they ouershoote themselues in their doings through the ignorance that is in them , they are blinded with anger , malice , selfe-loue , desire of worldly gaine , fleshly delight , earthly honor . None of al these are incident to thy most pure nature , no affection doth ouersway thee ; sinister opinion , conceipt , superficiall knowledge , thou wast neuer acquainted withall , but thy doings are in soundnes of iudgement , and deepnes of wisedome fetched from the rootes themselues , so that thy search is of the inward partes and Original of thinges , and thy proceeding to iudgement by that rule ; which maketh me to maruel ( speciaily seeing thou neuer swaruest e e verse 5.6 from the same method , ) how thy sentence hath passed against me thus to afflict me that am of that singlenesse and sincerity of hart toward thee ? And again , why thou sholdst take so much time to enquire into me , and deferre me off so long before thou callest me to my answere .

Our rulers heere on earth vse delaies in difficult causes , because they cannot see into them at the first , and their maner is , to torture offenders , to draw them to a confession : but thou knowest what is in the breast , and spiest into the waies of men before hand , and therefore needest not to vse any such extremity toward me ( if I were guilty ) but being not guilty f f verse 7 , whence commeth it , that I am denied release from these troubles ?

Thine own hands g g verse 8 haue fashioned me , and that in great wisedome ; there is not the least part of my bodie , which thou thy selfe hast not framed . My very excrements , as my haires and nailes , are thy handy worke . These coulde not haue bin added by any creature , if thou thy selfe haddest not anexed them , as a ful complement to the residue : shall thy displeasure then be as a gulfe to swallow me vp euerie whitte , vppon whome thou hast bestowed such great labor ? Haue a respect ( I pray thee ) to my weaknes and frailty , consider how brittle a vessel h h verse 9 I am , and that I am as soone broken as the Workmanship of the potter . Remember the base matter which thou hast ordained as the ground of my substance , at the first ; into the which I shal bee resolued at thy pleasure , though thou neuer vse this violence .

Where the cittie is strong and will not yeeld , there needeth the siedge of an Army well appointed : but for a Captaine to make an assault against a place that maketh no resistance , is a needlesse and vaine attempt ; such is thy contending against me .

I Haue receiued many pledges and euidences of thy loue toward me ; thou didst prepare the wombe , conuert the blood there , Chap , x , vers x , xi into the similitude of milke , which being thin and liquid , thou diddest bind by the coniunction of hotter matter , which concurring with the former , resemble the cruddes : then thou couerest me with skinne as a fence or hedge to keepe me from hurt , and with flesh to shelter from danger those more Noble parts that are within . Afterward thou gauest me veines , as so many conduits to conuey nutriment vnto euery part ; sinnewes , for the better and more nimble motion to euerie member : and these diddest thou fasten together and strenthen by bones , which thou madest as pillers and supporters , to beare vp my whole building , and frame of my body , and to bring force and power vnto it .

Herewithal thou diddest inspire into me life , causing me to breath through thy Diuine power myraculously , a a verse xii beeing closed vppe within the matrix : Being drawne out of the womb by thy special prouidence , thou hast dealt more beneficially with me an hundred times then with the beasts , not onely in that Deuine soule which thou infusedst into me in my creation , but in the instructing and informing the same daily in thy law , and framing it to thy obedience : and moreouer in the watching ouer mee by the eie of thy goodnes and prouidence , from time to time .

These thy blessings were so exquisit , and so admirable , that nothing could be more desired . But that thou shouldst come in with such a change as thou now dost , and together with thy fauor , b b verse xiii set thy hart vpon reuenge ( for it coulde not come to passe but that thou diddest determine it before for me ) what may I conceiue of it , but this , that thou tookest a note of euery transgression of mine , when I liued in prosperity , that at length thou mightest be doing with me for it , as now thou art , and holde me very long in it , as long a time peraduenture as thou diddest forbeare me before , or rather without end .

For now I am fallen into thy hands , which way should I redeeme my selfe ? If I haue beene a wicked and abhominable liuer , then I haue pulled vpon my head the cursse , by breaking c c verse xiiii thy Law , which wil not easily be remoued ? If I be found to haue bin of godly d d verse xv innocency and vprightnes , it shal nothing auaile me ; notwithstanding while I remaine thus wretched , thus pressed downe with greefe and sorrow , so that I cannot lift vp my head : For let me call vppon the Lorde , acknowledge my sinne , and what further may be thought to be a meanes for the easing of my vexation , I am stil notwithstanding at the same state as before , ( yea worse euery daie then other ) so laden with affliction and reproach that I am readie to sinke vnder them : for they increasing more and more , are a meanes that my disease getteth stil stronger possession of my body , and waxeth as it were prouder euery day .

It is thee ( O God ) that doest pursue me , fiercely chasing , & cruelly griping me as a Lyon e e verse xvi doth his prey : yet so , that thou doest not make a speedy end of me , but vsest delayes , and commest a gaine vpon me , doubling still and tripling thy wounds , in such sort , as it is marueilous to behold .

Thy strokes they keepe their turnes , as orderly as if they were called in for so many witnesses against mee of my faults , and thy displeasure . In the fiedge of a strong Cittie , the souldiors fight not al at one time , but one company being spent , a new supply commeth in : so do thy armies of stripes which thou sendest out against me , one being ouer and worne out , another fresher , g g verse xviii more eager , and bitter then the former eftsoones succeedeth .

Much better had it bin for me if thou hadst stifled me in the womb , g that no eie might haue looked vpon me , then that I should be borne to beare bitter calamity . h h verse xix O I would I had beene like them that neuer had any beeing i i verse xix at all , or that my Mothers Wombe hadde beene my Graue ; or otherwise that I hadde euen beene an abortiue and vntimely birth , that so being deliuered out of one pit , another might haue swallowed me . But seeing this is no way to bring thee to mitigate thine indignation , in this my present estate , let me make a further request vnto thee , that for as much as the glasse of my life is almost run out , it wold please thee to afford me a k k verse xx breathing time , wherein I may gather my strength together , & receiue a little refreshing , before I depart hence , vnto the place where is nothing but perpetuall l l verse xxi darkenesse , and that most palpable , and with out any interchange , where is no order m m verse xxii at al , but a confused heape of all degrees , high and low tumbled together , whence , I shall neuer get forth .

Syrraxis . II. Persons . Zophar Iob Zophar .

ELiphaz shewed thee , that thy affliction was a signe that thou wert wicked , Chap. xi and proued the same vnto thee very copiously , by the punishment of the euill liuing in all ages ; and on the contrary , by the rewardes that follow the good . Bildad added vnto that , that the good are sometimes afflicted as well as the bad , but to their greater preferment , and that they might receiue vpon their amendment , larger blessinges then before : and further , that if so bee the vngodly flourish a while , yet at length they come to destruction , because their faire shew of goodnesse which they made vnto the Worlde , was but counterfeit . Now I will annexe a third pointe : namely , that the wisedome of the Lorde in his waies is aboue our capacity , and that for this cause , though thou Iob seest not where in thou hast offended the Lord , yet he hath obserued many defects and declinings in thee . But before I enter into it , I must reprehend thee for thy much babling ; and then for iustifying thy selfe before God .

Is this tollerable , that thou sholdest carry away the matter and gaine the cause by a a Verse 2 multiplying of wordes : and those idle ones to ; in substance vntrue , spoken by way of derision , b b Verse 3 For so signifieth Subsanno Hebr , tilahag of Lahag . and receiue no answere from vs to checke thy folly , that with bended browes makest a mocke at him ? There is no wisedome nor vertue in vsing so much talke , and lesse wisedome , and very little honesty should there be in vs , if we should dissemble it , and let thee alone in it . There is no profit in it , for it will not make thee iust neuer the sooner : nay , the matter of it is vniust , and therefore to assent vnto it , were to yeald and subscribe ( as it were ) vnto blasphemy , which is impossible for the truely vertuous and Godly euer to do .

This is one of thys peeches , c c Verse 4 ( and this is the point I purpose to handle . ) What I do teach , speake , or thinke , there can be no fault found in it , and why ? My conscience conuinceth mee not of transgression , neither can Men accuse me , and thus thou disputest with the Lord ; imagining thy selfe to haue accesse vnto him . But when thou shalt haue a day of hearing d d Verse 4 before him indeed , it will be otherwise with thee then thou supposest . Thy puritie , innocency , and iustice , will not goe for paiement . Thou boastest how well thou art seen in thee deep & abstruse e e Verse 5 wisedome of God , and that thou performest all which hee requireth of thee , when in truth the duty the Lord calleth for , is much greater then wee coniecture , and iustice in his vnderstandding farre aboue that we thinke it to be , and therefore punishment is in an higher degree , and more f f Verse 6 seuerity to be inflicted vpon vs , then we make account off , if hee should lay it vppon vs accordingly as wee faile in the perfection of righteousnesse , which he in his wisedome , and equity exacteth .

The debt which we owe we shall neuer bee able to pay vnto him , vnlesse he remit much more then he constraineth vs to giue in . That which God hath not g g verse 7 reuealed , is much more then that which hee hath reuealed according to that which is in his reuealed will , thou deseruest punishment : what then should become of thee if he should deale with thee according to his reuealed will ? Euen this thy punishment Iob , as iust as thou thinkest thy selfe , and as great and intollerable as thou reputest of it , for the payment of the dew debt which the Lord in his exact account reckoneth to belong vnto him , is tenne times lesse how extreame soeuer , then that which he might iustly lay vpon thee . And if he shall at any time , ( as I ❀ a ❀ a Supra v. 5. wish hee would ) submit himselfe to debate the matter with thee , no question but that he would condemne thee also to more bitter affliction , then this thou now indurest , and that for thy sins , without any further respect , vnlesse bewayling thy former waies , thou sue to him for mercy . Heereunto thou canst not bee perswaded , and therefore troublest thy head to finde out some other cause of thine affliction then thy sinnes .

The generall and vndoubted cause of all calamity is sin , and what intention soeuer beside , the Lord hath in it , yet that is the maine and principall ; for without it , misery had neuer had any being : this the Lord hath reuealed vnto vs to be the cause of distresse , let vs admit of it therefore , and leaue to study what other drift the Lord may peraduenture haue in it , vntill it shall please him to lay it open vnto vs : when we haue tyred our selues about other respectes , they will proue vncertaine and doubtfull , such , for which we haue no sure ground , neither can wee rest vpon them . They will proue dangerous vnto vs , because secretes and such as the Lord would not haue knowen , and so , forbidden vs ; euen as Paradice , into which no man may enter , but the Aungels with their flaming Sworde , will fley him .

MOreouer it is a more impossibility to climbe into a a Chap. 11. verse 8. Gods bosome , to know what he doth there determine . If it weremans counsell that he would find out , there were some likelihood in it , for that he is like vnto vs , and we haue reason and vnderstanding to guid vs vnto it , aswel as he . But God is vnlike vs , eternall , immortall , inuisible , vnsearchable in his iudgementes , and in his counsels , and his wayes are past finding out . He is omnipotent , al sufficient , and absolute in power : and we altogither insufficient to any thing .

So that we want the meanes to come to that which is in him , he hath denyed it vs , and of our selues weare nothing ; of that impotency and imperfection in nature , that our eyes dazell at the beholding of the Sunne , how then is it possible that wee should behold his glory ? Our dulnes is such , that wee cannot conceiue of those thinges which the Lord hath layed before our eyes : most vnfit then and vnable are we , to ascend vp to those high mysteries , whereinto he hath giuen vs no light .

We attaine not to the perfect knowledge of the heauens b b verse 9. which we daily behold , nor of the center and bowels of the earth which we daily tread vppon ; nor of the length of the same , nor of the breadth of the Ocean ; neither is it possible for vs to doe it , neuer any man hath or shall be able to find it out . They that haue spent their time in it , haue laboured in vaine , because the Lord will not suffer it to be knowen . Some that haue attempted it , haue come to confusion , that others myght feare to enterprize the like .

If therefore the wit of Man cannot reach so high , as to comprehend the wisedome of God in the Heauens , of what distance they are from the earth , but by coniecture : what is the number of the Starres , what is their bignesse , what excellency and beauty there is in them ; nor his wisedome in the earth , to know exactly how deep , or how long it is , how to digge through it , or how to finde out the last borders of it ; nor his wisedome in the latitude of the huge Sea , to say that it consisteth of so many Leagues , or else stretcheth so far to the West , and so farre vnto the East ; heere the South Sea endeth , or there the North sea ; or to tel what is beyond it . Is it not a mere madnes once to immagin that , that other wisedome of his , ( in the forknowledge of thinges , decree vppon them , disposing of them , drift in them , their vpshotte and end , which hee reserueth as a prerogatiue to himselfe aboue his creatures , communicating them to none , no not to the blessed Angels , ) shold by our search and inquirie into them be obtained ? Hereunto notwithstanding thou striuest to the disquieting of thy soule , Verse x and incensing the Lord yet more against thee : Who though he shut vppe in prison , call before him into iudgement , giue sentence against , or send out his Armies to kill , destroy , roote out from the face of the earth all the liuing , dare any man resist him , or demaund why he doth so , that is of that wisedome and power , for they go both together in the stretching out the Heauens , Earth , and Sea , as thou hast heard ? Wee maruell at his iudgements when they fall vpon vs , thinking we haue not deserued them , but he seeing d d verse xi corruption in the heart , ( albeit it appeare not outwardly ) and wee dissemble , he cannot dissemble , but must needes , ( because he cannot abide that wickednes should goe vnpunished , ) reproue vs for it , & scourge vs too , if his reproof wil not serue the turn : Here by making vs to see , that wer as blind e e Him that vnderstandeth nothing v , xi as Beetles before : to vnderstand , that were not onely without vnderstanding , but void of a heart capable of vnderstanding ; and by nature , as vnteachable , and vntractable as the foal f f verse xii of a wilde Asse ( which of al Beastes is most blockish , and vntoward . )

Consider thou this , and let this his scourge vpon thee , ( al stubbornnesse in defending thine innocency being laied aside ) be a meanes to mollifie thy harde heart , and strike it with compunction for sinne , mooue thee with voice and mind lifted vp , armes stretched out , hands spredde abroad , to seeke the Lorde and call vppon him : which that it may bee effectuall , prepare thy hart , g g verse xiii and dispose it wholy thereunto .

This thou shalt do by putting off the garment of the flesh and putting on the garment of the spirit . The former consisteth in the expelling of ignorance , renouncing of sinne , denying of thy selfe , in thy will , affections , and desires : the latter , in studdying for the true knowledge of God , striuing for vertue , and following the Lordes direction in all thinges .

And moreouer purge thy h h verse xiiii hands from iniquity , iniurie , deceit , oppression , and if there bee any thing within thy Walles , or in thy possession , that thou hast wrongfully gotten , make satisfaction and restitution for it . Then , mayest thou boldly haue accesse vnto the Lord , i i verse xv and stande before him without horrour of Conscience : because thereby the deformity of sinne , wherewith thou art now defiled , shall be wiped away : thereby shalt thou k k verse xvi remember no more the miserie thou now sustainest , but it shall passe awaie as the water floode , that neuer shall returne : or if peraduenture the remembraunce thereof come at any time into thy mind , yet shall it be like vnto a dreame onely , and as a passenger that tarrieth not : thereby shall the darkenesse and blackenesse of thine affliction , be as glistering , and as glorious as the sunneshine at noone day , and as the brightnes of the l l verse xvii morning arising out of the East , which increaseth more and more .

Despaire not therefore , ( notwithstanding all thy trouble : ) but trust in the Lord while there is hope , m m verse xviii and while there is time , taking a view of thy former waies , haue a lothing of them , and returne vnto the Lord ; so shalt thou be secure from al daunger , and like vnto the Arabian , when he hath pitched n n Thou shalt digge pittes . his tent deepely in the earth , fastened it with nailes , ditched and fenced it round about . So shall thy sleepe o o verse xix be sweet vnto thee , thou shalt be at rest in thy house , and none shall disquiet thee , no feare shall come neare thy dwelling , but such honour and wealth shall bee restored thee againe , that thy helpe and countenaunce shall be sought for of many , and among others of thy very enemies themselues ; who shall bow downe vnto thee occause of thy Authority .

But if thou wilt not obey this my counsell , but remaine still in despaire p p verse 20. of the Lordes mercies , and vnrepentant , thine eyes shall faile thee in looking for helpe , yet shalte thou finde none ; and thy soule shal melt away with sorrow , before that thou hopest for , or the least part thereof shall be fulfilled .

Iob.

YE thinke your selues the onely wisemen in the worlde , a a Chap. 12. verse 2. and that you haue al knowledge closed vppe in your owne brests . For you could not set a better face vppon the matter , if you represented the Persons of al the greatest , learned , and most expert Diuines vppon the face of the earth . You suppose belike that your heades alone are the storehouses of heauenly Doctrin , and beside it there is none to be found among men , and that therefore you dying , all learning should die with you : otherwise you would not repute so highly of your owne , and so basely of other mens guiftes .

But euen in mine knowledge b b verse 3. ( of whome you make smal account ) is nothing inferiour to yours : and there is no man so ignorant , but conceiueth as much as you haue spoken , that reckon your selues such great Clarkes .

This therefore is to be reprehended in you . First , in that you conceiue so wel of your selues , and prefer your selues before others , when there is no cause of the one , nor of the other . Secondly , in that your are so voide of honesty , to deride c c verse 4. a man that is you old friend and companion , so deepe in the Lords Bookes that he answereth his requests , and one that is a plaine harted man , sincere in his religion , and iust toward men . Thirdly , in that you affirme a good man cannot be afflicted : which ( last for the other are not to be stoode vppon ) is confuted euen in my example , whose state is chaunged , and in the opinion of the wicked themselues , who if they wil acknowledge the truth from their conscience , must needs confesse , that they haue the godly in no better reckoning then they haue a torch d d verse 5 that is consumed : that they repute of them as of those whose feete haue almost slipt into the pi●● of vnrecoue●able destruction temporally : yet are they not for all that to bee condemned , nor to be accounted as those that are out of Gods fauour , neither wil you so esteeme of me when you haue well weighed my cause in the ballaunce of your conscience .

Fourthly , you are to be reprehended , in that you are so absurd , to denie that which you behold daily with your eies ( which euen the verie fowles ❀ e ❀ e Verse 7 of the Heauen , the brute Beasts , the dumbe Fishes , the sencelesse Earth , are able to teach you ( if they could speake ) namely , that vngodly and vniust men ( incensing the Lord against them by their iniquity ) liue f f Verse 6 according to their hearts desire , abound in wealth , honour , peace , and the greatest security that may be heere in this life , and the godlie and iust oftentimes , ( if not for the most part ) liue in dishonor , miserie and trouble , hauing the world frowning vpon them . In this the sensible and insensible creatures would instruct you ( I saie ) if they wanted not speech to vtter it , and they vtter it foorth too in their kind , though not in a sillabical sound of words , that the Lord being creator of the i i Or liues according to that distinction , anima vegetatina , sensitiua , rationalis , and warranted by the 10. verse of this chapter . soules of all the liuing , and of those Diuine spirits of men , may dispose of them at his pleasure , giue them their portion , what qualities soeuer he hath indued them withall , as liketh him best ; appointing the better sort to affliction ( if hee will ) and the worse to prosperity , or otherwise .

Thou art very eloquent Zophar , and profounde * k * k chap 11.8 at sequent in thy discourse , about the admirable wise dome of GOD , in framing the Heauens , the earth , and the sea , and yet thou hast no vnderstanding l l chap. 12.9 . at all in the maner of the Lordes gouerning of the world , being a matter more plaine and apparent , and such as no man that considereth can deny . For the sea , which in nature is a more noble element , is putte into a more base and ignominious place , and the earth which is much lesse Noble , is seated in a more higher roome : this , if there were nothing else , ouerthroweth your assertion , that euery Man flourisheth in the world according to his goodnesse , and he that is afflicted cannot be a godly man .

There wanteth therefore iudgement in thee to discerne of thinges aright . The eare is made not onely to heare , but to alow , h h verse xi and disalow of that which it heareth thereafter as it is : the palat , not onely to tast , but to put a difference betweene sweete and sowre , holsome and vnholsome meates . Thou hast heard me speake ( but not with an vnderstanding eare ) and hast a smack of my reasons , but dost not relish them well . No maruell therefore , though thou distinguish nor aright of the workes of God , and his dealing towards Men : Wherefore weigh first my argumentes throughly , and so iudge , and then if thou finde them light and of no strength , ( though thou scorne them ) I will not be against it .

Long experience i i verse 12 of those that are very old , and at the pits drinke , because they haue heard and seene much , because they haue had tryall and practise of many thinges , and gathered knowledge by continuall obseruation of such accidentes as haue fallen out in their times , may seeme to imply ( for that Eliphaz is elder then my selfe ) something , for the approbation of your iudgement in this controuersie ; But though reuerence is to be giuen to ancient years , and the remembrance of fathers is to be honored , yet notwithstanding we must harken to them no further then they follow the wisedome of him that is without beginning , or tearm , most ancient of al ; within whose breast k k verse xiii is wisedom to decree and determine , and power to put in practise what is determined , concerning the gouernment of the World , as well in euery particular , as vniuersally is included , and shut vp : to whose nature , and essence , the counsell and vnderstanding of such great matters , as is the bestowing of blessing , and executing of iudgment , is appropriated , and doth onely belong .

What knowledge the oldest man that euer liued ( though it were Methusalah himselfe , who liued nine ages in a manner of the men of our time ) hath obtained this way , it was but a sparke blowen from that great light .

Eliphaz his antiquity therefore is nothing to his , that is the ancient of daies and antiquity it selfe ; and his iudgement grounded vpon the experiment of a few particular examples , and those also peraduenture mistaken to , is of no valew to his , that is the iudge of the whole earth , and before all times . But you that extoll so much the wisedome of an aged man , and haue such a conceit of your learning , ( alas ) how shallow are ye in debating of the wisedome , power , and prouidence of him that is eternall ? Which maketh me lesse to maruell , when I consider your dulnesse in conceiuing of the former point , specially being so plaine that the vnreasonable creatures ( as hath bin shewed ) yea the very insensible creatures themselues , as the Sun and raine , seeing they declare it in their effects , do doubtlesse according to their nature comprehend it . To the end therefore that you may the better see your shallownes and slendernesse therein , I thinke it not amisse to lay it open more manifestly then you haue done .

IT is a worthy argument to consider , Chap , 12 how all things and their estate depend vpon God , wherin is his prouidence : what an alteration and change there is in his gouernment , & his power ; with what secrecy and admiration , because otherwise then we imagine things are carried : wherein is his wisedome . That which one man destroieth , another man may build againe : that which one man shutteth vp in prison , another man may set at liberty : but God destroyeth a a Vers. 14 so , that none shall be able to b b Sodom , Icricho . restore , and so closeth vp , that none shall be able to c c Pharao . deliuer .

Hee that shall bee fenced with the sauegard of some strong Castle or fortresse , may be pulled thence by the valour of his enimy ; but when God taketh any one into his protection , he layeth such blockes and barres in the enimies way , that the place where he abideth ( though neuer so meane and naked in it selfe ) remaineth impregnable . For his force canot be resisted ; what he wil must come to passe , and his decree is vnchangable , whosoeuer gainesayeth it .

The b b Verse 15 Lord it is that containeth the waters aboue ( as it were in Bottles ) and the waters beneath within bars , that they cannot breake forth . When he intendeth to bring a famin vpon a land , or the destruction of a c c When hee sendeth them out they destroy the earth , ver. 15 Country by waters , he causeth them to breake out of their fountaines , and the cloudes to set open their windowes , that a floud may ouerwhelme the earth . Howbeit he plaies not the Tyrant d d Verse 16 in this his gouerment , but keepeth the rule of equity in it , doth it in reason and wise dome , for though we see not oftentimes into the cause of his proceeding , yet most sure it is , that his power , and a prescript rule of his iustice in euery action , are neuer deuided the one from the other .

Heerein may wee admire his wisedome , in that thinges casuall ( as we account them ) ❀ e ❀ e 1 Sarn . 6 , 12. Pro. 16 , 33. are ordered by him , and that also according to the law of reason , and equity . For albeit neither the deceiuer , f f He that is deceiued , & he that deceiueth are his . Verse 16 neither hee that is deceiued , ( which falleth out oftentimes to bee a matter casuall , and by chance in our estimation ) haue the ground of their errour from him according to their creation , yet that the one goeth astraye , and that the other is led into errour , is not without his appointment : yea , it is his act : For there is no action , be it good or euill , but it is of the Lord : For it standeth more with his glory to let euill to bee , and turne it to his honor , then to suffer none at all to be : because this would be a diminishing of his honor .

True it is , that that which the Lorde intendeth in himselfe , the wicked by their evill affection , euil means which they vse , and euill end which they propound , make faulty and sinnefull . Now heere of reuolting from God in Adam , naturall corruption , pronenesse to sinne , hardnesse of heart , Sathans seducement that they beleeue lyes , is the cause ; Howbeit , is commeth not to passe without the Lordes ordinaunce from the beginning , commaundment to Sathan to intise them , yealding them ouer thereunto , guiding and leading them in the way according to his fore knowledge , and decree , euen to the very poynt ; and yet for all that himselfe free from the g g Empy mouentur & agunt mali a de●. Male . i. malis affectobus , malis consiliss , mal● modo , male fine à se . vitiousnesse of the act , h h Fond therefore is that of the Poet. Now tibi Tyndaridis facies inuisa Lacaenae , Culpatusue P●ris verum incl● mentia Diuum has euertit opes Virg. Aeneid . lib. 20. and cleare from being the cause thereof : Which as the efficient is the Diuell ( the father of lyes and all cuill , ) and as the materiall their owne wicked heart , and corrupt nature .

The reflection of the Sunne vppon a dead carcase , is no way the cause of the euill scent and stinch thereof , nor the efficient , for that is the stroake of Death , not the formall , for the badde sauour would bee without the heate of the Sunne , and is caused by the ayre , which is the obiect of the smell , not the materiall , for that is the corruption which remaineth in it selfe , the Sunne onely concurreth with these , and helpeth forward as a collaterall meanes : So is it with the Lord in the matter of deceite , whether it concerne the agent or patient ; as also in other sinnes . This is a deepe point indeede , and beyonde our reach in this regard , because it will not admit of any similitude , to illustrate it exactly in euery particular . A rule in the Mathematickes without any example , is very obscure : so is this action , that the Lord leadeth into errour , seeyng we cannot instance in the like , for demonstration sake .

For this cause it doth more notably commend vnto vs the power and wise dome of God in his wayes , and declare that not onely the truth , but errour it selfe hath a dependance vpon him , and is not committed without his foreknowledge , determination , guidance , & instigation . * i * i Kinges 22.20 . In the euil of punishment it is a plaine case ; in the euill of sinning not so : of the one , he is absolutely the Authour , no way of the other : Which appeareth by this , in that he seuerely punisheth those euill Instruments , which he vseth in his seruice , either for the exercising , or chastizing of the elect , or for the executing of his iudgements vpon the wicked : but yet hee disposeth of errour , and transgression it selfe .

AND so he doth of the Counsell of great Peeres a a cha , 12.17 in the matter of estate in a Country , when they faile in their deuises : yet falleth it not out by hap hazard that they haue decreed for the welfare of their Realme , ( as they suppose , ) turneth to the downefull of it : but hee hath blinded them that they should not see rightly into the matter , seeing he hath determined the ruine of that Nation . Sometimes the sinnes of the land , manifestly shew why the Lord doeth thus depriue the wise of Councell , and take awaye iudgement from the learned and prudent : namely , that he might be auenged of her for her abhominations ; and sometime he concealeth the cause , that so men might the more be astonished . Ordinary accidents how great soeuer in themselues , yet because they are vsual , they pierce not the minds of men , as those do that are strange and vnvsuall . Therefore the Lord commeth in sometimes with strange and extraordinary dealing , that hee may awake vs from security vnto a consideration of our waies , and an admiration of his maiesty : Neither doth he strippe them onely of their wisedome to gouerne ; but of their power , making such as were rulers ouer others , themselues to be vnder the yoke , and to be depriued b b Verse xviii of that reuerence wherein the people haue the persons of their Princes , because of their office : For the Lorde translateth kingdomes c c Verse xix at his pleasure , and the ordinary meanes which he vseth herein , is by remouing these three pillars : Wisedome , Power , and Authority , whereby all gouernment is supported . But not the alteration of the Kings alone , together with the Councellors d d Verse xx and Iudges , proceedeth from the Lorde , and that oftentimes for such causes as are vnknowne vnto vs , but of the meaner sort , as of such as are assistants vnto these in gouernment , such together with the Captaines and men of Warre , e e Verse xxi he causeth to be made a prey and spoile to the enemy , as being not able eyther by their Witte , pollicy , or strength to make resistance .

The braue Orator , the learned Lawier , the wise and eloquent Ambassador , the Auncient and Graue Senator , he so confoundeth in their speech and iudgement , that they are not able to performe any scruice for their Country . Whatsoeuer they be that are in credite , either for their wisedome , wealth , strength , or birth , in City , or Country ; at home , or abroad , he bringeth into disgrace , taketh away the girdle of their loines which is as the chanell of the riuers , to giue strength and comelines to their imploiment .

No consultations , no conspiracies , yea though they be done in the darkest night , in the deepe f f Verse xxii vnder the ground , in the solitary wildernes , can be so secret , but he discouereth it , and produceth it into an open Theater , for al the worlde to behold . Whole g g Verse xxiii Nations and Kingdomes hee rooteth out , and placeth other in their steed : If then the Lorde by his prouidence , wisedome and power , thus disposeth of the commaunders of Countries , shall wee thinke that the silly people and vulgar fort are exempted from his gouernment ? No such matter : for one while he doth multiply these mightily , and another while he doeth destroy them , by famine , pestilence , the sword of the enemie , and ciuill dissention : anon after , hee increaseth them againe , or hauing carried them into bannishment , restoreth them into their olde habitation .

It is with the people as it is with the guides , h h Verse 24. if the Lord depriue them which are as the eyes to the body of Counsel , and of a heart , and wisedome to rule , and in steede thereof giue them the spirit of giddinesle , shutte them vp in the darkenesse of errour and ignorance , that they wander out of the way , and cannot tell what is good for them : can it be chosen but that the people which are the body should remaine in blindnesse , and bee out of the way ? There is none of al these thinges , but eyther I haue seene them my selfe , with i i Chap 13 verse 1 mine owne eies , and therefore knowe them for a certainety , as I haue sette them downe ; or else I haue receiued them from such Auncestors of ours , as you haue councelled mee to aduise withall , whome not to beleeue were infidelity : For , not to giue creddite to these , were to reiect the word of God , which in these times we haue onely by relation and tradition , from those Patriarches and holy Fathers which haue gone before vs ; who haue left vnto vs in the mouthes of many witnesses , Presidents of the most thinges which I haue mentioned .

And as for the rest , the Lorde hauing reuealed them in these daies , it is our part to obserue them , and keepe them as carefully in record among the residue of the Lords mighty and fearefull workes , for the posterities to come , as our predecessors haue bin studious to keepe in remembraunce those wonders of old for our instruction . And verily for mine owne part , I haue vsed much dilligence this way , to haue a regester in my head of those acts and monuments that haue hapned in my time , that so I might be able to teach them vnto the younger sort . This course , as hauing a care to make my patterne according to Ancient records , whereby I am forced to call them often to mind , hath made me very expert and prompt in antiquities , and so cunning and ready indeede , that your skill k k Verse 2. ( though thrice greater then that you haue shewed ) cannot go beyond mine , that make it my continuall studdy and meditation . You haue compelled me thus much to speake , for that you extenuate my experience and knowledge in Histories of old and latter ages , and make me a nouice in comparison of your selues , when in truth , I am more auncient then any heere , but Eliphaz .

ANd as for thee Zophar , Chap. 13 thou hast an ouer hard opinion of me , to thinke me void of all goodnes : For other wise thou wouldst not affirme , that if the L. would giue mee audience according to my desire , my affliction should bee found twice lighter * a * a Chap. 11 verse 5 , 6. then I by my sinnes haue deserued : Speciallly , seeing thou hast heard mee acknowledge my selfe a sinner before God , and that the defence of my innocency , hath beene onely in respect of your accusations against me , of rebellion against God , condemning him for vniust , cruell , vnmercifull : of hypocrisie in religion , oppression , and fradulent dealing , and other notorious offences toward men , whereof I am no way guilty .

Very intemperate therefore and rash is thy censure in this , for what man ( wel aduised ) would vndertake to iudge before hand what the Lord is about to do , being of that aboundant mercie as he is , though the matter were cleare to thy thinking : much lesse then in a doubtfull point , resting vpon the conscience of a man , and such a one , as both is blamelesse to the world , and protesteth his sincerity . I induring calamity to the terror and astonnishment of all the world , griefe of my body vnsupportable , the like whereof hath neuer bin knowne before , what inconsideratnes is this , to say , my heinous sinnes haue deserued much greater temporarie iudgements .

This maketh me to be weary of disputing with you , and to desire to propound my cause vnto the Lord , a a verse 13 whome I know ( notwithstanding thy words ) will not condemne me for an Hippocrite , or for an extraordinary wicked man , according to my extraordinaiy punnishment ( which is thy ground ) as thou ouer-boldly doth auouch . The reason why I am weary in contending with you , is dubble ; one is false dealing ; b b verse 4 for the foundation of all your argumentes you bring against me is vntrue , yet you will not acknowledge it ; which is , that it standeth with the Iustice of God to punish none but the Wicked , and those also in such a degree and measure as is iust , and aunswerable to their offences .

Hereupon you inferre , that the Lord punnishing mee in the seuerest maner , I must needs be an extreame and grosse offender ; Which ground of yours , ( though I haue before confuted , ) yet you still maintaine , and condemne mee as one striuing to ouerthrow Gods Iustice , in that I labour to defend my innocency . My defence likewise , you wrest to a wronge sence , taking it for graunted , that I say I am no sinner at all , no , not in the eyes of the Lorde himselfe ; when that I onely denye my selfe to bee guiltie , of those your foule impositions , of dissimulation , of infidelity , dispaire , blasphemy ( as they are tokens of a reprobate ) iniury , oppression , extortion , and the like , in regard of Men , and withall how great soeuer my sins be in Gods sight , that he respecteth them not at all , as the end of this my affliction . These be your groundes , these the weapons of your Warfare against me , yet notwithstanding , with these , though like vnto a rusty blade in a painted sheath , you haue made such a flourish , as though you would make the standers by beleeue , you contend for Gods right : But let God alone with his right , hee is able to defend it without your false grounds , without your wresting of matters otherwise then they are ment ; without your neate stile , witty inuention , cunning applycation of doctrines ; true in themselues , to the condemnation of the innocent .

You greatly mistake the matter ; he will not robbe his Children of those vertues he hath bestowed vppon them , thereby to iustifie himselfe , he hath other meanes to doe it then so : But do ye not ( thinke yee ) while ye take from me my iustice , rob God of his ? For being the God of glorie , he doth cloth his seruants with the robe of righteousnesse , which whosoeuer taketh from them , hee holdeth as an iniury done vnto himselfe . That therefore which you cast vpon me , I may more truely cast vpon you , and lay iustlie to your charge : First , that in making God , ( who is righteousnesse it selfe ) so naked that way , that vnlesse your lie beare it vp it must needs fal to the ground : Next that in stripping me , which am the Lords seruant , of those graces wherewith he hath adorned me . Thirdly , in wounding through my sides the true worship of God , & the holy conuersation of the professors thereof : & so giuing aduantage to the aduersaries of the truth . Lastly , that in falsifieng of the Lords Testimony concerning me , whom he hath pointed at as a patterne of goodlife , in liew whereof hee hath wonderfully extended his fauour towards me and mine heretofore ; you exceedingly derogate from the iustice of God , offering all extreame offence and iniury to his excellency . An other reason why I am weary in contending with you is , because your disputation is vaine , and to as little purpose , as your comming to me at the first : wherein though your meaning were to comfort me , yet you do nothing lesse : You are like those Physitians c c And all you are Physitians of no valew . Verse 4. that annoynt the eyes of dead Idoles with eye-salue to make them see , which how fruitlesse a labour it is , who knoweth not ? The physick you administer for the most part is good , and so is the oyntment the Idolaters vse about their idoles ; but you looke not to the constitution of your Patients , nor to his disease , no more then they do . What physick is the threatning of the law , being so terrible , that it throweth him down to the nethermost Hell , to a man swallowed vppe with the horror of Gods fearefull iudgments ? Is this to haue regard to a mans constitution ? A man exceeding sick , and weake , had need of no bitter pils , such as you giue , but of some confortable potion . The sweete promises of the Messiah , the onely seasonable and soueraign medicine to an humble spirit , is quite swept away out of your remembrance . I wish therfore that the seuen dayes silence d d Verse 5. which you vsed in the beginning ( though you so exceedingly grieued mee with it , that you moued me vnto that first vntemperate speach of mine ) had beene perpetuall . And now I would to God you might be entreated to say no more , which were better for you , then thus to bewray your folly , in maintaining of vntruths . The very action of silence carrieth away oftentimes the reputation of wisedom in him that is of no vnderstanding . Lay your hand therefore vpon your mouth , and falling downe vpon the earth , worship God , and reuerence his truth ; which I doubt not but you would yeald vnto , if I might so far preuaile with you , to perswade you to heed and weigh carefully this my disputation , ᵉ which I now make with the Lord , which shall be a confutation likewise of that you all with one consent most stifly affirme .

