ence against them, or withheld my hand for their relief when in trouble;

17. Then let mine arm fall from its shoulder blade, and strength fail my limbs.

18. If I adored the sun when it shined, or worshipped the moon walking in brightness, and secretly covered my transgression, and conceived iniquity in my bosom,-19. The just anger of heaven would overtake me.

20. If my land should cry out against me, by reason of my coveteousness. If I have used the produce thereof without liberality to others, and withheld the fleece of my sheep for the comfort of their families;

21. Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and noisome weeds instead of barley, and my es tate yield me no increase.

CHAP. XVI.

The Introduction of Elihu.

"At length Elihu eas'd his burthen'd breast,
Whose answers humble diffidence long supprest;
A fourth, whose reprimand was kindly meant ;.
(From Nahor's ancient line was his descent.)
Young, yet mature; indignant, yet serene:
He interpos'd his arg'ment, rightly keen:
Job equally he censures and his friends,
From each reproof his Maker he defends."

1. Jon's three visiters ceased to answer, because they thought him righteous in his own eyes.

2. Then was kindled the anger of Elihu, for he conceived that Job justified himself rather than God."

3. And Elihu spake to them and said, I am young and ye are old, and being afraid I dare not declare my opinion..

4. Knowing that days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

5. There is a spirit in man and the inspi ration of the Almighty giveth him wisdom.

6. Great men are not always the wisest,. neither do the aged always understand judg

ment.

7. Behold, I have waited for your words, and gave ear to your reasons, while you searched out what to say.

8. Yea, I have attended unto you and be-hold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words.

9. Therefore hearken unto me, I also will deliver you my opinion in the matter, for my spirit within constraineth me to speak.

10. Behold, my thoughts are as new wine, which hath no vent, I will speak that I may be refreshed.

11. Far be it from me to accept any man's person, or give flattering titles to any, for in so doing I shall offend my Maker.

12. The three visiters hearing Elihu, they were troubled, they were amazed, they sat still, and answered no more.

13. Wherefore Elihu farther spake, Hear my words, O ye wise men, and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge, for the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.

14. Behold, God exalteth by his power, and casteth down; who teacheth like him? Who hath enjoined him in his way, or who dare say, Thou hast wrought iniquity.

15. Shall not be that ordaineth justice, aright govern? and wilt thou judge him that is most pure? will the Almighty pervert judg ment, or lay on man more than is right?

16. For the actions of men shall be rendered unto him, and every one judged according to his doings, for God is no respecter of persons.

17. Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art unjust? Or to princes, ye are unrighteous ? Is it not indecent to charge earthly princes and judges, with tyranny and injustice?

18. How much less to him who acceptethnot the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? For they all are the works of his hands.

19. When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? When he withdraweth his support, who then can be upheld? Whether against a nation, or a mortal only.

20. Surely it is meet to say unto God, I have deserved chastisement, but I will not again offe nd.

21. But to acknowledge with submission, 'That which 1 know not teach thou me: If I have done iniquity, I will do no more.

22. Perchance Job hath spoken unadvisedly, and his observations may often have been very inconsiderate.

23. He may have added rebellion unto his sin, and have triumphed in his transgression, and multiplied words against God.

2. Yet let us not judge him without candor, nor withhold our compassion, while we strive to rectify his opinions.

CHAP. XVII.

"Indulge me still; much argument remains,
On God's behalf, and lofty are the strains.
Submit thy fate to Heaven's indulgent care, ›
Though all seem lost, 'tis impious to despair:
The tracks of Providence like rivers wind,
Here run before us, there retreat behind;
And though immers'd in earth from human eyes,
Again break forth and more conspicuous rise."

1. FURTHERMORE spake Elihu unto Job, bebold, now I have opened my mouth, my words shall be of the uprightness of my heart, and my lips shall convey knowledge.

2. If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, for I am according to thy desire in God's behalf.

3. My counsel cannot make thee afraid, nor shall my hand be heavy upon thee.

4. Therefore answer me, if thou hast any thing to say, as I have a desire to justify thee; if not, be silent, and I will teach thee wisdom.

5. Shouldest thou say, I am clean and with-out transgression; I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me:

6. Behold, in this thou art not just, and God, who seeth not as man, discovereth thy failings.

7. Why dost thou strive against thy Maker? he giveth no account to the children of men of his doings.

8. For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceives it not.

9. Lo, all his dispensations are to rescue man from destruction, and to enlighten him in the ways of truth and uprightness.

10. Thou in thy trouble observest, "What advantage will it be unto me? and what profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin ?"

11. I will answer thee, Look up to the heavens, and behold the order in the firma. ment; the balancing of the clouds are the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge.

12. If therefore thou sinnest, what dost thou against him? or allowest thyself in transgressing, dost thou prevail against God?

13. If thou art righteous, what does it avail thy Maker? or what can he obtain at thine hand?

14. Thy wickedness may injure a man, and thy oppression may cause him trouble, and make the feeble cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty..

15. Surely God will not hear, nor will he regard vanity; judgment is always before him, therefore trust in him.

16. Considering that God is our maker, who teacheth us more than the beasts of the field, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven.

17. Behold, he is mighty in strength and wisdom. He is the fountain of benevolence, refuseth none who with sincerity approach him, but preserveth all, and giveth right to the afflicted.

18. He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous yea, he established them forever,