of_o man_n who_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o discover_v in_o write_n many_o notable_a thing_n that_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o author_n thought_n have_v find_v out_o wise_a and_o instructive_a moral_n in_o the_o poem_n beforementioned_a yet_o this_o seem_v a_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o for_o as_o the_o learned_a man_n beforementioned_a observe_v it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o relate_v any_o wonderful_a action_n of_o a_o great_a person_n or_o any_o considerable_a occurrence_n but_o it_o will_v be_v very_o easy_a to_o draw_v some_o moral_a inference_n from_o it_o though_o the_o writer_n never_o have_v it_o in_o his_o imagination_n and_o the_o very_a same_o person_n have_v with_o as_o great_a ground_n of_o probability_n draw_v from_o the_o iliad_n and_o the_o aencis_n moral_n very_o different_a from_o those_o that_o be_v common_o mention_v and_o have_v offer_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v we_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o moral_n attribute_v to_o these_o poem_n be_v ever_o intend_v by_o the_o author_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o these_o two_o famous_a writer_n that_o only_o the_o please_a and_o amuse_v not_o the_o instruct_n of_o mankind_n be_v their_o design_n it_o be_v more_o apparent_o true_a of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o modern_n especial_o the_o dramatic_a poet_n since_o this_o book_n of_o job_n and_o other_o poetical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n some_o of_o which_o i_o have_v likewise_o undertake_v to_o paraphrase_n do_v at_o least_o equal_a the_o chief_a beauty_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o by_o their_o vsefulness_n in_o their_o excellent_a instruction_n infinite_o excel_v they_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o admiration_n that_o the_o christian_a poet_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o enamour_a with_o the_o pagan_a write_n as_o to_o form_v themselves_o entire_o by_o their_o pattern_n to_o be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o study_n of_o they_o to_o the_o total_a neglect_n of_o these_o inspire_a write_n what_o pain_n and_o labour_n have_v our_o man_n be_v at_o how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o short_a life_n have_v they_o spend_v what_o a_o multitude_n of_o volume_n have_v they_o publish_v to_o illustrate_v the_o mean_v and_o discover_v the_o excellency_n of_o greek_a and_o latin_a poet_n and_o to_o translate_v they_o into_o their_o own_o language_n if_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o gentleman_n that_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o employ_v themselves_o about_o and_o have_v no_o other_o capacity_n of_o be_v useful_a to_o mankind_n it_o may_v perhaps_o pass_v for_o a_o inoffensive_a amusement_n and_o a_o pardonable_a â—ort_n of_o idleness_n but_o it_o be_v indeed_o wonderful_a that_o to_o give_v a_o new_a sense_n to_o a_o expression_n in_o a_o ancient_a poet_n to_o slop_n a_o period_n more_o exact_o to_o rectify_v a_o word_n to_o give_v a_o true_a spell_a to_o a_o man_n name_n or_o to_o restore_v a_o corrupt_a sentence_n shall_v be_v look_v on_o as_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o set_v a_o man_n in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o learned_a man_n and_o that_o a_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n which_o do_v not_o make_v mankind_n any_o way_n wise_a or_o better_o shall_v procure_v a_o mighty_a reputation_n and_o dignify_v the_o owner_n of_o it_o with_o the_o honourable_a title_n of_o great_a critic_n and_o master_n of_o polite_a learning_n i_o will_v not_o derogate_v from_o the_o true_a value_n of_o classical_a knowledge_n the_o greek_a and_o latin_a poet_n shall_v be_v study_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v those_o language_n of_o which_o there_o be_v such_o a_o manifest_a necessity_n but_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o for_o the_o sense_n for_o the_o noble_a and_o sublime_a thought_n and_o what_o be_v more_o than_o all_o other_o consideration_n for_o the_o form_v a_o man_n mind_n according_a to_o the_o just_a idea_n of_o virtue_n and_o true_a wisdom_n and_o thereby_o promote_a his_o honour_n and_o his_o happiness_n the_o poetical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v as_o before_o suggest_v a_o infinite_a advantage_n above_o all_o other_o put_v together_o and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v not_o be_v less_o worthy_a of_o a_o christian_n study_n and_o application_n than_o homer_n and_o his_o follower_n the_o language_n in_o which_o this_o book_n be_v write_v be_v hebrew_n and_o consider_v the_o very_a great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o stilâ—_n or_o manner_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n their_o eloquence_n as_o well_o as_o their_o custom_n and_o habit_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n than_o we_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o a_o literal_a translation_n of_o this_o book_n as_o it_o be_v now_o find_v in_o the_o bible_n especial_o consider_v how_o long_a time_n since_o it_o be_v write_v how_o little_a the_o language_n be_v understand_v and_o how_o much_o the_o idiom_n of_o it_o be_v lose_v shall_v not_o sound_v much_o more_o harsh_a and_o be_v less_o capable_a of_o be_v understand_v than_o it_o be_v i_o be_o confident_a that_o if_o several_a of_o the_o greek_a poet_n shall_v be_v verbal_o translate_v they_o will_v be_v more_o obscure_a if_o not_o altogether_o unintelligible_a and_o if_o in_o a_o literal_a translation_n the_o book_n of_o job_n write_v in_o a_o eastern_a language_n do_v so_o much_o affect_v we_o and_o raise_v in_o our_o mind_n such_o a_o admiration_n of_o its_o beauty_n and_o majesty_n what_o a_o wonderful_a and_o inimitable_a kind_n of_o eloquence_n must_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o