Thus we attain to a more enlarged and experimental knowledge of God This advances and improves us in every part of the divine life The history of Job remarkably exemplifies this obser vation He was a good man before his affliction'-but too confident of his own integrity But in his trouble God revealed himself to him more fully, and thus brought him to a better spirit-" I have," &c. I. The difference between "hearing of God, and seeing him" Job had doubtless heard of God attentively, and attained some conformity to the divine image It would be unscasonable therefore to speak of a careless inattentive hearing But now he enjoyed a much clearer discovery of God than ever he had before— [He saw not any visible representation of the DeityBut he had a revelation of God to the eye of his mindIt was also accompanied with a correspondent impression on his soul This, however, though granted eminently to Job, was not peculiar to him Paul experienced it, Gal. i. 16. and every Christian may expect the samed_ Similar manifestations are vouchsafed to the church in all ages Nor can any one be a true Christian, who has not experienced them in a measure-] Such a difference between "hearing of God," and seeing him" still exists tion [Many hear the truths of the gospel with approba Yet for want of a more simple faith, they receive but little profits a Job i. 8. This is the plain import of the figurative expressions in the text. Job xxxviii. 1. d John xiv. 22, 23. The people of God are said to be anointed, to be sealed, and to have an earnest of their future inheritance, 2 Cor. i. 21, 22. Eph. i. 13, 14. Which metaphors imply a peculiar participation of the Spirit's influence. 8 Heb. iv.2. f 2 Cor. iv. 6. From the report of the gospel they discover the perfections of God But, from the weakness of their faith, they see not the brightness and glory of them They behold God as under a veil, but cannot see him as with open faceb Whoever has known what it is to apprehend by faith the truths of which his reason was before convinced, will attest the truth of this position] The hearing, of which we have spoken, will inform the mind, and regulate the life But the seeing of God will operate in a still more excellent manner II. The effect which a sight of God will produce We behold in Job the effects which will invariably follow from such a sight of the Deity It will discover to us our utter sinfulness [Job was high in his own esteem before he saw God— But after he had seen God, his sentiments were wholly changed Job expressly declares that his repentance was the result of the discovery afforded him-" wherefore," &c. Thus Peter's mind was affected with a discovery of Christ's power We have a yet more remarkable instance of this effect in the prophet" The experience of every Christian accords with this Nothing shews us the aggravations of our sins so much as a view of him against whom they have been committed Our contrition will ever be proportioned to our views of Christ-] It will cause us to abhor ourselves in dust and ashes [While we know but little of God, we see but little of our own corruptions— But as we become more enlightened, we learn to lothe and abhor ourselves Even Job, holy as he was, found this effect from his views of God Paul also, notwithstanding all his probity, was brought to this by a sight of Christ— The same cause will produce the same effect in all1—] h2 Cor. iii. 18. i This difference may, perhaps, be illus trated by the experience of the Samaritan converts, John iv. 41, 42. k Job xxvii. 5, 6. and xxxi. 6. Luke v. 8. 1 Tim. i. 15 1 Job xl. 4, 5. INFER 1. How do they err who decry all manifestations of God to the soul! [Many think that divine manifestations are only the offspring of enthusiasm, and the parent of pride But God does surely manifest himself to some as he does not to others" Nor will such manifestations be suffered to puff us upThe more exalted a Christian is, the lower thoughts will he have of himselfs— Let the saints then be careful to cut off occasion for such calumnies Let them seek clearer views of Christ, as the means of abasing themselves more and more-] 2. In what a wretched state are they, who hear only in a customary manner! [Many there are of this description" They discover themselves by their self-righteousness and self-complacency But every living soul must be brought low before GodGod has established an invariable rule of procedure towards them We cannot address them better than in the pathetic language of Jeremiah-] 3. How unspeakable a mercy do many find it to have been afflicted! [The generality even of real Christians are prone to rest in low attainments But God quickens them by means of temporal or spiritual afflictions Through their troubles, they are brought to much humility and heavenly-mindedness Hence the most eminent saints have esteemed their troubles a ground of thankfulness Let all therefore justify God in their troubles, and glorify him by submission Let the afflicted be solicitous to have their trials sanctified, rather than removed-] 4. What views shall we have of God in the eternal world! [The views with which the godly are sometimes favoured in this world are inexpressibly bright and glorious But what a sight of God will that be, when we shall behold him face to face! Surely all that we have heard or seen of God in this earthly state will be, in comparison of that, no more than a taper compared with the meridian sun Let us willingly then endure the tribulations that are preparing us for heaven-] XXVI. ADVICE TO PERSONS UNDER PERSECUTION OR TEMPTATION. 1 Pet. iv. 19. Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to him in welldoing, as unto a faithful Creator. GOD has mercifully engaged to save his people at the last They may however meet with many severe conflicts in their way Nor are they to expect to be saved but with great difficulty Nevertheless they may safely commit themselves to God, in hope of an happy issue out of all their trialsHence the apostle suggests, in a way of inference, the advice in the text We propose to shew I. What Christians must expect to suffer Though all are not called to bear the cross in the same degree, yet all should be prepared to suffer 1. In their reputation [That "fear of God" which the Scriptures represent to be "the beginning of wisdom," the world considers as the summit of folly- However wise, learned, or discreet any man may be, he cannot escape the imputation of weakness or enthusiasm, if he will "follow the Lord fully"- If our Lord and Master was called Beelzebub, his servants can expect no better name--] 2. In their property [In former times the saints have frequently "suffered the loss of all things". Nor is it uncommon now for friends, and even parents, to withdraw their kindness from godly persons on account of their religion Who does not know that eminent piety is a bar, rather than a help, to promotion? "They then who would be Christ's disciples, must forsake all, and follow him"-] 3. In their liberty and life [Through the tender mercy of our God we are protected by the laws of the land But none can tell what changes may yet arise Multitudes even in this kingdom have suffered death for Christ's sake And, whether called to this trial or not, we should be prepared for it-] To reconcile us to these dispensations, We proceed to shew II. Why it is the will of God that we should suffer 1. For the trial of our faith [God can discern our graces, though we should have no opportunity to exercise them But, if they be not called forth into act, neither have we the comfort of them, nor he the glory Hence God permits "the fiery trial to try us," that he may discover both to ourselves and others "what great things he has done for us"-] 2. For the advancement of our graces [Our graces almost invariably languish when our outward circumstances are easy But in seasons of difficulty they put forth themselves with strength Though Jesus needed no such stimulus, yet even he was "made perfect through sufferings" And it is for the accomplishment of the same end, that God has made our road to lie "through much tribulation"-] 3. For the manifestation of his own glory [The patience of the saints is a ground of astonishment to the unbelieving world And the supports which God administers to them fills their hearts with gratitude towards him But what bursts of praise will resound from the myriads of his redeemed, when all the wonders of his love shall be universally and completely known!-] |