is own innocence and virtue in the most pathetic
manner, yet does not presume to accuse the Supreme Being of injustice.
Elihu attempts to arbitrate the matter, by alledging the impossibility
that so frail and ignorant a creature as man should comprehend the ways
of the Almighty, and therefore condemns the unjust and cruel inference
the three friends had drawn from the sufferings of Job. He also blames
Job for the presumption of acquitting himself of all iniquity, since the
best of men are not pure in the sight of God--but all have something to
repent of; and he advises him to make this use of his afflictions.

38. At last, by a bold figure of poetry, the Supreme Being himself is
introduced, speaking from the whirlwind, and silencing them all by the
most sublime display of his own power, magnificence, and wisdom, and of
the comparative littleness and ignorance of men.--This, indeed, is the
only conclusion of the argument, which could be drawn at a time when
life and immortality were not yet brought to light: a future retribution
is the only satisfactory solution of the difficulty arising from the
sufferings of good people in this life.

_Of the Psalms._

39. Next follow the Psalms, with which you cannot be too conversant. If
you have any taste, either for poetry or devotion, they will be your
delight, and will afford you a continual feast. The Bible translation is
far better than that used in the common prayer-book, and will often give
you the sense, when the other is obscure. In this, as well as in all
other parts of the scripture, you must be careful always to consult the
margin, which gives you the corrections made since the last translation,
and it is generally preferable to the words of the text.

40. I would wish you to select some of the Psalms that please you best,
and get them by heart; or, at least, make yourself master of the
sentiments contained in them: Dr. Delaney's life of David, will shew you
the occasions on which several of them were composed, which add much to
their beauty and propriety; and by comparing them with the events of
David's life, you will greatly enhance your pleasure in them.

41. Never did the spirit of true piety breathe more strongly than in
these divine songs; which being added to a rich vein of poetry, makes
them more captivating to my heart and imagination, than any thing I ever
read. You will consider how great disadvantages any poem must sustain
from being rendered literally