original_a when_o we_o can_v translate_v verbatim_o a_o good_a poem_n from_o one_o modern_a language_n into_o another_o though_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o near_a neighbour_n without_o a_o mighty_a diminution_n of_o its_o excellence_n as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o job_n live_v it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o he_o be_v moses_n predecessor_n or_o at_o least_o his_o contemporary_a and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n this_o righteous_a and_o devout_a man_n be_v allow_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n which_o only_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n have_v authority_n to_o do_v and_o that_o only_a before_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n this_o devout_a person_n seem_v entire_o ignorant_a of_o the_o modes_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o of_o their_o manner_n of_o ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n either_o by_o urim_n and_o thummim_n or_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o moysaicall_a scheme_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o yet_o institute_v in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o job_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o of_o the_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v either_o in_o egypt_n or_o in_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o canaan_n though_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o pertinent_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n have_v job_n live_v after_o that_o wonderful_a deliverance_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o writer_n that_o follow_v that_o time_n that_o do_v not_o mention_n or_o allude_v to_o that_o famous_a history_n and_o this_o be_v yet_o far_o confirm_v by_o the_o long_a life_n of_o job_n which_o be_v protract_v to_o two_o hundred_o year_n which_o agree_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a patriarch_n as_o to_o the_o land_n of_o utz_n the_o country_n in_o which_o this_o great_a man_n live_v there_o be_v different_a opinion_n occasion_v chief_o by_o the_o uncertainty_n which_o utz_n it_o be_v for_o three_o be_v mention_v from_o who_o it_o receive_v its_o name_n the_o first_o utz_n the_o son_n of_o aram_n be_v mention_v gen._n 10._o 23._o who_o be_v report_v to_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o damascus_n and_o trachonitis_n and_o many_o writer_n for_o this_o reason_n conclude_v the_o seat_n of_o job_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o plain_a of_o jordan_n in_o the_o region_n of_o trachonitis_n where_o the_o tomb_n of_o job_n be_v show_v to_o stranger_n at_o this_o day_n other_o place_v it_o in_o the_o famous_a valley_n of_o damascus_n a_o second_o utz_n the_o son_n of_o nachor_n be_v mention_v gen._n 22._o 21._o from_o he_o the_o country_n where_o he_o live_v be_v call_v usitis_fw-la or_o ausitis_fw-la which_o by_o ptolemy_n be_v place_v near_o euphrates_n and_o the_o city_n babylon_n and_o therefore_o many_o author_n believe_v job_n have_v his_o habitation_n in_o that_o part_n of_o arabia_n a_o three_o utz_n who_o as_o spanhâ—mius_n observe_v be_v a_o horite_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o sehir_n and_o not_o as_o common_o account_v of_o the_o race_n of_o esau_n be_v mention_v gen._n 36._o 28._o the_o horites_n be_v drive_v out_o by_o the_o edomite_n their_o country_n be_v after_o that_o call_v idumea_n which_o have_v for_o its_o bound_n arabia_n canaan_n and_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o in_o this_o country_n many_o believe_v be_v the_o habitation_n of_o job_n but_o if_o a_o man_n can_v
the_o world_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o great_a advances_n may_v be_v make_v in_o virtue_n by_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o natural_a light_n will_v man_n but_o improve_v their_o reason_n reverence_v their_o conscience_n and_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o themselves_o they_o will_v become_v worshipper_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o sober_a and_o righteous_a in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n i_o refer_v this_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o gentleman_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n either_o of_o the_o mosaic_a or_o of_o the_o christian_a institution_n another_o â—nd_n and_o a_o very_a useful_a one_o too_o be_v by_o the_o example_n of_o job_n to_o convince_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o instability_n of_o a_o prosperous_a condition_n and_o the_o great_a vicissitude_n of_o humane_a affair_n whereby_o his_o mind_n may_v be_v dispose_v to_o moderation_n humility_n temperance_n compassion_n and_o charity_n and_o preserve_v from_o that_o pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o from_o that_o arrogant_a cruel_a and_o haughty_a temper_n which_o great_a riches_n and_o high_a station_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o produce_v especial_o in_o man_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a spirit_n i_o have_v not_o attempt_v a_o close_a translation_n of_o this_o sacred_a book_n but_o a_o paraphrase_n for_o the_o original_a be_v write_v in_o a_o eastern_a language_n their_o manner_n and_o turn_v of_o expression_n be_v as_o beforementioned_a so_o very_o different_a from_o we_o that_o i_o think_v a_o paraphrase_n more_o proper_a and_o advantageous_a for_o a_o modern_a european_a language_n but_o as_o i_o judge_v it_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o strict_a translation_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o have_v endeavour_v that_o the_o paraphrase_n shall_v not_o be_v too_o loose_a and_o wide_a but_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v all_o along_o carry_v with_o he_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o original_a i_o have_v often_o diffuse_v the_o sense_n in_o