transparent. in moti"'e, single and undivided in aim, pure and unmixed in affection without guile, without hypocrisy, without duplicity-a quality again exemplified by David (Ps. :avi. l), Zaohariasand Elisabeth (Luke i. 6), Nathanael(John i. 47), St. Paul (2 Cor, iv. 2), and enjoined by Christ as a perpetua[ obligation (Col. iii. 22'• 1 'l'im. i. 6). 2. Upright. Defining Job's piety in its relation to the law of riah~ as that which was "straight," or without deviation (i.e. conscious; Eccles. vii. 20), in either thought or act from the prescribed path of duty, and also distinguishing it from the "crooked ways" of t.he ungodly (Ps. cxxv. 4, 5; Prov. ii. 16), against which saints are wai:~ed (Josh. i. 7; Prov: iv. :l5, 27), and which they stri:e to shun (Ps. ci. 8; Heb. xm. 18). 3. God-:fearing. Settmg forth the aspect which Job's piety main- tained towards God-an outlook not of dark, slavish terror, but of bright filial reverence and holy awe, such solemn and profound veneration as a contemplation of the Divine che.racter is fitted to inspire (Ps. lx:xxix. 7; xcix. 3), as Abraham cherished (Gen. xxii. 12), as is inculcated upon Christians (Heb. xii. 28), and as lies at the foundation of all true greatness (Ps. cxi. 10; eh. :aviii. 28 ; Prov. i. 7). 4. Sin-hating, Completing the portrait of the patriarch's religious character by depicting the attitude in which it stood to moral evil, whether in himself or in the world around, which was not a position of indifference or neutrality, but of active and determined hostility-a. necessary feature in the character of the good man as portrayed in Scripture (Ps. xxxiv. 14; xxxvii. 27; Prov. xiv. 6; Eph. v.11; 1 John iii. 3, 6). IV. 'J?HE PATRIAROH's ESTATE. 1. Erc,temive. It comprised seven thousand eheep, bespea.kmg him an opulent fiockmaster; three thousand camels, implying that he acted as a princely merchant; five hundred yoke of oxen, pointing to a large farm; and five hundred she-asses, which were highly prized for their milk; while along with these it em braced "a very great household," or a multitude of servants, euch as ploughmen; shepherds, camel-drivers, besides guards, overseers, traffickers, and scribes; f(om which it is certain that the patriarch could not have been an idler-thus showing that piety is not incompatible with great business activity, or the ordinary occupations of life necessarily detrimental to the cultnre of the soul (Rom. xii. 11). 2. Valuable. The different items of the above catalogue clearly show that Job was rich, material wealth being in his case allied with spiritual treasure, thus proving that, though good men are not always rich, as unfortunately rich men are not always good, it is yet by no means impossible to be both; witness Abraham (Gen. xiii. 2), Isaac (Gen. xxvi. 13,,14), Jacob (Gen_ x:xxii. 10), Joseph of Arimathza (Matt. xxvii. 57). 3. Removable. As the event showed, and as is the case with the estate of every man, great 01· small, upon the earth (Jes. i. 10, 11; 1 John ii 17). V. THE PATRIARCH'S FAlULY. L Numerous. Under the Old Testament economy a large family was promised as a special recompense to the pious (Ps. cxiii. 9; cx.xvii. 4, 5; cx.xviii. 1-4), and tholll!h an abundant offspring is not now a sign of grace or· an evidence of religion, yet children are among the most precious of Heaven's gifts, and happy is the man that bath his quiver full of them. 2. Happy. Whether the entertainments they gave were birthday commemorations, or periodically returning religions festivals, or weekly banquets, they obviously formed a cheery and genial household. Innocent festivity is neither unbecoming nor irreligious, since it is not· true that "man was made to mourn" (Burns), while it is true that God's people are commanded to rejoice evermore (Eccles. ix. 7; Ps. c. 1; Phil. iv. 4). 3. Loving. If Job's family were mirthful, they were likewise harmonious and united. Few spectacles on earth are more beautiful than families whose members are endeared to one another by reciprocal affection (Ps. cxxxiiL 1); and yet good men have often seen their house--· holds torn by unseemly strife; e.g. Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David. VI. THE PATBIARCH's SOLICITUDE. L Reasonable. Gaiety and merry-making, while innocent in themselves and sanctioned by religion, have a tendency to cause the heart to forget God. Those who frequent soda! banquets and indulge in the world's delicacies are apt to become lovers of ple11.sure more than lovers of God (2 Tim. iii. 4); e.g. Solomon, Dives, Demas. 2. Becoming. As a pious man, Job could scarcely fail to be concerned about the behaviour of 10 many young people, especially while attending a feast. & a father, he was doubly constrained to have respect to their spiritual and eternal welfare. Even more is it the duty of a parent to train up hie sons and daughters in the nurture and admowtion of the Lord than to provide for their education and OR. t. 1-22,j 'l'IIE MOK OF JOB. 9
eettloment in life (Eph. vi. 4). 8. &vrnest. The father who r:ould be at 1111ch pnin11 and expense about the religious education of his children as Jo•b appears to ba.ve been WBB clearly in earnest, and might profitably be taken as a pattern by Christian parents. Contra.et the parental negligence of Eli (1 Sam. ii. 29). 4. Habitual. Ae Job'd zeal was prompt, eo likewise was it constant. The godly practice of Divine worship was maintained with unwearled regularity, week after week, or at least upon the close of every festive occasion. As a parent's responsibility for his children does not terminate with their childhood, eo neither should bis endeavours to promote their welfare cease with their arriving at the stage of manhood and womanhood. Learn: 1. God may have children outside the pale of the Church visible. 2. Prosperity and piety, though not commonly conjoined, are by no means incompatible. 3. God's people should aim at the possession of a piety which is "perfect and entire, wanting nothing." 4. Good men's families should themselves be good. 5. Pious parents should train their children in the fear of God and in the observance of his precepts.