These two precepts : Thou shalt stand for the Lordes right , & do thy neighbour no wrong , must go togither : He that breaketh the latter , keepeth not the former . To vse sinister means against thy neighbour , to defend the truth is vnlawfull , because it is against the rule of gods commandements , and so against him . Thy honest neighbour is the image of God ; Canst thou beare false witnesse against him , but iniury must be offered to the Lords person ? He that loueh his Prince will not deface his picture . Must God haue fauour shewed him in iudgment , or else will his cause fall to the ground ? That which God forbid deth toward men , will he haue extended toward himselfe , that his g g Verse 8 person may be accepted more then his right requireth ? Will this geare go currant , when he shal look into it , that ye shold thus daube h h Verse 9 vp matters & smooth them ouer vnder his name ? Doubtlesse he will not suffer his name to be so abused , but will reproue i i Verse 10 you openly for your offence .

You charge me with hypocrisie : There is Hypocrisie in you , in arguing thus against your conscience . This conscience of yours he will lay open and naked at the length , to your shame . Your false positions , cauelling , wrangling , ouerthwart speeches ; your obscure , intricate , wily reasoning aboue the capacity of the common sort of the standers by , he will at last discouer , who seeth in secret and is able to resolue all doubts . I maruell the Lords greatnesse k k verse 11 doth not strik a terror into your harts , while you thus dally with him ? Do you neuer consider , how glorious , and fearefull he will appeare , when he shall come to iudgment ? Would not the noise of an enimy prepared in battell aray , and comming against vs , moue vs to feare ? Such will be the Lordes appearance in iudgment to them that transgresse .

You seeme not to be touched at al with this , neither with the excellency of his glory , to the which the best things l l verse 12 that belong vnto men , as wealth , honour , credit , grauity , and wisedome , are as the dust and dung vnder our feete . Whatsoeuer is eminent , or of any account in any of vs , ( euen in you that haue so high an opinion of your selues : is but as a molehill in a plaine ground , a matter of nothing , not worth the speaking of in his sight . The properest body , the most comely countenance among you all , is but of clay and earth , which being considered , causeth me to muse the more at your boldnesse of speech : for dust and ashes to approch before the immortall God , without due reuerence to his maiesty , is not to be borne withall ; but to produce in his presence falsehood and wrong , to dissemble in your tongue , and yet to thinke to make all good with this apology ; We haue done it to maintaine thy right , is such impudency , as cannot be expressed .

This impudency of yours , maketh me desirous to be rid of you ; that so I might argue my cause alone before the Lord without enterruption . Hold your peace n n Verse 13. therefore and let mee speake vnto the Lord , I haue determined thus to do whatsoeuer shall befall me . You thinke ( peraduenture ) that it shall go hard with mee , because of my reprochfull and blasphemous wordes against the Lord , and because of my impatiency many times : therein I haue bin faulty ( I confesse ) for the present , but what is that for my former life ? To rip vp what hath now happened is but to trifle ; when the question between vs is of my life past . This your trifling with me , prouoketh mee to this serious and weighty resolution of mine , as to appeale to the great iudge , might it please him to yeald mee a day of audience , I should haue my desire howsoeuer . Howsoeuer ( I say ) not that I despaire , but that I would haue you see my boldnes , which is euermore a companion of a good cause , specially if it be in the hart , as well as in the face , as it is with me .

BVt I pray you tell me my friendes , Chap. 13. you that professe so great skill in the matter of affliction , woulde not this make you despaire of life ; if your fleshe were thus mangled throughout your whole bodye , and were made fitte Morselles a a Verse 14. for your teeth to teare , and rent asunder as you see mine is ? Were your liues in your handes , as it is in the Prouerbe , wherein wee can account nothing safe , as being subiect to marring , loosing , taking away , and miscarrying twenty wales , woulde you thinke there were any other waye but one with you ? I nourish in me no other kinde of despaire then this , that I haue no hope to liue ; and for this you condemne mee as a distrustfull person , and a man without al hope of saluation , which you gather from my pittifull crying out , by reason of the extremity of my disease : concluding thereupon , as if I were so inraged , that I did gnawe my flesh , beate my selfe with my fists , knocke my head against the wall like a Bedlem or Franticke man ; and thus were become an executioner of my bodie , and a Butcher of myne owne life , and for that I cal vpon the Lord to iudge my cause , a traitor to mine owne soule .

But I would haue you know , that in the battle betweene the flesh and the spirit , though the inner man bee not ouercome , yet in the best of the Lordes souldiors it is soiled oftentimes by the outward man : So then , albeit I haue receiued many a wound by my flesh , whereby I haue bin sometime brought to misdemeane my selfe in this my combat , yet I haue helde mine owne still , I haue reserued my heart from yeilding , yea my faith is as strong stil ( notwithstanding so many afflictions one in the neck of another ) as euer it was . All the miseries and torments in the world , could not draw mee to despaire , nor drawe mee from that trust b b verse 15 and confidence I haue in my God , concerning a better estate after this life : and as concerning my recouery again here in this life I doubt not of the power of God : but be cause of the weake and vnrecouerable estate of my body , in the sight of flesh and blood , it seemeth to me to be his decree to take me out of this vale of misery : And hereevpon I perswade my selfe that it cannot be auoided , but that I must needs go the way of all the liuing .

You further obiect , that I haue no regard of my life , nor of my soule , when the greatest regard that I can haue concerning these , is to labor for faith in the Lords promises , which is my continuall practise , and whereby I haue gained this fruit , ( not onely in whatsoeuer calamitie , but in death it self to trust and depend vpon him ) knowing c c Verse 16 that it shal go wel with me , as long as I hold me to this fortresse .

This answereth to your reprehension , *d *d chap , 4. v. 5.6 . As is a mans religion and life , so is his hope ; but my hope you see is great , and therefore I conclude from your owne ground , that my religion hath not bin counterfet as you immagine , but sound and sincere : nor my life wicked , but godly and vertuous : namely , such as hath proceeded from a liuely faith and stedfast hope in the Lord , with loue of his name , and zeale of his glory , which haue euer bin accounted as the onely true markes both of the one and of the other . This is that which I haue stood vpon al this while , that I haue sought the lord and his honour in all my actions , and serued him with my whole hart ; and hereupon would I still stand , were death to ceaze vpon me by and by , and were I now to yeelde forth my last breath . This is my confession , no other but this shall be wrung from me .

My innocency in the matters whereof you accuse mee is that I striue for , and were I nowe about to render my soule into the hands of my Creator , this is it I would craue at his hands , the arbitrating and compounding of this controuersie betweene vs .

Now for the carriage of my selfe in this my present visitation ; thus much I may truely say for my selfe , that thogh my conflict hath bin long and bitter , yet the Lorde of his goodnes hath so kept me , that I haue not fallen from him . I haue indeed offended against his Maiesty with my toong , and failed of my dutie many waies , but he which is the beholder of such as trust in him , hath kept my heart vpright : and I doubt not but he will so keepe it to the end , and place in it such a confidence in his mercies , in the midst of death , that Sathan ( whose instrumentes you now are ) and whose part you take in this disputation , with all his policie , shall not be able to surprize the iuuincible Castle of my hope .

Were I an Hippocrite ( according as you accuse ★ e ★ e chap. 8.13 . me ) I could not bee thus confident : For , hee that is such a one , dares not come to his tryal , he had rather that all the world had his cause in handling , then the Lorde ; for he knowes that he will lay open the Booke of his conscience , which is as a filthy skie full fraught with deceit , lying , dissembling , impiety , and vngodlines : and discouer with the brightnes of his presence , the deeds that are done in the night , the vncleannes thereof , together with the detestable affections , desires , and cogitations of the same , and with all make manifest to the eles of all men what a monster hee is become , that outwardly is a louer ofreligion and vertue , but inwardly a mortall hater of them both .

I feare none of al this , which maketh me so forward and earnest with the Lord to take the cause into his own hands : But what maketh you so plentiful in disswading from this course ? Is it not the contrary ; namely , a distrust that you haue in your cause , a guilty conscience that you haue not dealte faithfully and according to your hart , in that you haue so vehemently vrged against me , and a feare that you should receiue a checke for your vnkind and vndiscreet behauiour toward me : as also for the application of al your doctrines , true in themselues for the most part , vntruely and wrongefully to my person ? But meethinkes I see you relent , when you heare me thus confident and bolde in my cause .

Heare f f Verse 17. me therefore diligently with your ears , and consider well in your minds , what I am able further to say for my selfe , not against the Lord ( as you would haue it ) for his righteousnes and truth I reuerence , but against your accusations ; and I doubt g g Verse 18. not , but I shal make you yeeld much more vnto me ; Especially , if I may haue the mannaging of my cause , the ordering and disposing of my reasons my self , and the information which I giue in , shal bee taken and accepted .

Before the Lord I would answere for my selfe , because none dare gainsay his Verdict , being iudge of althe world , because no controuersie can haue a final end vntil he discide it , either by himselfe , his worde , or his Oracles ; and beecause when he hath had the handlig of it , no man wil presume meddle withall , but wil rather subscribe vnto his determination .

So that the Lord giuing sentence on my side , who h h Verse 19. will be so bold to attempt ( or if any man may be found that will attempt it ) shal be able to lay any thing to my charge ? Vntil my cause be tryed before him , it standeth me vpon to defend my innocency in those things you obiect against mee , while I liue : For if I should not so do , but hold my peace , and say nothing for my selfe , greef would break my hart , whereof while I thus largely speak for my selfe , I feel great ease to my soule . And further , by my silence I might weaken my cause , and offer iniurie vnto the truth . Heereupon I force my selfe to this paineful trauaile , for can it be chosen but that my word ( being a man in this estate ) must needs passe from me with great paine , to vse long Apologies for the patronaging of mine innocencie from your imputations ?

BVt that I may returne againe to my desire , chap. 13 and that my soul most longeth after , a a Verse 20 might it please God to let my caus come before him , I would intreat of him two things : One , b b Verse 21 that he would withdraw his hand of punishment from me , during the time of my answere : another , that he would lay aside the excellency and brightnes of his glory , and woulde conforme himselfe to my condition ; that so those impediments which now compasse me round , might be remoued and I might apeare before him without feare , and conferre with him as with a mortall man , either by way of opposion c c Verse 22 or replication . Let me vnderstand from thee I beseech thee ( O my God ) wherein I haue offended my neighbour , wherein I haue ignorauntly or wilfully erred ; or if there hath bin any rebellion in me against thee , or reuolting from thee , shew it me ; and withal why thou art like vnto one that is angry , that turneth d d Verse 24 away his face , and will not looke vpon him , against whom he hath conceiud a displeasure , which also thou declarest , by pursuing me with such kind of plages , as if thou haddest no greater enimy vppon the face of the earth then my selfe .

To what end dost thou it ? Will it bring any honor vnto thy name ? Or is it a thinge beseeming thy maiesty to contend with me that am as a leafe , e e Verse 25 withered and ready to fall off my selfe without any shaking ? Or as the dry stuble , which if a sparke of fire be put vnto it , is by and by consumed ? Howbeit thou commest against me in iudgement , and decreest against me a most seuere f f Verse 26 and bitter sentence , and that in the most rigorous manner , as omitting the good that I haue done , and noting the bad in the hardest construction , without pretermitting the least particle that might make against me .

The sinnes of my youth , g g Verse 26. which I thought had beene vtterly remitted long since , and blotted out of thy remembrance , thou ( seemest to haue as fresh in thy memory , and in such sort to come vpon me for them , as if they had bin committed but yesterday ; or as if they were such as did stil cleaue vnto me . I accounted my self as a man acquitted & free , yet thou condemnest me as a guilty person , thro west me into prison , layest cold chaines vppon mee , and as if I should neuer be fast enough , hamperest my feete in the h h Verse 27. ftockes ; and being there , thou art also suspicious of mee ; and whensoeuer I wagge my foote , thou makest me faster for feare of escape . But if thou graunt me at any time a little more liberty , thou art euer at my heeles , that I cannot stirre a foote , euer at my backe that I can doe nought , but thou ouerlookest it : yet all this thou dost against a rotten carcase , as it were against an old and ouer worne garment , ( for to such may my coate of flesh be fitly resembled ) or as one gnawen ouer and eaten with Mothes .

HEre is occasion offered me to bewayle the state of all mankinde , Chap. 14. being of a polluted and vncleane birth , proceeding from a weake a a Verse 1. Vessell , full of griefe in her conception , Child-bearing , and trauell : and such as is the condition of the Mother , such is the condition both of the Son and Daughter , though not in the same kind : wretched in his beginning , proceeding , and end , and neuer otherwise during his continuance in this life . His b b Verse 2 life ( how long soeuer it be ) is nothing , in regard of that eternity which is in the Lord : nothing , because of the infinite daungers whereunto it is daily subiect : Nothing , because of the sundry , and almost innumerable diseases whereunto it is incident : For hereby he is not only exposed to death , but in expectation thereof euery houre : where these are neither felt nor feared , there is the hand of God euer prepared for sodaine destruction . What continuance is there in a floure ? What hold to be taken of a shadow ? Such is the life of man : soone withered , alwaies flying away , no means can be vsed but it will decay , and that quickly as the flower : no cunning can be deuised for staying of it , or laying hold vppon it , no more then vppon the shadow ? Alas how short is the time betweene the blowing and fading of the flower ? It must be taken in the very nick , otherwise it is gone . A shadow hath no substance in it , it cannot be touched by the hand , it will not beare to be imbraced of the body , neither it wil not come into any mans possession . There is no building therefore vpon our life , for it wil fal away in the turning of a hand , it maketh the shew of something when indeede it is nothing , it possesseth vs as a traueller doth his Inne , for a night or more ; but we possesse not it at all : It is in vs indeede but as a Lord to commaund vs , not we it . For who hath the commaund of his Lord : yea , who hath any interest in him , any further then at his pleasure . This being the miserable-estate of man . For what will not a man do for his life ? And it is of vs , and wee of it ; neither can there be a separation between vs , but by death : yet can we not say it is our own , but lent vs , not for a yeare , nor for a day , nor for an houre , but to be returned back vnto the owner and Author therof at the same instant , whensoeuer he shall call for it . This being the miserable estate of all men , what need is there that thou shouldest so narrowly look c c Verse 3 into him , and to cal him into question for euery offence ? Who would thinke thou wouldest once regard him being thus vile and contemptible , as hath bin declared : specially such an abiect and forlorne wretch as my selfe , that no man respecteth ? Thou seemest to forget thy selfe in that thou punishest man for his sin , the root wherof he drew from his first parents : through whose default his nature remaineth tainted with the corruption therof . For how can it be that any thing pure d d Verse 4 shold spring from that which in it selfe is impure & defiled . Thou hast appointed c c Verse 5 an end to my life which I cannot passe : the ordinary troubles and trauailes incident vnto this life , are means sufficient to bring me vnto it , without this extraordinary scourge of thine . Withdraw f f Verse 6 thy hand therfore , & let me alone vntil that time be come , so that I may willingly , and ioyfully lay down my life : For if thou wouldest let nature take her course , it wold be with me , as it is with an hireling when he layeth him downe to rest , whose bed after his hardy labour is sweete vnto him ; so would death be vnto me , were these violent meanes remoued , and thou contented to suffer me to come vnto it naturally . Might it be with me after Death , as it is with a tree , g g Verse 7 , 8 , 9 , 10. ( which being cut down , and the root left in the earth , springeth vp againe ) I would not be so earnest with thee , to spare my life , but because , when I am once taken away from hence , I shal neuer return to liue againe vpon the earth , that maketh me thus instantly to intreat . For euen as the waters of the Sea , h h Verse 11. or riuers which are drawn out of their channel , either by vertue of the sun , or any other way , though they retaine stil the nature of water , yet they neuer returne to their old habitation ; the selfe same in number they were before , but there is some alteration , some addition , some detraction , some mixture euermore in them . So man , when he shall once sleep in the dust of the earth , shall neuer while the sun remaineth in the firmament of heauen , i i Verse 12 be awaked from thence to lead his life again in this world . O that these arguments might perswade thee to mittigate thine anger toward mee , which is so terrible , that I wish my selfe in some denne or caue k k verse 13. vnder the earth , thereto lie hid for a time vntill it be ouer . The time also I would gladly haue set down vnto me precisely , when thy wrath shall be appeased , and when thy louing countenance shall return vnto me , that so I might come forth : for seeing that after I am once dead , I shall not returne againe to liue in this world , I labour to retaine my life as long as I may , and not to despaire of thy fauor , but to waite l l verse 14 for it still , to see if at length it may be had , euen so long to expect it , vntill death come , and I can do it no longer .

But if thou wilt needs call me out of this life , I shall bee most willing ( in regard of the misery I sustaine ) yet I trust m m Verse 15 thou wilt not break me in pecces , but spare me a while , that am the workemanship of thine owne hands . I am wauering I confesse in this my confidence , yet this preuaileth not with me , that I canot but hope for life , vntil thou shalt strik me euen with the weary stroke of death it selfe , and I shall haue no more being in this world . Now the cause of my willingnes to dy , and that I haue no confort but in the waiting for an exchange , ( if thou wilt haue it so ) and there be no remedy to the contrary , is for that thou takest a note n n verse 16 of all my transgressions .

If I slip aside neuer so little , thou straight way accountest that among mine offences , and ( by and by laiest on loade vpon me for it . Neither so onely , but reckonest vp a bedroll of all the sins that I committed , and seuerely corrcrest me for them all at once . No man keepeth a more straight account of his gold , or siluer sealing it vp in bags , o o verse 17. & locking it vp in his chestes for feare of loosyng , then thou dost of my faults . Thou bindest all my sins together in a bundel , throwest them vpon my shoulders , and pressest me downe to the grounde with the burden of them : as the couetous Marchant doth his Cammels , when he fetcheth Gold out of Ophir .

For when thou makest the burden of thy punishment , answerable to the bundell of our sins , who is able to indure it ? Who is able to stand vnder it ? For if the mountaines p p verse 18. that are so stronge , if the craggy Rockes that seeme to bee so vnmoueable , if the harde Stones are broken in continuance of time with clouds of waters , rushing against them , if the sea f f verse 19. breaking in vpon the firme land , choaketh vp the fruits , and deuoureth it in time , ( be it neuer so large ) is it possible that man , who is so weak and frail , should long susteine such surges , and such beating against of the flouds of affliction , and those inferred vppon him by thee that art so powerful , that thou preuarlest g g verse 20 to the vnrecouerable ouerthrow of his estate heere vpon earth , turnest the brightnesse of his countenaunce into perpetuall darkenesse and bannishing him out of this worlde for euermore ? What a wonderfull change is made of him , appeareth from hence ; so that he remaineth vtterly ignorant what is done here ; vnderstandeth not at al what is the condition of his children which he h h verse 21 leaueth behind him , comprehendeth not whether they liue in wealth or misery , or a meane estate : and that his body lieth in the graue i i verse 22 mourning , because of the wormes that deuour it , and wailing , because of the seperation betweene it and the soule , whose society and fellowship was so comfortable in times past .

Syrraxis . 12. Persons . Eliphaz . Iob. Eliphaz .

WOuldst thou be accounted a wise man , Chap. 15 and yet deliuer such a deale of windie and vaine matter ? so many fierce and hot words , a a verse 2 ( but as dangerous and hurtfull to the hearers , as the East winds to the b b verse 3 fruits ) and to as little purpose , as hee that spendeth his time in plowing vp the seashore ? Thou hast cast off the fear ᶜ of God , c c verse 4 and al reuerence of his Maiesty : they that are suppliants vnto him stand not vppon termes with him as thou doest , but are humbled before him in praier . Thy manner of invocation , is rather a complaint then a petition , a comanding of God to fulfill thy mind , then a commending of thy desires vnto him by lowlines , and submission . I desire not to be mine owne iudge heerein , but appeale to thine owne mouch , d d verse 6 which hath broached iniquity and reiected all feare of God . When thou pleadest thine owne innocencie , we demaunding of thee how thou wilt be tryed , thou makest a subtle kind of answere , saying , the Lord shal arbitrate my cause : & hereupon takest vpon thee to dispute thy cause before him , vsurping the office of Opponent , Respondent , and arbitrator to thine owne selfe , and so carriest the matter vpon meere c c Thou haste chosen the tongue of the crafty verse 7 imagination , as if the day must needs be thine and we all farle in our iudgement . I account it a subtle plea ; because thou makest choyse of such a iudge as cannot bee procured , and so flyest to an impossibility , and withal assignest him before hand his sentence : both which , argue the foulenes of thy cause . For where as first thou refusest an ordinary , and flyest to an extraordinary Iudge , thou shewest thy despaire otherwise to prenaile : and next , whereas thou framest vnto him his iudgement before hand , thou discouerest thy great folly and impudency . I pray thee whence ariseth this high conceit of thy selfe & f f verse 7 thy wisdome ? I am sure that some of vs Pe so much before thee in antiquitye , knowledge , and ●●●arity , that for any of these thou canst not contend ? It should seeme by thy words that thou wast the first man that euer was made in the world ; or rather more auncient then the world it selfe . Nay , if thou shouldst bee so skilful as thou wouldst make vs beleeue , it cannot be chosen , but thou must needs be present in that holy and sacred Councell g g verse 8 of the diuine Trinity , for the framing of Heauen and earth , and all creatures : For otherwise whence should it be that all other men are left naked , and that al knole dge is drawne together into thy bosom ? But thou dost but deceiue thy selfe in thine own opinion , it is not so as thou supposest : For we are not behind thee any way in knowledge , and as for antiquity , there is some of vs more auncient then thy father , h h verse 9 which maketh vs to be accepted and reputed of among the people who are wont to ascribe very much to the Authority of the aged . Notwithstanding for al this thou hast despised vs and our counsels , and made light reckoning of those our spirituall and Diuine comforts , l l verse 19 which we haue layed before thee euen accordingly as wee receiued them from the Lord . Some thing is amisse , either thou art to confident in thy owne opinion , or thou hauing no good opinion of vs , wilt not giue entertainement to our exhortations : For the good opinion we haue of a man , maketh vs like of k k verse 11 of his admonitions , though weakely deliuered : whereas if we were otherwise affected toward him , the strongest perswasion would not be admitted : Againe , there is somewhat that otherwise blindeth thine eyes , so that thou canst not see into our intention , or seeing into it , thou makest as though thou sawest it not ; thereby to keepe close some secret , not as yet vttered , which being disclosed , would bee of more efficacy and more material thenal thouhast hetherto spoken .

It is thy proud hart l l Why doeth thy hart take thee away verse 12 that is out of frame , and carrieth thee beyond the bounds of al modesty , the nodding of thy head the winking of thine eyes , m m What do thine cies meane . v. 12 like vnto the Archer , together with the rest of thy scornings , proceed from that root . But no maruell though thou handle vs thus , when thou sparest n n verse 13 not the Almighty himselfe , but takest tomacke against him aspirest so high as to chalenge him into the field to incounter with thee , and that in termes of vile reproach and blasphemy . But dare man be so audacious , to braue the Lord to his face , and stand vpon termes of disgrace with him , that is of that admirable glory and maicsty , as cannot be conceiued ? He could do no more if the Lords honor were vpheld , by him , or if he haue Heauen and earth vpon his shoulders , or if Gods Iustice , truth , righteousnes , power and al , ( were he not ) would lie in the dust .

BVt alas poore worme n = " a " verse 14 of the earth , Chap. 15 what helpe is he able to yeeld vnto God , if he should neede his seruice ? He made him the last of all his creatures , that he might arrogate nothing of all his workemanship vnto himselfe . The heauenly spirits themselues which he made before , he vseth onely for his pleasure , not that he at all standeth it neede of their industry , for he was in equall glory , and power before without them : what cause then is there , why he should any way call for the seruice of man ? but that it is his wil , so to dignfie him that is most vnworthy : In substance like vnto the potters vessell , which is broken at euery knocke : In nature as weake as she that bare him , subiect to as much greefe and sorrow as she in her child-bearing , as defiled and filthy as the very polution & menstruousnes from which he proceeded . The blessed Angels themselues could not stand in that integrity of theirs , but that they are supported by the hande of the Almighty . Their righteousnes consisteth in the fulfilling of the ten commandements , c c For the perfection of man and angels in their first creation was alike , they both had free wil vnto good as wel as vnto euill , they both had power to keepe the ten commandments : which if they had don , they had not loste their hapines : they both in their fal transgrest against the first commandement , the state of of them both after the resurrection shal be one & the same . and that is all the Lord requireth , and all that they are able to performe . But there is another righteousnes in God , which is annexed to his essence , cannot be seperated from him , and is incomprehensible : in this they would be found to faile of that perfection that wer to be looked for , if the L. should call for such duty herein as wer to be rendred him , acording to that vnmatchable dignity of his God-head , which is so holy , pure , and perfect , as the seruice of no creature can be answerable thereunto . For vnlesse the Lord had imparted something of his owne essence vnto them , which he hath not , nor could not do : It cannot bee , they shoulde bee comparable to him in righteousnes , It cannot be they should yeild him obedience sutable to his worthines ; It canot be but there must be wants in them , when they are matched with him that is matchles & hath no peere .

For he alone it is that is absolutely good , absolutely perfect and righteous , and none but he , and the seruice of that which is finite cannot be compleat toward him that is infinite . The Angels therfore if they be called to an acount , to see whether they haue performed their semice to God in that measure as the greatnes & excelency of his maiesty requireth , they wold doubtles come farre short and be much behind with him , in such duty as might be sutable to the surpassing excellencie of his glorious nature and deity .

The Heauens aboue that are free from the contagion of these inferior bodyes , and haue much beauty and purity in them , in respect thereof , yet is their perfection nothing to that which is in the Lord , whose glory darkeneth the brightnesse of the Sunne ( in a farre greater measure , ) beyond our estimation , then the Sunne doth the brightnesse of the rest of the Planes and Starres of the firmament .

This purity of the Heauens , is lesse then that of the Angels , and mans lesse then either of these . The one , in that they are not onely void of reason but of sense , are inferior to Man ; but in the integrity of their nature not a little superior : the other , euery way in nature , in vnderstanding , obedience , in desire , without all comparison , more pure , more perfect , more iust then the most regenerate man that euer liued vpon the face of the earth . The redeemer thou spakest of , ( by casting vpon men his owne righteousnesse ) Man is made more excellent , then the Angels : Howbeit , through community of their head , they remaine notwithstanding both of them of equall dignity : yet neuerthelesse , during this mortality , no man attaineth vnto that estate , but while he liueth here , carryeth about with him a body of sinne .

Man at the highest , Aungels at the highest degree of perfection , must stoope to the Almighty , throwe downe their Crownes at his feete , and sing of his holinesse : The Heauens must giue place when his glory shineth forth . And must not mortall man ( who hath his dwelling in the dust ) though neuer so much regenerat , in neuer so great expectation of his redeemer , neuer so much clothed with his righteousnesse , and iustified through faith in him , doe the like ? Were it then Iob that thou wert of this rank , yet oughtest thou not to seek thus to iustifie thy selfe before God , which neither the elect Angels & heauenly Citizens , nor Saynts departed , wil attempt , but do acknowledge by continual prayses , and thankes-giuing , their righteousnesse , whatsoeuer it is , to come from hym ; neyther in any sort to bee compared with his , which exceedeth measure , and number , and is as infinite as the Lord himselfe . But thou art not of this ranke , for these are washed from theyr filthinesse , and so art not thou , a remaynder of sinne , indeed they haue abiding , but they haue it not raigning in them as thou hast : For dost thou not follow the sway of thine affections ? Art thou not a wilfull and obstinate offender , and such a one as disdaineth to be reproued ? Did euer the tongue of any runne into more grosse errour , and more manifest blasphemy against God , then thine doth ? This is worse then to be a meere naturall Man : for , many Men lying in the corruption of their nature , breake not out into this outrage and impiety , yet because lesse sinnes are ordinary with them , ( euen as ordinary as to eate , drink , d d Which drinketh iniquity like water . verse 16. walke , and talke ) the Lord hath them in detestation , and they stinke in his Nostrilles ; they are abhorred likewise of the Lordes people , and avoyded no lesse , then if they were infected with the Leprosie : the smell of them also is as noysome vnto them , as the sauor of the pestilence .

The cause hereof is , the accustoming & delighting themselues no lesse in sinning , then the Dropsie Man in drinking , and the Epicure in feeding vpon his delicates . This maketh God and his seruants to loath them , for deserue they not to bee loathed , that as a common sinke hauing aboundance of all manner of filthynesse in them already , are made still a receptacle for whatsoeuer vncleanesse ? Sathan setting before the eyes of a naturall Man , the pleasures of the Worlde , the Wealth thereof , and the honour of the same : such is the corruption of his hart , that hee is intangled by and by , and if hee may inioy these , he will not sticke at any meanes but swallowe vppe ill , be they neuer so abhominable . For these are the endes he aimeth at , further then the which , he seeth nothing .

A Man therefore in nature may well bee resembled to a musty caske of Wine , from which all that is drawne out tasteth of the mustinesse thereof , and poure in what you will and drawe it out , it will doe the like : For the thoughtes of Man , his affections , his desires , his wordes , his actions conceiued within , haue a tongue of the mustinesse of the caske of his flesh : Whatsoeuer hee receiueth from without , and apprehendeth by his senses , as by the eare or eye , when it is once setled within him , it is tainted with the Vessell of the body , but principally with the Leauen of the hart : Which as it marreth the whole lumpe of the flesh , so it causeth all that is any way conuayed into it by the outward senses , ( howe wholesome , and good soeuer in it selfe ) to smacke and relish thereof .

As for example , when the eare of a naturall Man heareth of the wonderfull power and wise dome of God in the workemanshippe of Heauen and earth , and all Creatures , hee thinketh not of any spirituall worshippe , but frameth vnto himselfe straight way a bodily worshippe , and therefore setteth vppe a grauen Image , and so in stead of a worshipper of God , becommeth an Idolater , and a deprauer of his worship . In like sort , when the eye of a natural Man beholdeth great aboundance of the fruites of the earth , this entereth not into his hart , to giue thankes to the founder of them , or to remember the needy , but concludeth thus with himselfe ; Now I will take mine ease , now I will be merry , now I will eate and drinke my fill of the best , now I will cloath my selfe in costly apparrell : And thus is it very common , and vsual with him , euen as common as to drink when he is a thirst , in whatsoeuer obiect is offered to his outward senses , in whatsoeuer he thinketh , affecteth , lusteth after , speaketh , performeth with his best discretion , counsell of his pillow , studdy , meditation of his minde , and so winth full consent and allowance of his hart , ( which are matters inward : ) to swallow vp sinne in as great aboundance , as the drops of the Water in the ouerflowing of the riuers .

BVt for that other point of Gods dealing against the wicked , Chap. 15. if thou wilt heare me , thou shalt see that I my selfe of myne owne knowledge , e e verse 17 am able to confirme it vnto thee , to bee so as I haue reported , and to shew that our wise f f verse 28 and prudent forefathers of latter times , haue beene of the same iudgement , and their auncientes likewise euen from the beginning of the creation . Neither haue they barely onely , and coldly , auouched it , not regarding whether their opinion were imbraced or no : but haue very carefully left it in record g g Haue not kept secret verse 18 , for the guiding of the posterities , and setling of their iudgment in the matter .

In those dayes , such onely as excelled in wisedome , power , and iustice , were made gouernors of the common-wealth : such onely as were able both to repell the force of the forraign enimy , & represse the domesticall ; h h verse 19 both to ordaine hole some and profitable lawes , and to execute them with good discretion , being enacted . Yet these , euen all of them with one consent , are absolutely of my opinion : that God alwaies followeth the wicked with his fearefull iudgments . And verily so it is , they affirme it , and I find it ; that as long as the Tyrant continueth vpon the face of the earth , so long shall his sorrow be as great as the sorrow of a woman i i verse 20. in trauell , neither shall he know an end thereof .

Indeed his daies shall not be many , but so grieuous , that they shall seeme exceeding long , and when finall destruction commeth , it shal ceaze vpon him so sodainly , k k The number of yeares is hid from the tyrant verse 20. and so strangly , as he shall haue no time to consider of his ende . This l l verse 21 , sorrow shal arise from the guiltinesse of his conscience , tormenting him day and night , because of his iniquity : which for that it is inward , & not visible to the eye , he may seem outwardly to flourish , and be at rest , and yet notwithstanding , because of a feare and distruct which he hath , that his estate shall not indure , be voyde of all peace , and comfort within : which fear of his when it falleth vpon him indeed , then he maketh it euident to al men , how miserable he was euen then , when the world deemed him most happy . For no sooner doth the least aduersity take hold of him but by and by he is cast into despaire , and so cast downe , that they haue no power to arise vp againe , m m verse 22 but thorough the heauy burden of a bad conscience is so pressed to the ground , that he conceiueth no hope of recouery , and thereupon yeildeth himselfe ouer to a wretched condition , and lieth down in this greefe , as a man vtterly forlorne .

Hence it is , that he is affraide at the wagging of a leafe , that the sight of his owne shaddow maketh him quake , that the very conceipt of an enemy causeth him to flie , as if an Army of men chased him at the heeles . For the Conscience of a man , accusing and condemning him of wronges done , maketh him think that he heareth the drum of them to whom he hath offered the same continually sounding in his eares , and biddieg him battle , or else the Trumpet of the L. comming against him for it .

To this kinde of men , no place is sanctuary but the best walled Castle , the strongest guard is a weake defence , they dare not trust their dearest friend , euery one that comes to them , is as the Messenger of death .

If they see it lighten , they suppose it hath no other matter to feede vppon but their carcasses : the Thunder , they thinke to bee sent of purpose against them which maketh them hide their heads , and run into a bench-hole : the least puffe of wind arising , they feare the tumbling of the house vppon their heads , how sure soeuer the foundation be , because of the weakenesse and wracke of their owne foundation , as being without faith , and hauing made shipwracke of a good Conscience !

O miserable condition , they are in expectation of nothing but the terrible hand of death and condemnation to take holde of them , and that euery moment , and what they feare , falleth vpon them indeede at the last , and then to , when they least of all thinke vppon it , for vtterly free from this thought they are at no time . When they are most secure at peace in their house , at rest from their enemies rounde about at the highest pitch of their prosperity , in the midst of their myrth , behold tribulation breaketh in sodainely , horror is present before their face , opening her mouth to swallow them vp . For being once cast down , they are like to him that is in the bottome of the sea , or in the graue , that is past all hope to get forth .

Malefactors that are throwne into the darke Dungcon , ( because none are cast in thether , but such as are taken for notorious offenders ) neuer looke for their liberty againe : so is it with them , such a mist is betweene them and the Sunne , that they cannot see any way of deliuerance ; and in this their desperate estate , their eyes are in euery corner , still looking behind them , misdoubting all that is before them , trembling at euery steppe , standing in bodily fear , least that one should lie in waite or fall vppon them , to slaye them with the sword . In their greatest abundance , they so turmoile themselues , so carke and cares , as if they hadde not a morsell n n verse 23 of breade for his belly ? the young Ostriches make not more lamentation and complaint then they do ; Future want is a worde that they wearye their mouths withall ; their distrustfull heart , their troubled Conscience telleth them , that a blacke and dismall daye is comming , when after euery bird shall haue his owne out of the nest which they haue so wel feathred , they themselues shal be left naked . They can by no means o o verse 24 be freed from this feare , that though they bee fulnowe yet they shall bee emptied forthwith : though they be at rest now , yet destruction is at hand to inuade them sodainely as a tempest , and so forcibly as if a fowre square Army of eight thousand men shold beset them rounde on euery side , so that they coulde by no meanes escape .