other_o expression_n i_o have_v amplify_v the_o text_n in_o many_o place_n that_o appear_v more_o poetical_a and_o from_o general_a head_n i_o have_v descend_v sometime_o to_o particular_n the_o enumeration_n of_o which_o i_o believe_v will_v illustrate_v and_o enliven_v the_o original_a i_o have_v avoid_v the_o immediate_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o thought_n in_o word_n little_a different_a from_o the_o first_o which_o be_v so_o very_o common_a in_o this_o book_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o poetical_a place_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o though_o this_o be_v no_o doubt_n account_v in_o the_o eastern_a country_n at_o that_o time_n a_o great_a beauty_n and_o ornament_n to_o the_o write_n yet_o we_o have_v quite_o another_o taste_n of_o eloquence_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v think_v it_o best_a to_o accommodate_v that_o matter_n to_o the_o modern_a way_n of_o write_v the_o method_n of_o write_v in_o the_o eastern_a country_n be_v what_o the_o european_n think_v irregular_a the_o same_o matter_n treat_v on_o before_o frequent_o recur_v and_o the_o connexion_n be_v sometime_o break_a and_o often_o obscure_a the_o transition_n be_v sometime_o neglect_v and_o a_o new_a subject_n enter_v upon_o without_o the_o preparation_n for_o it_o which_o we_o expect_v shall_v be_v make_v we_o censure_v these_o mode_n and_o custom_n in_o write_n as_o defect_n and_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v censure_v we_o as_o much_o i_o will_v not_o peremptory_o condemn_v their_o taste_n for_o the_o opinion_n of_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v determine_v by_o any_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a rule_n truth_n and_o good_a sense_n be_v settle_v upon_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a ground_n and_o reason_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n and_o the_o method_n of_o convey_v they_o and_o what_o concern_v the_o dress_n the_o pomp_n and_o ornament_n of_o they_o these_o be_v perhaps_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o every_o nation_n may_v have_v authority_n to_o establish_v which_o they_o please_v it_o be_v plain_a the_o eastern_a world_n have_v not_o the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n that_o we_o have_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o great_a beauty_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o what_o we_o call_v order_n and_o regularity_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o their_o garden_n and_o building_n what_o we_o censure_v as_o careless_a wild_a and_o extravagant_a strike_v they_o with_o more_o admiration_n and_o give_v they_o great_a pleasure_n than_o all_o our_o elaborate_a and_o orderly_a contrivance_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o our_o taste_n be_v different_a and_o if_o they_o be_v barbarous_a to_o we_o we_o be_v so_o to_o they_o some_o of_o which_o especial_o the_o chinese_n be_v or_o at_o least_o have_v be_v very_o wise_a and_o polite_a nation_n we_o in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v all_o so_o full_a of_o homer_n and_o virgil_n and_o be_v so_o bigoted_a to_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a sect_n that_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o account_v all_o author_n heretical_a that_o be_v without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o classicks_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o narrow_a sectarian_n spirit_n that_o prompt_v man_n to_o impose_v their_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n on_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o whatever_o high_a opinion_n we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o attainment_n we_o shall_v have_v that_o temper_n and_o moderation_n that_o may_v preserve_v a_o due_a regard_n for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o nation_n and_o not_o with_o the_o haughty_a air_n of_o a_o supercilious_a critic_n censure_n and_o condemn_v every_o thing_n that_o deviate_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a author_n i_o have_v therefore_o in_o this_o paraphrase_n proceed_v all_o along_o from_o chapter_n to_o chapter_n and_o verse_n to_o verse_n in_o the_o order_n they_o be_v set_v down_o except_v some_o very_a few_o inconsiderable_a transposition_n so_o that_o i_o have_v by_o no_o mean_n alter_v the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o the_o narration_n or_o any_o way_n change_v the_o model_n and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n have_v not_o as_o great_a a_o right_a to_o be_v make_v the_o standard_n whereby_o to_o try_v homer_n and_o virgil_n as_o those_o two_o author_n have_v to_o bring_v this_o to_o their_o tribunal_n if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n have_v be_v look_v on_o in_o europe_n to_o have_v be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a have_v it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o honour_n and_o accomplishment_n for_o a_o man_n to_o understand_v the_o first_o as_o the_o last_o and_o have_v there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o author_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o learn_v leave_v in_o the_o language_n that_o there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o equal_a inducement_n to_o have_v study_v and_o teach_v it_o universal_o in_o the_o school_n i_o say_v have_v this_o be_v the_o grammarian_n and_o critic_n may_v perhaps_o have_v â—ixt_v on_o this_o as_o the_o best_a model_n of_o poetical_a write_n and_o have_v draw_v their_o rule_n and_o remark_n from_o the_o example_n they_o find_v here_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a all_o their_o precept_n be_v found_v on_o example_n and_o on_o those_o example_n with_o which_o they_o be_v most_o conversant_a and_o in_o such_o language_n as_o be_v most_o in_o vogue_n and_o which_o most_o of_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v