grace, and seek for pardoning mercy. Let us be more circumspect and watchful in future; and consider that eternity was never so near to us as it is now, that time is precious, that the grave may be within the next step, and that "the Judge standeth at the door." And let us be more concerned than we have ever been, to “walk circumspectly; not as fools, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

STEADY TRUST IN GOD CONSISTENT WITH THE

MOST DISTRESSING APPREHENSIONS.

SERMON IX.

[Preached at Kettering, July 17. 1785.]

JOB XIII. 15.

THOUGH HE SLAY ME, YET WILL I TRUST IN HIM.

THE Book of Job, though confessedly one of the finest ancient poems in existence, is yet one of the most difficult books in the Bible to

be understood and translated. It principally consists of a number of speeches, which frequently allude to Eastern customs, manners, and circumstances, in the early ages, of which we know very little; and translators have been exceedingly puzzled to fix any tolerably probable sense on many passages in it. That it is a real history of such a man as Job, I have little doubt. I do not think, as some do, that it is simply a fine dramatic representation; because the existence of Job is expressly stated in other parts of

scripture. He is mentioned, by the prophet Ezekiel, in connexion with Noah and Daniel; and the apostle James recommends him as a pattern of patience to the Christian Jews that were scattered abroad. And amidst all the difficulties that attend the book, there are some very sublime ideas of the divine perfections and government to be collected from it, and some very interesting views of human nature and human life.

The passage before us has been very differently rendered by learned men. A very eminent man translates it, "Lo, he will slay me: I expect nothing less nevertheless, I will maintain my own way before him." It is evident that Job's mind was wrought up to an awful pitch of agitation and distress, and that sometimes he scarcely knew what he said. Sometimes his friends had suggested the most injurious insinuations against him; and he calls them "forgers of lies-physicians of no value," and charges them not to bring in God to support their vile speeches against him, and declares, that come upon him what may, he will maintain his own integrity; and, amidst all, he discovers an amazing degree of faith and confidence in God: "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him."

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I own I am inclined to adhere to the authorized translation, which is supported by great and excellent men, and seems to agree with what immediately follows: "He also shall be my salvation for an hypocrite shall not come before him." Though I am overwhelmed with horror and apprehension, yet will I confide in him, and believe that his salvation shall, in some way or other, be finally accomplished in me.' It represents to one's view, a man, brought in his own apprehension to the very verge of ruin, under the uplifted hand of God, who he expects will strike every moment; and yet hanging upon mercy, and cleaving to God when he cannot trace him-a pitiable picture of the state of many a soul! As this is a subject never unsuitable, I would now call your attention to it.Remark,

FIRST, The text expresses a state of great and extraordinary apprehension. Though he slay me," &c.-This implies that Job expected it; and Job is not the only person that has felt this apprehension. There are cases and circumstances, in which God has appeared in this manner to many a soul; as if he were lifting up his hand to slay them; as if they were the objects of his resentment and destroying power. For instance :

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In a temporal point of view, great weakness and pain of body have often excited this apprehension.-Job was afflicted with one of the most dreadful disorders, one of the worst kinds of leprosy, which the great Dr. Mead tells us swelled the mouth and legs and feet to an enormous size, and the very bones were affected by it. It was a kind of universal ulcer, so exceedingly painful and nauseous, that those who were afflicted with it were always weary life and wished to die: it made them passionate, discontented, and desperate. No wonder then, that in such a state Job should feel as if God were lifting up his hand and about to slay him. So, when nature decays, the spirits waste, disease attacks the tabernacle, and a thousand weaknesses and infirmities attend a person, they excite such feelings as if God were bringing him down and about to slay him.-Again, farther:

Great discouragements in a person's circumstances give birth to such a view of the Divine Being. When a person is bereaved of his family, or his circumstances, decline, notwithstanding all his industry and care and frugality; when his friends forsake him, and every thing about him frowns; it naturally excites thoughts as though the Almighty were bringing about