THis is the portion of such as make n = " a " verse 25 war with God , Chap. 15 either in his own person , or in his members : which haue an opinion of their own strength that they can do wonders , are able to make their party good with God himselfe , and as for such as depend vpon him , to treade them vnder theyr feet as the clay in the streetes . It is admirable to see how strong and fierce he is in the incounter , he putteth out himselfe , and stretcheth his ioynts to the vttermost , he runnes b b verse 26 The Geneva failes heere . amain at God himself with a stretched-out neck , and striues to cast him with his shoulder ; and where hee thinketh him strongest , there he assailes him most of all , and driues at him most eagerly : where he defends himselfe with his buckler , ( as it were ) not caring for the bosse and knobs thereof . Such is his pride such is the presumption of his prowesse , that if he should not set vp a flagge of defiance against the highest and mightiest of all others , he reckoneth hee should be accounted No-body .

Howbeit , he doth but striue against the streame : the waues of the Lord shall go ouer his head : he shall wast the collups c c verse 27 of his flanke with the heat of his displeasure . It will not serue his turne that he is fed like a stalled Oxe , his puffed vp cheekes when the Lord commeth shall melt like snowe against the Sunne , his houses and fortresses which hee hath raised out of the ruins d d verse 28 of some desolate Citty , to purchase him a name by , shall be like the confusion of Babell , and his intent therein as was theirs , shall be frustrate , for his posterity shall not inioy his faire buildinges , e e verse 29 nor thriue by his care that he hath taken for them : his houses themselues shall become heapes , and his inheritance shal be an habitation either for the stranger , or else the Owle shal lodge there .

His glory while he liueth , shal be changed into f f verse 30 darkenes and misery vnrecouerable , and the flame of affliction which hee himselfe shall kindle with the blast of his owne mouth , speaking presumptious things , shal deuoure his branches : for so mighty is the Lorde , and so wonderful in the contriuing of his purposes , that he maketh the wicked spinne the thred of their owne wretchednes .

No argument is more strong , then that which is drawne from the euent , yet tell these kind of men what shall bee the end of them , and their progenny , what a fonde thing it is for them to builde vppon these g g Verse 31 vaine and transitory things , that do nothing but lead into errour such as trust in them , that haue many faire shewes , but such as feede onely mens fancies , and therefore termed vanity , because they are without any during fruit at all , saue bitternes ; more greeuous then worm-wood or gal it selfe , they wil not be broght to beleeue it .

The fancy likewise which they haue of their felicity when it is in the flower , h h verse 32 shal be but as a dreame in the night , hauing a seeming onely of some thing , but of no soundnes nor continuance in truth , it is nipped in the head by and by , whatsoeuer it is , as the fruit with the frost ; some vntimely and vnnatural winde shal shake the bowes of i i verse 33 their stocke , substance , and creddite , then when it is in the prime , euen as when a Vine or Oliue are shaken with a tempest in the spring .

For as a Tempest then arising , taketh away al the beauty of the Oliue , al the Grapes , and leaues of the Vine , leauing nothing behind it ; so doth the blast of the Lordes displeasure in their chee●est iollity , and so vnseasonably , in respect of themselues , sweepe them cleane away , root and branch , head and taile , and blow them vp from their very foundation as it were powder , which causeth their memoriall to perish from off the earth . A heauy iudgement thou wilt say , yet no heauier then that Diuell incarnate , the seeming professor , k k verse 34 & vnder colour of doing Iustice , protector of iudgment , for lucre sake deserueth : For as Sathan that hee may the better deceiue , chaungeth himselfe into an Angell of light , so these vnder pretence of holines and administration of Iustice , delude the eies of the simple and sincere hearted , but most of all they beguile themselues , with their cunning and curious painting , with their cleanely and cunning conueyaunce of matters notorious , and impious in their owne nature .

For notwithstanding all their great policy , whatsoeuer they conceiue , l l verse 35 that shall they bringe foorth at the last ; their haruest shall bee answerable to there seede which they haue sowne . The crafty Foxe must not thinke alwayes to escape , the expert Hunter will finde him out at the length , and when hee hath once gotten him , no fauour must be looked for , either toward himselfe , or any of his kind , but they must all be yealded ouer to the mercilesse mouths of the greedy and vnsatiable Hounds . For a Wolfe couered with a Sheepes skinne , is fitter to be torne in sunder by the Dogges , then for the slaughter house .

It is accounted a worthy piece of seruice any way to destroy him with all his breede : and if it cannot otherwise be , to burne m m Fire shall deuour the houses of bribes . Verse 34. Chap. 1. him vp in his denne , with his whole litter .

Iob.

You alwaies a a Verse 2. harp vpon one string , and that out of tune too , you haue euen dulled mine eares with your discourses about the destruction of the wicked , I my selfe haue both acknowledged as much , and confirmed the same with you ; but how often shall I tell you that God afflictes the Godly heere in this life , more then those ? But were it as you say , to what purpose do ye tire my ears with this vaine matter ? My disease is extraordinary , and therefore requireth some extraordinry comfort , such harsh and vnseasonable stuffe as this that you bring , beside the loathsomnesse of it to my sick stomack , is enough to kill a whole body .

A weake stomacke will beare but a little at once , and must haue variety of dishes , and some pleasant sawce to draw on the appetite : you haue therefore very much forgotten your selues , in that you haue fed me all this while with nothing else almost , but this one dish , causing me to surfet vpon it againe and againe , as being ouercharged with it ; in so much that now my stomacke doth abhorre the same : Wherefore , away with it , and let mee heare no more of it ( I pray you . ) Certaine particulars there are , against which I may iustly take exception , for thou cuttest me off ( Eliphaz ) of all hope of comfort , and art more cruel against me then before : before thou leftest some place of mercy for me vpon my repentance , but now thou shuttest vp mercy from me : This is vnmercilesse dealing . Thou dost not reason against me , but cauell like vnto some sophister , which becommeth not a Man of thy yeares , vnlesse thou wilt confesse thy selfe through age to be a Child againe . I hope thy memory is not so weake , but that thou art able to carry away the truth of my words , nor thy vnderstanding so dull , but that thou art able to conceiue my meaning aright , but if it bee so , acknowledge it , and learne more wisedome .

Thou noddest c c Verse 4 thy head at mee , which is a thing that much offendeth me ; wouldest thou bee contented with it , being in my stead at my handes ? I would not offer it to the most contemptible among Men , but would striue rather to shew my selfe pittifull and applyable to the condition of such , mourning and lamenting with them , and being inwardly touched with a feeling of their tribulation , would labour to d d Verse 5 refresh their fainting soule , by the best perswasions I could deuise .

Thy refreshing is a deuouring of e e Verse 9 , 10. Chap. 17 , v , 2 , me with open mouth ; and a beating my cheekes with thy blowes of reproch . I am a laughing stocke , and a by-word vnto you continually : this f f Verse 6 , 20. Cha. 17 , v , 2 , 7 maketh my eyes to guish out with teares , and my hart to bleed within me . If I haue done any wickednesse whereby I haue deserued this g g What it is apeareth . v. 11 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17. Which because it proceedeth from distemper , I haue but touched it in a word , as my manner is euerywhere saue onely in the 3. chapter . vsage , O how do I h h Verse 18. desire that the earth would reueale it ! O how earnest am I that my prayers might neuer enter into the eares of the Lord ! O then take my heart you Archers , according to your desire , make it your marke , i i verse 12 spare it no more then you do the butte you shoote at . God therefore that knowest mine innocency , k k Verse 19. ioyne some l l Chap. 17 , v , 3 Man with mee I beseech thee to help me in the truth “ “ Verse 4. against my eloquent * m * m Chap 16 , Verse 20. aduersaries , who are blinded and cannot see it . Cause him to declare to the world that they flatter “ “ Cha. 17 , v , 5 such as are in prosperity , when they make them beleeue that they , and none but they , are the Men whom thou O Lorde fauourest , and that their eyes shall be cast m m Verse 5 downe , and their faces confounded for this ; as also for that they deeme such as are in pouerty , or any way distressed , for notorious sinners , and wicked persons . And as for my selfe , make him to publish to the people , that though I haue beene n n Verse 6 This complaint is more large . Verse 7 , 11 , 12 13 , 14. played vpon with blowes of contumelie , as a tabret , which I omit for the reason before alledged , yet I shall bee for all that in credit againe , and tule o o Tremell . Chap. 17 , v , 6 Ad praesidendum populis . ouer the Citty : for hereby p p Verse 8 , 9 occasion shall be giuen to all men , to admire thy goodnesse toward thy seruanets : hereby , the innocent shall haue cause not to feare the condemnation of the wicked ; and heereby shall the vertuous and Godly bee confirmed , and incouraged in their vprightnesse . This ( I say ) would put life into a dead Man , raise mee out of the graue and pit , the father of corruption , where I haue long lyen in perswasion , as a household Seruant to that great q q Verse 13. Grandam of the family , among my brethren and Systers the worms of the earth ; r r Verse 10. Heare this , ye crosse friends of myne , and change your opinion concerning me .

Syrraxis . 13. Persons . Bildad . Iob. Bildad .

WIlt thou neuer leaue a a Chap. 18 , 2. replying ? It shal be thine , though thou art but one against three , yet shalt thou carry away the matter from vs all . Seeing thou wilt needes haue it so , thy opinion shall be best , thou shalt be Disputant , Respondent , and Moderator : likewise of the controuersie between vs , prescribe vs an order when , and a forme how we shall speake , and commaund vs silence at thy pleasure , for thou esteeming of vs as vnreasonable b b Ver. 3 beastes , it is but reason we should giue thee place . But remember that thou tarest thy fleshe * c * c Cha. 13.14 . with thy teeth euen now , where was then thy profound iudgment ? This is thy deepe diuinity , that the Lord hath peruerted the order of nature , and hath done as much as if he had remoued the center of the earth or craggy rockes out of theyr places , in that he hath thus afflicted thee ? for in his orderly course he punisheth sinners : now thou hast not * d * d chap. 16 Ver. 17 sinned , how is that proued ? Thy * e * e Chap. 16 ver. 1 conscience accuseth thee not . Doth not thy conscience accuse thee ? thy * f * f Chap. 16 ver. 23 mouth doubtlesse speaking from the aboundance of thy hart , and so of thy conscience , confessing that thy dayes are consumed , euidently accuseth thee : for why are they consumed , but because of thy sinnes ? And the euent which is the best proofe of all maketh it manifest , for shame hath couered g g ver. 6.7 , 8 , &c thy face , thy posterity is destroyed , thou art become a gazing-stocke to the Worlde , a feare to thy stocke , and a spectacle of the Lordes terrible vengance against transgressours .

Iob.

Will you neuer leaue grieuing h h ver. 2 , 3 me with your obiections , wearying me with your repetitions , and abusing me with your tearmes of infamy ? Were it so that I had i i ver. 4. erred and gone astray , yet were it notwithstanding for you to reproch mee therewith , and to insult ouer mee ? Were it not more commendation for you to beare with mine infirmities ( how great so euer , especially being in this case ) exceedingly diseased , and in a manner a dead Man ? If there were any mercy in you , the more my misery is , the more would you be moued to compassion toward me .

But this sheweth your , cruelty , in that you are so eager in prosecuting the matter of the Lords wrath against the wicked , that you cleane forget once so much as to make mention of his rewardes toward the good ; which plainely declareth that thy hatred toward mee ( BILDAD ) is greater then before , and that thou art now become a very malicious aduersary of myne : For , whatsoeuer thou speakest against the wicked , thy purpose is to apply it vnto me : in that therefore thou art so hot against them , heaping the vengeance of God vpon their heads and their seede , in the terriblest manner thou canst deuise , I fee the greatnesse of thy stomacke against me .

The vanity of the name of old acquaintance & frendship apeareth in you : who ( were you the greatest strangers in the world ) I could not haue worse dealing offered mee at your hands . You blame me for my affliction , whereas you ought to blame him c c verse 5 rather that hath sent it : When another hath intangled me in a d d verse 6 snare , is it my fault ? Will you impute the taking of a Bird in a net , to the bird , or to the fowler ? It is the Lords pleasure to handle me as you see , can I do withal ? My manner of liuing hath not called for it , and since I haue beene in it , I haue made longe prayers and loud cries e e verse 7 for my freedome ; yet for all that he doth still so hedge f f verse 8 me in , that I can see no way of cuasion . My honor g g verse 9 is gone , my h h verse 10 root is withered , my kinsfolkes and acquaintaunce , are estranged , i i verse 13 14 my scruants k k verse 15 regard me not , the wife of my bosome ( thogh I had many l l vers 17.18 , 19 children by her ) flyeth from me ; great and small , the bad and better sort of men , my familiars and beloued , hate me , scorne me , loath me , and which is more then all this , the Lorde himselfe is incensed against me ; yea that which is strangest of all , I my selfe do abhorre mine owne body , which is consumed to nothing , hauing no skin throughout to couer it , but onely a little about the gums , m m verse 20 hauing such and so many folowing it , so many afflictions vpon it , as mannage their fight against it like vnto the troopes of horsemen rushing fiercely into the battle , each of them in their order and turne .

Take compassion of me my friends , n n verse 21 be not so cruel , as to harden your hearts ; bee not so sauage as to sharpen your tongues against him that is so miserable , but let it suffice that the Lord o o verse 22 pursueth me in such bitter and feareful maner as hath beene described .

THe onely thing why you are against me is ( as you pretend ) because I am a Wicked man : Chap , 19 , 25 , 5 , 26 , 27. for confutation whereof , that so I may the rather drawe you to pitty my estate , consider with me what a wicked man is . A wicked Man is hee , that is without faith , and hee is a godly man that is indued therewith : for the want of faith is it that only condemneth , and the inioying thereof , that only iustifieth a man : Because al the sins in the world cannot condemne a man where faith is , nor al the good works in the world can saue a man where faith is not : because no prayer , no preaching is pleasing to the Lord without sacrifice in these daies , which leadeth vs to faith in the redeemer to come . No transgression or offence so great , but is purged thereby , because faith can no more be without good fruits , then fire without heat , or water without moysture , nor good works where faith is wanting , any more then light appeare in the world the Sunne being taken out of the firmament ; or life remaine in the body , the soule beeing seperated from it .

Before oblations be offered to the Lord , there is necessarily mioyned ❀ m ❀ m Exod 19 , 10 Iob , 1 , 5 washing ; this washing , doeth fignifie faith , where by our hearts and hands , the inward and outward man are * n * n Acts 15.9 purged from sinne : where as otherwise wee a Cage of all vncleannesse , deliuered ouer to a * o * o Rom , 1 , 28 29 reprobate minde , and full of all vnrighteousnesse . As therefore when the sacrifices are layed vppon the Altar , the fire commeth downe from heauen and consumeth them , it is an euident and infallible signe of the Lordes presence ; so , where faith inflameth the heart , with astedfast expectation of the Lords deliuerance from death and destruction , there doubtlesse is a sure and certaine testimony of his feare and freedome from the bondage of sinne and Wickednesse : so that it raigneth not in his mortall body ( whosoeuer he be . )

For this faith it is neuerydle , neuer so litarie , but alwaies in building and repairing of the Temple where it abideth , that so it may befit for the receiuing of her honourable redeemer when hee commeth : alwaies attended with such royal vertues , as may grace it in the eyes of him that cannot indure iniquity .

Now let this be a testimony of my faith , grounded vpon a true knowledge of the Lord , which you * c * c Chap , 8.21 . deny to be in me , and let it be as a confutation of your reasons to the contrary ( which also I desire may remaine in recorde * f * f ch , 19 , 23 to all posterities , and be ingrauen with anyron pen in marble , neuer to bee razed out ) that I rest vppon the promise of the Lord , for the resurrection of my body from death vnto life , the restoring of it againe , after it shall bee eaten vppe with Wormes and consumed to dust , and the beholding of the glory of my Sauiour and redeemer with the very same eyes which now I inioy : that I rest vpon the comming of that blessed seede which shall break the Serpents head , and recouer mee together with the whole housholde of faith to the state of immortality lost in Adam , because he is immortal , co-eternall with his Father , liueth for euer , and wil make vs like vnto himselfe . I confesse indeed that he hath not as yet taken vpon him our humane nature , neither wil do it vntill the last daies .

Yet I know for a certainty , that he himselfe through the power of his God-head , shall be the first that shall arise out of the graue , by vertue of whose resurrection , I●ogither with all that beleene shall be reuiued and quickned againe . For this is the office of the Messiah , to make that good againe which was de●aced in Adam , and therefore I terme him my redeemer : as standing assured of the restauration of this my weake and fraile slesh to that happy estate which was in Paradise , a life like vnto that of the Angels in heauen , which neuer shall haue an end , and so replenished with ioyes , as is vnspeakeable .

This my disease , teacheth mee as much , wherein though my skinne and flesh be rotten , my bones broken and so consumed that dust g g verse 26 may as it were be shaken out of them , yet notwithstanding by the power and goodnes of God , I am preserued aliue . Howbeit though I bee thus afflicted , and my faith rooted in the Zord , yet you cease not still to persecute mee with your h h verse 28 bloody words , denouncing more peremptorily then at the first , Gods heauy iudgementes against me . But take heed that you pul i i verse , 29 them not vpon your selues by your iniquity and cruelty toward me . For certainely the Lord will not suffer such harde measure as you haue offered me , which hath pierced my soul like vnto a sword , to escape the sword of his indignation .

Syrraxis . 14. Persons . Zophar Iob Zoph .

THough thou reprouest a a verse 3 me I wil passe it ouer , Chap , 29 and prosecute that which hath bin interupted : namely , that it cannot go well with the b b verse 5 wicked . And here I appeale to thy own knowledge c c verse 4 and conscience , whether since the beginning of the world the prosperity of the Hippocrite and wicked man hath beene of any d d verse 5 durance ? The glory of such thou knowest touching the clouds , e e verse 6 hath bin broght down to the dunghil , hath vanished away sodenly as a dreame f f verse 8 neither doe their Children g g verse 10 which they enioy according to their desire , * h * h cha , 21 , 1 possesse * i * i Chap , 21 , ver. 16 , 17 , 18 any part of theyr wealth , flowing in vnto them most happily , * k * k chap , 21 , 10 how great soeuer it hath beene . Be it that their sinnes haue remained with them a longe time , and that they bee so sweete , that they cannot leaue l l chap , 20 , 11 , 12 , 13 them , they become not withstanding at length as deadly as the poison of Aspes , or the sting of the tongue of the Viper vnto them . The Hippocrite and wicked must not looke alwaies to flow in wealth , neither when he is once downe , by all his labor to recouer his former estate : for how should he stil prosper that hath inriched himselfe by oppression m m verse 15 , 16 17 , 18 , 19 et sequent . of the weake ? The Lord in his Iustice must needes repay vnto him , the like measure as he hath offered to others . And therefore as hee hath depriued poore of their foode , so shall hee perish for want of nourishment : and though he haue aboundance , yet notwithstanding he shall not be satisfied . When he hath prouided for his belly , the wrath of the Lord shall scatter it , and he shall be disappointed : if he flye the Bow , the Sword , fire , and destruction are prepared for him . If there be none to witnesse against him , the Heauens , k k Verse 27.28 and earth themselues will lay him open , the Stones and Walles crye out against him ; the Rocks , Woods , & Mountaines , where he wandereth , wil giue forth an Eccho for the bringing of his wickednesse to light . There is no l l Verse 29. shelter therefore for the euil dooer , no place of harbour for him that vseth oppression , deceit , or any way inuenteth euil , or closely committeth euill , though it be but in the Chambers of his hart onely , for the hurt of his neighbour .

Iob

YOu came hither to comfort me , Chap. 21. The scope of this chapter is only generally touched . I desire no other comfort a a Verse , 2 , 3. at your hands , then that you would let me speak my mind to the full , or at least so farre forth , vntill I shal briefly confute your reasons : which being granted me , spare not Zophar , if thou canst take any iust exception against my wordes to deride me . That which thou affirmest of the wicked , is not alwaies true : because for the most part they themselues al their life time , their Children , and Childrens Children greatly flourish in the world . And though it be so , that he punisheth the wicked oftentimes , yet he will not bee prescribed by Men , when , or how , or vpon what cause to do it : being done , he hideth from them oftentimes the grounds therof , & reserueth it to the last iudgment , which is done to restrain vs from rash iudging . What do we know how they might be disposed inwardly , whom the Lord striketh with sodaine Death ? When his feareful iudgmentes fall vppon Men , who is there that can absolutely set downe and say expresly , it was for such a sinne committed ? That which thou applyest to mee , b b Verse 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , &c. that the * c * c Chap. 20 , Verse 29. Euill euer come to an euill end , is vntrue : for the Godly being taken , they for the most part ( yea many times such as break forth into blasphemy against God ) escape , vndergo no affliction , & are no way brought vnder . What if a mandie before he is old , doth it follow that he is by & by a wicked man ? That is no good consequence . For it is enough , that for the time he liued , he liued in good sort : and it is happy for him by the shortnesse of his life to preuent much misery that might ensue . Thirdly the graue is a stay vnto his mind d d verse 3. : because there he shal not neede to feare any change as before . Lastly , the time is not so much to bee respected as the thing , which is common c c verse 26 to all , Prince , f f Verse 28 and people , good and badde : if any g g verse 33. were exempted then indeede you sayde something to the point . And your reproch , h h verse 28 which you cast vpon me because of my calamity , m●ght haue a kinde of pretence , if not that which followeth after this life , but that which happeneth here , being other wise then wel , were to be accounted a destruction .

Syrraxis . 15. Persons . Eliphaz . Iob. Eliphaz .

WHat meanest thou to striue with the Almighty ? Chap. 22 what a a verse 2 , 3. gaine is it to him that thou iustifiest thy selfe , or what dost thou thy selfe get by it ? But striue while thou wilt , thou shalt neuer cleare thy selfe from suspition of b b ver. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 all kind of wickednes . How answerest thou to the Lordes iudgements vpon the old world , was it not for their great wickednesse c c ver. 15 , 16 , 17 that hee swept them cleane away from the face of the earth ? The Godly hee spared , the rest he ouerwhelmed . In this it is euident against whom the Lord vseth these temporary scourges : confesse therefore thy iniustice toward Men , acknowledge thy impiety against the Lord , whose d d ver. 12 , 13 , 14 prouidence thou denyest . and returne vnto him in sorrow for the same , and in assurance of mercy , & he wil receiue thee to fauor , to blesse f f Verse 24 , 25 26 , 28. thee again , that thou shalt haue cause not onely to praise g g verse 27. him for thy freedome from this thy misery , but for thy restoring againe h h Verse 30. to thy former estate : Yea thou shalt be so gratious with him , that he wil heare thee , when thou shalt be a suiter for others , i i Verse 30 & they shall fare the better for thy sake .

Iob.

In that I complaine a a Chap. 23 Verse 2 because of my griefe , I am thought to rebell against God . O b b Verse 3 , 4 , 5 that I might once be admitted to the presence of the Lord to plead my cause . I know c c ver. 6 , 10 , 11 12. assuredly , that for the gouernment of the common-wealth he would not discommend me , and so for the rest of my actions : For such speed well that come before him , which haue endeuored d d Verse 7 to frame their liues answerable to his will . You take vpon you to determine of the cause of my punishment , not considering that the Lorde doth not ordinarily e e Verse 8 , 9 reueale the cause of his punishments to the dearest of his seruantes : Notwithstanding , you are such as will prescribe him a rule how , and for what hee must punish , and a time likewise when he shall do it , setting downe expresly hypocrisie , ❀ f ❀ f Chap. 22 Verse 6 , 7 , 8 cruelty , oppression , * g * g Cha. 22.13 impiety against God , as the sinnes for which he now punisheth me .

If you obserue well the Lordes dealing against the wicked , you shall find it to bee in another sort then hee hath dealt with me , for he suffereth them very long to continue in their wicked course , and to offend against him with an high hand , committing sin vpon sin , vntill their iniquities make strong cryes in his eares , ( as did the olde world ) , before he commeth against them in iudgement , and he forewarneth them likewise of their destruction before it commeth . Whereas on the other side , hee taketh his Children napping , when they make their first entrance into transgression . All which pleadeth for me that I haue not beene a notorious offender , for I haue not beene admonished by the Lord at any time of my transgression , but comforted and encouraged by him in my course , no Man hath cryed vnto the Lord against me .

The Lords displeasure hath appeared vnto me by no former affliction , neither if I had bin afflicted by him , should it necessarily follow that he was therefore angry with me : For he neuer chastiseth his children in his anger , but in his loue , alwaies in his mercy , how seuerely soeuer he seemeth to correct them , not at all in his fury and wrath , for then he shoulde vtterly consume them which he neuer doth . True it is , that the Lord fauoreth a whole kingdome for a righteous mans sake , and that at his suite and petition it is redeemed from destruction ; but this is no certaine rule with him : at his pleasure he will do it , and if he haue determined h h verse 13.14 the contrary , many , yea , multitudes of his seruantes assembled together to intreate him , may not preuaile with him . Nay so farre are they in preuailing for others by their supplications , that they themselues * i * i Dauid . Ps. 69 , 3. Ieremy 10 , 24 ( notwithstanding their often and earnest prayers ) are compelled to indure affliction for a longe time together , and so long indeed oftentimes , that there seemeth to be no hope at all for their reliefe .

The wicked they oppresse them , holde them in miserable seruitude many yeares togther , whole Cittyes and Countries they spoyle at their peleasure : shewing no pitty to the fatherlesse , k k verse 3 staruing the poore , l l Verse 4 , 9. murdering the rich , wasting & deuouring all with Fire and Sword , where they cannot otherwise bring the people into subiection : Yet the Lorde suffereth all this , nothing regardeth their loud cries , m m Verse 12 nothing esteemeth their pittifull wronges , be they neuer so many , neuer so vertuous , neuer so deuoted to his obedience , neuer so stedfast in faith , and depending vpon his assistance . Hereby it is euident , that we cannot discerne of the Lordes iudgments , the variety of them is so great , that we are not able to doe it , were they layed open before our eyes , and such as might be attained to , the diuersity of them would cause vs oftentimes to faile .

But the Lord hiding them from vs of set purpose , howe can it be chosen but that we should erre in our Verdict ? For , what he intendeth by them , is one of his waies which is past our finding out , and whether they come in his loue , or in his indignation is a secret which he reserueth to himself , & reuealeth not to the lookers on : The substance of this chapt . is sufficiently vnfolded , the drift laid out : thogh it acordeth not so exactly with the verses of the chapter , & so of the former : neither is that largenes need full now as in the begining both the speakers and matter being the same . they which feele them vnderstand better then the beholders , how it fareth with them . Howbeit , these also haue no further sight into them then for their own particular estate , how it will go with them after this life . For some the Lord iudgeth heere , that he may saue them in the life to come , with some he beginneth his iudgements heere in this life , and proceedeth with them afterward to further condemnation : whether of these two wayes the Lorde taketh with them , is best knowne vnto themselues , others are not able to define . The sum of all is this , the Lord beeing a free agent , will not bee tyed to any one set course of gouernment , but will bee at his choyse to dispose of euery action according to his wil : sometimes hee wil reuenge the blood of the innocents ; and sometimes he will not do it vntill the end of all things : sometimes the wicked go vnpunnished , and sometimes he powreth foorth his wrath vppon them heere in this life . The end wil shew , k that this his maner & forme of gouernment ( though in our vnderstanding it seeme otherwise ) to haue bin most excellent , for order most exquisite , for equity without comparison , for wisdome most singular and admirable .

Syrraxis . 16 Person . Bildad . Iob. Bildad

THou standest very much vpon thine innocency ( or purity rather , ) For though thou vsest many words and very long answeres vnto vs , yet that is the maine of al. For confutation whereof , do no more but consider with thy self what thou art , in comparison of those heauenly bodyes , ( the stars of the firmament , ) which are his creatures ? Admirable is the Lord in his quyet , comely , and constant gouernement of them , together with the whole cope of the Heauens carried about with contrary motions : Innumerable a a verse 3 are his armies and hosts , which he hath prepared both in heauen and earth , wonderful is his brightnes , as being the fountaine of al other lights , giuing beauty and comelines to al other things .

Hence it is that his maiesty is reuerenced , his power b b verse 2 feared , his glory and excellency adored of al the world , which being considered , I thinke there is no man that dare presume to compare c c verse 4 with him ? But why do I speake of comparing with him that is the maker of all , and matchles in that regard ; that as he is ouer all , so is he aboue al , and hath no Peere ? The Moone , d d verse 5 ( that I may say nothing of the sunne , whose beauty is farre greater ) together with the rest of the Plannets , yea the least starre in the firmament , is farre more pure then man ( which is but a Worme e e verse 6 of the earth ) farre more worthy and perfect , as being framed of more simple and singular matter , and not subiect to infection from beneath .

Is it not so Iob ? Canst thou deny vnto mee that those superiour bodies are more Noble then these earthly bodies of ours , as proceeding not only from better beginnings then the defilement from which we spring ; being of a more lasting , and more vnchaungeable substance ; and yet notwithstanding the glory of the Almighty vtterly obscureth their brightnesse , and so the rest of their commendable vertues whatsoeuer ? And that I may giue thee an instance in some of the chiefest ( concerning their continuance ) time wil make olde , and worke a decay in that durable Garment of the heauens , and the perpetuall motion thereof , and which is now without interruption , shal faile in the end . Now the garment of the Lordes maiesty decayeth not , but he raigneth for euer in glory , his motion and gouernment hath no end .

Iob.

Surely thou hast made an excellent speech and very profitable to a weake a a verse 2 man , Chap , 26 a man cast downe , and an ignorant b b verse 3 man : For it cannot bee chosen , but these matters must needs helpe , comfort , and be much for my learning : no doubt but they are of power to raise vp the dead , c c verse 5 and reforme them that were long agoe ouerwhelmed with the deluge . The controuersie betweene vs is not concerning the Lords power , but concerning the state of the godly & and vngodly ; so that thy contending for * d that , maketh nothing for the matter in question , supra chap 5 , verse , 2. and therefore moueth me with the standers by to muse what thou meanest ? But I pray thee , dooest thou notwithstanding ( I haue declared the contrary so largely heeretofore ) still immagin that I am ignorant of the power and maiesty of the Almighty ? It is so plaine a subiect that no man is to seeke in it , and I shoulde bee able to say more in it , then the common sorte , because I haue hadde better meanes of instruction , and beene more studious of these things then ordinarily men are : beside , there is no argument more ample then it : For first , to begin with the mighty power of God in the creation of the mettals e e verse 6 and minerals in the bowels of the earth , and reaching euen vnto the center of the same , whether the influences of the heauens are thought to distil : next , to take a viewe of his workes being many and marueilous , vppon the face of the earth , and goe to the Waters of the sea , and thence to the Clowdes and meteors aboue , and afterward to ascend vppe to the firmament , were a matter of infinite discourse . I will therefore limit my speech , and insist in some particulars .

The graues , and secret places , howe deepe , how darke , how far distant soeuer from the heat and light of the sunne , yet doth he clearely see f f verse 6. into them . Hell and destruction are disposed of in his prouidence , he hath made the heauens as a Canopy , to adorne and couer the earth , stretching g g verse 7 them forth all ouer in most goodly manner , as farre as the land or sea doth extend it selfe . He hath contrary to nature placed the waightier Masse of the earth aboue the lighter Element of the waters : the scenter of the world which is the earth , he causeth to stande vnmoneable hauing no foundation , but his mighty hand to support it .

He bindeth h h verse 8 vp the Waters hanging in the clouds , and ready to fall downe vpon the earth all at once , and to ouerwhelm it ( as it were ) in Bottles or Bagges in very myraculous maner , ( for the ayre containing the Water is lighter then it ) causing them to drop downe at his pleasure there , whether the winds at his command shall carry them when he will , and in as scant or large manner as he seeth good . He hideth from vs his throne , * i * i verse 9 which hee hath in the vpper region of the ayre ( whence he sendeth foorth the Thunder , Lightning , and Raine ) by interposition of thicke cloudes , very closely and soundly compacted together , betweene it and our sight , that otherwise might manifestly be seene . He hath compassed the earth with Waters , to which notwithstanding hee hath prescribed such boundes , k k verse 10 as they shall not againe ouerflow the same , as long as the sunne and Moone endure . Hee framed the glorious Curtaines of the Heauens which hange ouer our heads , he shaketh the mountaines whereupon they seeme to leane , l l verse 11 as vpon pillars , and terrifieth the world with his thunder . He created the mighty Whale m m Serpent , verse 13. which by means of his strength , length , and greatnes , is as a bar to stay the course of the raging sea : whose roring likewise & violence is most terible and exceeding measure , heaswageth n n verse 12. in a moment . These are great things , yet are they but a small o o verse 14 parcell of his omnipotency , a superficiall collection onely to that which is hidden from vs . For wee are not able to vnderstand the hundreth part thereof , much lesse are we able to speake of it to the full .

Syrraxis . 17. Persons . Iob. Elihu . Iob.

SEeing that now you giue me a breathing time , & answerd me nothing ( specially Zophar whose turne it is ) ouercome with my speech of the Lords power , Chap. 27. I will heere set downe the whole state of the controuersie betweene vs . Where first I must vse a protestation ; that ( as the Lord liueth ) who now afflicteth mee , and hath hidden the cause thereof from me , I will deale plainely a a Verse 3 , 4 and vse a good conscience in all thinges . I haue hetherunto defended my innocency , which also I must still maintaine , as long as I am able to speake b b Verse 5 , 6 for my selfe . I haue reproued you heretofore , for calling my life and sinceritye in religion into question , v●●● 〈…〉 and now I persist therein in this my last speech vnto you , to the end , it may be the better obserued of the standers by , and remembred of you hereafter when you shall finde the truth of it . For I assure you , you shall reape little credit by it in the end .

It hath euer beene accounted an egregious offence to condemne the righteous , c c Verse 7. the same shall bee cast in your teeth at the last , in regard of me , and you shall bee numbred with the wicked , and among the enimies of the Lord , and his seruantes . Wherefore , that it may more euidently appeare , how iustly I haue reproued you , I will shewe you againe wherein you haue erred in your arguments , which you haue produced against mine innocency , and withall , confute the grounds whereupon you relye ; and afterward , I will strengthen and confirme mine owne reasons , which I haue vsed in the defence thereof . For here hath beene the cause of this long contention between vs ; you haue labored to proue me a wicked person , and therefore thus afflicted ; I haue indeuoured to p●rge my selfe from that accusation , and to make it manifest , that the Lord hath some other drift therein , then to enter into iudgement with me for my sinnes .

THat I may begin therefore , Chap , 27 with a confutation of your assertions , whereas you condemne mee for an Hippocrite and vile person , because of the greatnes of my calamity : to that I answere , that affliction is common both to the good and bad , and that the righteous cannot bee discerned thereby from the vnrighteous , neither by a prosperous and happy estate , neither is the Lordes loue or hatred to be valued according in the degrees of these . But if wee will heere distinguish aright , we must looke to the demeanor , and to the disposing of the mind in the one , and in the other ; and what vse they make of the lotte and portion whatsoeuer it is that the Lord measureth out vnto them . And if it be in extremity of paine and greefe , with what patience they are able to beare it , and what hope and confidence they haue in the Lords mercies , being in the midst thereof , and euen at the point of death .

The Hippocrite , a a verse 8 and vngodly person in such a case , or if he sustaine losse in his outward estate ( in regarde whereof he made some shew of shrowding himselfe vnder the Lords wing , while his fauor therein shined vpon him ) he is by and by at despaire with himselfe , and his hope is vtterly at an end . And therefore he can no more pray vnto God , he can no more delight in his word , he can no longer depend vpon him , no longer expect any good at his hands . Hee may b b verse 9 cry vnto the Lord ( because of the greatnes of his sorrow , I will not deny ) but all in vaine , for that he neuer walked before him with an vpright hart , and neuer had any true seeling of his mercies , but sought onely vnder the coulour of godlines , to gaine vnto himselfe these temporall riches , without any respect at all , eyther to the Lords honour , the good of his brethren , or the well-fare of his owne soule . Howbeit this crying cannot properly be tearmed a praier , because he that properly and truely prayeth , * b * b Hebr. 11 , 6 beleeueth that the Lord is both able and willing to yeald him his help , & to reward him that seeketh vnto him : For this cause , he that is godly indeed , though he be stripped of al his earthly commodities and comforts , yet he ceaseth not to be a suiter to the Lord for a new supply , nothing doubting ( notwithstanding his former losses ) but that in his goodnesse he will releeue him : Which albeit he doe not for the present , accordingly as he hoped , yet desisteth he not to rest vpon him , yea so farre is he from being deterred from seeking vnto him , ( because hee speedeth not at the first ) that he be commeth more earnest in his supplycation , more humbly minded , more grieued for his sins ( conceauing the want of these , to haue withheld the Lords fauour from him ) that hee armeth himselfe with patience to take many denials , to waite the Lordes leasure , how long soeuer , knowing that at the last , his desire shall be granted .

