Matthew Poole and continuators on Malachi 3:16

16 ¶ Then they that feared the LORD , spake often one to another , and the LORD hearkned , and heard it , and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD , and that thought upon his name .

When Atheism and bold contempt of God was grown so high, and was so plainly and smartly reproved by the Prophet.

Those that were truly Religious that knew Gods Judgments were a great deep, and that his wayes were as high above our wayes as Heaven above the Earth.

Discoursed aright of Gods Mercy, Justice, Patience, Holiness and Wisdom in his Government, and manage of the Sons of Men; establish'd one another against the assaults of such proud contemptuous disputers; encouraged each other to wait for God in the way of his Judgments. Though 'tis not said what they spake, we have reason to believe it was as good of God and his proceedings as the discourse of the wicked was evil. The godly spake things that did as much become the wayes of God, as what the wicked spake did disparage the wayes of an omniscient, holy, patient and just God.

After the manner of man, the Lord is represented as if he did listen to hear more distinctly, and as if he did incline his Ear.

Clearly, perfectly, and fully understood and observed, and what the godly spake of him and for him.

A Registry was made of the persons and their discourses. This is after the manner of men▪ spoken of God whose omniscience seeth, knoweth, and remembreth all, but this Book is written before the Lord, he will have every good man, every good word of such, and every good thought such have for him, entred under his eye, that they may be assured of a comfortable reward for it.

On their behalf,

See let. o.

With love, esteem and holy admiration.