and_o teach_v i_o have_v indeed_o supply_v in_o some_o place_n the_o transition_n and_o other_o connexion_n which_o according_a to_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v be_v omit_v in_o the_o original_a that_o the_o reader_n of_o the_o paraphrase_n who_o be_v unaccustomed_a to_o that_o way_n may_v not_o be_v embarrass_v or_o interrupt_v there_o be_v many_o hard_a and_o obscure_a place_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o i_o have_v consult_v the_o able_a and_o most_o famous_a writer_n and_o have_v take_v that_o sense_n which_o i_o look_v on_o as_o most_o natural_a and_o support_v by_o the_o best_a reason_n and_o in_o this_o i_o have_v chief_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o excellent_a paraphrase_n of_o the_o learned_a bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o the_o collection_n of_o the_o critici_fw-la i_o have_v add_v a_o paraphrase_n upon_o several_a other_o poetical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v noble_a example_n of_o the_o true_a sublime_a style_n than_o any_o can_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o pagan_a writer_n the_o image_n be_v so_o strong_a the_o thought_n so_o great_a the_o expression_n so_o divine_a and_o the_o figure_n so_o admirable_a bold_a and_o move_a that_o the_o wonderful_a manner_n of_o these_o writer_n be_v quite_o inimitable_a one_o thing_n i_o must_v advertise_v the_o reader_n of_o that_o in_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v common_a with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v represent_v the_o certainty_n of_o
remove_v the_o obstruction_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o critical_a remark_n methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a easy_a matter_n to_o settle_v this_o controvert_v point_n `_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o that_o utz_n the_o country_n of_o job_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o incursion_n and_o depredation_n of_o the_o chaldean_n and_o it_o be_v allow_v likewise_o that_o chaldea_n be_v eastward_o of_o arabia_n now_o suppose_v that_o in_o our_o english_a history_n there_o have_v be_v mention_v a_o great_a man_n that_o have_v in_o ancient_a time_n be_v plunder_v by_o a_o band_n of_o scotchman_n and_o the_o habitation_n or_o country_n of_o this_o unfortunate_a man_n be_v mention_v by_o a_o obscure_a or_o obsolete_a word_n a_o controversy_n shall_v arise_v in_o what_o part_n of_o england_n this_o man_n live_v will_v not_o any_o man_n that_o be_v deriver_v from_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o great_a read_n and_o learned_a observation_n present_o conclude_v that_o he_o live_v in_o the_o north_n part_n of_o england_n not_o far_o from_o the_o border_n of_o scotland_n and_o must_v it_o not_o have_v be_v a_o critic_n of_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n that_o shall_v have_v find_v out_o his_o seat_n in_o middlesex_n or_o at_o the_o land_n end_n and_o yet_o those_o that_o place_n the_o country_n of_o job_n in_o idumea_n or_o near_o damascus_n remove_v it_o far_o from_o chaldea_n than_o those_o two_o place_n beforenamed_n be_v from_o scotland_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o country_n of_o job_n be_v in_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o arabia_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a it_o be_v near_o the_o river_n euphrates_n and_o that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o nachor_n the_n story_n therefore_o of_o job_n well_o near_o jerusalem_n of_o his_o scpulchre_n in_o the_o plain_a of_o jordan_n and_o of_o the_o region_n in_o the_o north_n of_o syria_n which_o the_o inhabitant_n show_v to_o traveller_n for_o the_o seat_n of_o job_n be_v all_o modern_a fable_n and_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o much_o more_o ridiculous_a be_v the_o â—â—rror_n of_o those_o commentatâ—rs_n who_o make_v constantinople_n to_o have_v be_v the_o seat_n of_o job_n the_o scpulchre_n of_o job_n in_o armenia_n that_o favour_v this_o opinion_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a according_a to_o the_o conjecture_n of_o several_a learned_a man_n be_v erect_v in_o honour_n of_o some_o captain_n of_o the_o turk_n of_o that_o name_n as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n live_v there_o be_v many_o different_a opinion_n some_o believe_v 〈◊〉_d this_o book_n be_v write_v in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o israelite_n be_v under_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o that_o it_o be_v compose_v to_o encourage_v they_o to_o a_o patient_a suffering_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o deliverance_n and_o those_o of_o this_o opinion_n believe_v that_o either_o moses_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n or_o at_o least_o the_o translator_n of_o it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o tradition_n among_o the_o ancient_a jew_n several_a author_n testify_v other_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o write_n be_v of_o much_o late_a date_n and_o give_v these_o reason_n for_o it_o they_o allege_v that_o there_o be_v many_o syriack_n and_o arabic_a word_n and_o form_n of_o expression_n that_o be_v not_o in_o use_n among_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n writer_n the_o interpretation_n of_o which_o must_v be_v fetch_v from_o the_o rabbin_n that_o there_o be_v many_o elegancy_n relate_v to_o the_o constellation_n and_o several_a fish_n and_o bird_n which_o show_v it_o to_o be_v of_o a_o modern_a date_n and_o from_o hence_o they_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v then_o write_v when_o these_o foreign_a word_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v introduce_v into_o the_o hebrew_n language_n they_o believe_v therefore_o that_o the_o author_n live_v after_o david_n and_o solomon_n and_o before_o ezekiel_n because_o he_o be_v mention_v by_o that_o prophet_n some_o believe_v