reconciled (ver, 26), and will not only exult in his acceptance (Rom. v. 2), b11t deliCYht in bis Portion, i.e. take pleasure in studying God's character as unveiled in Jesus Ch~ist (2 Cur. iii. 18), in learning God's will as revealed in the Bible (lsa, lviii. 2), in obeying God's La.w as promulgated in tbo gospel (Rom. v. 22), in enjoying God's society in evory situation and phase of life (1 John i. 7). 6 . .Acceptance in prayer. Taking God as his Portion, Job should have (1) free eccess to the throne of grace in order to present hie petitions; (2) freedom of utterance in expressing the desires of his heart; (3) certain assutanco that God would listen to his supplications; (4) sooner or later, answers to his petitions; (6) a. spirit of thankfulness for mercies received and expected, which should lead him to vow an offering to God; and (6) the needful fidelity to enable him to keep his promise and pay that which be had vowed (ver. 27). Note that a.Ii of these are comprehended in the blessings promised to Christ's believing people (Phil. iv. 6; Heb, iv. 16; x. 19-22; 1 John v. H, 15). Here a.gain the blessings that ensue are illustrations oft-he power with God which a. good man possesses through believing pra.yor. 7. Success in his own undertakings. Job, or the penitent, would only need to" decree a thing" a.nd it should be "esta.blished" unto him, so that " the light" of prosperity should shine on his ways (ver. 28). The same promise is given to the Old Testament saint (Ps. x:u:vii. 4-6) and the New Testament believer (Mark xi. 22- 24); and the promise was verified iu the cases of Abraham's servant (Gen. xxiv. 12), Nehemiah (i. 11), Elijah (1 Kings xvii. 1; Jas. v.16-18), and others. 8. Helpfulnesa to others in eheir eroubles. (1) Eocouraging the cast-down by bis words, saying unto them, "Arise" (ver. 29), as St. Paul cheered the crew and passengers of the Alexandrian corn- ship in the storm (Acts xxvii. 21-25); (2) saving the humble, literally, the downcast of eyes, by his prayers, a.s doubtless Epaphroditus was restored to health in answer to St. Paul's entreaties (Phil. ii 26, 27), as St. Paul himself expected to be liberated from his Roman confinement in response to Philemon'ssupplications (Philem. 22), and as the eldel'3 of the primitive Church knew that the prayer of faith would save the sick (J as. v. 15); and even (3) delivering the ungodly by his intercessions," rescuing the not-guiltless by the pureness of his hands" (ver. 30), as Abraham would have saved Sodom had it only contained ten righteous persons (Gen. xviii. 23-32), and actually recovered the house- hold of Abimelech (Gen. xx, 7, ·17), and as Job subsequently interceded for his friends (eh. xlii. 7-9). Thus in all the three ways specified God's people have power with God in behalf of others, and are honoured to co-operate with God in the noblest work in which a man can engage on enrth, that of saving souls. Learn : 1. That many a noble sermon is preached to the wrong hearers. The discourse of Eliphaz, though lofty in its conceptions and moving in its strains, was not adapted to the case of Job. 2. That men's creeds are sometimes better than those who hold them. The piety and spirituality of this exhortation stand at a higher elevation than the character of him who uttered it. 3. That more gospel light may be possessed by those outside the Church than those within suspect. Elipha.z's sermon souods like a.n anticipation of New Testament teaching. 4. That there is only one way of salvation for all countries and all times. Eliphaz preached to his listener what St. John Baptist, St. Peter, SL.·Paul, and St. John proclaimed to their hearers," Repent and be coaverted, that your sins may be blotted out." 5. That true happiness can be reached by none who do not first return to God. "There is no pence, saith our God, to the wicked." 6. That the pious poor man is richer than the godless millionaire. God is better as a Portion for the human soul than gold of Ophir. 7. That the royal road to a.11 genuine success in life lies in establishing a friendship with Heaven. The man who delights in God shall have his desires granted, his prayers heard, and his plans fulfilled. 8. That the most influeotial·meo on earth are the truly pious. God's Israels have power with both God and man. 9. That the wicked world is more indebted to the Church of God than it imagines. God's saints and Christ'8 followers are the salt of the earth.
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vera. 1-30.-Oensorious and uncharitable reasoning. Eliphaz again takes up the word. He does not contest Job'~ position, that life presents rna.uy examples of the prosperity' of the godless, and of tho calamities of the godly, but he still maintains that only grievous sins, such as he proceeds to specify--oppressiou, harJ-hei1rteduess, injustice 'l'HE BOOK OF JOB. [on . .xx:n. 1-----30,