364 God ^speaks in <i cl(nid,\itid' suffers waters^ wlihiti us. Job 38, the height of inward consideration to our usual ways, from ^ — the very changeableness of this mortal condition, and are assaulted by the perverse importunity of impending sins. When, therefore, He insinuates subtle thoughts of Himself in our darkened minds, He raises up His voice in a cloud. 5. But when our very notion of God is overpowered by the temptation of sins, God is covered, as it were, in His voice, by the force of waters. For we cast as many waters over Him, as many forbidden thoughts as we dwell on in our heart, after the inspiration of His grace. But yet He ' 'op- forsakes us not even when overwhelmed^; for He returns ah t op- immediately to our mind, He disperses the mists of tempt- pressus.'j^^Qj^g^He pours on us the shower ofcompunction, and brings back the sun of subtle understanding. And He thus shews how much He loves us, Who forsakes us not, even when He is rejected ; in order that the human mind may, at least when thus instructed, blush to admit temptation within, since its Redeemer ceases not to love it even when wan- dering. This He endures 'in us by Himself, this does He daily bear from unbelievers through His preachers. For His gift is cast out by the rising of temptation within us, and yet He is not kept back by our infirmity from pouring into us His gifts. His words are publicly rejected, and yet He is not restrained, by any wickedness of unbelievers, from bestowing the abundance of His grace. For when wicked men despise preaching, He adds miracles also, for them to reverence. Whence after the voice has been uttered, and the force of the overwhelming waters, it is fitly subjoined ; Ver. 35. Wilt thou send lightnings^ and will they go, and will they return and say to thee, Here we are ? ii. 6. For lightnings come forth from the clouds, just as won- derful works are displayed by holy preachers. Who, as we have often said, are therefore wont to be called * clouds,' because they flash forth with miracles, and rain with words. And that the hearts of men, after being unmoved by preaching, are confounded by these flashes of miracles, we Ps. 18, have learned by the witness of the Prophet, who says, Thou wilt multiply Tliy lightnings^ and wilt discomfit them. As if he were saying, Whilst they hear not the words of Thy preaching, they are confounded by the miracles of the I