that_o isaiah_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n the_o time_n when_o he_o live_v be_v very_o suitable_a to_o this_o conjecture_n beside_o the_o majesty_n and_o sublimity_n of_o his_o style_n his_o singular_a erudition_n the_o similitude_n of_o character_n and_o many_o word_n and_o form_n of_o speak_v common_a to_o they_o both_o grotius_n imagine_v the_o author_n to_o be_v a_o hebrew_n because_o after_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o nation_n he_o call_v arabia_n the_o east_n though_o other_o suppose_v he_o be_v a_o idumean_n because_o he_o abound_v with_o syriack_n and_o arabic_a word_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o author_n be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n and_o those_o of_o the_o neighbour_a country_n and_o that_o in_o the_o write_n of_o this_o book_n he_o be_v under_o the_o direction_n and_o guidance_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n but_o one_o single_a reflection_n prevail_v with_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o author_n be_v of_o the_o old_a date_n and_o that_o be_v that_o i_o can_v imagine_v that_o if_o he_o have_v live_v after_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o their_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o after_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a scheme_n of_o religion_n he_o can_v have_v be_v so_o perfect_o silent_a as_o to_o both_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o if_o he_o have_v live_v after_o moses_n he_o shall_v ever_o have_v design_v to_o be_v so_o accurate_a and_o nice_a in_o relation_n to_o time_n as_o not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n but_o what_o may_v be_v well_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v say_v by_o one_o who_o live_v before_o moses_n this_o exact_a care_n seem_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age._n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o a_o author_n that_o many_o year_n after_o take_v this_o subject_a of_o job_n to_o write_v upon_o shall_v resolve_v to_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v say_v in_o that_o time_n when_o job_n live_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o successful_a as_o not_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o in_o any_o one_o expression_n to_o drop_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v mention_v or_o allude_v to_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o happen_v after_o especial_o such_o famous_a one_o as_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v when_o the_o israelite_n be_v bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n their_o settlement_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a religion_n the_o same_o reason_n therefore_o that_o convince_v i_o that_o job_n himself_o live_v before_o or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n persuade_v i_o to_o think_v the_o author_n of_o this_o poem_n whoever_o he_o be_v do_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o this_o of_o job_n be_v the_o old_a book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o argument_n of_o the_o poem_n be_v this_o job_n a_o prince_n in_o his_o country_n of_o distinguish_v piety_n and_o eminent_a justice_n at_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o narration_n be_v represent_v as_o happy_a as_o the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o affluence_n of_o all_o earthly_a possession_n can_v make_v he_o from_o this_o present_a state_n of_o prosperity_n he_o be_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a by_o the_o permission_n of_o providence_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o integrity_n deprive_v of_o his_o estate_n his_o child_n his_o friend_n and_o health_n and_o reduce_v to_o a_o condition_n as_o perfect_o miserable_a as_o his_o former_a have_v be_v happy_a after_o this_o surprise_v change_n of_o his_o fortune_n to_o exasperate_v the_o bitterness_n and_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n his_o wife_n in_o a_o most_o profane_a manner_n provoke_v and_o tempt_v he_o to_o quit_v all_o his_o pretension_n to_o piety_n and_o desperate_o to_o renounce_v all_o his_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o all_o expectation_n of_o deliverance_n from_o he_o in_o this_o she_o be_v imitate_v by_o the_o egyptian_n and_o old_a grecian_n as_o well_o as_o other_o idolatrous_a country_n who_o use_v under_o any_o great_a calamity_n to_o rail_v bitter_o at_o their_o god_n to_o pull_v down_o their_o image_n and_o drag_v they_o about_o the_o street_n to_o be_v revenge_v on_o they_o for_o not_o prevent_v their_o misfortune_n after_o this_o three_o person_n eminent_a for_o their_o birth_n virtue_n and_o wisdom_n eliphaz_n bildad_n and_o zophar_n perhaps_o elihu_n be_v with_o job_n before_o go_v to_o comfort_v their_o distress_a friend_n their_o design_n be_v good_a and_o they_o consider_v that_o wickedness_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o suffer_v and_o that_o divine_a justice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v clear_v if_o
