Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-08-28
70, THE .tgxaspaIa> GAZETTE.
STRUCTURES

u,s PATIENCE, zphich 1vGs subjected TO n
severe trtG(.
JOB lived probably in the days OF Jacob +:
The account given of his substance-oi his
religious seryices-and OF his age, bears
strong marks of antiquity. He was an in-
habilant of Arabia, where, enjoying prince
" possessions and regal authority, be shone
in great splendour. He was the patron OF
the oppressed; but the scourge OF the OPP
pressor. He knew the true God, whom be
uniformly served and ebeyed. Abound
ING in good works, he was revered by the
righteous, but dreaded by the wicked
This servant of God, so faithful, so pions,
30 kind, fell into an abyss OF misery. His
substance and children; his health and no.
nors He'd in moment, and lett him poor
and childless, sick and despised.
On day, and hat day, festival which
commemora,ed the birth of MS eldest son,
when the heart expands at the recollection
OF past joy, and the anticipation OF joys to
come, his sky was suddenly overcast
From that black cloud storm arose, whose
violence he could not Withstand. lie was
overwhelmed, aud left perfect wreck.
HIS oxen and asses were driven away by
the Sabbeans hls sheep and servants were
consumed by fire ,Nn Heaven; his camels
were prey to the Chaldeans. who, in diff
Eerent companies invaded his possessions;
A walrwi ind from the wilderness smote The
iour corners OF the house, where his sons
and daughters were fessting, which falling,
buried them in its ruiHs !; ulcers covering
his body were SO tormenting that he could
NOT rest day ner night. Neither intermis-
sion nor end to his suffering what situa-
ton. vials oil wrath from earth and he'll
were at once poured upon him nothing
ON this side the grave can be conceived
more n;olerable.
With what temper did he meet such
reverse with the impotence OF bullock
anaccustomed to The yuse Or the bias
paeuy OF tue wicked whom ailliction can
mol tame ?-no,--he cherished an abiding
sense Of the wisdom and goodness, Of the
pone and mercy of God. He could not
account for the steps of Providence, which
were in the sea, but determined " Tho
be say me yet viii trust in him."
HIS feelings were excited--irritated--
and inHamed; he rent his mantle, -shaved
his head, fell On the ground, -expresSons
of mourning usual at that Tune; still he
submitted. The cause of his affection he
could moi expisin; nol foresee the issue
Surely the Judge OF all the earth hath done
right ii is impious to accuse han OF njus-
tice, ii is presumptuous to say to him, whal
acest thou lob could not contend with
his maker, II was his language, Naked
So cam. out OF my mothers womb, and
sc naked shalt return thilher. The Lord
= gave, and the Lori hath taken away:
blessed Be Inc na..ie OF ihe Lord. La all
as this Job sinned not, nor charged God
tooiish,y."
His eatienCe was observed by the wife OF
his Gosom wiih contempt. Can you oiesS
him who lets has curse tall upon yoa p
Gan YOU thnk hsn! good soho mas destroyed
your family ana estate ?-Can you speaA OF
mercy, wnen alter every Submission you
remain terror to yourself and ~ al, about
you you get nothing by bis service but
disgrace aud ruin, curse God and de =
Job little expected such ial guage, aud from
suca quarter 1t was abhorrent to his
SOU: and repealed with caimness Thou
speakest as a woman void OF understand
inc | can take nothing i'll which comes
from God !; tine more good lhave received,
the Ie;s reason have to complain when |
sufIer evil. can never under any griev-
ance. entertain other sentiments OF God,
than those of respect and veneration.
job encountered, with equal success, the
hostile attack of three of his most intimate
friends, and these too men Of rank,--cha.
racterA-and piety. Eliphaz, Bildad and
Zophar heard of the evil which had beiail'
en- their friend and at an appointed time
came to mourn with him, and to comior'
him. Sc And when they lifted up their eyes
" afar off, and knew MIN not, they lifted
+" M their voice and wept and they REM
IS every one bis mantle, and sprinkled dust
/" upon their heads towards heaven. SC
IS they sat dewn with him upon the ground
I" seven days aud seven nights, and none