CHAPTER XVI. JOB'S THIRD REPLY TO ELIPHAZ. JOB now answers the last speech of Eliphaz. He is agitated with the deepest and most mingled emotions. He expresses these tender and pathetic feelings at some length, and then attempts once more to prove to his friends the error of their views concerning him, and also in relation to the government of God over man, He sets forth the greatness and pungency of his sorrows, and alleges that his grief is more bitter than he had found words to express. He desires to bring his cause before God, inasmuch as he cannot obtain justice from his friends. But he knows not where to find God, who, he believes would, nevertheless, do him ample justice, and vindicate his innocence. In this dreadful dilemma, he finds comfort in the thought that though he cannot find Him, still He could but know he was innocent, and would yet come forth and espouse his cause, and deliver him from his sufferings, and from the reproaches, and condemnation of his friends. He feels nevertheless troubled at the sore afflictions God sends on him, in view of his consciousness of innocence, and uprightness. He trembles, and quakes with fear in view of a Being who is almighty, and who exerciseth His sovereignty with unalterable purpose, and without giving any reasons for his dealings with his creatures. He feels that his judgments are dreadful. He then renews the argument, by which he attempts to reason with his friends, and show that God does not deal with the wicked here as they deserve, but that they live oftentimes in great prosperity. He maintains with great force that wicked men not only frequently escape condign punishment for their sins, but that this is generally the case. To make this fact more glaring he mentions several heinous crimes that men commit; he also alleges that the authors of these crimes go unpunished for a time, and that they thrive and prosper as if they were innocent of them. Among these wicked, and criminal persons, he mentions those who remove the ancient landmarks; the plunderers of flocks and herds; the oppressors of orphans and widows; those devoid of humane and tender feelings; the robbers of young children from the breast; those that take pledges of the poor; the murderer; the thief; the adulterer; the evil-entreater of the barren; the injurer of the widow; and the seducer of others from right to wrong. He says they are safe, and exalted for a little time. Yet God's eye is on them, and they will in time be taken out of the way, and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn. reply of Job was so conclusive, and correspondent with well known facts, This and general observation, that his three friends were confounded. They were so completely answered that Eliphaz and Zophar made no further reply, and Bildad only added a few sentences, in which he announced only a few general ideas, irrelevant to the controversy. Job had the correct view of the case, and maintained his positions with consummate skill and ability. Then moved by sentiments so cutting and unkind, In strains o'erwhelming uttered Job his mind. To-day is bitter this my sore complaint, And plead my innocence before His laws. I'd prove myself the real friend of God, And plead with force transcending human might. The verdict too my doom for ever seals, No human power will ever dare to say, Behold with footsteps I proceed to where, To see the wonders which His hands have done ; I cannot yet His heavenly face perceive. Where He doth work, and mighty signs display; And bright with splendors shooting through the sky. I cannot there Himself at all behold. He hides Himself upon the southern hand, Although Himself I never may behold, When He hath tried me I shall shine as gold. Consumes the dross, and makes the jewel shine, And crowned with virtues, noble and complete ; His words were sweetly treasured up within, Far more than necessary food has been. But yet unchangeable is still His mind, And who can turn Him from His plans designed ? Unfolding marv'lously now seem to be. Unfolding slowly, yet divinely sure; |