The Lord complaineth of the people; and the people think it is the
fault of God. The same controversy is handled, chap. xvii. ver. 25.
where they plainly say, "that the way of the Lord is not equal:" and
God saith, "it is their ways that are not equal." So here they say, in
verse 9, "If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine
away in them, how shall we then live?" As if they should say, if we
must die, and be miserable, how can we help it? as if it were not long
of them, but God. But God in my text doth clear himself of it, and
telleth them how they may help it if they will, and persuadeth them to
use means, and if they will not be persuaded, he lets them know that it
is long of themselves; and, if this will not satisfy them, he will not
therefore forbear to punish them. It is he that will be their judge,
and he will judge them according to their ways; they are no judges of
him or themselves, as wanting authority, and wisdom, and impartiality.
Nor is it the cavilling with God, that shall serve their turn, or save
them from the execution of justice, at which they murmur.