their_o prediction_n with_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o use_v the_o past_a for_o the_o future_a tense_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o already_o do_v so_o that_o their_o prophecy_n often_o seem_v historical_a narration_n of_o matter_n already_o transact_v therefore_o the_o reader_n be_v not_o to_o be_v surprise_v when_o in_o the_o second_o song_n of_o moses_n he_o find_v that_o great_a prophet_n speak_v of_o what_o befall_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o canaan_n as_o thing_n pass_v in_o his_o own_o time_n which_o do_v not_o happen_v till_o long_o after_o his_o death_n i_o be_o of_o mr._n cowley_n judgement_n who_o in_o his_o preface_n declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o noble_a subject_n of_o poetry_n to_o be_v find_v than_o those_o the_o scripture_n furnish_v we_o withal_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v make_v this_o attempt_n it_o be_v true_a mr._n sandys_n a_o gentleman_n of_o great_a merit_n have_v do_v this_o before_o but_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v till_o after_o i_o have_v begin_v this_o work_n and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o when_o i_o have_v peruse_v part_n of_o his_o paraphrase_n i_o think_v i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o supply_v some_o defect_n especial_o in_o relation_n to_o perspicuity_n and_o coherence_n as_o to_o the_o leviathan_n and_o behemoth_n mention_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o book_n i_o have_v appropriate_v the_o character_n of_o the_o first_o to_o the_o crocodile_n and_o of_o the_o last_o to_o the_o elephant_n i_o believe_v the_o mark_n enumerate_v by_o the_o learned_a bochart_n do_v just_o determine_v the_o description_n of_o the_o leviathan_n to_o the_o crocodile_n but_o i_o can_v see_v any_o necessity_n from_o what_o he_o urge_v to_o conclude_v behemoth_n to_o be_v the_o hippopotamus_n or_o river-horse_n the_o character_n give_v in_o job_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o elephant_n the_o reason_n allege_v on_o both_o side_n may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o critici_fw-la before-cited_n and_o whether_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v true_a be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o importance_n as_o shall_v oblige_v i_o to_o transcribe_v the_o argument_n in_o this_o place_n persuade_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o some_o learned_a commentator_n i_o have_v take_v the_o unicorn_n for_o the_o uri_n or_o wild_a bull_n and_o not_o the_o oryx_n or_o wild_a goat_n according_a to_o boshart_n or_o the_o rhinoceros_n according_a to_o other_o i_o impose_v not_o my_o opinion_n on_o other_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o small_a moment_n and_o every_o man_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o think_v as_o he_o please_v a_o paraphrase_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o job_n chap._n i._n in_o ancient_a time_n ever_o moses_n wonder_v wrought_v and_o murmur_v israel_n back_o from_o egypt_n bring_v a_o prince_n of_o great_a renown_n and_o wide_a command_n who_o name_n be_v job_n dwell_v in_o arabia_n land_n he_o in_o the_o heavenly_a path_n of_o virtue_n tread_v and_o fear_v to_o sin_n because_o he_o fear_v his_o god_n sev'n_o goodly_a son_n that_o admiration_n breed_v and_o three_o fair_a daughter_n crown_v his_o nuptial_a bed_n with_o gracious_a heaven_n peculiar_a favour_n blessed_v the_o prosperous_a man_n unmeasured_a wealth_n possess_v his_o fleecy_a flock_n over_o all_o the_o hill_n be_v spread_v and_o in_o his_o stall_n a_o thousand_o ox_n feed_v when_o he_o decamp_v to_o find_v a_o new_a abide_v three_o thousand_o camel_n bear_v along_o the_o road_n his_o precious_a good_n and_o groan_v beneath_o the_o load_n no_o lord_n be_v find_v through_o all_o the_o spicy_a east_n who_o herd_n and_o store_n so_o vast_o be_v increase_v his_o son_n to_o feast_n each_o other_o do_v prepare_v by_o turn_n rich_a liquor_n and_o delicious_a fare_n and_o to_o their_o treat_v their_o sister_n they_o invite_v to_o pass_v the_o â—lowing_a hour_n in_o soft_a delight_n while_o charm_v music_n dance_n sport_n and_o play_n give_v swift_a wing_n to_o time_n to_o fly_v away_o beguile_v the_o night_n and_o hurry_v on_o the_o day_n conscious_a that_o sin_n do_v oft_o such_o mirth_n attend_v the_o father_n fear_v his_o son_n may_v heaven_n offend_v for_o he_o with_o mournful_a eye_n have_v often_o spy_v scatter_v on_o pleasure_n smooth_a but_o treacherous_a tide_n the_o spoil_n of_o virtue_n overpower_a by_o sense_n and_o float_a wreck_n of_o ruine_a innocence_n he_o therefore_o for_o his_o soâ—s_n to_o heaven_n convey_v his_o supplication_n and_o atonement_n make_v and_o while_o they_o feast_v he_o devout_o pray_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v to_o the_o allmighty's_n bright_n and_o bless_a abide_v to_o pay_v their_o adoration_n at_o his_o throne_n which_o high_a on_o adamantine_a pillar_n shine_v around_o in_o throng_n the_o prostrate_a seraph_n lay_v absorb_v in_o glory_n and_o excess_n of_o day_n '_o midst_n the_o bright_a cherub_n haughty_a lucifer_n by_o mark_n of_o gild_n distinguish_v do_v appear_v to_o who_o the_o eternal_a thus_o apostate_n whence_o come_v thou_o to_o these_o bless_a seat_n of_o innocence_n the_o apostate_n say_v i_o land_n and_o sea_n have_v cross_v and_o past_a from_o clime_n to_o clime_n from_o coast_n to_o coast_n till_o i_o the_o tour_n of_o yond_o low_a world_n have_v make_v and_o all_o its_o empire_n and_o its_o state_n survey_v my_o course_n complete_v to_o these_o seat_n of_o light_n mount_v the_o aerial_a void_a i_o wing_a my_o flight_n the_o almighty_a then_o demand_v in_o thy_o way_n and_o toilsome_a course_n ambitious_a spirit_n say_v have_v thou_o observe_v good_a job_n my_o servant_n one_o in_o righteousness_n and_o piety_n by_o none_o through_o all_o the_o wide_a terrestrial_a world_n outdo_v who_o perfect_a virtue_n admiration_n draw_v from_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o find_v in_o heaven_n applause_n i_o have_v long_o observe_v reply_v false_a lucifer_n thy_o favourite_n and_o watch_v his_o step_n with_o care_n without_o the_o saint_n be_v in_o perfection_n see_v but_o be_v the_o saint_n without_o a_o saint_n within_o he_o serve_v his_o god_n but_o do_v he_o serve_v for_o nought_o do_v he_o thy_o glory_n or_o his_o own_o promote_v do_v he_o religion_n for_o its_o self_n regard_n and_o virtue_n court_n not_o virtue_n be_v bright_a reward_n be_v it_o his_o honour_n to_o revere_n his_o god_n who_o have_v his_o smile_n but_o never_o feel_v his_o rod_n have_v thou_o not_o crown_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o hand_n increase_v his_o store_n extend_v his_o command_n he_o can_v complain_v unless_o with_o wealth_n oppress_v