The Pulpit Commentary — Job — Section 352

he that Is linjusUy traduced may abide in hope that one day a Divine judgrnent will bring hidden things to light, o.nd make the ri~hteoueness of the falsely ac.cused shine a.a the light. The Divine judgments being always wise and good and just-the juda- ments of the loving God-they will find their echo of approval in the heart of eve~y wise and just man. The final Divine judgments will commend themselves to the utmost tenderness of the human heart; for their absolute rightness will be apparent. III. The roservo.tion of the Divine jndgment ngainst wickedness WILL AFFORD OPPOR· TUNITY FOR THE FINAL VINDIOATION OF THE DIVINJ!l WAYS. In his great coudescemion it mo.y pleaso God to vindicate bis dealings with the sons of men, when each will have evidence of the righteousness of hie doings. Clouds and darkness may now hide the Divine purpose nod the Divine methods of procedure; but all will be clearly revealed, and hidden iniquity be exposed and oppressed goodness vindicated and the Divine ways justified. The certainty, the strictness, the equity, the unbiassed rectl~ude of the Divine judgment, are causes for dreading it. A lowly, reverent, obedient r,pirit is the true preparation for the final 11ward. Judgrncnt, thou~h delayed, will not be forgotten, "God shall judge the righteous and the wicked."-R. G. Ver. 3.-The right of 1·eply. I. THE RIGHT OF BEPLY IB JUSTLY CLAIMED. Job has heard enough from his friends. He is impatient to answer them. Surely they should allow him to do so. 1. This right is conceded in law. The worst criminal may be defended by counsel, may call witnesses in his favour, may make his own statement. In civil cases both sides a.re heard before judgment is pronounced. 2. This rigM should be allowed in social life, It is not just to condemn any one unheard. There may come to us a damaging tale concerning a. person; it is our duty to suspend our judgment till ' he ha.s given his explanation. 3. This right ought to be permitted in theology. It was a theological as well as a personal discussion that Job was carrying on with his friends. But in theology people a.re most impatient of bearing anything contrary to their own views. Yet it is not just to condemn those who differ from us until we have heard what they have to say on their side of a question. II. 'l'HE RIClHT OF RBPLY 18 HELPFUL IN THE INTERESTS OF TRUTH, We are all tempted to take partial, one-sided views of things. It is only by bringing light from all quarters that we can see the rounded totality of truth. Therefore discussion helps truth. At first; indeed, it may not seem to do so, and, iudeed, there seems to be a certain irony in H, for the most eager combatants are usually furthest from a just con• ception of what. they are contending for. But after the discussion is over, those who look on are better able to understand the whole subject. Thus the discussion of Job and his friends throws light on the mystery of Providence. The creeds of Christendom were forged in the tires of controversy. Theology is a. result of discussion. The right of reply ha.s given breadth, depth, and definiteness to it. 'l'ruth is not helped by the persecution of error. III. THE RIGHT OF REPLY 18 A OONSOLATION TO THE MISJUDGED. Job only asks for this, When he has spoken bis friends may mock on. There is some humour in his tone, or perhaps a. bitter scorn. Truth is strong. Only let it shine out in its native strength, and calumny must wither before it. Any unjust accusations will then only break themselves like waves that are dashed to pieces on the crags. We can afford to be indifferent to falsehood and error if we can speak out and let the truth be fairly seen. IV. THE Rl<lHT OF REPLY WILL BE GIVEN ULTIMATELY TO ALL, It will be of little use to those who are in the wrong. To be able to stand up in the searching lio-ht of eternity and reply for a bad case is no desirable privilege. Rather than atte~pt to reply, the self-convicted sinner will call on the mountains and hills to cover him. But those who a.re honestly endeavouring to make the truth manifest in face of great oppo- sition and gross misapprehension may learn to possess their souls in patience if they will come to understand that the oppression and injustice are but temporary. Tbouo-h silenced for a season, ultimately truth will speak out with a trumpet-voice. " In conclusion, let us remember that God has a right of reply to all man's foolish sophistry, to all his shuffling excuses. All error and pretence will be pulverized and annihilated when God speaks his great answer to cavillers, unbelievers, and opponent» of every kind.-W. F. A.  THE B.)()K, OF JOB. [on:. i::n.1-8&:,