Matthew Poole and continuators on Job 31:33

33. If I covered my transgressions , as Adam ; by hiding m[illegible: 1+ letters]ne iniquity in my bosom :

This he adds to prevent or answer an Objection. So the sense is, either 1. And whereas amongst these and other Vertues it may well be presumed, that I had divers failings, as I do not no[illegible: 1+ letters] deny them, so I never covered them, but was forward to co[illegible: 1+ letters]sess them to God or to men, as I had occasion. Or (which I pro[illegible: 1+ letters]ose with submission to better judgments.) 2. If I used all this care and caution in my carriage towards strangers and enemies, and others, only as a cloak to any secret and subtile way of wickedness, such as you accuse me of, and did not seek to purge out all sin as in God's sight, but only to hide my sins from men, and to have the better opportunity for oppressing others, or indulging my self in any other close sin, under a colour and with a reputation of justice and holiness.

Either 1. as Adam did in Paradise: Which History is recorded by Moses, Gen. 3. 7, &c. and was doubtless im[illegible: 1+ letters]arted by the godly Patriarchs to their Children before Moses his time. Or 2. like a man, or after the manner of men in their corrupt estate. Compare Hos. 6. 7.

In my own breast and from the sight of all men.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span].