with_o favour_n over-laden_a over-bl_a entrench_v within_o the_o impenetrable_a fence_n within_o the_o work_n and_o line_n of_o providence_n he_o can_v defy_v the_o most_o impetuous_a shock_n and_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o hostile_a force_n mock_v with_o such_o abundance_n blessed_v with_o honour_n crown_v the_o weak_a virtue_n may_v maintain_v its_o ground_n but_o let_v this_o prosperous_a wealthy_a saint_n be_v try_v let_v this_o pretend_a gold_n the_o test_n abide_v change_v but_o the_o scene_n and_o let_v thy_o frown_a brow_n the_o mark_n of_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n show_v extend_v thy_o hand_n and_o touch_v his_o tender_a part_n thou_o will_v find_v his_o power_n and_o substance_n next_o his_o heart_n despoil_v of_o these_o he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n and_o naked_a virtue_n will_v no_o more_o embrace_v the_o eternal_a to_o the_o apostate_n thus_o reply_v let_v he_o affliction_n be_v sharp_a edge_n abide_v the_o fence_n i_o raise_v around_o he_o i_o remove_v go_v let_v thy_o malice_n try_v his_o truth_n and_o love_n let_v righteous_a job_n thy_o fiery_a test_n endure_v but_o let_v his_o person_n be_v from_o pain_n secure_a he_o say_v the_o apostate_n from_o his_o presence_n go_v and_o on_o his_o fierce_a malicious_a purpose_n bend_v he_o on_o arabia_n make_v a_o swift_a descent_n mean_a time_n it_o happen_v at_o a_o splendid_a feast_n iob_n elder_a son_n in_o turn_n receive_v the_o rest_n the_o sister_n with_o their_o brother_n drink_v and_o eat_v all_o the_o delightful_a kind_n of_o wine_n and_o meat_n when_o at_o iob_n house_n a_o courier_n do_v arrive_v sweat_v with_o speed_n pant_v and_o scarce_o alive_a horror_n and_o wildness_n in_o his_o aspect_n breed_v just_a fear_n of_o dismal_a news_n and_o thus_o he_o say_v invade_v robber_n from_o sabea_n warm_v with_o hope_n of_o booty_n and_o with_o lance_n arm_v a_o inroad_n make_v and_o first_o the_o man_n destroy_v who_o keep_v thy_o herd_n and_o then_o the_o spoil_v enjoy_v i_o be_o alone_a by_o favourable_a fate_n escape_v the_o unwelcome_a tiding_n to_o relate_v while_o he_o be_v speak_v with_o as_o swift_a a_o pace_n another_o come_v and_o with_o as_o sad_a a_o face_n and_o thus_o he_o say_v o_o job_n a_o sudden_a storm_n and_o lower_a cloud_n do_v all_o the_o sky_n deform_v the_o bellow_a
middle_a opinion_n that_o be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o poem_n found_v on_o a_o true_a history_n as_o those_o of_o homer_n probable_o be_v but_o then_o they_o say_v the_o conduct_n the_o method_n the_o machine_n the_o incident_n and_o the_o episodes_n which_o make_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o poem_n be_v form_v in_o the_o poet_n imagination_n and_o that_o therefore_o this_o poem_n be_v of_o the_o epic_a kind_n as_o to_o the_o first_o opinion_n i_o think_v the_o scripture_n full_o confute_v it_o by_o assert_v the_o person_n and_o patience_n of_o job_n so_o plain_o that_o it_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o tolerable_a evasion_n as_o to_o the_o two_o last_o many_o thing_n of_o weight_n and_o importance_n may_v be_v urge_v on_o either_o side_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n but_o content_v myself_o in_o give_v the_o reason_n that_o i_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v offer_v to_o support_v each_o assertion_n those_o of_o the_o last_o opinion_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o allege_v that_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o imagination_n and_o contrivance_n and_o not_o a_o relation_n of_o a_o series_n of_o real_a action_n no_o body_n can_v believe_v say_v they_o that_o satan_n do_v real_o appear_v before_o god_n and_o that_o the_o discourse_v recite_v in_o the_o book_n be_v indeed_o hold_v between_o they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o messenger_n that_o bring_v a_o account_n to_o job_n of_o so_o many_o suffering_n that_o befall_v he_o do_v real_o come_v upon_o the_o heel_n of_o one_o another_o so_o fast_o and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v there_o relate_v they_o think_v it_o be_v improbable_a that_o job_n shall_v sit_v so_o long_o upon_o a_o dunghill_n and_o that_o his_o acquaintance_n shall_v wait_v seven_o day_n and_o night_n together_o without_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o their_o sorrowful_a friend_n they_o look_v on_o this_o to_o be_v a_o poetical_a way_n of_o represent_v the_o vast_a distress_n that_o overwhelm_v the_o patient_a sufferer_n they_o say_v it_o be_v incredible_a that_o all_o those_o prolix_a discourse_n shall_v be_v actual_o hold_v between_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n and_o that_o a_o man_n in_o such_o sad_a circumstance_n as_o job_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v shall_v speak_v so_o very_o long_o and_o use_v so_o many_o poetical_a simile_n metaphor_n and_o beautiful_a description_n as_o be_v find_v in_o his_o several_a speech_n they_o urge_v also_o that_o it_o have_v a_o air_n of_o contrivance_n to_o sink_v a_o man_n so_o sudden_o from_o the_o most_o prosperous_a condition_n and_o to_o lay_v he_o under_o such_o grievous_a suffering_n and_o the_o very_a extremity_n of_o misery_n and_o then_o by_o a_o no_o less_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v revolution_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n of_o time_n to_o make_v he_o again_o the_o most_o happy_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o urge_v that_o in_o the_o catastrophe_n when_o this_o patient_a man_n be_v reward_v for_o his_o inflexible_a perseverance_n the_o allot_v he_o just_o the_o same_o number_n of_o child_n as_o he_o have_v lose_v and_o just_a a_o double_a quantity_n of_o riches_n as_o he_o enjoy_v before_o seem_v too_o nice_a to_o be_v a_o real_a fact_n the_o man_n of_o this_o opinion_n do_v not_o dispute_v the_o reality_n of_o the_o person_n of_o job_n they_o allow_v there_o be_v a_o person_n of_o