Job 34:29

 
When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?
and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him?

Preached on 30 August 1767
 
True quietness and peace not our portion by nature (Isaiah 57:21). [1] It is the gift of God, and as the first communication so the continuance depends upon him – if he hideth…
 
1. 1.1 The way in which he gives (for it is a free gift) we are taught [in] Isaiah 32:17. [2] See Psalm                                29:11 [3] and 85:8. [4]  When the righteousness of God by Jesus is made known, approved and received by faith, the effect is quietness.
    1.1.1 All can witness it is not to be found in the ways of sin.
    1.1.2 Or in attempts to establish our own righteousness – or is a seeming peace it is not solid such as will bear examining.  Therefore such are angry.  But God’s peace, the more lived by his word, the more confirmed.
  1.2 As this quietness depends upon God, so upon him only – no matter who frowns if he smiles (so Romans 8:31). [5]  It will stand the brunt against all charges:
    1.2.1 The law cannot disturb. An answer is prepared – and the soul can admit every charge and yet plead Jesus.
Indwelling sin cannot remove it.  This causes mourning, but eh blood and grace of Jesus are effectual.
    1.2.2 Changes of frames – these for a season occasion great searchings of heart, and are always cause of humiliation, but as faith grows it can rejoice in an unchangeable God.
    1.2.3 Temptations – these indeed are war – but the Lord can give peace in the midst of war.  Much less:
    1.2.4 Outward afflictions.  Hear the Apostle who drank deep of this cup (2 Cor 12:10). [6]
 
2. On the other hand – this is so from the Lord that other way of receiving or preserving it there is none.  When he hideth…  Here:
  2.1 It is supposed that the Lord may hide his face from those to whom he has once given quietness – this for wise reasons:
    2.1.1 to show them what is in their hearts.  When the sun sets, beasts come forth. [7]
    2.1.2 to keep them from spiritual pride
    2.1.3 to make them value peace the more
    2.1.4 to teach them how to walk with others
    2.1.5 to chastise them for unfaithfulness in their walking
  2.2 When he does, who can behold him?  We can then gain little help from:
    2.2.1 knowledge
We may speak, read hear of Divine truth
    2.2.3 experience
We think in our happy times, Sure I shall never forget this.  But we may be left to doubt of all.
    2.2.3 helps from men
All are then found miserable comforters.
 
For a close:
1. This is Scriptural – agreeable to the experience of the most – in this path you may see the footsteps of the flock.  Be not surprised if some talk otherwise, but keep close to your Bibles.  I would press believers to assurance, but not to be strong in themselves as if they had a stock of grace and comfort within.  Our strength is in the Lord,
2. See the necessity of walking humbly and closely with the Lord in his ways.  Not as the condition of salvation, this is in Christ alone, but as the means of keeping the evidence clear.
3. If thus with the Lord’s people, what must the sinner and ungodly expect – to believers though the streams fail, the fountain is sure.  But O if the Lord should hide his face in death, or frown upon from his judgement seat.


Endnotes:
 
 [1] Isaiah 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
[2] Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
[3] Psalm 29:11 The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.
[4] Psalm 85:8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
[5] Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
[6] 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
[7] See Olney Hymns, Book 3, Hymn 33, ‘Forest Beasts’.


Acknowledgements:
Cowper & Newton Museum, 714(19), John Newton's Notebook No. 43