And when the Lord layeth his chastizements vpon him the more grieuous they are , the more is he pressed downe with the burden of them , the more is his hart lifted vppe , the more feruent is hee in spirit vnto the Lord for deliuerance : or if that may not be graunted ; for some ease of his paine , or else , if he will not bee intreated to withdraw his hand , strength to beare them so , as he murmure not against him , but may be able willingly and cheerefully to sustaine them ioyfully , and thankefully to vndergoe them : for hee considereth that the Lord doth this not to destroy him , but to saue him ; not that hee should perish therein , but that being tryed , he should be made more perfect ; should haue experience how the Lord respecteth such as beleeue in him , and can by no aduersity be drawen away , from a loue and delight * * In a cleane contrary course to the Hypocrite . Verse 10. in the obaying of his will .

These things being wel layed together and examined to to the proofe , there will be no pretence left you , why you should account me in the number of the Hyppocrites , and vngodly , because that I euermore , euen in any most bitter perplexitie , haue vtte red forth some wordes of hope and trust in the Lord , and haue carried my selfe very patient indeede ( as I suppose ) and I doubt not but they that haue beene heere with me , during the whole time of my visitation , will witnesse as much ; especially if they regard the extremity of the paine which I haue suffered : But did they see that in me , which I feele within my selfe , to the incomprehensible ioy of my heart , namely , the loue that I haue to the Lorde , the delight in his seruice , the striuing within my selfe not to transgresse in my wordes , the keeping of my hart vpright vnto him alwaies , which is my triumph , euen from the beginning of my sicknes vnto this present time , I make no question but they wold not only come forth to testify on my side , but stand as strongly in my defence against you , euen as I my selfe haue done . Howbeit , for all this , you condemne mee , because of my affliction for a wicked person , holding it for a generall truth , that all men are so , who are in calamity ; which is such an opinion , as there is no man hauing any vnderstanding at all but is able to conuince .

THe wicked alwaies to bee vnder the rodde of the Lordes indignation , and none but they in this life , Chap. 27 is too large a defence ; Yet this you maintaine ; but with what successe , your silence now sheweth . True it is , that the Lord to declare himselfe to the World to be a iust God , and to the end that others may be deterred from the like transgressions , and wonne vnto vertue , doth sometimes a a Verse 13 punishe the wicked most fearefully , euen in this life , and aboundantly rewarde and blesse the Godly . I deny not therefore but that sometimes bee depryueth the wicked of all thinges , wherein soeuer hee placeth his hope , as b b Verse 14 , 15 Children , Riches , c c Verse 16 Munition , d d Verse 18 costly & faire buildinges , renowne , and creddite , that there is no outward c c v , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22. calamity so great , but he is thrown into it , and that feare , terror , and astonishment vnspeakable doeth ouerwhelme his soule , through the many Waues of troubles which go ouer his backe : and this to be so euident too , that al men f f verse 23. that see it , skip for ioy in the beholding of it , clap their hands , and hisse thereat .

This the Lord doth when it pleaseth him , to the ende to manifest his iust and righteous iudgements : But this is not the matter about which wee contend , but our controuersie is about his taking of a contrary course ; as whether the cause of his suffering the godly to be vnder affliction , and the vngodly to flourish , be a thing which may be precisely determined of vs at all times , or rather ; whether it be not a mistery which the Almighty oftentimes locketh vp in the closet of his Diuine brest , and imparteth not to the sonnes of men ? Which when we haue pondered as we ought , it wil appeare vnto vs very plainly , that wee must leaue to busie our selues to search into it , Chap 28 , and when we haue thoroughly learned how to feare g g verse 28 the Lorde and flie from euill , that there we must rest our selues contented , and goe no further : For this if we well vnderstand , and practise accordingly , though it fareth not with vs so happily in this present life , as with the wicked , yet in the life to come , for their momentany prosperity , intermingled also with much bitternes , we shal haue neuer-ending ioy , & freedome from all sorrow and greefe .

WE may perceiue how infinite the wisdome of God is , Chap , 28 if we do but compare it with the wisedome of man , in searching into the bowels a a verse 1 , 2 of the earth for yron , Brasse , Siluer , Gold , and Precious stones , and for his skill in the handling and vsing of these : as also for the finding out of the vertues of them , being digged out of the earth . This knowledge man hath , because the Lord hath infused it into him : which had he not done , he could not possibly attaine vnto it , by any care or diligence .

In vaine then is it for him to striue for the knowledge of that which is farre greater ; especially when the same is denyed vnto him : Such as is the cause why hee afflicteth the good , and passeth ouer the bad : For this wisedome is one of the Lords Counsels vnreuealed , which cannot be b b ver. 12 13 14 digged out of the earth , neither can it be found in the depth or bottome of the sea : no Gold of Ophir , no Iewel , be it neuer of so rare and high price , can purchase it . You conclude therefore your arguments which you produce against mee vpon an impossibility . For you taking this as graunted , that the secret Wisedome of God ( which by no meanes can be comprehended ) may be knowne of vs : you inferre thereupon notwithstanding you had condemned mee for the same fault before , as if you had vndergone such studdy for the ataining vnto it , that you had indeede come vnto the depthe of the same in euery particular , and nothing at all therein contained , had escaped your knowledge . But God himselfe being the fountaine head where wisedome dwelleth c c verse , 20 , 23 and his dwelling in that excellency of glory , as no man can approach vnto it : d d verse 24 how exceedingly are you confounded in your iudgement ? The eye of the Lord is ouer all the earth , beholding whatsoeuer is done from one end of the worlde vnto another : Is mans eye of that brightnes ? He appointeth to the windes e e ver 25 , 26 , 27 and waters that are aboue , their order and measure ; to the thunder and lightning their course ; hauing not acquainted man with the time , neither in what quantity they shall be : how much more then vnlikely is it , that he will communicate vnto vs those secrets of his , concerning the cause of al his iudgements heereupon the earth , which he doth not impart , no not to those heauenly spirits , themselues attending daily in his holy presence ? And thus much for confutation of your argumentes which you haue produced against me .

NOw that I may strengthen mine owne cause , Chap , 29 I desire of you to call to minde my a a verse 2 former life , when the Lord kept me from trouble , when his countenance shined b b verse 3 vpon me : and his goodnes in a secret and speciall sotte did follow me ; when I had abundance of Wine , Oyle , c c verse 6 Butter , and hony ; when I was in credit and estimation in the world , had my gard and traine attending me in the gate , d d verse 7 was reuerenced of all c c verse 8 , 9 men for my deserts : preferred of the princes in the iudgement seat to the chiefest place , receined of the people with acclamation ; blessed of the poore f f verse 10 as their onely comforter among men : and then to consider , whether being thus fauoured , not of men alone of all sorts , but of the Lord himselfe , the approbation notwithstanding of all men heer below with one consent , and of God aboue , from whom the truth of nothing is hidde , can possibly bee dissanulled .

What is done without ambition and vain glory , with a purpose to gloryfie God ; and to helpe our Brethren , and that in vprightnes of heart , perswadeth our Conscience that it is well done , that the Lorde will not bee angry with vs for so doing : All my actions in the time of my prosperity were acording to this rule , which made mee say in my heart , The Lord doubtlesse will neuer g g ver. 18 , 19 , 20 Chap , 31 Because the matter of the 29. and 31 , ch. is the same I lay them togither : & because I handled them before in the beginning of this booke , I do heere onely gleane vp such things as I thought more fit to be reserued for this place , alter my estate ; will neuer impaire , but rather increase my substance and reputation ; will cause my seed to multiply , my posterity to be renowned in the world , from generation to generation .

Then also I made a Couenant with my selfe not to offend in my affections , and not to transgresse in my cogitations ; which argueth that I was no Hippocrite , for such labor not to bridle their affections ; h h Verse 1.7 such striue not to keepe vnder their euill thoughts ; but both giue way to these , and suffer their hearts to goe after their eyes ; nourish secretly in theyr bosome , incontinency , Couetousnes , Hatred , Enuy , Wrath , Pride , Contention , Cruelty , and contempt of God ; and so they may walke outwardly to please men , that is all they regard : neither can they withal their cunning so suppres what is within , but at one time or other , itbreaketh forth .

But I may truely say of my selfe , i i verse 25 that thorough the mercy of God , and the assistance of his good spirit which he hath caused to dwell in me , I haue so liued , that no ma● can acuse me that I haue openly ●asgressed in any of the former offences ; and if I go to mine own conscience , that likewise in the same manner will testifie with mee , that I am free from them all .

This imboldneth me to cal GOD to recorde , k k verse 35 ( who beholdeth me within and without seeth my heart , and examineth the waies of my good conuerfation : yea not to feare to cal for his cursses l l verse 39.40 . to be powred forth against mine owne soule , if I haue not studied vnfeignedly to please him in all things . Nay , which is more , if I haue not performed ( through his grace , ) such seruice vnto him , as he hath well accepted , hath rewarded heeretofore , and will rewarde againe at the last , howsoeuer he seeme now to bee angry with me for a time , not that I am thereby made perfect , nor that I can claime or challenge vnto my selfe thereby any thing at his hands , as a due debt ( for by duty I was bound vnto that and much more whatsoeuer I haue done , ) but that I know he both hath and will make perfect ( thorough the absolute merrits of my redeemer ) shall see all the imperfections hee hath seene , or shall see in any of my works : both hath from the beginning and will crowne according to his promise , his graces in all , and euery one of his obedient seruants , and that in euery particular , and in a measure answerable thereunto to the worlds end .

In this regard , as being assured with the acceptations of my actions in my redeemer , from whose sanctifying spirit they haue proceeded , I haue a cleare Conscience before God . It is not my estate alone , but it is so with euery regenerate man , hauing bin indued with faith from aboue , to apprehend his redeemer , and strengthned by his good spirit to Walke in a good course , hauing laboured , and thorough his Grace preuailed in some acceptable measure , also to subdue and Conquer whatsoeuer Rebellion of his will and vnderstanding , and to bring them into the obedience of the lawe of God , hee staudeth freed in conscience from the guiltiues of sinne .

It is no straunge Doctrine there fore which I maintaine , concerning the innocency of my conscience , from all those crimes you charge me withall in the time of my prosperity . And in very deed , the vertuous life which I then liued , declared as much , and you knew it well , though you will not acknowledge it . This my aduersity which is wont to sweepe away all friends , hath swept it out of your remembraunce . The desire that you haue to get you a name , by putting mee downe in that which I defend maketh you to bury my vertues that shined forth to all the world , in the time of my welfare ( I speak it to the honor of my profession ) in vtter obliuion and forgetfulnes .

And therefore the good which I then did , hath neuer bin once men ioned of you in this whole discourse : Nay , which is more to be wondred at , the good deeds which I then continually put in practise , and were admired of all men , vndergo at your handes the name of dissimulation , * c * c chap , 22 , v , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8.9.10 and vaine glory , my liberality is made couetousnes ; my mercy , extortion ; my compassion vnto the poore , oppression ; my cloathing of the naked , spoile ; my defending of the innocent , wrong ; my Iustice , bribery ; my carefull seruing of God , security ; my holy profession , impiety ; my daily recourse vnto the Lord in prayer , an abhorring of his presence .

THis measure I meet withall at the handes of the auncients , Chap. 30 and such as are reputed wise : whereuppon those that are base , d d verse 1 and vile in the account of the world , fall to scorne , and deride me to my face . Spots in great men , are spurres to the inferiour sort , to carry them so farre beyond the bounds of al honesty , that a man would woonder at it . When age doteth in her folly , youth goeth a madding thorough her example . Men of Learning ( especially being in authority and high place ) erreth in theyr iudgement concerning the godly : the rude and ignorant , beare themselues bold therevpon , and care not to offer them all abuse .

It amazeth mee to consider , that I should be thus hardly layd to at all hands without cause . The graue and prudent to rebuke me , is a thing where-withall mine eares haue not beene acquainted heeretofore ; the most contemptuous among men , the scum of the people to scoffe at mee , those whose fathers were branded for Rogues , banished into the b b verse , 3 desart , there compelled to eate c c verse , 4 grasse like an oxe , to flie into the d d verse , 5 rocks and woods , like vnto the foxes , for feare of beeing e e verse 5 apprehended , to f f verse 9 Rime vpon me , & g g verse 10 spet in my face , is a matter that goeth neerest me of all that hethervnto I haue suffered , & what man euer suffered more then I haue done ? ( for what griefe greater then contempt ? What contempt comparable to that of the vnreasonable and brutish sort , whose education hath beene like vnto the beastes , and behauiour as vnseemely as that of the dogges of the flocks . ) The children newly crept out of the shell , to h h verse , 12 trip mee on the toe , take mee by the legges , lye downe suddainly in my way , cast me to the ground , and when I am downe to giue a loude i i verse 13 , 14 shoute , and hauing once gotten me , to hedge mee in with a ring , so that I cannot escape theyr insulting ( I say ) ouer me , is more strange then that , and more harder to be borne .

The griefe of my body to increase daily , as hauing my veynes and arteries beating euen in the k k verse , 17 night , when by the course of nature , sleepe should draw the heate to the inward parts , my disease alwaies raging vppon mee in that manner that it compelleth mee to roare out like the l l verse 29 Dragons crushed in peeces of the Elephants ; and as lamentably as the young Ostriches forsaken of theyr dammes . My m m ver. 19 , 20 flesh like vnto a pot , and as blacke as the brande ; my n n verse , 18. garments polluted with the blood and matter of my vlcers ; my weaknes such , that I am euer sowning , and looking euery houre to yeeld vp the ghost , aggrauateth the former . The fearefull fight of the o o verse 20 , 21 , 22 Lordes angry countenaunce , to present it selfe euermore before mine eyes , & to terrifie me as a mightie tempest doth the sea man : the God that was wont to be so louing , to become so cruell , as neuer to make an end in pursuing mee with his plagues : that was wont to bee so readie to heare , nowe to be so inexorable , as by no cryes , no sighes , no groanes to be mooued to compassion , is enough ( I confesse ) to make mee vtterly out of loue with my selfe , and to driue mee cleane from the defence of my innocencie . These very words , The learned are against thee , the Fathers of the Church are of another opinion , the Iudges of the land haue otherwise determined , would make many a man to alter his mind : But this , Doost thou not see how euery odde companion , the very runnagates and shame of men , euerie boy , the children that are but nowe called out of their swadling cloutes , doe play vppon thee , and make a pastime of thee and thine aunswers ? Whom would it not dash out of conceite with himselfe ? Yet this . Thou hast no rest night nor day , thy paine is so great that thou art constrained to cry out extreamely , thy bodie is like vnto theirs that lye in the graue , thy apparrell like vnto theirs that liue in a spittle-house , may seeme much more to condemne mee , but this most of all , ( God himselfe by thine owne saying ) is angry with thee , yea so angry , that though thou solicite him continually , & most carefully , yet hee turnes his backe vppon thee , and will not heare .

WHerevnto I reply , that the wisest and most learned , Chap. 30 arising from ver. 1. et sequent : appertaining to that matter . the greatest , grauest , & most auncient men that euer were haue had their errors : and this error is as old as any , to esteeme of Gods fauour or displeasure , according as hee disposeth of vs for these outward matters . For thus we reason , affliction came in through sinne , and had not this been , wee should haue liued still in Paradise , a place abounding with all manner of pleasure and delight , and into the which , no trouble or sorrow might enter . I acknowledge it so to be , & yet I say , that God for all that , is at liberty to afflict in other respects , as well as for sinne , which also he doth oftentimes . There were many hote * a * a Debate , emulation . Galat: 5 , 20 words together , with a vehement striuing in his affections , to ouer come in Eliphaz from the beginning : but I perceiued not that there was any b b Thumoi . ibid: wrath in him vntill the last . We may see therfore how dangerous a thing it is , to be too forward in wordes , before wee be sure that we stand vppon a sound foundation . For it will bring vs at the last to oppose our selues maliciously against the truth , to slaunder our brethren most grosly euen in those things , wherein our owne knowledge , and experience beeing diligently examined , pleadeth for them , and so hath Eliphaz dealt by me .

Anger that predominate affection in old age , hath made him forget himselfe ; in which case , the wordes of the profoundest , & oldest man in the world must not be regarded . In that I am in contempt , and derision among the outcasts , the froth and filth of the earth , this portion is common with me to all good men , this is alwaies a note of a godly man , a seale & assurance the better to confirme vnto mee the right and interest that I haue through faith in my Redeemer , in the kingdome of God . For so it was with Noah that righteous Father .

Hee standing out against all the Worlde in the maintenaunce of this truth , that vnlesse they repented , the Lord would bring the flood of waters , and vtterly consume them all : what did they else but deride him , & those doubtlesse most of all that were most notoriously wicked ; and among them , the most vile and contemptible in the eye of the world , beeing incited the rather therevnto to please the great ones , who are wont to vse such as instruments to execute theyr malice . Neyther were the children in the streets , whose manner is to followe the example of their Parents , exempted from a part in this offence . And in very deede so it is , that scorne & contempt is euermore an vnseperable companion of the truth : and that there was neuer any one that tooke in hand the defence therof , but he hath bin despised more or lesse of the world . Error hath many waies , & so many followers : the truth but one , and therefore but fewe in respect that imbrace it . The truth is hardly found , and as hardly kept when it is found : for he that will find it , it will cost him much sweat , and when he hath it , if hee be not exceeding carefull , he shall loose it before he be aware . This makes it dainty , because Industry & Care be rare qualities . Nature and Grace are opposites : in Nature there is blindnesse , and ignorance , it is Grace that brings vs to the knowledge of the truth . Howsoeuer , reason may seeme to be some helpe there-vnto , yet because it is greatly defaced in regard of that it was in our first creation , it cannot apprehend without the other that which is diuine . For reason can neither beget , nor foster , nor continue in vs the truth , nor discerne it from false-hoode ; but all these are the workes of Grace . Howbeit , the greatest part of the world content themselues with that which Nature affordeth , and goeth no further .

Hence it is , that they which attaine vnto the truth , are wondred at for theyr singularitie , which procureth them many followers , and such as flocke after them : and withall , the hatred of most , especially of the mightie , and renowned of all sorts , the condemnation of all degrees , saue onely of a very small remnant , and that because they want the light of grace to reach vnto theyr doctrines . Euen so it falleth out in this disputation , for that I defende such doctrines as are not futable to the generall receiued opinions among men ; and for that againe they are aboue the capacity of that , man in nature comprehendeth : the learned , specially in the schoole of humanitie , or professing Diuinitie without the gift of the spirit of Grace , reprehend them ; and the vnlearned , carried away with a conceite of the deepe iudgement of those their profound leaders , make but a scoffe both of me , and what I affirme .

Heerevpon also commeth the vnreuerent behauiour of the children toward me : herevpon likewise it is , that no man pittieth my misery , but when they see me grow weaker euerie day then other , my garments more defiled through the noysomnes of my disease , my conscience more affrighted with the honour of the Lordes indignation ; my mouth opened vnto louder cryes , my hart breathing out more pittifull sobbes , and that vnto the Father of mercies , and God of consolation himselfe , and yet receining no comfort : I am had in the greater contempt , and derision of all men . Which because I knowe from what roote it springeth , and withall , that I am not the first which haue sustained such crosses , I satisfie my selfe with this , that I haue a cleere conscience before God , and desire no fauour at his handes , if I haue not walked with an vpright hart in regard of his maiestie . Neither doe I doubt , but assure my selfe , that if I holde out , ( as I hope to doe , through the strength of the same his grace which hath hethervnto supported mee ) in the feare of his Name , and confidence of his mercy , constantly and couragiously in this my fiery triall : this my rebuke , reproch and iniury which I now suffer , shall be recompenced mee at the length , with praise , honour , reward and victory , to the great and endlesse ioy of my soule .

It is very long before the Lord heareth my complaint , my sicknes hath beene very tedious , and voyd of all outward reliefe , and I am nowe brought to the last cast , which maketh mee vtterly out of hope of the continuance of my life any longer : yet for all that I doube not of the Lordes power therein , and I knowe that his manner hath beene from time to time , then to shew himselfe most strong vnto them that depend vppon him , when themselues are most weake , then to succour his , when they are euen sinking downe vnder the burden ; then to open vnto them a way to escape , when they see death and the graue present before theyr eyes , and preparing to swallow them vp . Howbeit , so notwithstanding , that hee hath not alwaies tyed himselfe to this course , in the temporall deliuerance of his seruaunts in euery particular : and therefore I stand otherwise a a ver. 23.24 perswaded in mine owne behalfe .

Elihn .

Albeit I am not the fittest man by reason of my yeeres , neither came I hether to that intent to be a Moderator in this famous disputation , but with a purpose , Chap. 32. & desire heare onely : but yet Notwithstanding , for as much as I perceiue there is silence on both sides , the controuersie remaineth still vndetermined , the auditory is like to depart not satisfied , and there is none heere in this assembly , that will vndertake the disciding of the matters that haue beene heere discussed I hold it necessary , for that I finde my selfe furnished for it , to enter therevpon : and I am emboldened to doe it , be cause these Copartners descending all from Abraham , and I that come of Buz the sonne of Nahor , Abrahams brother , are of alliance , & Iob also the aduerse partie , who is so hardie that hauing none to backe him , feareth not to take vp armes against three , is not onely of the same stocke , and lignage with me , but an importunate suter vnto the Lord , for one to arbitrate the controuersie .

And againe , because Aram my Country and Nation is of account , and renowned for courage , for wit , humanitie , and humane knowledge ; neither is the religion of our predecessors vtterly extinguished among vs nor the holy fayth , and profession of our great Vncle Abraham cleane forgotten and abolished : therefore though I be not so a a verse , 6 , graue , yet am I as great , and as honourable as these Princes themselues heere contending together in argument .

And lastly , ( which is not the least , but the weightiest cause of all the rest , and such as b b verse , 18 violently carrieth me vnto it ) because I am so replenished with the gifts of Gods Spirit , that if they should haue no vent , would breake mee in peeces , as we see the newe Wine doth the c c verse , 19 barrels that are closed vp , be they neuer so strong ; and so inflamed with so great a d d verse , 2.5 . zeale of Gods glory , that like vnto the fire of a hote burning Furance , it cannot bee contained , but will forcibly come foorth , whatsoeuer resistance bee layde against it .

It is a high steppe I confesse that I climbe vnto , and a great office that I vndertake , to moderate betweene such learned and wife men , to determine of such profound and hard questions : and I doe acknowledge that it belongeth rather to a man of more experience . Howbeit for that I see the e e verse . 7 , 8 , 9 , 10. aged are ledde into error as well at others , neyther is true iudgement alwaies founde in the gray-heade , but the Lord giueth it where it pleaseth him , induing yong men sometimes with more soundnesse of vnderstanding , with more sharpnesse of wit , then the elder sort : hauing yeelded them that reuerence which is due vnto them in giuing place and leaue to debate the poynts of doctrine in question betweene them , vntill they had no more to say on either side I cannot perceiue , why I should conceiue to my selfe , any discouragement by meanes of my youth , but rather in the former respects , as being called vnto this busines by the motion of Gods holy Spirit , and it being the Lords worke , assume vnto my selfe without all feare or doubting , the anthoritie therevnto appertaining , and proceede with courage in giuing my sentence . Wherein my purpose is , to set down plainly , and omitting all circumstances of speech , to f f verse 21 , 22 name still the parties whom I reprehend , according as they are ordinatily and vsually called . For it is a fault to vse cunning this way for feare of blame , ( as the manner of some is ) who will not say expresly , It is you that thus offend : but the wicked man , choosing rather in generall termes , and so in the cloudes , in a darke and obscure sort to vtter foorth theyr mindes , rather then in famillar and euident manner . This is too much nicenes , and it bewrayes some subtiltie in vs , some weakenes also , and want of courage to reprooue : want of vprightnesse to commend freely , and according to the truth .

The titles , the authority , the greatnes of men must not be regarded , neither must we be carried with affection toward any to peruert iudgement , no partiall dealing , no couloring or smothering of thinges must bee admitted : all flattery , smoothing , fauning vpon any mans person , fauouring one side more then another , winking at one mans fault , and wounding the cause of another , must bee banished from hence . For hee that is faultie any of these g g verse 22 wayes , the wind of the Lords indignation shall goe ouer him , and he shall be no more scene .

Yea , hee that vseth any meanes to keepe backe the due execution of Iustice , or stoppeth the truth from comming abroade into the light , shall be taken at vnawares , and perrish in a moment .

No man for that hee is terrified with the excellencie of some mans person , or place , desisting to doe his office , though he hold but a low and meane place in the common wealth , shall escape vnpunished : much lesse than may I , that am appointed to sit here in Gods steade , and that in the Highest roome , in a matter for the Church , and that not of the smallest weight , thinke it will goe well with me , if I dally and trifle in it , if I looke more vnto men whom it concerneth , then vnto the equitie , & veritie of the thing it selfe that is to be compounded .

THe manner which I determine to obserue herein , Chap. 32. shall not be in such a a verse . 14. acerbitie as you which professe your selues the friends of Iob haue vsed , but I will shewe my selfe much more milde and mercifull toward him , I will make more fit and reasonable applications of my doctrines . You haue exceeded all modestie , I will striue to keepe my selfe within the listes thereof : you haue condemned him for his former life , when he liued in prosperitie , therevnto I cannot be induced , onely I shall reprone him for his raging against God , together with the rest of his vnreuerent behauiour toward him since the time of his visitation . Iob prouoked you by his speeches to deale more roughly with him , me he hath not b b verse 14. touched ; you were moued with anger , zeale of Gods glory hath stirred me vp : for that I saw the Lords glory defaced , my hart was wounded , and my spirit thervpon kindled within me ; you contended for the victory after a fleshly manner , because of the assembly heere present .

The arguments which I shall produce , * b * b chap. 33 verse 3. shall be * onely diuine , well premeditated ; yours were intermingled with much humane Learning , or Leasing rather , and verie much extemporarie stuffe . You suppose this maketh stronglie on your behalfe , for the evicting of Iob to be a wicked man , that hee is handled in this rigorous sort by the Lord , who , had not his sinnes called for it , Chap , 32 , ver. 3.11.12 . All the matter following vnto the 3 Cumata dependeth heerevpon . would not haue been drawne vnto it , and therefore you are contented to bee silent , and would haue this very thing , together with that his striuing against God , and calling his holines into question , to speake for you , and confute him as obstinate & wilfull , giuen ouer to a reprobate minde , a refuser of wholsome admonition , a reiecter of his owne saluation : but I am perswaded , that the Lords hand vpon Iob in that heauines , doth not strengthen at all your assertion concerning the greatnesse of his sinnes , that he hath sufficiently refelled your reasons , stopped your mouthes , with plaine and euident demonstrations , in such wise , as that you haue nothing to reply , as beeing drawne from the infallible rules of Gods word , which from time to time he hath revealed in vision , that he hath convinced also your consciences of error , ignorance , vntruth , & vniust dealing against him . And for mine owne behalfe , I make no doubt , though you , nor no man else beside as of himselfe , or by his owne wisedome or profunditie is able , yet the Lord is able to bring him euen by me , a weaker meanes then your selues , to a sight of his folly which hee hath committed in this disputation , and a more reuerent regard of his maiestie .

You see therefore what difference there is betweene the course that I shall take , and yours , what disagreements there is in our iudgements concerning Iob , and to how much better an end I hope to bring the matter ? Attend now while I further shew you wherein you haue failed . Among many other things which you haue lay de vnto his charge , this hath not been the least ( as before I vrged ) that he is a peruerse & obstinate offender , such a one , as by no meanes can bee brought to acknowledge his fault , when you your selues are culpable of this crime , and not hee . For obstinacie is not to stand stifly in the defence of the truth , as Iob hath done : but in an errour , which is your case .

Moreouer , where hee is innocent , there you labour to finde a hole in his coate : but where hee is guiltie , and to be blamed , there you presse not home enough to his conscience . As namely , that hee standeth too much in his owne light , in that he acknowledgeth not his sinnes to deserue so great punishment as he indureth ; complaineth too extreamly hereof , is not humbled enough in his owne eyes , derogateth greatly from the Lords goodnes to make strong his owne , dreadeth not the Lord as hee ought , neither yeeldeth that obedience and submission vnto him as is due .

The latter of these two , argueth a want of that iudgment , vnderstanding , and wisedome , together with that temper in your affections as had beene requisite , for otherwise ( but that ye were blinded thereby ) you would not haue ouerslipped such manifest faultes : the former , a want of loue and equitie . Yea , it convinceth you of impudencie , that you would vpbrayde him with obstinacie for defending his innocencie , in whom you had seene an hatred of vice , and a continuall practise of all vertue . Righteous iudgement is accompanied with none of all these . And in truth , these layde together , first to errein iudgement , then wilsully to persist therein , whom our experience teacheth , & our conscience telleth vs it is otherwise , to conceiue hardly of our brother , vpon some fond imagination of our own , & to condemne him therevpon , without any regard of many euident arguments to the contrary , & those so cleer● to that we cannot auoid them , but must needs yeeld vnto them , yea so forceable , that they driue vs to vtter silence , is a sin committed not onely with a high hand , but bearing it selfe against a manifest & knowne truth , with a stubborne hart and impudent forehead .

ANd thus hauing deliuered my iudgement concerning thine Accusers , Chap. 33. I now ( Iob ) a a verse 1. conuert my speech wholy vnto thee . And seeing my words are not vaine & idle , but of weight , pure , perfect ; not rash & inconsiderate , but grounded in me before , and throughly premeditated for this purpose , not proceeding from a preiudicate opinion , but from the singlenes of a sincere b b verse 3. hart , from a well tempered affection , from a mind rightly disposed , afford them thine attention . Which also thou maist do without c c verse 7. terror or astonishment , because I am not as the Lord , whose glory would ouer-whelme thee , nor of that excellencie as the Angels , with whom thou mightest not for their beauty & maiesty ( aboue that is in man ) be familiar , but such a creature , into whom the Lord hath inspired a humane soule , such a one as is framed of the same d d verse , 6. matter , appointed to the same condition , of the same lineaments , proportion of body with thy selfe , and as is euery way according to thy desire . I will take therfore the Lordes e e verse 6 , part , stand for the defence of his Iustice , deale with thee hand to hand , calling for no man to assist me , that so the combat may not bee vnequall as before . And though I be appointed to compound this controuerfie , and what end I make of it the same must stand , yet for all that , it shal be lawful for thee ( according as thou hast often desired ) to giue in thy f f verse , 5 , 3● reasons , demaund mine aunswers if thou shalt haue ought to say against that shall be alledged by me , before I grow to censure thee .

WHerefore , Chap. 34. that I may bring my allegations against thee , as I haue done against thy Accusers , the first accusation which I haue against thee , is for that thou affirmest the Lord can find a a verse 8 , 9. There is none iniquitie in mee . nothing against thee if hee would examine thy deedes neuer so strictly , whereby he should afflict thee in this maner , vnlesse leaning his reuealed will , which he hath giuen as a perfect rule of our life , should goe vnto his hidden and vnreuealed will , & thereafter , not because of thy deserts , but because of his own decree , execute his iudgments vppon thee . When in truth the most righteous man , if hee should be handled accordingly , deserueth by reason of his transgression , not onely the most extreame temporall calamity that can be deuised , but endlesse torments in the life to come . For be it , that the Lord hath engrauen his will in the tables of thy hart , & many waies purged the same by the fire of his spirit , it being notwithstanding wholy corrupted , vnlesse he should consume it all , how can it be all pure ? it being deceitful & wicked , ᵃ aboue that any man knoweth or conceiueth , how canst thou say of it , that because of some good inclinations therein , that it is vtterly cleane from all sinne ?

Hence it is , that in the defence of thine innocencie thou goest too farre , when one while thou vtterest foorth this voyce , verse , 10. My innocencie is thus , and thus , yet am I handled in this grieuous manner as you see : and herevpon complainest continually , though some-what more warilie of the Lordes hard measure which he offereth thee , in a bitter stile , and in thy heate , the fit of thy disease comming strongly vppon thee , cryest out openly of his violence toward thee : when another-while thou appealest to the Lords Tribunall seate , desiring to haue thine innocencie there tryed , and that so securely and confidently , as if thou haddest to doe with a mortall man : with so little awe , and honour of his Maiestie , as if hee were meaner then the meanest vpon the face of the earth . There is no reason indeed thou shouldest yeeld to the imputations that are layd vpon thy former life : and there is as little reason thou shouldest goe about to cleere thy selfe from all offence , telling vs still that thou art pure , and there is no iniquitie in thee . What if in regard of men thou wert vnblameable , what if in regard of thine owne conscience thou were vpright , doth it therefore followe , that there was nothing amisse in thee in the sight of b b verse 12 God is greater then man . God ?

BVt howsoeuer it were with thee before , sure I am that for this action thou art greatly to be blamed . For while thou indeuourest to maintaine thine owne innocencie , thou art so hote , Chap. 33. ver. 9.10.11 . and head-strong in it , that thou forgettest the Lordes righteousnes : so that there beeing a gaine one way , there is a greater losse another way ; getting honour to thy selfe , thou impairest the honour which should be giuen to the Lord : beating downe these thy fleshly Accusers , thou openest a gappe to the spirituall and capitall A c●user Sathan , the better to bring his bill of Inditement against thee , and to charge thee of blasphemie : and I see not howe thou canst escape it neither , vnlesse it be so that thy hart and thy tongue haue not consented together , which is the most fauourable construction can beyeelded in this behalfe .

It must needes be confessed , that the vniust imputations of thine Accusers , laying to thy charge very confidently , one after another , againe & againe , euery one in his order , beginning , proceeding , & ending with them , things whereof thou art no way guiltie , were great meanes to drawe thee to this excesse : yet will not this excuse thee . The like must be acknowledged of the complaining of thy calamitie , so odious , that it would loath the eares of any man , so tedious , that it would tire the patientest spirit in the world to heare it : which declareth that it cannot bee chosen , but that it must be highly displeasing to the Lord .

Neither will this free thee from blame heerein , more then the former , that thou wert compelled vnto it through the violence of thy disease : whereby thy hart being grieued out of measure , thy affections exceeded the meane . For these are tentations where-with the Lorde vseth to try what is in man , which he biddeth him resist , & not yeeld vnto ; shewing him withall , the danger that will insue vppon it if he doe not withstand them : as that before , as long as hee fought manfully against tentations , he was vnder the Lords banner , now for his cowardize , he is brought vnder the captiuity of Sathan . This Sathan , mouing my familiar friendes to reuile and slaunder me , shall I goe so farre in the iustifying of my selfe , that I shall denie that I am a finner ? This thou doost , in denying that thou hast not transgressed against the Lords reuealed will . For sinne is a breaking hereof , without which there is no finne , because of which onely , and for no other cause , all men are finners : so in the case of affliction : when the hand of God lyeth heauily vpon mee , to try what is in mee , shall I suffer the corruptions of my hart to breake out without restraint , & think that I haue not offended ? When there is no more noble victorie in the worlde then to subdue it and keepe it vnder , nothing that can redownd more to my reproch and shame then to giue it way and let it preuaile . When if I doe the one , heauen shall be my reward , if I doe the other , my portion shall be the same with his , that working vppon my corrupt affections , accomplisheth his desire in them , and conquereth me ? This is it therfore that putteth a difference betweene the Cittizens of heauen , and the fire-brands of hell . The one beare with patience and long suffering , cheerefully and thankfully the Lords chastisements , suppresse theyr euill affections , abstaine from euill words : the other , yeelding the raines vnto both , murmure and grudge in theyr harts , curse and blaspheme with theyr tongues , whensoeuer they fall into any calamitie .

Though peraduenture thou goest not so farre as this , yet that thou moderatest thine affections no better , but giuest way vnto them , as thy wordes doe bewray , doth euidently shewe , that there is great wickednes and rebellion euen in thy hart against God , and that thou art not farre from the blasphemy of the same .

BVt to prosecute a little the matter of grudging , Chap. 33. ver. 8.9.10 . and repining against GOD , ( for if wee may iudge by thy wordes , thou doost no better ) this very one faulte alone maketh euident to all men , that thou thinkest thy selfe more iust then hee . For no man is stirred vp to anger , mooued to impatience , and murmuring against a thing , but he conceiueth a reason vnto himselfe , why hee is so affected , and that reason he approueth of , as the strongest and soundest of all other , and disaloweth the contrarie ; accounteth of this action of his , as iust and right , and of whatsoeuer opposeth it selfe vnto it , as vniust and vnrighteous .

