those of a loving FATHER, who only permits that which
for the time being is grievous, in order the accomplish results that
cannot be achieved in any less painful way. The wise and trustful
child of GOD rejoices in tribulation, "knowing that tribulation
worketh patience," experience, hope--a hope that "maketh not ashamed;
because the love of GOD is shed abroad in our hearts by the HOLY
GHOST which is given unto us."

The history of Job is full of instruction, and should teach us many
lessons of deep interest and great profit. The veil is taken away
from the unseen world, and we learn much of the power of our great
adversary; but also of his powerlessness apart from the permission of
GOD our FATHER.

GOD'S TESTIMONY AND CHALLENGE.
"The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the Name of
the LORD."--Job i.21.

In the 8th verse of the 1st chapter, GOD Himself bears testimony to
His servant: "that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and
an upright man, one that feareth GOD, and escheweth evil; and in the
2nd chapter and 3rd verse, He repeats the same testimony, adding:
"still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst Me
against him, to destroy him without cause." Stronger testimony to the
life which GOD'S grace enabled Job to live can scarcely be imagined.
The chastisement that came upon him is declared to have been without
cause so far as his life and spirit were concerned. Let us thank GOD
that the same grace which enabled Job, so long ago, to live a life
that pleased GOD and received His repeated commendation, is
unchanged; and that by it we may also live lives that will be
well-pleasing to Him with whom we have to do.

Satan would very frequently harass the believer in times of sorrow
and trial by leading him to think that GOD is angry with him--that
this is a punishment for some unknown offence, and many of the
comforts and consolations that might otherwise be enjoyed may thus be
clouded. Do we not rather see from the Word of GOD that He is like a
glad father, delighting to be able to encourage a strong healthy son
to undertake some athletic feat which will entail arduous effort and
careful training, or to stimulate him to prepare for a difficult
literary examination by a prolonged and toilsome course of study,
knowing he will obtain honours and permanent advantage from his
attainments? So, our HEAVENLY FATHER delights to trust a trustworthy
child with a trial in which he can brin