Job, Chapter 35

These Arguments thus urg'd; the zealous youth
Proceeds, and aid: Art thou inform'd by truth,
That dar'st preferre thine owne integritie;
As if more just then he who sits on high?
And say; ô I am innocent in vaine:
Have to no end preserv'd my life from staine.
Now give me leave to answer thee, and those,
Who Gods all-guiding Providence oppose.
O Iob from Heaven to Earth erect thine eyes;
Behold the vaste extension of the skies:
The sayling Clouds by Exhalations fed;
How farre are these advanc'd above thy head?
Can thy accumulated vices reach
Yet higher? and his Happinesse impeach?
What can thy Righteousnesse to him bequeath?
Can God a Benefit from Man receive?
Although thy Sinne a Mortall may destroy;
Thy Justice succour, and confirme his joy.
Those whom too-powerfull Insolence oppresse;
Weepe-out their eyes, and howle in their distresse:
None cry; where is my God! who all our wrongs
Will vindicate, and turne our sighes to Songs:
Enobles with an Intellectuall Soule;
More rationall then beast, more wise then fowle,
None shall the others sufferings regard:
The eares of Pittie by their vices barr'd.
For God will not relieve th'unpenitent:
Nor to the prayer's of wicked Soules consent:
Much lesse to his, who sayes; I never more
Shall see his face, nor he my Joyes restore.
Let no such desperate thoughts thy soule infect;
But calmely suffer, and his grace expect.
In both to blame: Though thou his wrath incense;
Thy punishment is lesse then thy offence.
Judge you how undiscreetly Iob complaines:
And by extolling his owne Justice staines.