Whereas therfore in this time of thy visitation , thou subscribest not to the Lordes ordinaunce , submittest not thy selfe , neyther willingly referrest thy selfe wholie ouer vnto him , to doe with thee whatsoeuer best pleaseth him , hee not reuealing the cause thereof vnto thee , waitest not , nor expectest with patience vntill it shall please him to declare the same , but art out of measure discontented withall , thou preferrest doubtlesse thine owne wisedome before his , thy righteousnesse before his that is most righteous , and so iustifiest thy selfe more then God .

Euen to wish and desire onely , as thou doost , that is might be lawful for vs to dispute with God about our trouble , though there be no purpose in vs to accuse him of iniustice , is a sufficient argument to proue that we are not pure , because God is infinitely greater , more to be admired , and honoured for his excellent vertues of wisedome , instice , together with the rest of all sorts , then any of the sonnes of men , then Adam himselfe in his first creation , yea then the Angels themselues , howsoeuer adorned with most diuine parts . O how much better therefore had it beene for thee , not to haue inquired of the cause , but to haue been still and silent when the Lord strooke thee : not to haue called into question his iudgements , but to haue reuerenced them , not to haue demaunded why , not to haue stoode in thine owne defence , not to haue called for his inditement : but to haue humbled thy selfe vnder his hand , to haue trembled & feared when he held vp his rodde against thee , to haue confessed thy faults , brought thine in ditement in thy hand , euen to thine owne condemnation , cryed out and exclaimed against thy selfe , instantly crauing pardon , for that thou wast disobedient and disloyall vnto him .

IS this such newes that hee shutteth thee vp in prison , Chap. 33. verse 11. that hast no way offended him as thou supposest , & will not let thee know the cause of it though thou a a ver. 13 , why doost thou striue with him ? striue & struggle with him neuer so much about it ? For is hee b b verse 13. He doth not giue account of his matters . bound to communicate his secrets to man ? are not sundry of his counself so c c God is greater then man . Verse 12. wonderful , that beeing laid open , man cannot comprehend them ? are not many of them such , that it is not for his profit to be made partaker of them ? We haue the lawe of Nature , or Morrall law written in the tables of our harts , and a great part of his will deliuered vnto vs in visions and dreames from time to time , euen before our eyes to guide vs : And withall , hee d d verse 14.15 , 16 , 17. fore-warneth euery one of vs in his time , in his place , seuerally before hand , more or lesse , eyther by one meanes or other , of his secrete iudgements , which hee determineth to bring vppon vs , though our dulnes bee such that wee see it not , our carelesnesse so great that we obserue it not , but shut our eyes against the meanes when they offer themselues , and against the daily admonitions which he giueth vs in other mens harmes , whereby he intendeth to instruct vs . Oftentimes c c verse , 14 , 29 hee doth this , vseth all these meanes , leaueth no way vnattempted , that may stir vs vp to preuent his iudgements . And there is no wise man , though peraduenture at the first hee may stand amazed , not knowing how to demeane himselfe , but at the last will be admonished .

Some there are indeed that will take no warning , the first , second , third , fourth , fortieth caueat , because they are hardned in theyr wickednesse , will doe no good vpon them . It is iust therefore with the Lord , not to vouchsafe to manifest any further vnto such , or to giue them any more the least light into the cause of his proceeding against them : but they , denying after so many admonitions to harken vnto him , it is a righteous thing with him , to deny vtterly to communicate his will vnto them : to refuse afterward to gratifie them neuer so little , that haue refused his instructions so often tendered vnto them , though they make loude cryes vnto him , be most earnest and importunate with him about it . True it is , that all his councels , all his iudgements , which hee hath decreed vpon the sonnes of men , he participateth to no man , to no Prophet , to no Angell , but yet many more of them to his faithfull seruaunts , then to others . Howbeit , hee fore-warneth euery man , and that sundry times , eyther when he is sleeping , by some diuine dreame , such as greatly disquieteth him , or when he is waking , by some vision in the dead time of the night , or in some solitary place in the day time , fit for contemplation : or else , if these will not stay him from transgression , by the execution of the fearefull , and grieuous punishments f f verse 16 , 17 , 18. fore-told therein vpon him . As by afflicting of him so in g g verse 19. body , that hee can take no h h verse 20. sustenaunce , but hath a loathing of the choisest foode that can bee prepared for him : and heereby hath his i i verse 21 , 22 flesh consumed , his bones dryed vp , and is ready to enter into the pit .

And then withall , sendeth vnto him some Man of knowledge , of excellent and rare giftes , such a one as if thou shouldest make thy choyce of the wisest and best disposed persons in a whole k k Verse 23 Country , thou couldest not find the like , culled out of the World , and set apart for this purpose , roundly to tell him wherein he hath offended , and soundly to instruct and informe him of the way that hee must take for to get l l verse 23 out of his misery ( for the Lord doth not his worke by halues . ) Which if it cause in him an acknowledgement , m m Verse 27 & confession that he hath offended the Lord , and grace to n n Verse 26 cal vpon him in assurance of his mercy , he shall commaund that Prophet of his to proclaime o o Verse 24 vnto him that his sins are pardoned , & a reconcilement is made with him . And so shal his strength notonly be restored to that it was before , but renewed p p verse 25 againe , and made like vnto that it was in the prime , and flower of his time : his q q Verse 28 body shall be freed from all affliction , and the same , togither with his soule , not onely saued from eternall darkenes , but made partaker , of the ioyfull light of the Lordes most glorious presence , the fulnesse , and perfection of all blessednesse .

COnsider Iob seriously with thy selfe , Chap. 33 , v , 31 Marke well Iob. whether the Lord hath not vsed these meanes , to reclaime thee from thy vnreuerent carriage toward him , in this thy calamity ? For he calling vppon thee these waies , thou oughtest to haue giuen eare vnto him forthwith , & not to haue deferred the time to returne vnto him ; for thee to be dull of vnderstanding , or to harden thy hart when thou vnderstandest , are such faultes , as he cannot indure . He hauing acquainted thee with his mind once : And again , he loueth not to beat it into thy head any more , neither can he abide such a dullard as is not capable of his meaning with competent instruction , but delighteth in such a one , that assooone as hee admonisheth him any way , will stirre vp his wits by and by , and labour to conceiue what hee will haue him to do , and when he hath attained vnto it , be forward & careful to accomplish it out of hand , whatsoeuer it is . This is his course with all men . He faileth not to giue them such , and so many instructions , as shall bee sufficient for them : but he wil not go beyond this stint . He alloweth euery man time enough to aduise of his admonitions : but this being expired , and refusall made , though hee be sought vnto with teares and lamentation , yet will he not incline his eare .

But this thy affliction , which is one of the meanes , wherby the Lord vseth to instruct vs , and proueth his greatnes aboue that which is man , ( for what man is able to bring any trouble vpon the Lord ) no lesse then the argumentes hitherunto produced , which I haue drawn partly from the nature and admirable vertues of the Almighty , partly from the ignorance of man , not able to reach vnto his counsels , partly from his dulnesse when he is admonished of his iudgments not to vnderstand them , and partly from his carelesnesse not to marke when he informeth him : this thy affliction ( I say ) still continuing vppon thee , plainely declareth , that though hee hath peraduenture forewarned thee before of his displeasure for thy misdemeanor in thy speeches , yet hee hath not as yet giuen thee ouer , but still offereth thee saluation vpon thy repentance . Which because thou canst not be perswaded vnto , hee doth handle thee more rigorously , and increase his anger more & more , that thereby thou mightest be compelled vnto it . Neither will he bee induced to listen vnto thee , for the easing thee of thy extremity , vntill such time as thou do acknowledge thy faults committed against him in this action , and humble thy selfe . Whatsoeuer therefore thou conceiuest of thy scuere chastizement , the ende thereof notwithstanding sheweth , that it is for thy good . For what can be better , then this way to imprint in thy mind , none otherwise then by dreames and visions that either the Lord hath already ( and hereof I am perswaded for mine owne part in regard of thy present euill behauiour ) or should haue , by some other greater transgression , which hee fore seeth thou art about to fall into , something against thee , that so thou hauing offended ( as doubtlesse thou hast in the wordes that haue passed from thee in this thy misery ) thou mightest lay to amend : or seeing thee running into some more notorious offence , by this visitation thou mightest be preuented and stayed from it : thy pride of hart , Abimelech Laban . ( for heereunto thou seemeth to be very much inclined , then the which no pain is more dangerous vnto Man , nothing more detestable in the eyes of the L. ) might be pulled down . Not miserable . and wretched therfore as thou supposest , but most blessed , ( but that thou canst not see into it ) is thy estate now , in respect of that it might haue bin , if thou haddest bin let go● on in thy course , without correction . But most happy of al , in that the Lord hath raised vp one ( and let it bee admitted that I am the man ) to put thee in mind of that is amisse in thee , and so to redeeme thy life from perishing , by beleeuing the Lords promises made to all penitent sinners , through the immaculate Lamb slaine from the beginning of the world ; not to looke vpon thine own righteousnesse a a verse 23 being altogether imperfect , but to seek to be made righteous through him , whose righteousnesse alone is able to iustify thee before God ; Euen such a one as will be an earnest suiter ★ b ★ b Iames 5. vnto the Lord for thee , and neuer giue ouer , vntill he hath obtained for thee attonement with the Lord , a recouering againe , or rather a doubling of the Lords fauorable countenaunce vnto that thou diddest formerly inioy : I inferre this conclusion , because these things heere arising from the 31. verse are brought in according as euery thing else in Elshu . His speech looketh that way , as a proofe of the 12. verse of this 33. Chap ( Viz: ) I will answere thee that God is greater then man . inwarde comfort , peace of conscience , a confidence that thy sinnes are forgiuen thee , much greater then that thou haddest before , which also he shall publish in the eares of the congregation to thy inestinable consolation , and ioy of hart . All these are plaine euidences of the Lordes greatnesse ; the greatnes of his wisedome , mercy , and iustice together with the rest of his attributes , which are as vnseparable as is his God-head : aboue that which is in man .

THis I haue spoken not with a minde to ouerthrow thy innocency , which I wish rather thou wert able to approue , that so I might a a Cha , 33 , v , 32 I desire to iustify thee . contend for it : but that thou mightest see , what important reasons there are to the contrary . But if thou thinke still , notwithstanding I haue vsed al these prooses , to beat downe that high conceit of thine , concerning purity and perfection , which thou exaltest aboue the Lordes , that thou hast committed no fault in the carriage of thy selfe and thy cause , in this disputation , but art voyde of all blame , neither hast gone to far in the iustifieng of thy selfe , but giuen God his right to the full : produce thy b b Verse 32 argumentes and disproue me : which if thou canst not doe , then let me proceed vnto that which is behind ; and while I vtter it , heare me with al attention c c verse 33 Keep silence . and patience , and I assure thee the matter d d ver. 33 , I will teach thee wisedom shall be so profitable , so necessary for thy learning , so replenished with Diuine and heauenly wisedome ( for as I said in the beginning , the Lord hath inspired it into my hart from aboue ) thou shalt not repent thee of thy diligence . Chap. 34 I refer me to the Wise-men e e verse 2 here present , such as are able to discerne , whether in saying thou art f f ver. 5 , righteous , innocent , & pure , God hath not done thee right , for thou hast not offended , no way deserued this grieuous calamity , thou dost not openly speake against God ? Let this whole assembly iudge , whether thou shouldest do thy selfe most iniury , ( or to vse thine own phrase ) belie g g verse 6. thy selfe most , if thou shouldst acknowledge to haue transgressed in this thy affliction : or the Lord if thou shouldest deny the same ? Who seeth not that these and such like speeches of thine , bring thee into derision , h h verse 7 , euen with the very scum of the world , of whom thou so much complainest , and make all Men of knowledge , among whom thou hast bin numbred heretofore , ashamed of thee ? And in truth , is it possible any man to forbeare to scorne thee in an holy and Godly manner , thou carrying thy selfe in contemptious sort against the righteous God ? No maruel though thou hast reproches cast vpon thee at all hands , and it be a thing as ordinary with thee , as thy meat or drinke i i Drinketh scorufulness● like waters . ver. 7 digest them as thou canst : seeing thy words , and the words of them that are at defiance with God k k ver. 8 agree together : thy actions , and others are very consonant ? For is not this a position with such , and doe they not expresse it in their practize , that the Lords care doth not extend to all alike , good , and bad ? Let a Man liue as hee list , or let him keepe himselfe within the compasse of Gods command the best he can , all is one , his regard shall be the same ? And is not this also an axiome l l ver , 9 with thee , & doth not thy behauiour declare as much ? How say ye that are men of vnderstanding ? m m ver , 10 Is not this good stuffe ? Can there be any greater pulbacke to the Seruants of God , then to perswade them , that let them indure what they will for his sake , let them be as seruiceable as possibly can bee vnto him , there is no recompence notwithstanding in store for them : but the vndutiful , the disobedient , the obstinat and rebellious , shal be in like reckoning and account with him , for all that ? If this bee not to esteeme of God as of one that hath no respect vnto his followers , beareth not a beautifull mind to such as depend vpon him , neglecteth the duty of equity and loue to those that haue by al meanes possible sought to please him , and to win his good liking : what may we imagin it to be ? If this be not to disanull gods prouidence in generall , and his speciall prouidence ouer his Church , and Children ? what shall we make of it ? If this be not to turne the Lords excellent order in the gouernment of the world , into confusion , what is there that can doe it ?

FOr the confutation therefore hereof , Chap. 34 and that we may purge the almighty of this blot of disorder , & iniustice in his Kingly office , which he holdeth ouer all the Princes of the earth , people , and Nations , as supreame-head to dispose of all things therein ; and concerning all men from the highest and greatest Monarch , vnto the lowest & meanest subiect : looke vppe with me ye that are Men of knowledge , to the firmament of heauen , and see what an excellent order he keepeth there : Behold the face of the a a Verse 15 earth , and obserue his gouernment there : consider that he alone created al things at the first in those degrees , in that goodly and amiable order , in which they now remaine ; fashioned them vnto that comlines , wherin they are ; continueth them still in frame , that he alone ( howsoeuer it my seeme to be the work of man ) is the deuiser of the lawes , decrees , & ordinances of euery wel ordered common-wealth here beneath , and that as he is vnder the authority of none but hath an absolute power ouer all in himselfe , is in nature most wise , holy , righteous , aboundant in kindnesse to all , so is his eye of goodnesse reached out chiefely vnto such : his arme of protection principally streached ouer such as deuote themselues vnto his seruice and obedience , neither may any shorten away or alter the course of them . For he hauing prouided them for these , the property of them must not be changed , but they must haue them in the cheef place : and first euery one according as he shall bee found most worthy , in the performance of his duty . Which course of his , thogh it be not alwaies on foot , neither wil he obserue it still , as soone , and as often as he would haue him : yet he faileth not b b Verse 13 euermore to keepe it first or last ; in this life , or that which is to come , according as it shall seem best vnto him to put it in place & execution . But if he should deale with the godly after this rule continually , and neuer swarue from it here in this life : yet according to thy desire for thy selfe , those that are most vertuous of all other , should bee neuer the neare for reaping of any temporall blessings ( no nor spirituall and eternall neither ) any fauour or mercy whatsoeuer , more the the wicked . For thou makest thy supplycation that thy worthinesse might bee thought vppon , which alas , were it c c verse 14 straightly looked into , how wouldest thou , together with al the liuing , be deceiued of thy hope : & in stead therof haue the curse of God alwaies following thee at the heeles here in this life , & the sentence of death and condemnation after this life ended , to passe vpon thee and them , to the vtter consuming of al flesh d d verse 15 . I suppose Iob thou art of more vnderstanding e e Verse 16 ( and I pray thee if there be any thing in thee marke what I shall say vnto thee ) then so to conceiue of him that is the founder of the law , as not to be a louer of f f Verse 17 equity , which is the onely thing that it intendeth to bring men vnto . For to giue the Lorde his due , and man his due ( which is nothing else , but equity and iustice ) is all that it requireth . And I thinke thou art of more discretion , then to beleeue , that he which is Lord ouer all the world , shoulde bee an enimy vnto right , a chiefe pillar to support his Kingdome . I perswade my selfe , thou wouldest not dare to complaine publikcly of a man of eminent place and in great estimation , for the due execution of his office , much lesse to speak euill of a King g g Verse 18 that commaundeth to death whom he will , that appointeth what punishment he will , how extreame soeuer vnto offenders : remember then , that thou hast bin too forward in thy accusations against him that is highest , and most eminent , aboue King and Kesar , mightiest and greatest Emperour or Monarch of the earth , infinitely lifted vp aboue that prince and god of this world : which ruleth in the aire aboue those glorious thrones , principalities and powers , in heauenly places : that is renowned before all , most absolute in his place , and without exception , more perfect , and complet in himselfe , then the vertues of all men ioyned together in one could make him ; that regardeth not kindred , nor cuntry , nor condition , but valeweth one as hee doth another , waigheth euery one in the same ballance , putteth no difference between the learned , and vnlearned , rich and poore , Prince h h Verse 19 and people , but esteemeth of each person in like sort , because he made them al ; put no distinction between them in nature , but framed them of one and the selfe same substance equally .

The difference that is , is for order sake among our selues , which he will haue to be kept , and an account to bee yealded him according to our degrees : But in respect of himselfe , there is no priuiledge , or prerogatiue belonging to any aboue his fellowes : Because there is no man , but is his subiect , and bound in like manner as others are to obay his Lawes : to which all mankinde without any exemption are tyed , vnder paine of eternall damnation to submit themselues . Against him there is no Man that is able to make resistance , in respect of him whole Nations and Kingdomes are as one i i verse 15. Man , altogether vnable to withstand his power : at his pleasure these must be translated , k k The people shall be troubled at midnight . verse 20 and brought to nothing : and then too when they seeme to bee l l verse 20. They shall dye sodainely . furthest of all from it , must perish in a moment , and come to confusion , and that without any adoe , without the helpe m m Shall take away the mighty without hand , verse 20 of Man : the becke of the Lorde onely shall either change and alter them in another forme , or cause them vtterly to vanish away , according as his will is , and so too , that they themselues notwithstanding being Iudges n n verse 23 shal be compelled to confesse , be hath done them nothing but right , nothing but that which is reasonable , and equall .

WHeras therfore they hauing escaped a long time for many notorious crimes , Chap , 34 they now committing nothing so foule and heynous as heretofore , the Lorde notwithstanding breaketh out against them , and bringeth them to destruction is no strange thing , because his eyes were vpon their former a a verse 21 waies , neither were any of them hidden from his sight . For there is nothing past but he keepeth a regester of it , nothing so b b verse 22 closely , secretly , obscurely , or cunningly done , but he beholdeth it euen as clearely , as when a thing is acted in the face of the Worlde at Noone-day . Which though he wil not seeme to see for the present , yet afterward least they , or others by the example of such , should flatter themselues in their wickednesse , or imagine him to be forgetful of that which is past , or ignorant of that which is committed in the darke , or else vniust in suffering iniquity to goe vnpunished : hoe will make it euident to all Men , that he marked it well enough .

Howbeit euen then he will so moderate the matter , that their mouth shal be stopped vp from complaining of hard measure , and shall be forced to acknowledge , that it is nothing aboue , but rather much lesse then their sinnes haue called for . If any suppose that their might or multitude , may exclude them from the hand of the Lorde , they deceiue themselues . For the Almighty is of power to turne their Sunne-shine into darkenesse , their glory into shame , how strong d d Verse 24 and puisant soeuer they be , that haue played the rebels against him : And let them be sure , though all men conceale their misdeedes , or be are them out in them , maintaine and defend them in their wickednesse , yet hee is of strength to draw them out of their lurking places , and set them vpon an open theater , e e Verse 25 , 26 and ther to cause their abhominations to be written in great Capitall Letters , to bee read of all the spectators , not of one Citty alone , but of the whole company and host of Heauen and earth . And all for this cause , because they refused to vnderstande f f Verse 27 when they might , what belonged to their good , and contemned the God of their saluation . The cry of the poore , whome they haue oppressed g g Verse 28 with their infinite wronges , piercing the heauens , and ascending vp vnto his throne , hath caused the Lord to descend down , & make them feele the force of his Arme. Whom when hee hath broken in peeces , and vtterly consumed with the strength therof , he then giueth a time of refreshing h h verse 29 vnto those his supplyantes , establisheth peace in their borders , for the time to come , euen as longe as they continue loyall and dutifull subiectes vnto him , in such sort that no man , no i i Who can make trovble ? Ver. 29 Tyrant shall be able to trouble their tranquillity , for the Lord frowneth vpon him who dareth to take his part . The hatred that the Lord beareth to the haughty and proude spirit , to the cruell and sauage hart , on the one side , prouoketh him to pull him downe : the goodnes of his nature , k on the other side bindeth him to helpe the afflicted , and through his power he bringeth to passe whatsoeuer he wil. These as they go together , so are they vnchangeable in him , and therefore when he will shake off the yoake of the oppressour , be he neuer so mighty , from the neeks of the distressed people , it must be so , there is no changing of his minde , there is no perswading him to the contrary . Nay , they that shall go about to do it , though they be whole nations , l l When he hideth his face who can behold him , whether it be vpon nations , or a man onely ? verse 29 Chap , 34 and countries : yea though all the world should be met together about it , and deale with him onely by way of supplycation , he would be so far from condescending vnto them , that according as hoe maketh the Mountaines to tremble , so would he make their hartes to quake with the sternnesse of his lookes .

THere is no striuing therfore Iob for thee with thelord : if a a Ver , 31. Like vnto that , Psalme 3 , verse 8 his pleasure be to afflict thee stil , thou must be contented with it , if to send thee deliuerance thou must praise him for it . But if it shall seeme good vnto him to be gratious vnto thee , and to redeeme thee out of this thy trouble , vpon thy calling to mind how lewdly thou hast behaued thy selfe in this thy misery , then there is no further b b I will not destroy . V , 31 danger behinde : Otherwise , his indignation shall hang ouer thy head still , though he forbeare thee for a time . Let me aduise thee therfore , to that which belongeth to euery mans duty , which is , that though thou knowe nothing amisse in thy selfe , yet because the Lorde is clearer sighted then thou art , cry vnto him for mercy , professe thy selfe to be ignorant of many things , and desirous c c If I see not , teach thou me . Verse 32 to be taught of him ; vnable to stand of thy selfe , & willing to be strengthned by him ; a transgressour of his couenant , a grieued sinner , and that thy care is for nothing so much as to bee reconciled vnto him , and d d If I haue done wicked ly I wil do no more . V , 32 leade a new life , thereby to haue his fauour continued vnto thee .

For the way that thou takest to accuse the Lord as a rigorous Iudge , and to assume vnto thy selfe so much wise-dome , as to prescribe him how to execute his iudgementes : is in no sort to be admitted . And be sure if thou despise my counsel and proceed in it , e e Verse 33 he wil not asswage his wrath , but bee incensed more and more against thee . And now thou hast my mind , against which in the defence of such absudities as thou hast broached , I think thou canst haue very little to say , but if thou haft any thing thou mayst produce it . If thou neither wilt nor canst answer any thing for thy self ( for one must needs follow because thy mouth is stopped vp ) I am contented to indure the censure of them that stand by , being men of wise dome , f f Verse 34.35 & iudgment , whether I haue not clearely proued thee to be a man wanting both knowledge and descretion ? My prayer therefore ( for their silence sheweth that this whole company doth consent vnto me ) vnto the Lord for thee is , that he would follow g g Verse 36 thee on still with his corrections , euen so long vntill thou be so humbled in thine owne eyes , that thou shalt acknowledge thy self to haue transgressed in thy answers vnto thy frends . This my prayer though it may seem very harsh , yet surely it is such , as I knowe not how to make a more profitable for thee , because if thou shouldest be permitted to conclude according to thy proceeding hetherunto , albe it the Lorde did afflict thee at the first , for no great extraordinary or flagitious crime , yet as he hath already laid his hand more heauy vppon thee , for that thou growest euery day to an higher degree of sinne , so shal he be forced ( thou increasing in thy contumely ) to augment h h Verse 37 the waight thereof till he shall haue throwne thee downe vnrecouerably .

And verily it is to be feared , that vnlesse the Lord shew himselfe mighty in subduing the rebellion of thy heart , thou art growing apace into a most dangerous estate , insomuch that ( say what I can in the Lords behalfe ) yet thou wilt for all that clappe thy handes at me as thou diddest at thy friendes , in token of victory ; wilt also multiply wordes at the length , notwithstanding thy present silence , to the defacing not of vs alone that are the image of God , but to the blemishing of the beauty of his owne honour .

The zeale of this glory of his , maketh mee to desire of him to keepe thee still vnder his chastizementes , because I know there is no better way to giue thee a light into thy errours , and to teach thee what belongeth vnto thy duty toward God , then this meanes .

FOr this duty thou art stil to learn , Chap , 35 otherwise thou wouldest haue more gouernment of thy tongue , then thus to ouershoot thy selfe , and say : What Iustice may be expected at the handes of the Lorde , when hee hath no more regard of the innocent crying vnto him in his oppression , a a verse 3 then of the most wicked liuer . b b chap , 7 , 20 And as for affliction , it is a great word in thy mouth * c that there is no vse of that , c c verse 4 & therefore for me to pray for the continuing of that any longer vpon thee , whereof thou hast had too much and too tedious a tryal already : is but a vain thing . This is that which euery man condemneth in thee for a fowle fault , which I must now againe , ( and the rather , because thy friends haue not satisfied the auditory in it ) take in hand to confute .

Be it therefore that the Lorde putteth no difference betweene thee , being a good man ( for I knowe this pleaseth thee wel , and I am contented to graunt it thee for disputation sake ) and another man that is euill , but afflicteth you both , scourgeth you both alike , and in the same measure & manner : Wilt thou challenge him for it , that is so farre aboue thee , d d verse 5 as the heauens * d are aboue the earth ? Why doest thou not rather consider , that as the wickednes of the other cannot hurt him , so cannot thy goodnesse * e * e Shethakim though it properly signifie the vpper region of the ayre , and so is vsed for the clouds , as comming of Shathak contundere to breake in pieces , noting thinnes & the subtlenes of the substance of it , yet it is taken oftentimes and so heere , as the matter sheweth , for the highest part of the heauens which we see , verse 6.7 , profit him or make him indebted vnto thee . For howsoeuer it fareth with the actions of men , bee they vertuous , or be they vicious : look notwithstanding what the Maiesty of Gods king dome hath beene from euerlasting , it doeth still remaine the same without any increase , or decrease at all : Indeed in respect of vs , it is otherwise . For the godly inciting others to the praising of God , and a vertuous life by their good example , the vngodly drawing on others to the contemning of his name , and casting off all care to do wel , by their inordinat walking : do in regard of men , added honor and dishonor vnto the Lords kingdome .

Howbeit , this is nothing to the amplifieng or impairing of it , as it is in it selfe . For so the brightnesse of it is in that * f * f Psal. 16 , 2. perfection , that no blotte can staine it ; the glory of it in that excellency , that no beauty can bee cast vnto it , more to adorne it .

Vnderstand then , that if the Lord please to bestow health and other blessings of this life vpon vs , it is not because hee hath receiued any good g g Introduced becavse of that ver. 2 , of this chap. from vs , that moued him to affect vs , but it hath proceeded meerely from his own merciful inclination . Or if he please to execute his iudgements vpon the reprobate ones , or his chastisements vppon his owne , hauing disobeyed him ; it is not for that his kingdome must needs go to the ground , did he not auendge himselfe vppon the one ( according as it is with a man if hee preuaile not against his enemy ) and did hee not cause the other by some feuere meanes to come in againe to doe him homage . But for that the end why he made the worlde , the preseruation namely of the elect should bee frustrate , if hee shoulde not sometimes proceed vnto iudgement euen here in this life against the one , and his ordinance and decree concerning the other , namely the saluation of their soules should bee made void ( if he should not keepe them vnder discipline . ) Let the latter bee thine owne estate , which if it bee so good , shall not the Lord deale well by thee in continuing this calamity yet longer , seeing that which thou hast hitherunto indured , hath not ( how bitter and greeuous soeuer it hath bin , a thing that thou still complainest of ) wrought that in thee ( Viz ) humiliation and repentance for the which it was imposed ? But if thou stil vrge , thou canst not see how this shold be , because thou art righteous ; h h verse 2 waigh with thy selfe , that the Lord hath some good drift in euery action of his , & because he inendeth nether his own i i verse 7 good , nor the good of the wicked and reprobate , in this thy conflict , he must needs intend thy good therein .

ANd I pray thee is thy righteousnes so absolur , Chap , 35 that thou needest no discipline ? Indeed thou wouldst be more a a verse 2 righteous then God , because thou hauing bin an obedient subiect vnto him , he handleth thee like a rebel , b b verse 3 and when thou wouldst confer with him about it , he c c ch. 30 , 20 , 31 35 wil not be seen . But I assure thee he wil handle Rebbels otherwise then hee hath handled thee hetherunto , for there is a further iudgement in store for them , then that which is felte in this life . And as for a sight of the Lords countenance ( a thing which thou often calest vpon him for ) who euer hath had it during this mortality ? and who euer almost hath hee vouchsafed to confer withall heere below . Those whom hee hath thus dignified and honored , being like vnto the seuen planets in the firmament , one among infinit thousands haue carryed humble and lowly minds : thou art a man of a swelling and lofty spirit , shall he lend his eare to such a one that conceyueth no better of him , then that he is a companion for a base and vile worme of the earth ? Wouldest thou haue him giue care vnto them , that cry out because of d d verse 9 oppression , when they er●e in the right maner of inuocation , as doing it with no harty affection , no affiance in his help , no remembrance of singing praises e e verse 10 vnto him for former mercies , together with present miseries , because ordained for their good receiued . For these euen al of them must be in place , in the extremest misery , otherwise there is no hope for the procuring of any blessing from the Lord .

To cry out in their affliction is the remedy which the brute f f verse 11 beasts and fouls of the heauen do vse : but to cry with knoledge is that which putteth a difference between them and vs . Though he heare them therefore when they barely cry vnto him , yet vnlesse it be done of vs in reason , in wisdome , in vnderstanding , which guide vs vnto thanksgiuing , an acknowledgement of our faults , contrition for them , humility in his presence , dread of his Maiesty , perswasion of his power that he is able , and in his promises that he is willing , and in his compassion that he is inclined to ease vs : hee will not heare vs to our benefit and the extending of his fauour vnto vs . How then should thy prayer preuaile with him , in whom there is not onely a defect if not in al , yet in the most part of these : but also in that thou takest from him all care of his chosen , of the administring of Iustice vnto them : which is a maunifest detracting from his Imperiall state , Crowne , and Dignity . Howbeit as for such as direct their prayers vnto him in that manner as hath beene prescribed , though he may peraduenture , for to exercise their patience , and make tryall of their faith , deferre them for a while , yet hee doeth not euermore reiect them , but they continuing constant , doe receiue them at length in all kindnes . Chap 36 verse 6 , 7 Wherfore my counsel vnto thee is this , which both my selfe and my friends haue giuen thee heretofore , euery one in his order , and more then once , acknoledging the Lorde to hee a righteous iudge , submitte thy selfe , commit thy cause vnto him , confesse thou hast offended in thy Conflict , depend vp on him for the clensing thee from thy misery : for then shal thy prayer be in the right forme , and then mayest thou expect some good to be towarde thee at the * f * f chap , 36 , 11 last . What though thy sinnes haue derserued greater calamity ? What though thy tongue hath vttred much vanity ? What thogh thou hast sought to make the Lords throne the seat of iniustice ? yet for all that , g g cha , 3 5 verse 15 〈◊〉 eni● qui● nihil istor●● est visitat ira ei● , brought immediately vpon the counsell which he gaue him . v. 14 Iudica cora●● 〈◊〉 et ex specta 〈◊〉 Tremeli & I●● The reason of this answere of Iob to Elihu being not in the text , is inserted , because it may be very wel presumed that if the L. had not immediately vpon the ending of Elihu his speech ( and for this consider of the sence of chap. 36. ver. 2 ) giuen his sentence in this controuersie , that Iob himselfe would haue answered as much and more vnto it . if thou first bewaile thy Pride of hart and presumptuous speeches ; and then suest vnto him for mercy , he wil ease thee , hopest in him he wil helpe thee , callest vpon him he will haue a blessing for thee . And know for a surety , that the want of the performance of these duties , hath bin the cause of the heat of his displeasure against thee thus long .

Iob.

I do acknowledge ( Elihu ) that the Lord who neuer sendeth away empty his poore suppliants , hath in fauor vnto me abundantly inspired thee with diuine wisedome , and raised thee vp according to my often and feruent desire vnto him to compound this controuersie . For these things are so euident , that not to confesse them t were meere wilfullnes . I do beleeue , that holy anger and zeale for the truth , because of my friends vniust imputations layed vppon me , and mine owne going to farre , and standing to much in my defence , togither with my breaking out into vnseemely wordes tending vnto the Lordes dishonor , Secondly , because Elihu had little eased Iob of the anger of the Lord toward him , for though hee cleared him for his life past : yet he condemned him for this present action . hath moued thee thereunto . And I am hartely thankefull vnto the Lord for this mercy vouchsafed mee at the length , and euen then when I was at the pointe of desperation ; and likewise vnto thee for thy loue , and faithfull dealing , Thirdly , because Sathan vsed euen this Elihu ( though a special man ) as an instrument to moue Iob to blaspheme the Lords name . in clearing mee on the one side to my great contentation , and the confutation of my accusers of blame in my life past , and on the other side , in conuincing me of ignorance , presumption , Fourthly , because Iobe through this speech of Elihu , ( though deliuered in more discretion and mildnesse , than the rest of his friendes ) yet in too much acerbity , had been brought to a more desperate estate then before , and made more head-strong in his affections , to break out against the Lorde , if hee had not in most mercifull manner therevpon , straight way vttered his voyce . vntemperancy in my affections , that so I might see myne errour , bee cast downe in mine opinion , and conceiue sorrow within my selse . Howbeit some thinges there are , wherein thou doest not so well acquite thy selfe . As first , in not waighing so throughly the importunatenesse of mine accusers ( and those , such as I had a good opinion of in times past , touching very deepely my creddite , then the which nothing is more deare vnto vs , ) prouoking me to goe to farre in myne owne defence : nor the vnsupportablenes of my calamity , which made me breake forth into vnsauory speeches , and shew my selfe impatient ( for such circumstances ought not to bee neglected by him that will duly arbitrate a matter ) Then in making an harder construction of my words then that I intended : & whereas I deserue to be reproued , there through the heat of thy zeale ( which is a common fault of most so * * Though this were a fault in Elihu , yet the Lord reproued him not for it , neither Moses when he brake the two tables written by the finger of God . Exod. 32 , 19. Nor Phinehas Numb 25 , because they all did it in zeale of gods glory . Which declareth that they which offend this way , are to be borne with all in some measure . affected ) to exceede the meane , and to runne out into ouermuch bitternesse .

Sharpnes I confesse was fit for mee , and so fit , that without it I could not haue been called home to acknowledge mine owne weakenes and vilenesse in that manner , and in that lowlinesse to bow my selfe at the feete of the Lordes Maiesty , as now I am brought : yet for any Man , specially one apointed as a Iudge in a cause to be more rough , & violent in his reprehension , then the nature of the offence doth quire , is not commendable . For concerning the former of these two last , namely , thy oner-hard construction of my words , I must tell thee that thou hast very much forgotten thy selfe , to a a Chap. 33 verse , 8. say that I vsed any such as these : I am b b Chap. 33 verse 9. pure , cleane , without iniquitie , free from transgression . Some others indeede I vsed tending that c c Chap , 33 verse 18 way , but not with a purpose to iustifie my selfe ( according to thy collection ) before God . For I haue professed the contrary d d Chap. 9. ver. 2 , 20.21 , 14 , chap. 14. ver 4 sundry times , but that I might refell the cauill of my Accusers against my former life : and this , and no other is my meaning in all my speeches to the like effect .

That long e e Chap. 34. from verse 13 to 31. oration therefore of thine , concerning the righteousnes of GOD , though it be a worthy one , yet nothing worth to confute any thing that I haue spoken , ( for I haue f f Chap. 12. commended it as much my selfe ) I will not denie , but that I said the Lord hath remoued away my g g Chap. 27. verse 2. iudgment , but I vtterly denie thy interpretation thereof . For I had no thought therein to disparage the Lordes vpright dealing towardes mee , according to thy illation ; but I conceiued it in this sence , that my iudgement in the sight of men , was such as belonged to a most wicked person , and that which belonged vnto me , was not to be made a terror vnto others , in my rare and fearefull punishment , because of my extraordinarie wicked life , but to haue my reward ; and this is remoued from the eyes of men with the faithfull , whom the Lord in his mercy is wont to exempt from the horrible vengeance which he hath prepared for the vngodly .