that_o name_n eminent_a for_o his_o righteousness_n and_o famous_a for_o his_o patience_n for_o this_o the_o scripture_n express_o affirm_v and_o they_o suppose_v some_o great_a poet_n under_o the_o guidance_n and_o assistance_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n do_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o mankind_n choose_v this_o subject_a and_o contrive_v the_o poem_n upon_o it_o of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v they_o affirm_v that_o this_o poem_n of_o job_n be_v of_o the_o epic_a kind_n here_o be_v find_v all_o the_o essential_a part_n require_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o poem_n they_o add_v far_o as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o their_o opinion_n that_o though_o machine_n that_o be_v the_o introduce_v of_o invisible_a superior_a being_n and_o the_o intere_n of_o they_o in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o poem_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o a_o epic_a poem_n yet_o as_o it_o do_v great_o heighten_v and_o embellish_v the_o narration_n they_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o conduct_n be_v observe_v here_o for_o the_o chief_a apostate_n angel_n and_o even_o the_o divine_a be_v himself_o be_v both_o introduce_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v and_o as_o this_o perhaps_o be_v the_o original_a of_o that_o sort_n of_o write_v so_o it_o do_v thereby_o discover_v a_o great_a air_n of_o the_o allegorial_n epic_a poetry_n those_o on_o the_o other_o side_n argue_v thus_o as_o according_a to_o a_o settle_a maxim_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v not_o without_o apparent_a necessity_n quit_v the_o plain_a and_o literal_a sense_n and_o embrace_v a_o foreign_a more_o strain_v and_o less_o obvious_a mean_v so_o without_o the_o same_o necessity_n we_o shall_v not_o turn_v the_o relation_n of_o any_o fact_n into_o invention_n and_o allegory_n and_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n they_o allege_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o relate_v in_o this_o book_n but_o what_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v actual_o happen_v that_o though_o many_o thing_n appear_v improbable_a and_o hardly_o credible_a to_o the_o reader_n this_o be_v no_o convince_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v not_o real_a fact_n for_o all_o man_n that_o be_v be_v verse_v in_o history_n will_v meet_v with_o many_o wonderful_a and_o improbable_a occurrence_n which_o notwithstanding_o upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n they_o be_v force_v to_o believe_v and_o they_o say_v that_o for_o that_o reason_n because_o the_o fact_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a and_o surprise_v they_o be_v record_v in_o this_o book_n for_o our_o admiration_n and_o instruction_n they_o have_v rather_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o some_o thing_n that_o sound_v only_o harsh_a and_o improbable_a for_o many_o such_o relation_n be_v undoubted_o true_a than_o by_o depart_v from_o the_o literal_a sense_n encourage_v and_o embolden_v uncautious_a and_o wanton_a wit_n to_o break_v in_o upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o turn_v the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o parable_n and_o allegory_n for_o the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o licentious_a way_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n they_o look_v on_o as_o very_o mischievous_a they_o think_v that_o the_o unnecessary_a concession_n of_o some_o divine_n in_o these_o point_n tend_v mighty_o to_o unsettle_v man_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o weaken_v their_o reverence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n they_o do_v indeed_o allow_v the_o appearance_n of_o satan_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o the_o discourse_n on_o that_o occasion_n to_o be_v a_o allegory_n for_o there_o be_v cogent_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o relation_n in_o the_o book_n they_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o make_v they_o allegorical_a also_o there_o be_v the_o like_a allegory_n use_v in_o the_o history_n of_o ahab_n where_o it_o be_v say_v a_o spirit_n appear_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o offer_v to_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o ahab_n prophet_n to_o persuade_v their_o master_n to_o go_v down_o to_o war_n to_o râ—amath_n gilead_n and_o he_o have_v leave_v give_v he_o to_o do_v so_o but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o allegory_n yet_o without_o doubt_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o story_n about_o this_o expedition_n of_o ahab_n against_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n be_v real_a and_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a that_o almighty_a god_n shall_v permit_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n to_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v a_o great_a and_o a_o good_a man_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o constancy_n and_o uprightness_n and_o to_o make_v his_o virtue_n more_o conspicuous_a and_o exemplary_a that_o he_o shall_v leave_v he_o for_o a_o time_n under_o this_o sharp_a and_o severe_a trial_n and_o at_o last_o deliver_v the_o patient_a sufferer_n and_o restore_v he_o to_o his_o former_a flourish_a condition_n this_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o course_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fact_n in_o the_o book_n that_o seem_v improbable_a it_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o poetical_a manner_n of_o represent_v they_o in_o which_o perhaps_o the_o time_n order_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n be_v not_o so_o nice_o observe_v but_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o epic_a or_o bare_o a_o historical_a poem_n which_o i_o leave_v undecided_a the_o character_n of_o job_n