(along with Job 1:10).
The two hedges; of the hedge of prosperity and the hedge of adversity.
I. IN WHAT THEY COMPARE.
1. In being planted by God. Job's prosperity was from God; his adversity was not without God.
2. In encircling the saint. Job was equally a pious man in both positions.
3. In being both removable. If Job's prosperity was exchanged for adversity, his adversity was afterwards succeeded by prosperity,
II. IN WHAT THEY CONTRAST.
1. In the frequency of their setting. Adversity a more frequent experience than prosperity.
2. In the comfort they afford. Prosperity a hedge of roses; adversity of thorns.
3. In the effects they produce. Prosperity more dangerous to a man's spiritual interests than adversity.
III. IN WHAT THEY SUGGEST.
1. That God's hand is in everything.
2. That the saint's good may be advanced by everything.
3. That the devil's arrows shoot at everything.
HOMILIES BY E. JOHNSON