I know well , that the righteous cannot be discerned from the vnrighteous by these outward afflictions , for that they are common as well to the one as to the other . And yet I know againe that the world is of another opinion , thinking them only in Gods fauour , that liue heere in a happy estate , which caused me to vtter forth these words , The Lord consumeth the h h Chap , 9 , verse , 22 iust and vniust : that is to say , freeth neither of these from temporall calamitie : but this is farre from that thou gatherest i i Chap , 12 , verse 27 , therevpon , namely , that to studie to please God , hath no profit in it . And let this suffice to shew vnto thee , that thy construction of my wordes , is harder oftentimes then that I intended in them .

Now , that I may proue in like sort , that when thou hast iust cause to reproue mee , thou goest too farre , I will begin with that bitter k k Chap. 33. ver. 11 , 12 , 13 , &c. reprehension of thine arising from these words : The Lord looketh l l Chap. 13. verse 27 , narrowly vnto my pathes . For thou doost so take mee vp for this speech , with some other of the like nature , as if I had therevy sought to preferre my selfe before m m verse 12 , God ; or inflamed with the spirit of arrogancie , I had n n Chap. 33 verse 13 lifted vp mine arme against him . Whereas in truth , the vehemencie of my paine forced mee to vtter those words , in regard whereof , thou shouldest rather haue comforted me , and exhorted me to constancie , then to haue aggrauated my sinne to my further discouragement .

Sometimes thy confutation is by way of o o Chap. 34 , verse 2 insultation , Heare ô yee Wise men , ô yee of vnderstanding harken vnto mee ; For what is this else , but in triumphing manner to call in all men as witnesses of my vndiscreetnes : sometimes thou doost number me among the p p Chap. 36 verse 17 , 18 , Elihu saith as much elsewhere .

The former place is noted though it follow , because it is most euident of all other for this purpose .

wicked , sometimes among such with whom God is q q Chap. 36 , verse 18 , angry , as with the rebellious and blasphemers . Onely this is the difference betweene thee and my other Accusers , they condemne me for my life past , thou for my present carriage in this cause . And thus I am prouoked and grieued euen by thy moderating of the controuersie , because partly thou doost not see so fully into the matter thou vndertakest , as were to be wished ; partlie , because either thou doost not vnderstand my meaning in many things , or else ( which is worse ) thou doost wrest the sence of my words , & doost carry them to another end then they were produced by me : partly also , because the feruencie of thy zeale hath made thee to transgresse the boundes of modestie , and moderation in thy reproofes .

For hee that will doe good by his reprehension , must not onely looke to his groundes that they be sound , and such as cannot be confuted , but hee must haue also a regard of the manner of his proceeding therein , that it bee not in too much lenitie , nor in too much acerbitie , but sutable euerie way vnto the offence . Which beeing greater , the reprehension must be in the more sharpnesse , beeing lesse , the reprehension must be in the more mildnes , this last thou hast not remembred . But notwithstanding , proceede I pray thee , neither let this breake off the thread of thy speech : for I trust there is something behind , and such as shall make recompence for whatsoeuer is past , and yeeld me much more comfort , then all the discomfort I haue hether-vnto receiued from thee .

Syrraxis . 18. Persons . Elihu . The Lord . Iob. Elihu .

HEthervnto I haue beene in the confutation of those thinges which I thought to be amisse , Chap. 36. wherein albeit I haue laboured to keepe an euen course , saue onely that my studie hath been to hold vp Gods honor to the vttermost of my power , yet I perceiue ( Iob ) by thy a a Chap. 36 verse 2. Exspecta me paululum . forwardnes to answere , that it doth not very wel please thee . Neuerthelesse , giue me leaue a little , to produce some other more cleere proofes , and to fortifie and strengthen what hath beene spoken more fully . My proofes shall be fetched from the b b verse 3. auncient records , and from such as are memorable , and famous in latter times , from the miraculous workes of the Lordes high and deepe wisedome : and of these I will produce as well such as are extraordinary , as those that alwayes keepe wonted and vsuall manner continually .

And is it not good reason ( thinke you ) that I should thus search my wits and beate my braines in the Lords c c And will attribute righteousnes vnto my Maker . verse 3. behalfe , striue and contend for the maintenaunce of his credite , to free him in his good name from the least suspition of blame all the waies I can , that hath made me so noble a creature , & indued me with d d Verse , 4. He that is perfect in knowledge speaketh with thee . vnderstanding to see so farre into his excellent and admirable works tending therevnto ? For is not our learning giuen vs to that end , to honour our God that bestowed it vpon vs ? And I dare auouch , that this learning of mine which I nowe professe , is most perfect , and sound indeede , most exquisite , most absolute , and without all exception , & such as standeth vpon sure & infallible grounds , and that thou hast not to do with such a one as knowing the truth will deale e e verse 4. For truly my wordes shall not be false . vnfaithfully with thee , in adding vnto it , or taking from it , reuealing some part , and concealing the rest , or in the misaplying of the doctrines , but with such a one as is well affected towarde thee , will truly and sincerelie demeane himselfe in the carriage of the whole matter , both concerning the substance it selfe , and also the circumstances aunswerable to a good Teacher pertaining therevnto .

The propositions are the same as before , first , that the Lord hath a care of his seruants , & defendeth them from the iniury of the f f verse 6. Oppressour . For he is of so good a nature , & so full of compassion , that hee cannot see his suffer the least wrong but he must succour them : and though the Oppressour be strong , hee feareth not to encounter with him , because his g g verse 5. Est validus et virtus est cordis . strength is more then all the power of man , & crusheth it in peeces , giueth also fortitude to his souldiers to ouercome . And no maruell , for beeing iust how can hee winke at the violence of the wicked , Verse , 15 or passe ouer the * wrongs of the afflicted ?

Secondly , though it goe otherwise with them for a while , yet hee lifteth them to h h verse 7 honour at the last , and blesseth them in the end . Thirdly , if they haue gone astray , reiecteth them not , but reduceth and i i ver 9 , 10 , 15 , bringeth them home againe by his louing k k verse 8 , chastisements , & after their conuersion , comforteth theyr harts with the l l verse 11 sweetnes of whatsoeuer earthly delights , with a reseruation also of more permanent ioy to insue . Fourthly , and for the m m verse 12 other sort that will not returne vnto him vppon his corrections , this is my rule , that the Lorde will pursue them with the sworde , and other messengers of his wrath , neither will euer leane them , vntill he hath brought them vnto finall ruine and destruction for their obstinacie .

Fiftly , much after the same is my obseruation for the close and cunning hypocrite , who can so finely dissemble the vncleanenesse of his n n verse 13 hart , euen then couering his fault when the Lord correcteth him for it : neither will hee be induced to confesse it , howe heauie soeuer the hand of the Lord lie vppon him , but still ( though this be a meanes to heape the Lordes plagues more grieuously vppon his head ) seeke to purge himselfe , and lay the fault vpon God . Such a one neuer cryes for mercie , neuer magnifieth the Lords goodnes , but is euer telling him of his owne deserts , and of the greatnesse of his merrits .

Both these must looke to drinke of the same cuppe , with the most abhominable and detestable liuers , who are cur off by o o verse 14. vntimely death , when they least thinke of such a matter , euen in the flower of theyr time and chiefest iollity .

TAke heed Iob thou be not of this last ranke , Chapter 36 for among these must all such be reckoned , as beeing afflicted , wil not ( though theyr hart be neuer so corrupt ) acknowledge theyr faultes , but murmure against God , as if hee had done them wrong . But if yet thou wilt be an humble suter vnto the Lord , for pardon of that thou hast committed against his highnesse , I will exempt thee for this sort , and will assure thee , & as many beside as are peticioners vnto the Almightie in this kind , that there is a a verse 15 mercy in store for them , what affliction soeuer it is they are vnder .

And if b b verse 16 thou haddest thus done heretofore , thou haddest beene deliuered out of the mouth of destruction before this time , which for that thou art guiltie of high treason against the Maiestie of GOD , whom thou condemnest as an vniust Iudge , is c c verse 17 now life to deuoure thee . For certainely hee is angry with thee in that measure , because thou submittest not thy selfe vnto him , that without hee see a relenting in thee , nothing , no not the best and most d d verse 18 pretious thinges in the world , shal be taken for thy Redemption : no strength , no e e verse 19 , power vpon earth , shall be able to reskue thee from his indignation .

When hee is determined therefore to come against thee , and that his wrath shall breake forth , it shall be in vaine for thee to long for the f f verse 20 night , that thou mayest take thy rest . For he whose manner is , when after long forbearance he is resolued indeede to smite , not to make any truce at all , neither to giue any breathing time to him that standeth out against him .

Nowe then , hee that spareth not whole * * Gene. 14 , 17 Nations , but commeth vppon them in the night , and consumeth them with the sword , will not g g verse 22 spare thee that art but one , and such a one to as is not onely at warre with him , but goeth about to impeach his honour ; chooseth rather to accuse him as iniurious , than to be obedient in suffering with meeknesse , such corrections as he knoweth to be most profitable for him , for his h h What Teacher is like him . verse 22. speciall benefit if he could rightly consider of them , and therefore doth impose them .

Wherefore , euen as in thy former prosperitie , so now in this thy present calamitie is made manifest , how carefull the Lord is euermore for thy good . And this meeteth notably with thy murmuring on the contrary , in thine owne behalfe principally : but withall , in the behalfe of his Church and chosen seruants . Which poynt I will now inlarge , and declare how wonderfull the Lord hath alwaies beene , in the prouiding for the safegard and welfare of them .

ME thinkes it is very much , Chap. 36. verse 22. that any one should murmure against his gouernment , the absolutenes wherof , all the world , in all ages , haue had such notable experience , both concerning his a a verse 22. abilitie , wisedom , & care thervnto . He seeth and knoweth how euery thing standeth for the present , fore-seeth for the time to come what will be the euent of it , and that so exactly in each particular , a● nothing can be more required .

To this his knowledge and speculation , his practise is euery way correspondent , as beeing drawne forth proportionably vnto it , as by a patterne of direction . The one therefore beeing most exquisite , it cannot bee chosen but the other must be so to . And this is the forme of his regiment . Which , as appeareth by the most excellent order which he hath set , and established in all his workes , so farre is it from b b verse 23 Who can say thou hast do●● wickedly ? reprehension any way , as he left it to be a platforme , to guide all such as he hath placed heere in earth in the seate of authoritie .

The framing of the World in that goodly manner as wee see , was meerely his owne c c Who hath appointed to him his waies verse 23. inuention , and so the disposing of all matters that are done therin . For there is no man , that can challenge the least right or interest , in the one , or in the other , neither is there any man that can iustly find fault with ought , either for the portraiture , and draught which he hath drawne out , and engrossed all at once , or for his intendement therein , or else for the meanes which hee hath prouided , for the supporting of the same from time to time , vnto the end of all times , in an equall proportion vnto the first foundation .

It is a cleere case then , that order and gouernment is the Lordes right , wholy and onely belonging vnto him , as the deuiser and vpholder thereof ; & the imagination of an idle braine , to thinke that hee is able , in the shallownesse of his owne conceit , to frame a Common-wealth beyond his . Which were it not layd out in the heauens , and in the earth , as a great light , & as the Marriners starre to guide our ship , there would be nothing but confusion among all people . If such a one would take a view but of those presidents , which are presented daily before the face of all d d ver. 24 , 25 men , and hidden from none , saue those that haue no eyes to see , his mouth would be stopped vp . Call me to mind therefore such euidences of the Lords dealing as are plaine and knowne , and whereof no doubt can be made , and iudge we by them , of such works of his as are obscure : For by the * * Rom. chap. 1 , verse 20. visible things of God , to come to the knowledge of those wayes of his which are invisible , is an excellent course .

TO see the equity of his gouernment , which is the thing now in hand , Chap. 36. appearing by the good order that he keepeth in all his actions , the power and wisedome he is of , his mercifull and bountifull dealing to man , this is a notable way . Howbeit , though wee be neuer so skilfull in these his visible works , yet are we not capable for all that of the Lords greatnes , and the a a verse 26. admirablenes of those his wayes .

These wee beholding alwaies with our bodily eyes , doe rather rauish vs with theyr beautie , and cause vs to wonder at them , then instruct vs fully in those other , which are out of the view of flesh and blood , yea then bring vs to the absolute knowledge of theyr owne excellencie as they are in nature . Which we may perceiue by this , in that we are not able to number the Lords yeeres , or to know his beginning or ending , that so we might begin and end our reckoning . And this cutteth the throate of all curiositie of man , ( and so Iob of thy to too much boldnes and presumption ) that will busie himselfe in things aboue his reach , convinceth him of exceeding ignorance of GOD and his attributes , ( for no more can hee apprehend his Iustice , in that height of perfection and excellencie as it is , then his Eternitie ) and so of extreame pride , that knowing nothing , will take vpon him to iudge & condemne him , in whom are * * Colos. 2.3 . hid all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge . Whose iustice is as infinite , as * * Dan. 7 , 9 , auncient , as vnreproueable as is his power : which together with his wisedome and prouidence , how worthie , howe wonderfull they are , is to bee seene in his admirable workes which hee doth heere in this visible world . Into the declaration whereof I am nowe entring , and that for this cause , as well to make manifest therby vnto vs the righteousnesse of his iudgments , that if any thing happen wherof we canot find out the reason , or that displeaseth vs , wee wil alwaies be censuring of the Lord about it : as also to restraine our curiosity , that will neuer leaue medling with things that are too high for vs .

FOr if we do looke into his power , Chap. 36 which we may behold in his marueilous workes , wee caunot chuse but acknowledge , that such an excellent artificer must needes be no lesse iust then he is mighty , no lesse beyond vs in his gouernment , then in his workemanship : and the rather if we consider that the attributs of God cannot be * * But are the Beastes and their wheeles Ezech 1.19 diuided , which maketh the approbation of the one , the allowance of all the rest . The generation of the a a Verse 27 , 28 29. Raine is an ordinary , and common worke of the Lorde , and though some haue attained to the knowledge of it after a sort : yet could neuer any climb vnto the reason , how a Cloud shold bee able to containe such slippery matter , consisting of so many deuisions and partes .

This is all they are able to say , that the sunne by his vertue draweth from out of the waters , or as they terme it vapoures , which being extenuate is resolued into ayre , which ayre remaining in the middle Region , is thereby meanes of the cold ( which commeth to passe by reason that the Sun hath no resting place or reflexion there ) is congealed for a time , and afterward dissolued : and then because of the grauity of it , as consisting of water and grosser matter , heauier then that element which containeth it , distilleth downe there , whether it is carried by the winds , somtimes in a greater , somtimes in a lesser quantity , according vnto the measure of the eleuation of the Meteor . But they are vtterly ignorant , b b verse 29 when it shall drop downe , neither canne they define the place , or yeald a reason how it should disperse c c Secondly , shall any bee able to vnder stand the extensions of the Cloude Miphresei-hab of Paras to stretch forth . it selfe into so many cuntries far distant , and lying opposite , yea diffuse it selfe notwithstanding the wind , as sometimes it doth ouer the whole face of the earth .

They are not to seek likewise how far the noyse 3 3 Teshueth a shaah the same with shaah personate to make a noice ver. 29 , and so taken for the Thunder . of the thunder goeth , how the wind 4 4 Iun. vnderstandeth this noyce to bee of the winds . verse 29 being an exhalation and higher substance then the vapours whereof the raine is ingendred , shoulde notwithstanding bee of force both to driue away the raine , and bring it in , in great aboundance , euen to the couering wher it falleth of the whole earth , not only where it is the root c c verse 30. of the Sea , but to the darkening 5 5 By light here vnderstand the rain because by the comming downe hereof the light shineth forth . of the maine Continent it selfe , and the ouerflowing of it in such sort , that Riuers run in the drye places of the Wildernesse , whereby the people are both d d ver , 31 , hee iudgeth the people . confounded and comforted . Confounded when it is extreame , and of long continuance : comforted when though it bee much , yet is it not immoderate . This the Lord doeth at his pleafure , when he will , and which way he will : and then he worketh the one and the other , when it seemeth strange to humane vnderstanding . With the turning of his hand , e e verse 32 Manibus obtegit lucem Trem. cappaijm caph the palme of the hand , of Caphaph curnare , to bow . And so by senecdoche the whole hand . light is turned into darkenes . When the Sun shineth most gloryously in the firmament , God commaundeth a colde vapour to f f verse 33 Chap. 36 meet with a fiery exhalation , Verse 31 sucked from out of the bowels of the earth , being full of chinkes , whereby the beames of the Sun enter in , and thereby calleth for Thunder and lightning , and so vppon the sodaine the Heauens are spread ouer with blacknesse . Seeing therefore wee are not able withall our cunning to find out the cause of these thinges , which are daiely before our eyes : what hope can we haue to come to the light of those secrets which are not onely aboue the cloudes , but aboue the heauens ? Were it not then a senselesse thing for vs to censure the Lorde in that we know not .

BVt if thou shalt reply here , that the knowledge of the Raine , Thunder , Winds , and such like , is such , as wee are guided vnto , by the instinct of nature : I must returne it home againe vnto thee thus , That to diue into the depth of these thinges , as they are indeede , to procure vnto our selues such an exact , and complet science of them , as the Lord himselfe hath , were wee adorned with the rarest naturall partes , with the most exquisite skill and iudgement of the best , and most experienced heads in the world , could not for all that be obtained . Nay , man in his first creation , the Angels themselues haue it not in that perfection I speak off : but they both did admire it in the beginning , and the Angels do still wonder at , and * g * g Reuel. 14 , 17. magnific the Lords power and wisedome therein . For the Lorde hath pitched his h h Verse 29 The thunders of his tabernacle . pauilion there in the middle Region , of purpose to doe wonders , and such as shall yeald matter of admiration and praise to all his creatures , accordingly as doth euery action of his , as well the least as the greatest .

And verily for mine owne part though my skill in those things be nothing inferior to theirs , Chap. 37 that be the best naturalistes : yet notwithstanding must I needs confesse , that as often as I thinke vpon them , so often do such doubts arise , whereof by no study , nor conference I can be resolued .

And thereby am forced to acknowledge the wisedome of the Lord , not onely in these high mysteries : but in the vilest , and basest of his creatures , to surpasse my vnderstanding , and surmount my wits . Hence it is that I cannot cal to mind the great raines , the mighty windes and Thunders of former times : but my hart i i Verse 1 forthwith is astonied at his power that is so mighty , striken with the terror of his maiesty that is so fearefull , and my mind pricked to the honoring of him , submitting my selfe vnto him , in awe , and trembling , that is so glorious , and great euery way , in euery act , and worke of his , aboue that I am not able to conceiue .

BVt were it that I could see into all things , Chap. 36 whatsoeuer they are that belong vnto them , euen as far , & as fully as the Lord himself : I ought notwithstanding not so much the lesse , but so much the more to admire and reuerence the Almighty , to commend and extoll his excellency .

For therefore it is , that the Lord giueth vs a sight of his greatnesse , though not in that measure before mentioned : but so as is more meet & requisite for vs , that I should be brought to a deeper consideration of his wortthynesse , thereby to praise and obey his name , in more ample , and humble manner , then they , whom he hath not indued with the like vnderstanding .

But this by way of digression , because a worthy obseruation . Now to returne againe to my former purpose , and to shew further that we are not able to comprehend the Lords power in ful perfection in these visible works of his , or let it be if thou wilt his greatnes ( for that this lodgeth in the lap of it , al the rest of his proprieties ) mark how he declareth it in the Thunder which goeth not forth without his commandement . a a Verse 2 1 Protinus horvisico tonitru caelum omne remugit : Bucha . Psalme 38. For this being his 1 mighty voyce is heard from one end of the earth vnto the other , pierceth with his lightning ( being his younger Sister , as first perceaued , but fast conceaued , which is neuer diuided from him , but cleaueth vnto him like a twin in the wombe ) into all parts b b verse 3 of the world , euen vnto the very bottom of the sea , raiseth fierce and raging tempests , causeth terrible waters c c Verse 4 in exceeding great drops , and wonderfull aboundance to power down from Heauen ; maketh the most 2 2 Suetoni●s de Nerone 60. Imp. 48. mortalià corda stra uit pauor . cruell and flinty hart that euer liued to shake , shiuer , and rent in sunder with his horrible cracking , * d * d Psal. 29 , 89 Deutro. 8 , 15 Fugere fer● Virg. forceth the Lyons , how greedy soeuer of their prey , to get them packing to their dens , the Dragons and Eliphants which otherwise neuer part without giuing a deadly wounde to each other , to leaue their fight , the hardy Ostrich which by meanes of his swiftnes , scorneth the Horse , and his Rider , neuer looking behind him to ply him wings & legs , to tosse & turmoyle himself in the alte , that he may betake him to his couert : Verse 2. Shimhu shamoha , audite audiendo heare diligently . Berogen cum tremore of ragan tremere , ver. 2 heare diligently with trembling . compelleth the Hinds that do most hardly * e * e Iob 39 , 6 , of all other beastes bring forth their young , to cast their burden , breaketh in pieces the stately and durable Cedars , * f * f Psal. 29 , 5 , tumbleth downe to the ground the high Towers , 3 3 Aut Ahon aut Rhodopen aut alta Cerannià tele ●eijcit Virg. lib. 1. Georg. turneth vp by the roots the strong Oakes , maketh the foundation * g * g Psal. 18 , 7 of the huge Mountaines , and craggy Rocks , the very center of the earth , 4 4 Quo manima metu terra tremit . Sea , and Land to tremble : and therefore as it is to bee receiued with due regard , and dread , and to bee esteemed as the marueilous worke of God , so is it such as may appeare , by these wonderfull effects , as the causes thereof cannot be fully attained h h Verse 5. Hee worketh great thinges which wee know not . vnto by the wisedome of man . I make no question but we may probably coniecture at some 5 5 Plinie Natura : Hist lib. 20 Cap , 43 , rendreth sundry causes of the Thunder . causes of it : but the perfect knowledge thereof , depending vppon the Lordes power and will , and hee keeping from vs the sight of the middle Region , we canot haue , and see the error of those , that professe great skill this way . For they suppose that the thunder must take a time for generation , when the Lorde no sooner speaketh i i ver. 6 , for that which is there applyed to the Snowe may as truly be affirmed of the thunder , and the meaning ther is as Gen. 1 , 3 concerning the light : namely as soone as euer the Lord commaunded snow to be , it was . the word but it breaketh forth in a moment . Which may be truely auouched also if the Snow lying vppon the earth like Wooll , of the soft shewers which proceede of his fauour , of the violent , and tempestuous storms , tokens of his wrath compelling man , k k Verse 7 , 8 Chap. 37 and beast to his harbour , and not to dare to looke out of their doores , namely that the lord hath them at command in an instant . And this doth augment the greatnesse of the worke , being otherwise worthy of eternall praise and admiration , and declareth our vnablenes to come vnto the complet knowledge thereof .

PAsse we them from hence vnto the a a Verse 9 whirle-wind , which the Lord , when it is shut vp within a thick cloud , 〈◊〉 it were in an inward preson , vnder many lockes and keies , causeth to issue forth with great force , and a mighty noyse , with aboundance of rain vpon the fal therof to poure down . And forthwith vpon it , the scattering North wind to come in , dispersing the Cloudes , clearing the ayre , drying vp the moysture , lessening the slouds , turning the earth which seemed before to be molten euen as wax against the sun , into as hard b b Verse 10 a substance as the Clay in the middest of Summer , changing the liquid waters into as firme and solide a body , as the Iron , or Adamant it selfe : and though there be many clouds c c Verse 11 threatning moysture , yet for al that it neuer suffreth them to take effect , but tossing them to and fro in the ayre , chasing them as a Partrich on the Mountains , leaueth them not vntill it hath wearied them in their course , driuen them to such an exigent , that they must needs yeald themselues and vanish away , euen those that are ioyned with Thunder & lightning , being the fullest , and forciblest of all the rest . d d Verse 12 Thus interchangably , now after this manner , now after that manner , doth the Lord by these Meteors bring to passe : whatsoeuer he hath before determined vpon the face of the earth . Sometimes for the c c Verse 13 good of man , as also for the good of the residue of his creaturs ; somtimes for his punishmēr , that in the variety of his works he might be brought to consider of his perfection , behold in the greatnes therof , his power , adore in the sundry effectes thereof his iustice , magnifie his superaboundant kindnes toward him , in those worthy blessinges of his , which he receiueth from that his throne and chaire of estate , the vpper region . I would haue thee Iob to waigh f f Verse 14 these things , and the course thou takest in the defending of thine innocency together in a ballance . Can this stand for a truth , that the Lordes Iustice being no lesse absolute then his power ( which his visible works daily before our eyes do euidently shew to be of such admiration , that all the world would say we were stark blind if wee should deny it ) is perfect and good , in the gouernment of the world : and that thy complaint also of the hard measure he offereth thee , is rightly framed ? May this be , God is aboue the heauens , Iob sits vppon the earth , which is the Lords footstoole , and yet is Iob able to teach God how to rule in equity ? Is it credite that Iob which is not able to climb vp to the Cloudes , nor come to the cause of their effectes , should ascend vp vnto the Lords high Tower , and knowe what purpose he hath in his affliction ? Be admonished therfore to looke better into thy booke of accountes , and to cast ouer thy reckoning againe and againe in the closet of thy conscience .

FOr surely thou hast done it too slightly , Chap. 37 if thou finde in thy valuation , that thou art able to set God to schoole , and read him a lecture for the due administration of iustice : that there is nothing in God , but thou art capable of it , because euen this that is so common thou art ignorant of , how the Lord will dispose a a Verse 15 of the matter which he draweth vp vnto him , by the beames of that great and goodly light of his : whether he will conuert it to the benifit or detriment of the inhabitants of the earth ? whether he will cause it to descend down again in the nature of Rain , Haile , or Snow , or turne it into wind , or reserue it to make Warre with the wind , thunder , lightning : b b To make the light of his cloud to shine forth . Verse 15 whether it shal fall down there , where it was fetched forth , or in some other place ? whether it shall be contained in a Cloude a long time , and the ayre cleared after a sort , or the Heauens being changed into blacknesse , shall distill downe againe shortly after it is taken vp ? Of these small things , meere trifles in comparison of that great point , what belongeth vnto him in his afflictions , and iudgments , which thou presumest to enter into : thou art as much to seek , as to number the drops of the waters which he lifted vp aboue the * c * c Genes. 1 verse 6 , 7 heauen , when he made a separation between them , and these below : or if thou haddest bin present with him in his creation , to haue set down before hand definitiuely , & for a certainty , what he intended in that diuision . Neither art thou able to attaine vnto the naturall reason of the changing d d In the Gene. the variety of the cloud , but in the originall Miphlesei of Palas libramen tum a waight or ballance . Verse 16 of the clouds e e Verse 16 ( being a thing ordinary and vnusual ) in the ayre , which are no lesse in quantity doubtlesse , then the large Sea : the end wherof neuer any ship-maister could find out , and therefore would drown the whole earth in a moment , were they not restrained by the Lords infinite power . This is all thou canst say for it , that they depend there by vertue of the word ( howbeit this reason is aboue nature ) which God spake in their creation : Let there be a * f * f Genes , 1 , 6 Rakiah of Rakah expandere to stretch out And so the Septuag. conceiued of it , and therefore termed it Stereoma of stereos solidus massy . spreading ouer of the ayre betweene the waters and the waters : which how can it be in reason , when the ayre is thin and light , such a body as there is not the least waight but pierceth through it , & had need be exceeding strong and solide to containe so huge a burden , heauier doubtlesse then many mountains , so many smal drops , whose nature is to get out at the least cranny . This matter therefore is aboue reason , & canot be apprehended but by faith . For that the hand of the Lord beareth vp the Cloudes , that his will is they should not come downe , but stay there , are not sufficient arguments in the vnderstanding of a meere naturall man : neither can hee rest satisfied therewith , but remaineth vncertaine still , vntill hee haue apprehended somthing by his outward senses , which may perswade him therevnto , because hee holdeth this as a sure principle , that a man can vnderstand no thing truely , but what hee first infallibly comprehendeth 2 thereby . 2 Nihil est in intellectu quod non prius fuit in sensu Arist. Phys. lib. 1. de Anima 2. For the intellectuall knowledge of a thing ( saith he ) dependeth vpon the sensible knowledge , either of the same thing , or of some other that bringeth vs vnto it . By the latter of these two , we are guided vnto the knowledge of God . For by his effectes we are led to see what he is . But neither of the two , how the Clouds should remaine in the ayre without somwhat sensibly to rest vpon . The effectes thereof shew it not , and the cause thereof is vnknowne any further then this , the Lorde hath appointed if so , which may as well bee alledged for any thinge that is done vnder the sun . And this answer implyeth in it , that it is a mistery , which the Lord hath reserued vnto himselfe , and denyed vnto all men , that if wee would consider well of the Lords workes , wee should perceiue not onely those things which he doth in the Cloudes aboue ( where it would appeare that hee is admirable c c Mirabilia perfecti scienti●s . The wonderous works of him that is perfect in knowledge . verse 16 indeed if we might beholdal , or but apart of that he there doth ) but euery one of these here below to be a wonderful work and far beyond our capacity . As namely , the composition of mans body , which for the perfection of the worke , singular comlinesse and beauty thereof , is rightly termed a little world , and the constitution of the same , no lesse beyonde the pitch of our wittes , as not conceiuing the cause of the heat f f Ver. 17 of the body more in the outward parts when the wind in the South is calme , then when it is loud and blustering . The cloudes which before were dispersed . now gathering together , keeping away the quicknes of the aire , and causing a reflexion of the sunne vpon them , which being well warmed , maketh vs no lesse warm then doth a pan of coles the bed that is vnder it , and through there excluding of the coole ayre from vs , causeth vs no lesse to sweate then they that are shut vp in a close house , which hath a great fire in it , may be a reason of the present heate of the body , but of the sodaine alteration thereof from heat vnto colde , in respect of the principal cause , which is the change of the weather , no reason can be yealded . Which argueth the ignorance euen in those things that belong chiefely , & most properly vnto him : and againe , the most perfect , 3 3 According to that which is written in the former verse being the 16. of him that is perfect in knowledge and alsufficient vnderstanding of the Lord euery way , that hauing indued man with such excellent wisedome , hath notwithstanding better skill in the state of his owne body , then he himselfe .

THus impotent and weake of iudgement art thou Iob when thou descendest into thy selfe , Chap , 37 and there makest triall of thy cunning : but alas , how poore is thy learning ; when thou lookest vnto higher matters , and ascendest vnto the firmament a a verse 18 Shathaki● of Shathak contūdore , shewing the teunity of it , in latin either the skie . Coelo tegitur quì non babet vrnam . that is next aboue the clouds , and lyeth betweene them and the Stars , which is so large & ample , that it couereth the earth from one end of the World vnto another alouer , & is a fairer ornament vnto it , more beautifull to the eye then the most costly canopic in the world : much more thin and subtill then the ayre below , and yet far stronger then it : neuer was Saphir stone or Cristal more cleare , and yet neuer Adamant more firmely compacted together , euen like vnto the matter of a Looking Glasse when it is in the melting , of passing brightnesse , lying also close together , as all things that are molten do , and therefore as fast and surely conioyned together , as Iron when it is souldred into a Rocke with lead .

Couldest thou haue framed such a piece of worke haddest thou bin with him in the beginning ? or couldest thou now make the like if need were ? I am such a dullard , and b b verse 19 so grosse of vnderstanding , that I am able to say nothing belonging to these things , and so in like manner am I c c Verse 20 able to answer nothing for my selfe when the lord that is of infinite wisedom and iustice afflicteth e e Verse 20 me : & I dare auouch there is no man of iudgment but is of my mind , and thinketh if hee should not onely stand out against him himselfe with open face , but desire to get another to ioyn with him & mutter likewise against him in a corner , both which thou dost : he must needs be confounded with the maiesty of his presence . Teach d d Tel vs what we shall say . Verse 19 me therefore I pray thee , with these that stand by , so to order our words when we come before the Lord , and so to dispose of our defence , that wee may see it will be accepted ; and as in the beginning , so now againe I promise thee that I will for my part ( and I make no doubt but they will doe so too ) stand forth to iustifie thee . Yea , ( though it be such a matter as maketh me tremble to speak of it ) euen before the Lord himselfe , that is most feare full and terrible to them that contend with him . But thou art a man of a more pure conscience , passing rare partes , and therefore dost not feare any thing .

BVt all this while ( to say nothing because it is inuisible of the exceeding glorious seat of the Angels & soules of the Saintes , Chap. 37 which notwithstanding howe spacious , a spectacle soeuer , is not of compas●●●● , nor state enough to contain all the Lords counsels ) my speach hath nor reached so high , as to the lowest of those shining e e verse 21 , 22 lampa of heauen , being a visible place , and such a one without the which the light of the Caudle of our eye could no longer burne . Howbeit in th● subiect ( because Eliphaz hath been large in it ) I will vse one instance onely , but such a one , as shall so cut the combe of that high conceit of thine , that thou art wiser then God , more righteous then hee , that after thou hast hearde it , it will make thee leaue thy crowing in like sort all the daies of thy life .

Zahab aurum gold verse 22 because the clearing of the heauens comming from the North , is like vnto the colour of Gold . The North wind comming in with his golden blast , chasing away the clouds , and purging the ayre of all that may hinder our sight , art thou able Iob with open eyes stedfastly to behold the bright beames of that glorious creature of God , the sun shining at noone day in the Heauen ? Can it be then that thou shouldest be able to beare the maiesty of the Lordes presence that is tenne thousand times brighter ? Can it be that thou shouldest see f f Verse 23 further into the matter of equity then he doth , that is of that excellent glory ? Leaue off therefore thy contending with God . For beside that he is a consuming fire to all such , hee hath all power g g He is excellent in power Verse 23 in his hands , insomuch that thy very own strength lyeth in him to dispose of as he listeth , to withdraw from thee when he pleaseth ; neither do thou beat thy brains any longer about his counsels , for he hath hidden them in a h h He is excellent in iudgment , he is aboundant in Iustice , v , 23 bottomlesse depth : And look , looke I say , vpon the Lordes mercies how they ouerflow , & cease to conceiue of him as a rigorous Iudge , or vniust in his afflictions . Lastly , let this compassion of his that he hath spared thee from destruction , hauing been so presumptuous , moue thee to conceiue more meanely , nay , more odiously of thy selfe & more reuerently i i Verse 24 of his glory ( and to this ende haue I pressed thee so much therewithall ) least he viterly cast thee off . For they that will lift vp themselues aboue their maker , deserue no other fauour but to be throwne out as fuell for Hell fire .

The Lord.

Chap. 3● That this controuersie might haue a finall ende between you , without any further contention , and remain in perpetuall record for instruction to all future posterity , as also that thou ( O Iob ) mightst hane a more effectual feeling of my greatnes & righteousnes aboue thine owne , I whose name is Iohouah , k k Iohouah of haiah to be , for that he giueth being to all things . signifieng that I am he onely which hath a being , without whom nothing in heauen or earth could remaine or bee , from whom whatsoeuer vertues man is adorned withall do proceed , which name is a pledge euermore of my fidelity in the performance of my promisses to my seruants , and none to be forsaken that cleaue vnto mee : which is a name of terrour , l l Genes. 15.7 & 28 , 13 , Exod. 6 , 1 and m m Exod. 4.22 & 5 , 1. renown : ( I say ) whose name is Iohouah , am heere descended downe in a whirlewinde , accompanied with n n Exod. 6 , 3 & 14 , 4 thunder , lightning o o 1 Sam. 12 , 17 Ezech 1 , 14 and great raine : and do ioyne with Elih●● , and wil prosecute the matter of my power as a warrant for the truth of his doctrine spoken to this purpose .

The b b Verse 2 cause that moueth me vnto it , is partly the vnaduised speeches voyde of vnderstanding and iudgement , which haue eftsoomes slipped from thee , and among many others worthy of reprehension , those which thou hast spent about inquiring into the reason of thy visitation , which thou oughtest not to haue done . Specially both to demaund the question , and resolue the doubt , and to determine in such manner , as that it is not for thy sins , making thereby thy selfe no sinner , putting thy auditory in doubt , whether originall corruption , were a sin deseruing punishment : and not contenting thy selfe with thy affliction vntill I had reuealed it vnto thee . As being ignorant that my iudgments how secret soeuer they are , yet are they alwaies iust .

