d
scientific presentation of the problem; (2) a bold sweeping aside of
the insufficient current theological explanations; (3) a vastly enlarged
conception of Jehovah's character and rule; and (4) that attitude of
faith which comes from a personal experience of God and which trusts
unreservedly, even though it cannot see or divine the reason why, and in
that trust finds peace and joy.

Although the thought of the book of Job is profound, and it deals in a
masterly manner with a fundamental human problem, it is more than a mere
philosophical discussion. Its primary aim is to set forth the vital truth
that God is not to be found through current theological dogmas or
intellectual discussions, but through personal experience. This is the
dominant note throughout the book. The greatest calamity that overtakes
Job in his hour of deepest distress is the sense of being shut away from
God's presence.

Oh! that I knew where I might find him,
That I might come even to his throne!

As he looks back fondly to the happy days of old the fact that stands
forth above all others is that

The Almighty was yet with me.

Looking forward to a possible vindication after death his hope centres
in the belief that

Thou wouldst call and I myself would answer thee;
Thou wouldst long for the work of thy hands.

When at last Jehovah answered Job out of the storm, it was not so much
the thought expressed as the fact that God had spoken directly to him
that brought penitence and peace:

I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear,
But now mine eye seeth thee.
Therefore I loath my words,
And repent in dust and ashes.

Section XCIX. THE TRAINING AND MISSION OF THE TRUE SERVANT OF JEHOVAH

[Sidenote: Isa. 49:1-3]
Hearken to me, ye coastlands,
And listen, ye distant peoples:
He hath called me from the womb,
From my mother's lap made mention of my name.
He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword,
In the shadow of his hand he hid me,
He made me a polished arrow,
In his quiver he concealed me,
And he said to me, Thou art my servant,
Israel, in whom I will glorify myself.

[Sidenote: Isa. 49:4]
But I said, I have labored in vain,
I spent my strength for nothing and vanity,
Nevertheless my right is with Jehovah,
And my recompense with my God.

[Sidenote: Isa. 49:5, 6]
And now, thus saith Jehovah,
(He who formed from birth to be his servant,
To bring Jacob back to him,
And that Israel might be gathered to him;
For I was honored