And partly , because throgh thy so immoderate complaints and so without al measure of thy calamity , thou hast offended the hearers , and made them to thinke that the Lorde ( in thine opinion ) did put no difference between the good and bad , but did handle them both alike , ayming at one and the selfe same end in each of them . And partly for thy so eager defending of thy innocency , and that without all measure , as hauing neuer done with it , neuer spoken enough of it , together with an vtter forgetfulnesse of my righteousnesse : Where by thou hast giuen an occasion to al that heard thee , to conclude from thine owne mouth , that thou holdest thy selfe more righteous then I : confirming them likewise in this their opinion , by challenging me often very boldly , without all reuerence and dread of my maiesty , to giue thee a day of hearing .

Thus hast thou by thy vnskilfull , and vndiscreere carry-age of thy cause , both obscured thy selfe , defaced thy religion , and also impeached my iustice , weakened my power , darkened the brightnesse of my glory and renowne . And thus farre haue I suffered thee , answering nothing in myne owne person , to thy obiections made against me vntill now : and that onely in a word . Now then giue me c c Verse 3 leaue a little to reply vnto thee , and prouide thou thy selfe by all meanes , gather thy strength together , stirre vp thy wittes , take courage vnto thee , and answer me . First of all , I would gladly know of thee , that seeing I made Man of the earth , how it covld be that I should have thy helpe or covnsell , or any Man beside , when I founded d d Verse 4 the same ? Thou professest thy selfe a great Wise-man , and wilt teach me how to gouerne : I pray thee resolue mee this doubt : what e e Verse 5 squire or line vsed I for the fashioning of the worke being so comely , or the hand of what Mason or Carpenter called I for , to lay the corner stones and pillers for the ioyning together , & supporting of the whole building , or of what matter they were off ? For the earth being the foundation f f Verse 6 of the Worlde , and that vppon which the heauenly spheares are turned about ; the other three elements of water , ayre , and fire , doe leaue , and being of it selfe of that exceeding great waight : must it not of necessity be both well vnderdroped , and firmely compacted together ?

Looke vppon the glistering Starres , g g verse 7 that are wont to shew themselues so bright and cleare before the morning , do they not in their shining commend the excellency of the worke of my creation , and proclaime my praise throughout the World to be inestimable ? So likewise , doth not that innumerable host of Aungels , the Noblest of all my creatures , and nearest vnto me and in that respect my Sons , extoll me for my vnsearchable wisedome therein ? And thus they did forthwith after I had framed the Heauen and the earth , applauding my skill , and greeting me with praise .

So did the heauenly bodies in like manner , lighting vp their Torches all at once , standing euery one in his due order , flaming forth diuersely in an equall and distinct sort the one from the other , make a sweete harmony and song of degrees lifting vp their voyces in their kind , in the highest note of admiration .

But though the diuine spirits and celestiall company of heauenly Souldiers , did vppon the sight of that exquisite worke of sixe daies , sound forth with ioy and gladnesse Hymnes of holinesse , reuerence , and honor vnto my name : yet far was it from them to take vpon them such state as thou dost , namely to seem companions and equals with me in the worke , or to intrude themselues into the possession of my prerogatiue , titles of Creator , Gouernor , & Disposer of the world .

Now from the stars and seat of glory , go we back again to the Sea , h h verse 8 an element adioyning to the earth , where we began : and tell me when it proceeded forth in mighty and violent streames out of the womb of the deepe , and that in so great aboundance , as it threatneth the couering of the face of the whole earth , as before ? Shew mee withall whose helpe I vsed for the shutting it vppe within certaine bounds ? And to speak as it is , the diuision of the Waters being made in a moment , and the struggling of this great Babe the sea , at the same instant : if neede had required and helpe might haue beene had , how could I so much as haue consulted with any , much lesse haue obtained ayde for the staying of her huge waues , swelling vp to the Heauens , and swallowing all ?

No , no , there was none that had or could haue a hand in it but my selfe alone . I tooke her as soone as she was born , how vnweeldy soeuer , and bound vp her feete from sprawling any further then the lap of the sand , and shore of my decree . I alone lapped her in swadling cloutes i i vrese 9 couered hir face , and laid her in the Cradle of the thicke Mystes , which I haue appointed as Chaines k k verse 10 to restraine her force . I haue cut out for her a Channell to walke in , and set my l l verse 11 commaund vpon her backe , that for all her big and lofty lookes , she offer not once , no not so much as the breadth of a naile to exceede her compasse , though fixed in plaine and euen ground , as oftentimes it is , where is nothing to make resistance , euen as if the hard and high Rockes , or stately hils mounting vp to heauen , were opposed against her to keep● her in .

THY dayes are nothing to the creation of the World , Chap. 38 & the creation of the world nothing to my eternity : Is it likely then , that thy experience should bee more then mine , to rule and gouern ? Is it likely that thou shouldest command the Sun a a Verse 12 to arise at thy pleasure , appoint it a place where , and when to come forth , that was so long before thou wert borne : or set him downe a better course , for the discouering b b Verse 13 of the works of darkenesse committed vpon the earth ?

Specially when as his beames now go from one end of the fame vnto another , reach vnto the very vtmost partes thereof , & suffer nothing to bee hid from her light ? when as in the night c c verse 14 the earth seeniing to be as a lump of clay in the hand of the Potter , without all shape and forme , his beames , euen as the hand of the Potter the Clay , bring it to a passing comlinesse , and make it like vnto the cutious worke , and sundry costly colours of the Painter , which hee had shadowed before with some course cloth ?

And thus changing the earth d d Verse 15 put a cleart difference betweene them ( as altering therein the how of them that were iolly fellowes in the dark , none otherwise then long wearing doth a garment ) & the Godly , that so these may produce their euidences against them , for the hauling of them to the iudgment seat , whereby the knot of their confederacy may be layed open , their power broken , & their pride cut downe by the Sword of Iustice .

There is as little probability for it , that thou shouldest be able to descend downe into the bottome e e Verse 16 of the deepe Sea , take a viewe of her Springes , and emptye her Channell of Waters , or f f Verse 17 , 18 into the lowest pa●tes of the earth , where is such darkenesse , as Death may seeme to haue builded her Chambers there , to behold the mineralles and inestimable treasure that lyeth hidde in the deepe places : g g Verse 19 , 20 or thither whether the Sunne and night goeth when they leaue the Climatte where thou inhabitest . For the knowledge of these thinges requireth more antiquity then the state of the World it selfe , which when it was framed alas poore man thou knowest h h Verse 21 not thou shouldest haue any being at al , much lesse liue a long life , to come to an experimentall vnderstanding of them , if so bee that might bring it .

ALL this while I haue insisted in matters belonging to the creation of the World , Chap. 38. now I come to such as belong to the gouernment of the same , and those very familiar and vsuall : shew me therefore Iob where is my arm●ry where I lay vp my weapons of snow , a a Verse 22 and Haile , which I keepe alwaies in a readinesse for mine enimies , b b Verse 23 howe the lightning should breake through the thicke cloud , or deuide in sunder the furious East winde ? Who but my selfe can so place the Spoutes d d Verse 25 in the Cloudes , that they shoulde poure downe Raine in such aboundance to the making of the barren Wildernesse e e verse 26 , 27 most plentiful , and yet leaue the Vallies to be scottched of the Sunne ; so dispose the Thunder and the effectes thereof , that it should bee in one Countrey , and not in another , in one Citty , and not in the next adioyning vnto it .

Canst thou ascribe the cause f f verse 28 , 29 of the Raine , Dew , Frost , Ice , and the congealing together of the deep Waters , that for all their largenesse and profundity become like vnto the hard g g verse 30 Marble Stone to any other then to me ? Doth it not rest onely in my power , and prouidence , that there should be an order kept in the falling , and a time appointed for the comming downe of these ?

And though I obserue and order , and ordaine ase●son for these , yet what man is there , that is able to define the maner , the measure , the place , the time precisely , when these shall descend ? The foure Seasons h h verse 31 , 32. of the yeere , * * Genes. 1 , ver. 14 , 15. 1 Vergilie , seauen stars . 2 In his girdle are the bright stars called our Ladies waine . 3 Cains maior , or Sirius . 4 Bootes Latine , his constellation consisteth of 22 starres . This star seemeth to bee named before the rest , and for all the rest , because he is first seene next vnto the tayle of the great Beare , whose constellation wee call Charles waine . differing the one from the other , the pleasant Spring , guided by the 1 Pleiades , the cold Winter ruled by 2 Orion , that draweth together , & bindeth the earth ( as it were ) with cordes , hote Summer , swayed by Mazzoreth , as the 3 Dog starre , blustering Autumne , gouerned by 4 Arcturus , with his constellation , together with the great Beare , are ordered by mee vnder the conduct of these . Neither maiest thou , or any man , alter them from that course which I haue appointed , disposing them sometime after this sort , and sometime after that sort , and not tying my selfe to any set rule .

The cause also why the i i Verse 33 Heauens should alwaies goe round , the Planets be euer in motion , the one this way , the other that way , and yet keepe a constant course , what are the effects that they worke when they raigne , what order and time they keepe in theyr raigning , what power they haue ouer the inferiour bodies , as to say certainely thus it is ; these vndoubtedly be their opperations , is vnknowne vnto thee . Thou canst not affirme there is no more to be learned this way , then that thou conceiuest , thou canst not giue a particular instance , what shall be wrought when such a Plannet raigneth .

THy a a verse 34 , 35 , power commeth as short as thy knowledge , Chap. 38. thou canst not commaund the Clowdes , nor the Lightning , and for that knowledge to which thou hast , haddest thou it not from b b verse 36.1 Iesapper . verse 37 me ? But for 1 thy power , canst thou tell which way to make the Heauens as Cristall , or else to cause the tables of the clowdes to power 2 2 Shacab is so vsed Exod. 16.13 . verse 37. Huius , cap. 38 downe for the binding together of the dust , as the leauen doth the meale , and fastening together of the clots rent asunder before , and scattered abroade with the drought .

Take therefore these things vnto thee , as lights to shewe thee thine owne ignorance and wants , in respect of me . And if my power in the creation of the world may not satisfie thee , then looke into my wisedome , in the vniuersall gouernment of the same : and if this neither may not suffice thee , attend while I declare vnto thee in sundry particulars , together with the former , my goodnesse also , that so thou maist vnderstand at length , that forasmuch as thou commest so much behind me in all these , thou maiest acknowledge , it cannot otherwise be , but for Iustice likewise thou must needes giue me place .

Wherefore , hauing gone through the Heauens , the Ayre , the Earth , the Sea , the Deepe in the generall , I will nowe make it manifest in more particular manner , that so thou maiest haue no way left thee to toauoy my arguments , but must of necessitie be driuen to yeelde that thou art convicted .

AMong the Beastes , Chap. 39 , the a a verse 1 , Lyon , the King ouer all the rest , beeing insatiable , both the olde and the young , which walke in the Deserts in troupes I satisfie , prouiding them foode enough in the barren Wildernes , so that they range not out from thence . I teach them to keepe themselues close , and to b b verse 2. couch downe in their Dennes and lurking places , whereby they may ceaze vpon the pray , which I offer vnto them daily in such plenty , that they are glutted there-with . Where hast thou to fill the bellies of these , so many Heardes , so many Droues , that a whole Country would not containe them , a worlde of prouision content them ?

Among the Birds , the c c verse 3 Rauen beeing mostrauening & greediest , I feede aboundantly with his young , euen then when there is no hope . These crying vnto me for theyr releefe , I supply theyr neede to the full , I am better vnto them then their owne Dammes that beget and hatch them . For I harken vnto their complaint , and fill theyr crops with my hidden treasures .

Couldest thou deuise , how eyther to furnish the old , being great deuourers , and whereof all places are replenished , liue very long , are not diminished , but multiplieth dailie , because of theyr great subtiltie and fore-sight , with necessarie foode , if the charge thereof were committed vnto thee ? Or else , when they leaue their young destitute , giuing no care at all to their pittifull lamentation , couldest thou inuent any meanes , for the preseruing of the liues of the young that were neuer fedde by their Dammes ?

The d d verse . 4 Wild-goate , and the Hinde , that so hardly bring foorth theyr young , diddest thou prescribe them a time for it ? Though thou obserue their e e verse 5 rutting time neuer so well , canst thou set downe the very moment when they shall calue , that so thou mightest prouide for them the hand of the Midwife ? They that see them in their f f verse 6. trauell , would thinke it vnpossible that both they and theyr young should scape without death ; yet I so order the matter , that their labour is no sooner ouer , but all theyr griefe is gone , and that their young come forth into the world without any g g verse 7. bruse , hurt , or blemish at all : yea , so farre are they from any maime or impediment , that for nimblenesse and swiftnesse they excell .

The h h verse 8 , 9 , 10 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15. Wilde-Asse and Vnicorne will not beare the yoke , they haue not their vntractable nature from man . The one , hee regardeth not the fatnes of the Valleyes , contemneth the societie of men , liueth one'y , and delighteth himselfe with the gleaning of the parched Wildernes , and as barren ( in a manner ) as if it had beene sowne with salt . The other , though hee bee strong to labour and till the ground , yet so sauadge is hee , that hee will sooner die then be drawne vnto it . Is it in thee Iob to sustaine the life of the Wild-Asse with such slender repast , or to beget such wildnes in him , and in the Vnicorne ?

I Cloath the a a verse 16 , 17 18 , 19 , 20 , 21.1 Pelarges . 2 Premia , conos bellicos , et galeas adornantes , penna . Plin. Natur : hist. lib. 10. Chap: 23.3 Fessos duces ad terga recipiunt . Plin. li. 10 , cap : 23 4 Genetricum senectum invicem educant ibid: Peacock , Chap. 39. & not man , ( not Adam in the state of his innocencie , ( all that he did was to giue a name vnto it ) much lesse then Iob springing from his loynes in his corrupt estate ) with that surpassing , pleasant , and beautifull array , with those shining and glistering colours . I put on those 1 partie-coloured feathers of the Storke , and those great and braue 2 pinions of the Estrich . Into the Storke I infuse such a singular care and loue to his 3 Guides and 4 Dammes , such a wonderfull forwardnesse to support and comfort them in their neede , as is rarely found among the sonnes of men . Into the Estrich such crueltie , that shee forsaketh her nest without all regard , and giueth no care to the * * Iob , 30 , 29 , Micha. 1 , 8. The word is Iahauah in these places , & heere in this , yet diuersly translated , as sometimes an Owle , sometimes an Estrich . pittifull cry of her young : yet for all that I preserue * * Estrich by sundry Interpreters . them vnder my wings , hatch them , feede them in such sort , that they grow greater then any Birde , taller then the Horse and his Rider , and swifter to of foote then hee , though neuer so excellent , neuer so much vsed to the race , yea such as scorneth him for a Lubber .

And as for this noble creature the b b verse 22 Horse , with the Hawke and Eagle , whence haue they theyr courage , valour and swiftnes ? Thou seest Iob how terrible the Horse is , his neying like vnto the thunder , his c c verse 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 5 Such as Gualt : vppon Ioel reporteth to haue come into Germany anno : 1545.6 Curfibus auras prouocat Virus Geri : 7 Vix summa vestigia ponit arena . 8 Qualis Ityberboreis aquilo cum densus ab oris incubat . snorting , the tossing and flinging of his head , the trampling & sounding of his feete , like vnto the rushing in of swarmes of 5 Locustes , the sight of the sword , the ratling of the speare , the noyse of the trumpet is his delight : When hee heareth the shouting of an Armie a farre off prepared to battle , no kirbe can restraine him , but 6 flings away , and 7 voydes ground to goe against it , as fast as if hee flewe in the ayre , and striued to match the 8 North winde in fiercenesse . Can hee haue these thinges from thee , that art of lesse force and celeritie ?

THe Hawke he mues himselfe , Chap , 39 , and a a verse 29. gets him into the South . Where hath hee this vnderstanding , where this knowledge to finde that his pray is there , and so betake him to his winges and followe after it ? Can hee receiue it from thee that art * * Ietem : 8 , 7 , verse 30.31 32 , 33.1 Valeria minima magnitudine . Plin : lib. 10 , cap : 3. Meneth●s elachistos . Arist: hist: ani. lib : 9. ca. 6.2 He is not afraid of thunder , Negant haue alitem fulmine exani matum ides armagera Ionis . He fighteth with Dragons , Esti aetos kai dracoon Polemia . Ari. hist. Anni : lib. 9 ca. 4. He prayes vpon the Serpent . Trophen poieitai Tons opheis oxucopstates . 4. She killeth her young that cannot looke with open eyes vpon the sunne without shedding of teares . Apocteinei ta tekna ●on ●i ophthal●●i pr●● to● helion dakrusosin . Arist. ibid. lesse prouident ?

The b Eagle , that is the hardiest of all Birdes , and yet but 1 small in quantitie , which taketh her flight and soreth aloft , higher then any fowle , which abideth and buildeth in the toppe of the steepe and craggy Rockes , discrieth the carkasse a farre off , feedeth her young with blood in steade of water , had shee these properties of 2 magnanimitie , wisedome , 3 sharpnesse of sight , 4 crueltie from thee ? Nowe then , that sayest thou to all these thinges , is there not some misterie in euery one of them , more then thou art able to attaine vnto ?

Couldest thou haue framed the world , disposed and ordered the same in better sort ? Couldest thou haue made it more rich , more comlie , couldest thou haue prouided for euery creature therein more conueniently , for any more bountifully & costly then I haue done ? Canst thou charge mee with iniustice in any one thing in this large recitall that I haue made ? Where doost thou finde in all this Catalogue which I haue vsed , crueltie , oppression and tyrannie , such as thou throwest vppon me in regard of thy selfe ? Nay I will yet goe further with thee , art thou able to giue me one action that euer I did , since I first framed the world , where . I haue not shewed my selfe exceeding * * Exod. 34 , 6 , 7. pittifull , tender-harted , full of compassion when an offence hath been committed against mee , slowe to displeasure , of power to forbeare anger , easie and readie to forgiue whatsoeuer hath beene amisse ?

Behold therefore more cleerely then in a Cristall glasse my wisedome , both in the creating , and also in the disposing sing and ordering , as well of the dumbe and insensible creatures , as of those sensible creatures now mentioned , is more then thou art able to comprehend . And therein consider , that the misteries of my high counsels , which I haue decreed vpon the sonnes of men for their gouernment , be too farre aboue thy reach ; my prouidence likewise for my children , my iust dealing toward my seruants , my compassion toward my beloued , the stampe of mine owne Image , beeing such & so great as thou hast heard toward the vnreasonable creatures , must needes be very large and aboundant .

BVt what meanest thou Iob , Chap. 39. verse 35 art thou blanked alreadie that of late wast so bold ? Hast thou now neuer a word to say , that weariedst mee heeretofore with thy sures to dispute with thee ? Must I now after so long discourse , waight and stay for thine aunswere , call vpon thee againe for it , that wast so full of arguments vnto thy friendes in thy defence , before I can haue it ?

The multitude of my Obiections peraduenture confoundeth thee , or perhaps they are too deepe for thee , or so waightie , and such manifest truthes , as no reply can be made to them , or else thou art rauished with the admiration of them . Waigh then with thy selfe how vnequall GOD and man are matched together in disputation , waigh with thy selfe , how short thy wit is , howe shallow thy iudgement in respect of the Lords ? And then looke backe vpon thy follie , in beeing desirous to contend with mee , thy vnaduisednes also to take vpon thee to instruct me in my office of gouernment , and thy want of vnderstanding , to thinke thy selfe able to diue into the depth of my bottomlesse counsels , thereby to fore-see my drift in thy visitation . But if the multitude of my Obiections ouer-whelme thee , take any one of them , the weakest and meanest as thou supposest of all the residue , disprooue that , convince me of defect , cyther of power or wisedome , prouidence , iustice , mercie therein , or else find out all the hidden vertues that are in it .

Take thy choice of these two , doe one of them if thei● canst , which if thou canst not , yeelde thy selfe in a fault for that thou hast so often called my righteousnes into question , stoode so much in the defence of thine owne righteousnes , complained so much of thy affliction , and searched so farre into my secretes , beeing most difficult , altogether impossible to be waded into of any mortall man .

Iob.

I acknowledge my vilenes and basenes , Chap. 39. This Iobs repentance is but in part , for here is an acknowledgement only of his wants , no cleere confession that he hath offended , not that humiliation of hart , nor contrition , which the lord requireth of his obedient seruants , & he afterwarde sheweth foorth , chap. 42. a verse 37 , 38. 1 Hee promiseth fayre for the time to come , but that is not enough , without a bewayting of his finne● past . in comparison of thee ( my Creator ) which art farre more excellent , perfect , and holy , then any of thy creatures : of more iudgement also , and wisedome in thine aunswers , of more authoritie and equitie in thy gouernment , as making all things in Heauen and Earth to stoope at thy becke , and to be silent before thee , as ruling so , that no man may iustly conceiue the least dislike , no not in any one particular action of thine . And therefore I heere promise , before thy great and fearefull Maiestie , ( that may it please thee to assist mee with thy grace ) that I will abstaine heereafter euen from a good words , and I true aunswers , which may seeme to carrie any shew vnto men , to derogate neuer so little from thine either iustice or wisedome , or power , or merey , or else prayse and exaltation .

Syrraxis . 19. Persons . The Lord . Iob. The Lord.

BVt that thou maist be as yet more humbled through the sight of thine owne weakenes , Chap. 40. make a more euident , plaine & particular confession of thy misdemenure toward mee , be so far from commending any thing in thy selfe , verse 1 , 2 , 3. that thou renounce viterly thine owne goodnes , and stand wholy vpon the commendation of my vertues : I haue raised vp againe this whirle-wind , and will proceedea little further in the declaration of my greatnesse . But first I would haue thee openly to confesse , that thou hast done mee iniurie , in charging mee with vniust dealing toward thee . For haddest thou no way to cleere thy selfe from a notorious Offendor , but by condemning me of seueritie , and vnrighteous iudgement , in that I afflicted thee ? For albeit it be granted that I had another drift in it , then to punish thee for thy wicked life , canst thou therefore say that thou diddest not deserue it , when the least sinne that is committed , yea when there is no actuall transgression at all , as in Infants , there notwithstanding eternall torments are due ? Thou wilt abstaine thou sayest from such answers as before . That is not enough , vnlesse withall thou reuoke thine error , and make a large recantation of thy seuerall faultes , committed against me heere in the face of the Congregation , in calling my righteousnesse into question . Yea , thou must breake forth into an ample discourse , of my iust and vpright course in all my waies , otherwise thou canst not satisfie for the wrong offered , nor then neither indeede , but when thou canst call backe that which thou hast spoken , which is 1 1 Volat irrevocabile verbum . impossible simply to doe . For a word vttered , an opinion set downe , may be recalled , called in , or reuersed , but not bee anihilated , or loose the nature therof . The onely way therefore for thee is , to be an humble suter to mee for pardon of thy faultes , which thou hast alreadie done against me in this disputation , that so thou mayest pacifie my wrath , & worke a reconciliation .

If this course please thee not , b b verse , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9. exercise thy power in the suppressing of sin , in the putting downe the wicked , shewe thy selfe honourable in the aduancing of vertue , and defending the godly , execute iudgment , but all in that maner & maiestie , to as great purpose as I my selfe am wont , and then I will commend thee , then I will yeeld that thine owne hand hath saued thee , & not my mercie . In the meane time , I desire none other euidences of my power and prouidence , then my creatures . Let them therefore speake for me , and principally Behemoth and Leuiathan , which I made , as manifest demonstrations of my greatnes .

a a verse 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14. &c BEhemoth , which I created the sixt day , Chap. 40. when I created thee , that liueth vppon the Land where thou liuest , and where-with thou maist be better acquainted , because hee is not of that rauening nature as the other wilde Beastes are , then with them , is both greater & stronger then thou art , and yet his best feede is the grasse of the Mountaines . My blessing vpon this poore meanes , doth nourish him vnto so huge a quantitie , that hee is a terrour to all that behold him , and yet is he of that gentlenes of nature , that he hurteth not the least of my creatures , but suffereth the sillie Goate to play by him .

His greatnes is such , that the channell , bankes , reedes of the Riuers , though very high , the willowes , or other trees growing vsually in Fennes , and Marish , groundes where hee frequenteth , cannot couer him when hee taketh his rest . When he entreth to drinke in any of the greatest waters , as Iordan , Euphrates , Tigris , or the like , he swalloweth vp the whole Riuer , and maketh it lowe for the time in that place . Hee stoppeth the course of the streame where hee wadeth , and maketh it to stand on an heape and ouer-flowe the bankes . His trunke he letteth downe to a marueilous length when he goeth to drinke , his teeth are so long that they bore through vnto the bottom of the waters : his sinnewes behind are like vnto the goodly boughes of the Cedar twined together . And as for his strength , that appeareth in the largenes and thicknes of his ribbes , in the broadenes and bignes of his nauill , in the easie and quicke motion of his tayle , that is as bigge as a Cedar tree , in the mightines of his bones , being as beames of Brasse , or as pillers of Iron , and in the two tuskes or teeth vnder his trunke , beeing most precious , which are as pipes of Steele . Of that fortitude therefore is hee , that of all my workes that I haue ordained to liue and breath vpon the land , he is the chiefest , testifying most of all my greatnes : Chap. 40. verse 30 , &c. & of that power indeed , that as his mightines declareth that none could make him but my selfe , so his fortitude sheweth , that none can ouercome him saue my selfe .

BVt Leuiathan , the King of all my creatures , both in regard of his 1 1 Causa euidens humoris luxuria . hugenes and force , verse 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , &c. that liues in the waters , can neither bee surprised by the might nor pollicie of anie man in these dayes . I haue ordained that Behemoth , though of sarre more power if hee would contend then is in man , should be drawne by gentle allurements , to be seruiceable for mans vse , but as for this mightie Fish , I haue prouided , that none shall be able , either by power , or else whatsoeuer subtiltie or cunning , to subdue him hethervnto .

Hee that goes about by flattering words , or by stroking him on the backe to winne him , must expect nothing but death , and that no raunsome shall be taken for his life , that dareth to giue this attempt . No hooke , or whatsoeuer instrument of the Fisherman , no though it be as strong as the anchor of a Shippe , is able to hold him , no Cable , be it neuer so well twisted , is able to hale him ashore . Was it euer heard as yet , that the children made a pastime with him , or that the Marriners had a day of tryumph for his taking , or that he needed to be a suter for his life or libertie : vnlesse I ( by my prouidence ) for the welfare of a Country cast him vppon the Land ? Was he euer knowne as yet to be vanquished or insnared , was he euer seene vpon the Land , layde open to the view of men , his carkase brought forth of the sea to be wondred at , a measure of his vastnes taken , his bodie hewen in sunder with Axes , beetles & wedges , many panniers filled , many carts laden with his head deuided into diuers parts , but when I my selfe haue offered him as a pray . Nay which is more , was there euer any man hethervnto so hardy to indure the sight of him when he walketh in his kingdom ? Chap. 41. was there then euer any man that durst aduenture to prouoke him to battle ? whence therfore commeth this presumption of thine , to challenge me that created him , for he is no more indeed , how fearful soeuer he seemeth vnto thee , then a very small portion of my power . And my iustice is as large as it : for the right of all a a verse 2. things being in my selfe , and none of the sonnes of men hauing any interest in any thing vnder the sunne , I of my mere bounty , bestowed to euery one his portion . Which also hee inioyeth to the full , without any scanting , or restraint of whatsoeuer freedom , commoditie , or delight is meete for him , when in equity I might haue cut him off vtterly because of his transgression , from the fruition of any blessing at all , being imparted only vpon condition of obedience , I suffered him to pertake of sundry , yea innumerable my mercies notwithstanding . Such as at any time took hold of my promise , entred into a couenaunt to seuer themselues from the world , and to serue me , I haue not forsaken , but alwaies stood by them , in defending , preseruing , inabling them to beare the crosse , in comforting them , in incouraging them in their godly course , & in the end , when I haue made due triall of their constancy , in deliuering & rewarding them . Let him come forth & shew himselfe here before me to whom I am beholding , that hath any way been desirous to set forth my glory , or maintain my truth , or obey my will . Let me see who hath beene afore-hand with me in any dutie , which my former goodnes hath not called for , that so I may make him full requitall in the best manner . For if any thing in heauen or earth may suffice him , I am able to commaund it for him , yea whatsoeuer it is that he desireth , I haue it at my disposing to bestow where I will . But alas wretched man , seeing all things are mine , how couldest thou bestow any thing vpon me , which was not mine owne before ?

This for application sake to thy selfe , Chap. 41. that thou mightest more cleerely perceiue how they concerne thee , & this busines . Now to returne againe to Leuiathan , that my power in him may quaile all such as oppose themselues against me , consider with mee the a a verse 3. parts & members of his body seuerally , and therein waigh his incomparable strength and vigour , how well ( contrary to all hope of his enemies to preuaile against him ) he is prouided and appointed for the battle .

For first of all hee plaieth vpon the b b verse 4 , 5. aduantage , because like a Cocke vppon his owne dunghill , he euer fighteth in his owne element , and that to with his skirts vncouered . From this element and harbour , or rather kingdome of his , hee can by no meanes be beaten . Hee is very big , yet can no hold be fastened vppon him in these times to bring him to land , that so thou mightest see his largenes . Hee is able to beare a burden as great as any shippe , yet will hee not admit the least waight to come vppon his backe . No bridle can be fitted for his head , because his cheekes are as broade as the great portall of a Pallace , and of that thicknes and length , that though it were double , and double againe , yea tenfold , yet would it not serue the turne . But might there bee one framed for him , how should it be gotten into his mouth , he beeing both as vntameable and as forceable also , as the raging Sea wherein hee abideth ? Besides , his swallowe is so wide , that he would deuoure a whole stable full of furniture at one mouthfull . His teeth fetch such a large circuit about , and are so many and so marueilous , as doth astonish the beholder .

His c c verse 6. backe is as vnpenetrable as any Buckler , Habergion , or coate of Maile , so hard and so close , that neither wind nor weapon can make any enterance , the sharpest steele can make no diuision . Heerein hee vaunteth , and beareth himselfe so bolde , that hee is at defiance with all the world . When he swimmes against the winde and streame , & driues the swelling waues of the sea before him with his d d verse 9 , 10 11 , 12. neezing , such flashes of fire appeare , as when the Smith fashioneth his great Iron worke vpon his slithy . He arising out of the deepe , thou wouldest deeme the Sunne to arise out of the Sea , or lightning to proceede from the East , for his eyes resemble the beames of the morning , his mouth a fornace , his nostrells a Diars Fat. At his breath the whole Sea seemeth to be set on fire . By reason of the brightnes of these seuerall parts , thou wouldest imagine heere a Torch to be kindled , there sparkles of fire to issue foorth , heere stubble to burne into a great flame , there a thicke smoake like vnto a clowde to ascend vp . His necke is of such e e verse 13. strength , that it crusheth in sunder whatsoeuer it meeteth , and couereth the faces of all that come in his way with sadnes , but he emptieth his owne loynes of all sorrow , which maketh his bones fat , and replenished euen with riuers of Oyle , which moueth him to a delight and felicitie , to wrastle with the surges of the Sea , albeit they assaile him most fiercely , and lift themselues vp vnto the Heauens .

It is not with his * * Ilorin . 15 , 39 flesh as with other my creatures , but the tenderest part of his body is infinitely harder then Brawne , for that his flesh cleaueth vnseperably to his bones , and is equall vnto them in toughnes . And thus haue I gone through all the parts of his body , which I know thou canst not choose but conceiue to be most wonderfull .

ANd yet for all that , is it not more admirable then , Chap. 41. the valour and courage of his a a verse 15. minde , beeing so stout , that nothing can daunt it , so strong , that it can be no more broken then the Flint , or nether Milstone , but what the one is able to effect , the other is euer as forward and venturous to attempt , according as the euent doth make manifest . For by reason of his b b verse 16 magnanimitie , the valiant men flie , come running and crying vnto mee ( because onely of my power ) as to c c Purifie them selues by prayer . verse 16. purifie and purge them from their sinnes , so to protect them from the power of this invinsible Champion , which otherwise would grinde them to powder by reason of his strength , and waight of his body .

Neither can the d d verse 17 , 18 , 19 , 20. sword , speare , dart , or Iauelin pierce him ; nor the Iron , Brasse , Sling , Crosse-bow , nor any other warlike engin batter him . S●●ike vp the Drumme , sounde the Trumpet , make the Armour to rattle , shake the speare before him , he regardeth it no more then the moouing of a strawe , flying of the chaffe or feather in the ayre , or tossing of a peece of rotten wood vppon the waters . For seeing nothing can hurt him , he is afrayde of nothing . Seeing his skin is of that vertue , that it cracketh the very e e verse 21. stones asunder as if they were Oyster-shels , knappeth Iron in peeces as if it were a stick , casting them with more violence into the f f verse 22 bottome of the Sea , then they were sent at the first out of the hand of the strongest man . Hee maketh but a pastime of whatsoeuer is throwne at him . The skilfull and hardy Marriner that feareth almost no colours , when he seeth the whole Sea on a froth , foaming and bubling like the vessell of the Apothecary boyling with his drugges , and a g g verse 23 whitnes behind him , lifted vp aboue the rest of the waters where hee hath marched along , like vnto the toppes of the Mountaines couered with snowe , or like vnto the hoary haires of the graue Fathers , hee is amazed at the sight , and dares not abide the combat , knowing that if he make not escape , hee must meete with such an enemie , as is without all h h verse 24. feare , all mercy , and cannot be subdued , presuming also to be Lord , as indeede he is , ouer all the high and loftie in his walke , & therefore scorneth at his heeles whatsoeuer opposeth it selfe against him .

Lay this description Iob to the former , lay them both , and that of Behemoth to hart , apply them to thy conscience , see there thy weakenes , and my power , thy wanting of iudgement , to thinke so highly of thy selfe , and so basely of my prouidence and prudence in gouernment ; that am able to doe whatsoeuer pleaseth mee , and nothing is pleasing vnto me but what is passing good : that beeing so great , and wonderfull in strength , must needes be as great , excellent , and as much to be admired , in the administration of iust & righteous iudgement to all that liue within the lists of my dominions .

Iob.

I nowe confesse Lord from the bottom of my hart , Chap. 42 , without any gaine-saying , thy great and infinite power , the vnsearchablenes of thy counsels , and that whatsoeuer thou a a verse 2 conceiuest against man , howsoeuer he striueth against the equitie of it , is notwithstanding most iust , & shal take effect . Which because I vnderstood not before , I therefore offended , but for that it was of b b verse 3. ignorance ( for wonderful are thy iudgements , & such as no man can attaine vnto ) remit it vnto to me I beseech thee ( ô my God , ) and vouchsafing me the couering of my former ouer-bold behauiour , the seeking to iustifie my selfe without a due regard of thy righteousnes , my ignorant , rash , inconsiderate , impatient , froward speeches , words of discontentment , dishonourable to thy name in the construction of the Auditory , my presumption of hart in taking vpon me to know thy secrets , which are lifted vp far aboue my reach c c verse 4. instruct thou me aright in thy wayes . For what knowledge soeuer I professed before , yet through the light of thy word beeing brought to a sight of my errour , I perceiue now that it was nothing , that vnlesse thy holy spirit guide me vnto the truth , I must needs goe astray , & therfore doe wholy submit my selfe to be taught of thee .

Infinite are the praises due vnto thy Maiesty from me , in that thou hast now shewed mee the d d verse 5. properties of thy nature , giuen mee to see fully and perfectly with the eye of my mind , the effects of thy greatnes , ( which before I had onely sounding in mine eare ) wrought in me inwardly such a feeling of thy excellencie by vertue of thy presence , as all other presidents could not drawe mee vnto ; and withall , such a c c verse 6. loathing and detestation of my selfe , by meanes of the aboundance of my vnsauoury speeche● , which haue broken from me in this my aduersitie , that abhorring my selfe , I lye prostrate vpon the earth , humbled in dust and ashes .

Syrraxis . 19. Persons . The Lord . Eliphaz . The Lord.

NOwe as for thee Eliphaz and thy two friends , Chap. 42 , verse 7. though I haue first reprooued Iob , as beginning my iudgements euer at mine owne house , yet must thou not thinke , but that I am much more angry with thee and them , then with him .

For his faulte hath beene the transgression of his lippes , wherevnto also hee hath beene inforced through the greatnes of his calamitie , & your vniust imputations . Your fault the bitternes of your hart against him , his ignorance of the vnsearchablenes of my counsels , your errour , in the matter of my prouidence , his such as hee hath repented of , yours such , for which yee haue shewed no contrition : hee hath layd his case very a a Ye haue not spoken of mee the thing that is right , like my seruaunt Iob. verse 7. right , as contending iustly in the defence of his innocencie , and hath aymed also at a good end , as to beare patiently my visitation : wherein also hee hath preuailed thus farre , that he hath kept his hart that it hath not been ouercome with impatience . Your case it hath beene wrong layd , builded vppon false groundes , and you haue aymed at this end , to ouerthrow the truth , and to bring my seruant to dispaire .

Hee , though hee hath not alwaies hit the white , yet hath he euermore shot faire at the marke : euery shaft out of your quiuer hath been sent a cleane contrary way to that it ought . Hee hath shewed forth much loue and mildnes toward you , though he saw you exceedingly out of the way , and vsed all means to reduce you from your opinions , you haue cast off all humilitie , all mercy and compassion toward him , respecting nothing his weake estate , nothing regarding his grieuous torment of body . You haue vtterly forgotten , that to adde affliction to affliction , to carpe , cauill , and scoffe at him that is diseased , to take him at the worst that is distressed in mind , yea to wrong him in his meaning , to tell him of the Lords anger , that is wounded at the hart with the terrour of his iudgements , is not the way to winne his soule , but to cast it cleane away .

You haue throwne behind the backe to charge the righteous man vpon mere presumption , of foule and notorious crimes , what a heinous sinne it is , & with how high an hand committed : b b verse 8. seeke therefore to pacifie my wrath euery one of you , by a c c Take vnto you 7 Calues & 7 Rammes . full and perfect Sacrifice , offered vp for each of you in particular , by the hands of my seruaunt Iob. But first of all crauing pardon for your vnkind vsage , your folly , vndiscreetnesse , ouer-much bitternesse , your rash censures toward him , your denuntiations against him of my beamy iudgments , debarring him of all hope of happynesse hereafter , because of his vnhappy estate here : labour to be reconciled vnto him , and then desire him , whom I haue ordained in the office of priest-hood , to be a Mediator betweene mee and you , and to sley seuen Calues , and seuen Rams for a whole burnt offering for euery one of you seuerally . For I will not admit you into the function of priesthood , and therefore not accept it at your handes ( for such as I annoint for Priests vnto me , and none but they doe I accept in this holy duty ) but at the hands of my seruant Iob whom I haue appointed , euen as in former times Melchisedech , Abraham , and before them Noah , Sheth , Abell , with the rest of the godly Patriarches , in their ages and families , as a type of the true Priest-hoode of the Messias to come , whose bodily sacrifice shal be all in all , and put a finall end to these resemblances . And let him be an Intercessor for you to me , & that shall be notwithstanding your great offence committed in this action , an expiation and attonement for you , and such as shall remoue far from you those iudgments which by your sins in this controuersie you haue deserued . You accounted him the greatest sinner of a thousand , you indeed are so , and therefore are worthy to feele that and more to , which I haue inflicted vpon him for a tryall only of his vertues . But vpon his intercession , & your amendment I am contented to spare you : yea in regarde of the loue of his person , whose sufferinges these your oblations present , to cleare you altogether from the guilt of it , and to bury this your fault in forgetfulnesse for euermore .

Eliphaz .

I with my companions ( O Lord God most mighty ) doe with exceeding gladnesse of hart embrace this thy superaboundant mercy vnto vs : Chap. 42 , v , 9 and are most desirous to submit our selues to Iob , and to craue at his hands forgiuenesse for the iniury which many waies wee haue done vnto him . We haue erred in the doctrine of thy prouidence , we haue labored to depriue such as indure affliction in this life of al hope of saluation , we haue peruerted Iobs words , and wrested them to a wrong sence , grieued his soule with our iniust accusations , sought to make him a reprobate , & to bring him to desperation : this haue we done being beguiled by Sathan , whose instruments we haue bin , for the subuerting of the constancy of thy seruant . Hee blinded our eyes that we could not see the truth , hee inflamed the corruption of our hart , and kindled the heate thereof against our friend , hardned the same that it could not be induced to forsake the error therof , neither to relent : notwithstanding his excellent perswasions to the contrary on the one side , and his great calamity & misery on the other side , might haue bin sufficient to haue ouercome the most barbarous , & vnmercifull men in the world . There is no reason ( O Lord ) that we which haue bin so vnreasonable , should be consecrated Priests vnto thee that art most righteous , & wilt haue none vncleaue person to come neare thine alter : but rather great cause that we should magnifie thy maruelous ●●●dnes toward vs in vouchsafing vs that fauor at the mediation of an other , to receiue our sacrifices as a pacification for our iniquities , done both against the honour of thy maiesty , and the saluation of our brother . Most iust is it , that thou shouldest deny vs reconcilement with thee : vnlesse we be first reconciled vnto him , to whom wee haue offered such infinite wrong . Most righteous is it , that thou shouldest make vs know him to be most deare vnto thee , and in highest estimation with thee : by refusing our owne , yea al other intercession for vs , saue his alone . And therefore wee must willingly subscribe , to the order thou hast prescribed for our purgations : nothing doubting of Iobes tendernesse and forwardnes that is so tender harted , so ready to for giue ( specially vs now , hauing shewed our selues neuer so great enimies vnto him , seeing we are commended vnto him from thee , whom he loueth so intirely ) both to renew againe a couenant of friendship with vs , as also to gratifie vs in this our supplication , wherein thou commaundest vs to become suiters .

Syrraxis . 21. Persons . The Lord . Iob his Wife . Acquaintance . Contemners . Iob. Kinsefolks . Seruants . Lord.

THat all the World may know , Cha. 24 , v. 10 that I am a most bountiful rewarder of such , as when the greatest afflictions and tentations are vppon them , beare them notwithstanding patiently , holde out without fainting in the combate , & trust in me , and as well in the storme as when it is ouer , pray for their enimies , as thou Iob hast done : I wil free thee from the captiuity of Sathan to whose tyranny I deliuer●●●●●ee ouer for a time , & enuiron thee round with the sence of my Angels , as in times past , remoue away thy disease and restore thee to health of body , make thy Wife and seruants to humble themselues vnto thee , thy Kinsfolk and acquaintance to repaire vnto thee with great giftes in their hands , those that contemned thee to sue vnto thee for forgiuenes . I wil also blesse thee a a Verse 12 more then in thy former prosperity , with al maner of riches , the number of thy sheep , Camels , Oxen , Asses , shal be doubled vnto thee , Sons and Daughters more vert●ous and b b Verse 15 comely then the former ; longer , c c Verse 16. and more happy daies shall bee be stowed vpon thee , and at length which is a thing far more blessed and desired of mine elect , because of that which followeth , then all aboue mentioned , a timely , peaceable , and honorable funerall . Heereby to let thee with the rest of my Children see , and vnderstand , how beneficiall I am in my temporall fauours when is shall be good for them : but specially how infinite are the heauenly treasures which I haue reserued in my euerlasting kingdome of glory for such as in the time of tentation , tryall , and aduerfity , beare contentedly my visitation , and constantly cleaue vnto me .

Iob.

It cannot bee chosen , but that he which was indued with so many notable vertues , & blessed god in his lostes , must needs breake forth into prayses vnto the Lorde for his enlargement , and ouerflowing liberality vnto him : and therefore is added this thanksgiuing . Wonderfull is thy goodnes toward me ( O my God ) great is thy power , and thy wisedome infinite . I forgat to extoll thy righteousnes , notwithstanding thou now honorest me : I murmured against thee , yet art thou liberal vnto me ▪ I cursed the day of my birth , howbeit thou makest my life most happy vnto me . Thou did dest , because it was thy pleasure , & for my profit , wound me , now thou healest me : when I was rich through thy beneficence , thou madest me poore , to humble me , and now thou hast againe inriched me to declare thy power what it is , thy loue and bounty to them that fear thee . When I looked for nothing but death , euen then thou gauest me life , my griefe that was so vnsupportable , thou hast turned into such gladnesse as cannot be expressed : my misery , wherein I was thought to bee the most wretched man vppon the face of the earth , thou hast made most comfortable and commendable vnto me . For what greater inward comfort , what greater outward commendation can there bee vnto a man , then being tryed so many waies , in such admirable manner , and to the astonishment of al men as I haue been , yet notwithstanding for al that to be found faithful vnto thee . Hence therefore doth grow forth matter to praise thee , in that thou hast supported me in that sort with thy mighty Arme , that no assault nor battery of that puisant enimy , the God of this World with his spirituall forces , hath surprized the bulwarcke of mine assurance in thy mercy . Hence is my hart filled with loue vnto thy maiesty , that hast thus magnified thy Name in my great deliuerance : and my hope strengthened for the victory ouer all future calamities and tentations whatsoeuer̄ , because of this my present conquest , that hath bin so miraculous , as maketh all the World amazed to thinke of it .

Who can deny thee to be most wonderfull in this , the contemplation of thy blessinges to haue vtterly ouerwhelmed the remembrance of thy punishmentes , thy fearefull plagues to be vanished away through the beholding of thy inestimable fauours ? This thy mixture of mercy and iudgement prosperity , and aduersity together : whom would it not incite to extoll thy greatnesse ? And the former to beare the preheminance aboue the latter , whom would it not prouoke vnto thy loue , and the commendation of thy goodnesse ? O that Men therefore could see thy singular wisedome in the chastizing of thy Children , consider aright of thy power in the vpholding them , that amiddest the greatest calamity they dye not , in the withholding them among the most strong tentations , heauiest conflictes , and extremest tortures that can be deuised , that they fall not away from thee : and so aduance thy mercy therein , as the fountains which causeth thy strength to lift vppe it selfe in their deliuerance .

O that such as are afflicted could be perswaded to learne to indure patiently their corrections , vndergoe willingly and thankefully their visxations , inregard of the blessed end thou makest with them that thus suffer , in regard of the neuer perishing ioy they shall reape at the last , that are thus pressed downe for a season .

Iob his Wife .

Albeit her reconcilement with her husband bee not exprossed . Chap. 42 , v , 11 Yet is it very likely because there is no mention of her death , and her husbandes chastity so commended by the spirit of God , that it is not to be thought hee would take another Woman , because also her sin by the iudgment of Boza was no other then that of the three friends , which the lord forgaue , and lastly because this booke as it began with iudgment , forrow , and vexation on all sides , so it concludeth with mercy , ioy , and consolation vnto all : as it began with miraculous trouble , so being shut vp with miraculous deliuerance , the birth of Iobes latter Children must in correspondent manner bee extraordinary , and so by consequence borne by the same wise now in years , and therefore she was reconciled to her husband . Husband , I perceiue now , that the Lord in indeed loueth thee , and therefore confesse that my counsell was wicked , whereas I bid thee ply the Lord with praier , and thanksgiuing by way of derision , I am nowe sorry for it . That which I then did , the extremity of griefe wherewith I was touched , moued me therevnto . It was strange vnto me , that the Lord whom thou haddest so carefully serued , as I think no Man vpon the earth did the like , should for that thy seruice , deale so hardly with thee . If the Children which I bare vnto thee , the long society in the which we haue bin yoak-follewes together ▪ if thy faithful promise made vnto me at the first entrance of our loue , which notwithstanding ought to be speciall inducements , may not winne thee to continue thy wonted kindnes . Let the frailty of mankind , the weakenes of our sex aboue thine own moue thee to pitty .

Or for that the offence was so grosse and monstrous , thou canst not bee brought vnto this : yet let the resemblance of our marriage betweene that of the Messias and his spouse the Church , as being bone of her bone , and flesh of her flesh , how foule and notorious soeuer her sportes appeare in the face of the World , draw thee to reconciliation .

What if I could not abide to come at thee in the time of thy calamity : was not the loathsomnesse a * a * Chap. 19 Verse 17. of thy disease such , as no body was able to indure to come neare thee ? And beside who is their but at one time or other hee forsaketh his Messiah ? What if I haue transgressed through my impatiency ? The Messiah is patient toward his spouse , and beareth with whatsoeuer her infirmities .

What if I haue beene a vexation or a tentation , make the worst of it thou canst , vnto thee in thy calamity : doe not our sacrifices shew that when the Messiah commeth hee shall not onely forgiue them , but be slaine for the sins of al the worlde , and so for them that grieue , tempt , contemne , deride , reuile , with wordes of blasphemy , yea more then this , though this bee the most that thou canst make of my fault , buffer , kill , & crucifie him ? Thou professest thy selfe the Lordes Disciple , he remitteth thy transgressions , and this great one made against him , or rather a multitude of transgressions concurring together in one action , and some of them in the same nature with mine : tread in thy maisters steps , do by me as he hath done by thee . Vppon thy repentance he hath receaued thee againe that haddest gone out of the way , vpon the same condition accept of me thy disobedient and vndutiful wife . Wicked am I indeede , and most vnworthy to haue that name any way to bee cast vpon me , because I derided him that conioyned vs together in that holy estate , and hath beene euer from our first comming together , saue onely now of late for a small time , a most good and bountifull father vnto vs : yet for that I am now grieued for my offence I know he will not refuse mee , do not thou then reiect me , but vouchsafe me the place and honor I before enioyed with thee .

And I vow vnto thee , that come what can come , I wil 〈◊〉 heereafter sorsake thee , neither will I euer gri●●● the● 〈◊〉 more , but yeeld what comfort possible I may at all times , specially in the time of aduersity , when there is most need consider of the vehemency of sicknes what it is , stick by thee vnto death , how tedious soeuer shal be thy visitation , obey thee both in word and deed , render al due reuerence vnto thee , yea endeuor my self by al means vnto that good carriage euery way vnto thee , as is recorded to haue been in Sara , the onely excellent patterne for married Women to follow , toward her worthy husband Abraham Who also may be a notable spectacle for all married Men , as well for his wise dome in gouermnent , as for his loue vnto his Wife : from whom rather then he would indure a separation , hee chose to be at defiance with Kings , for whose sake though she were barren , he renounced his Co●cu●in , by whom he had issue , and therefore most deare vnto him .

Kinsmen .

We committed a fault in that wee did not visite thee ( Iob ) in the time of thy calamity , Cha. 41 , v , 11 the greatnesse and strangenesse therof , caused vs to forget our selues , and thee , how deare soeuer vnto vs . Our harts were with th●● then , and we prayed for thee : so that ther was no loue wanting in vs . The defect of our duty did arise from an amazednesse , which possessed our harts , in regard of the wonderfull burden of the Lord vpon thee , and his vnwonted dealing toward thee . And moreoner , wee durst not * a * a Pro. 4 , ●4 come at thee , least peraduenture we might haue beene punished after the same manner . For many times , the Lorde scourgeth those , that haue any familiarity * b * b 1 King 22 32. with the wicked , euen for that cause onely , because they consort themselues with them .

This made vs to forbeare , from resorting to comforte thee in thy great extremity & misery : for that we knew not what thine hart , and secret sin might be to Godward , albeit we had seene thee demeane , and carry thy selfe no otherwise then well outwardly . But now the LORD hath approued of thee , and we know we may repaire vnto thee without danger , we do most gladly , and willingly come vnto thee , for to administer what comfort we may after thy distresse . And for that experience teacheth vs , that nothing is more delightfull vnto vs , then to conferre and discourse of our aduersity when it is ouer , our purpose is to sit with thee a while to that end : And further , for that wee are not ignorant , that the body after long sicknes , needeth to bee cherished , we are not altogether vnmindful to gratifie thee in that respect , as also to leaue with thee beside some token of our good will .

Our desire is , thou wouldest take these thinges in good part , and renue again toward vs , ( and the rather for affinity sake ) thy former loue and amity , Nature hath wrought this kindnesse in vs toward thee , let it worke the like in thee toward vs : and as we are met together in thy house , which we thought wee should neuer haue done , to solace thy hart after thy great sorrowe , so vouchsafe thou to frequent our houses vpon the like occasion . But if thou shalt please to adde vnto this , as a supereminent frendship , a care to see vs as well when we are in our affliction , as when we are out of it , wee shall holde thee more faithfull vnto vs a great deale , then we haue beene to thee . For to speake ingenuously of our selues , we haue beene to to vnnaturall , yet we confessing this , thou oughtest so much the rather to forgiue vs .

Acquaintance .

We shold haue seen thee ( Iob ) rather in thy affliction than now in thy recouery , Cha. 42 , v , 11 but better now then not at all , and in some sort our comming vnto thee now is better then before , because now we may performe a double duty , first to declare the griefe of our harts for thy heauinesse , past , and our gladnesse for thy present deliuerance , all vnder one . Howbeit we come not with an intent to excuse our selues , ( for we cannot but acknowledge that labour to be ill spared , that might bee spent to the comfort of the distressed ) but hauing brought with vs something to make merry withall , and some remembrance , that all former intercourse of benefits rece●●ed , is not quite buried with vs : our request is thou wouldest accept it at our hands , & think no worse of vs notwithstanding the neglect of that care we should haue had of thee in the time of thy misery , then heretofore thou hast done : thou wouldest let this our loue present , blot out vtterly the imputation of our former vnkindnesse , euen so far forth to afford vs , vpon a promise of fidelity on our part , that inwardnes with thee again , which we haue had in times past .

Seruants .

Our calling to be necessary , Though ther be no expresse mention cha. 42 , v , 11. of Iobs seruants returne , and humbling themselues vnto him after his prosperity recorded , yet is there very great likelihood for it , because of that which is written , of the alienation of them in plain termes , Chap. 19 , v , 15 , 16 See the reason hereof afterward vpon Contemners . all Men are compelled to confesse : because there is no degree , or estate that can liue without vs : Howbeit very few there are that commend our fidelity . Our loue ( they say ) is seldome knit , our harts seldome bent to do them good , to whom by bond and couenant we haue tyed our selues , where is honor and wealth bringing gaine and ease vnto vs , there wee striue to be entertained , their we are contented to vse some diligence for a time , vntill our turne be serued : but where is either great store of businesse , or else the least shew of pouerty , or want any way , there wee are soone weary : and during the time that wee serue such , if the worke seeme any thing tedious , wee are euer repining , if there bee any kinde of tribulation , we are both vnwilling , and vnable to suffer with them , discontented straight-way , vnpatient to beare that we see our betters vndergo .

Yea , we take ( they say ) an occasion heereby to scorne and deride them , to shake of all obedience and duty toward them , to contemne and disdaine their persons , office , and authority ouer vs . This voyce goeth vppon vs that are either Men Seruants , or Maid * b * b Chap. 19 Verse 15. Seruants . And it is true we confesse for the most part , neither can we excuse our selues heerein toward thee ( Iob ) our good Maister , but must acknowledge our selues faulty , and worthy of the greatest blame that can possibly be layed vpon vs : nay , that we haue deserued to bee made a publike example , by some extreame punishment iustified vppon vs , that others may beware how they shew themselues vndutifull toward their Maisters , how they mocke at their calamity , whose misery they ought to reckon as their owne . For this belongeth vnto seruants so to be affected toward them whom they serue , as toward themselues : to esteeme their losse as their own , their visitation as the hand of God vpon themselues . None of all these things came once into our minds , while it was in season to bee performed : but now when it is past , we consider it and lament with teares . Receiue vs to fauour good Syr , vppon our promise of amendment , conceiue of it as an ouer-sight in vs , and a want of true wisedome and iudgement : a common defect in those of our place . We are giuen to follow our leaders , our Lady , and Mistrisse , together with your three friendes , they were the parties that misled vs . Their reasons , and example so preuailed with vs , that for the present time , we thought wee did rather well to disobey and scorne thee , that wast at defiance with the Lord , ( as we supposed ) then ny whit offend in that wee pittied thee not , and were not seruiceable vnto thee .

Contemners .

It cannot be denied , but Iobs recouery must be in an equal proportion vnto his misery : nowe his misery consisted ,

First , in the losse of his goods . Secondly , in the losse of his Children . Thirdly , in the visitation of the Lord vpon his owne body . Fourthly , in the forsaking , and contemning of his friendes and acquaintance together withall other , and therefore his recouery must be in the like largenesse , which moued me to adde the comming in of his contemners , vnto the former pointes layed open .

WE that are a heap blowen together of all sortes , friends and foes , knowne , and vnknowne , of the mighty , middle , and meanest ones , learned , & vnlearned , of such as are not at all acquainted with the truth , or being acquainted with it , doe either embracc it carefully , or are carelesse of it , are driuen through the Lords mighty delyuerance which he hath wrought for thee , to condemne our selues for our contempt toward thee , and to bewray the exceeding griefe we endure by reason thereof : had wee felt before the waight of this sin , no benefit , no punishment in the world shold haue drawn vs vnto it . For what is ther vpon the face of the earth , that on the one side , or on the other can counteruaile the same . But alas , we were ignorant that thou wast the Lords seruant , a a For these in the time of his calamity see chap. 19. Verse 18 or that thou haddest the truth on thy part ; yea , we rather thought thee to bee an enimy vnto him , and vnto his righteousnesse , because thou both spakest against him , and for thy owne righteousnesse , to lift it vp aboue his . For so we conceiued of thy speech ? And who woulde haue thought the matter should haue come to this passe ? But we see the wisedome of the Lord is too deep a point for vs , or any man to wade into , without some direction from aboue . We perceiue also , that no Man is able to iudge what shall be the euent of things ; & againe , that temporary affliction is no certaine argument that the Lord hateth , nor these outward blessinges that hee loueth . This was our opinion before , and that which all the world for the most part imbraceth for a truth : yet notwithstanding they are beguiled in that they build vpon it , and so are we in following them . But howsoeuer relying our selues vpon this ground : such of vs as had knowledge , bare our selues bold to breake forth into open contempt , scorne and derision against thee Iob , and such among vs as had no knowledge , imagined that thy misery , wherin thou wast , to be layd vpon thee to that very end , that thou shouldest be in disdaine and repr●ch . And thy very words , as being at defiance with Heauen , and making thy selfe a God for thine integrity , did not onely confirme vs in our opinion , but also stir vs and incourage vs , to more outrage against thee : supposing indeede yea being verily perswaded , that we had done God very good seruice , and had performed a most laudable and commendable part therein . Yet wee speak not this as indeuoring to purge our selues of al blame , but to shew the manner of our offence , that thou mightest the more easily be pacified toward vs . For all this cannot free vs , but that we haue broken still the bond of charity , that ought to be between man & man : nay , which is more , that we haue persecuted the Seruant of the high God , and so are in the ranke of the chiefest sinners .

For in that wee did it of ignorance , doth not exempt vs from the ranke of Persecutors of the Church of GOD : something indeede it doth extenuate the sinne , yet for all that our Names must be inrolled still among that number . What then would our case haue beene , if wee had willing lie and maliciously fallen into this so notorious an offence ? What pretence then could we haue had ? What allegations could wee haue made for our selues , seeing now as it is , wee remaine vnexcusable , and seeing as the matter now standeth with vs , did wee not seeke reconcilement both of the Lord and of thee , as we vnfainedly doe , euen all of vs , our state were damnable , and we should be adiudged to most horrible torments , because of our most hainous transgression .

Syrraxis . 22. Persons . The Lord . Sathan . The Lord.

HOw sayest thou now ( Sathan ) doth not Iob sticke vnto the truth , The scope of the history being to strengthen the Lords seruants , throgh Iobs constancie , against the temptations of Sathan , it was requisite to inferre the Lord triumphing ouer him in that respect . and cleaue vnto mee , notwithstanding all thy sore and grieuous plagues ? What desperatenes therefore was that in thee , to call for my more terrible vengeance ? might there be more then that , wherevnto thou art already condemned , though it be not fully in place as yet , ( because thou art not as yet chained vp vnder euerlasting darknesse , neither hast thou as yet Hell mouth sealed vp vppon thee , neuer to be opened againe during all eterniti●● ) if this my seruant did not belch out blasphemy against me from the bottome of his hart , and did not vtterlie renownce my seruice ; so that I yeelded him ouer vnto thy hands body & goods , to execute thy full measure of malice and crueltie vpon them both ?

Thou thinkest thou art well experienced in matters , and that thou hast a deepe reach into things , but thou seest how short thou commest of the marke ? And no maruel , for thou iudgest onely by the outward appearance , but art not able to looke into the hart , which alone giueth sure testimonie what is in man . The infallible signes of an Hypocrite , are neither found in the complexion , nor gesture , nor wealth , nor honour , if from hence thou drewest thy coniecture concerning Iob , but doe rather appeare in his fruites . Why didst thou not seeke them there Sathan , before thou diddest peremptorily lay thy selfe open to heauier curses ? If thou haddest consulted but with the ordinary sort of men , they could haue certified thee otherwise concerning him , because of his many good works wherein he daily exercised himselfe , and because of the worthy commendation that euery where went of him .

Thou art more anncient a great deale , and of farre more antiquitie than any man now liuing . Thou art also of a more ripe conceite , and subtile iudgement by nature then is hee , whence then is it that thou hast so ouer-reached thy selfe ? Can it be imputed vnto any other thing , then vnto thine immortall hatred toward my Children , toward mine honour , toward all goodnes , yea toward my selfe , my very essence and beeing ? For thy malice against them , groweth from this head , that thou canst not abide mee . Haue I cast thee downe to the nethermost Hell , and yet will not thy proude and malicious spirit be abated ? Well , my seruaunt Iob hauing vanquished thee in the combat , thou hast forfeited vnto mee that libertie which I suffered thee to inioy : so that the freedome of wandering throughout the whole compasse of the Earth at thy pleasure , permitted vnto thee heeretofore , might I now iustly take from thee , & send thee vnto the deepe , & there bind thee vp vntill the great day of my appearing , according to thy voluntary deprecation against thy selfe . But for that nothing is more common with thee , then to forfeite thine enlargement vnto me by making such manner of deprecations against thy selfe , to thy further condemnation euery time I scire thee before me : & moreouer , for that I haue to imploy thee euen vnto the end , I wil put vp this at thy handes , as well as I haue done all the rest , and recording it only in my booke of Accounts , among the residue of thy most memorable actions , will reserue thy paiment for it , vntill that generall Assises and vniuersall Doome , which I haue ordained for such like matters . But then I will assure thee , that what thou callest for against thy selfe , shall be rendred thee to the full , euen vntill all the vials of mine indignation , which are bottomlesse and haue none end , be drawne out vnto the very dregges , and powred vppon thy head .

Sathan .

It is my trade to try practises , and proue maisteries . I haue foyled many a one that carried as great a shewe of holines as Iob did . Sathan and his instruments , how wickedly soeuer they doe , yet haue they somwhat euer to say for themselnes , & some shew of reason left the to gaine confederates vnto them , to holde vp the pillars of theyr kingdome from falling vnto the ground , vntill the end of all thinges , and therefore is annexed this reply . Mine office is to forge matter of accusation , wilt thou be against mee for doing my office ? I haue alwaies been the Executioner of thy terrible vengeance vppon sinners , is not Iob a sinner as well as others ? Didst not thou commaund mee to afflict him , and in that measure as was done ? Let him therefore thanke thee for it , and not blame mee . For to moue thee there-vnto , and to make him feele the force of my hand , was but to doe my kinde . But what needest thou to haue giuen me leaue , and to haue sent out thy Commission by me , without the which I could not so much as haue moued my finger against him ? Yet see for all that what a deale of threatning heere is against me , when I haue done nothing , but that which both my nature & my dutie ledde me vnto , and also my calling required . See what tryumphing there is ouer mee , and howe I am trampled vnder foote by and by , if I come neuer so little short of my ayme ?

I thinke Iob hath very little to bragge of if thinges were well waighed . What doe I knowe for his hart ? Sure I am that with his mouth hee vttered foorth most accursed blasphemie against thee . The first speech that passed from him after I smote him in his bodie , is it not wholy compounded of desperate , banefull , blasphemous matter , the like whereof hath not beene vttered of any , how wicked so euer since the World stoode ? Which kinde of stile is it not continued likewise throughout his conflict ?

Canst thou shewe mee the place where it is not to bee found ? Canst thou turne me to the page where there is not layde open some notable peece of discontentment , impatiencie , inordinatenesse of his affections , violentie of his passions , presumptuousnes of his knowledge , oner-headinesse of his iudgement , ouer-much pride and saucinesse in looking into thy secretes , determining of thy hidden counsels , euen to the setting them downe in particular what they are , vnreuerentnesse in his behauiour euer-more toward thee , such familiaritie with thee , euen as if thou wert mortall and wretched , and euery way as base and vile as himselfe : yea such an abiect , that hee might iustly preferre himselfe , his wisedome to gouerne , his righteous dealing for thee & for thy people , before thine vnto him ?

Hath not Elihu , hast not thou thy selfe repro●ed him for these things ? Was he not so obstinate , that Elihu could doe no good at all with him , and thy selfe wast faine to take him to taske againe and againe , shew thy selfe terrible vnto him the second time , before he would be humbled for them and reclaimed . Thus farre preuailed I against him , yet for all this , because forsooth hee kept his hart vpright , ( which who knoweth sane thy selfe , for he must not be his owne Iudge ) his constancie must be preferred , and I must be condemned , his state and credite bettered , mine damnified . But hee were best looke well about him , that hee continue soundlie setled in his constancie , for let him be fully assured , ( though hee hath scaped my fingers nowe ) that I will not thus giue him ouer . In an hundred and fortie yeeres space , 1 Can●u●● 〈◊〉 longi●qua v●let muta●e ●●tustas . if there be no 1 change in him , specially hauing the world still tumbling in vppon him , ( for thou hast doubled it vnto him alreadie , and no doubt but it shall be tripled vpon him tenno-folde at the last , ) I much maruell . And this I will protest for my own part , if there be any meanes vnder heauen to drawe him to an alteration , it shall not be vnattempted .

The Lord.

This thy trade is not of me , but of thine owne invention , the practises & prouing of maisteries , thou pretendest as a tryall of my Seruantes , thou intendest to my dishonor , and their destruction . Thou hast neuer so foyled any one that belonged to me , but he hath risen again , and put thee to flight . Iobs profession it was not in shew , but in substance , such though thou hast heaued at neuer so often , yet hast thou not at any time vtterly ouerthrowne . Who hath imposed vppon thee the office of accusation ? I made thee to no such end , thou holdest it therefore by vsurpation , finding thee a fit Instrument to execute my Chastizementes vpon my Children ( for my vengeance I execute onely vpon thee and thine ) my manner hath been sometimes to vse thee that way , yet so that thou hast first sought for this imployment very importunately , suggesting withall some matter against them , that might mooue me to condescend thereunto .

Though Iob and all Men be sinners , and I might iustly punish them for their offences : notwithstanding because some there are that cry vnto me for pardon in sorrow and confidence of my mercy , to them I remit their crimes , & punnish them not for them . For what needeth-that , seeing they are penitent straight-way as soone as they haue doone any offence , which of it selfe is a punnishment sufficient , and inferior to * * As being on the one side , an horror and anguish of soule , a feeling of the anger of God against sin . Psal 5.1 , 17 , & 3. On the other side a crucifieng of the fleshly corruptions , Rom. 6 6. A compelling to spirituall subiection , as we would force a slaue to grind at the Mill , Doulago , a battering of the body as those are wont that try masteries with plummets of Lead , vntill the blewnes of the wound appeareth most grieuous , Vpopiaz●in . 1 co●. 9.27 . And further a continuall deliuering ouer vnto death through outward dangers and afflictions . 2 Co●inth . 4.11 . none ? But if I do correct them at any time , it is for their tryall , further instruction , better experiment of my goodnesse in their deliuerance ( as now in the chastizement of Iob ) that I do it . Vpon thine accusations brought against Iob , and insulting ouer him as if hee woulde no longer cleaue to mee , then I helde him vp by the chinne , and made him to swimme in wealth : I willed thee to do thy worst against him , and he hath now in very deed good cause to thanke me for it , because it hath redownded to his unspeakeable benefit . Howbeit hereby art not thou exempted from blame : for enuy drew thee to procure my commission to afflict him , malice stirred thee vp vnto it , which now is become as kindly vnto thee , as if thou haddest it in nature , and by creation .

To accuse my seruaunts thou sayst is thy office , to tempt them thy trade , to execute punishment vpon them , thy kind , nature , dutie , calling , when thou art nothing else but a mere Intruder into them all . Which to go●no further , is apparant euen by this , in that thou challengest vnto thy selfe so many functions . Iobs infirmities in the time of his visitation , must needes be acknowledged to haue beene very many , and verie great , but what of that , hee holding still the foundation , and trusting in his Redeemer , neuer forsaking me the fountaine , but euermore earnestly calling vpon me for helpe , he disappointed thee of thy purpose . For thou vndertookest that he should be at vtter defiance with me , forsake quite his confidence in mee , fall finally from mine obedience , & become wholy and perpetually thine without recouery . Thou makest light account of the knowledge of the hart , when that is all in all , neither can there any right iudgement bee giuen of the actions of man , without the true knowledge thereof . And this may yeelde great comfort vnto man , that howsoeuer thou accusest him before mee , whatsoeuer grieuous matter thou layest to his charge , yet thou doost all vppon bare coniecture , not knowing indeede how it standeth with him , as beeing altogether ignorant what is the affection of his hart , and if that be faithfull , not to regard thy obiections .

But what blasphemie is that thou vomitest foorth by way of Parenthesis , who knoweth Iobs hart to be vpright beside my selfe ? How now Sathan , wilt thou disanull my authoritie ? Shall not my Word , which alone gaue beeing to all Creatures , without any other witnesses , be a sufficient confirmation of it selfe ? But were it not so , wouldest thou make the world beleeue that I am alone ? Doth not the Father & the holy Spirit giue testimony with me ? In the difficulty of subduing Iobs high conceite of himselfe , in the humbling him vnto mee , and making him fully to confesse his faultes , thou maiest see what a doe I haue to reforme man that hath fallen from mee , and to recouer him home againe vnto me . But yet though it be with much labour and paines , I bring it to passe notwithstanding at the last . But as for thee & thy retinue , that fell from me before him , there was no meanes to reclaime you , no way to reuerse you , but albeit I 1 1 Humanitus dictum . striued , and studied what I could for your alteration , nothing would worke vpon you , your mischieuous disposition would admit no restraint , but flinging from my presence , yee would throw your selues head-long into that rest-lesse bed of endlesse misery .

Is not Iob therefore , together with euery true beleeuer , notwithstanding all these frailties , worthily preferred before thee , and art not thou woorthily condemned ? doe they not iustly triumph ouer thee , & trample thee vnder their feete ? And seeing my honour is in vanquishing such an enemie , that is so maliciously bent against mee , why should I not set vp my Trophies as a signe of victory ouer him ? The elder men are , the more wily and wary be they , thou hast experience of this in thy selfe , and therefore thou shalt more hardly take them with thy baites then before . Haddest thou any aduantage by the long liues of the Fathers that liued before the flood ? Did not those that were godly among them , through theyr many yeeres , gather vnto themselues more wisedome and strength to ouer come thy tentations ? Thou hast small cause to presume , and lesse to vaunt ( and had dest thou not more then a fore-head of brasse , thou wouldest not now doe it ) of hope of victory in time to come , through the increase of wealth , yea of doubling & tripling the same vnto him tenne-folde , this thou speakest by way of scorne , ( I would indeed the world regarded riches no more then thou doost , but onely that thou maiest vse them as a Fouler doth his Nette , to insnare the soules of men , and thou the honor of my Name more then thou art wont ) seeing that before thou did dest complaine of that , as the onely barre against thee .

Vse what meanes thou wilt , doe thou and thy complices what you can , ( yea let all the creatures vnder heauen ioyne with you in it ) lay your heads together , plot your attempts ouer and ouer againe , inuent , consult , execute what may seeme most probable for your purpose , you shall effect notwithstanding , no more against Iob , nor any of my seruants beside , then what my pleasure is , then what shall make for their good , my glory and renowne , your further shame and confusion . Thou confessest , that thou couldest not haue so much as mooued thy singer against Iob , without my speciall Commission , were there not therefore great weakenes in him , or any other , ( for my protection reacheth vnto all my Chosen in like manner ) to esteeme of thy threatning ? But in this thy threatning , thy extreame malice against mee and mine , bewrayeth it selfe what it is , which maladie of thine , foster and nourish it within thee as much as thou wilt , it shall but breede thine owne woe , it shall not any way touch mee , or any of mine Elect , any further then it may serue for their benefit ; not any way turne to my dishonour , but make for my greater honour & renowne , as doth most liuely appeare by this present action against Iob.

For what greater glory couldest thou possiblie haue brought vnto my Name , then thou hast done hereby ? For heerein how ridiculous ( for most odious hast thou beene in the eyes of all men from the beginning ) thou hast shewed thy selfe , I shall not neede any longer to dispute , seeing the euent it selfe , now shining foorth to the view of Men and Angels , is and will euer be , euen vnto the worlds end , when soeuer thou shalt make the like attempt , as an Herauld proclaiming in thy eares , Iob gaue Sathan a notable repulse . Which straight way , notwithstanding thine intollerable impudencie , shall confound thee with shame , cast vppon thee an vtter despaire of victory in whatsoeuer thine enterprise , to thy perpetuall vexation , and torment of spirit .

FINIS . To God onely wise , be praise , both now and for ever .