Moralia in Job (Commenti morali sul libro di Giobbe), vol. III

1. It is necessary for me to repeat the preface of this work, as often as I divide it into separate vokimes, by making a pause in my observations, it order that when it is again begun to be read, the subject of the Treatise may be at once brought afresh to the memory ; and that the edifice of teaching may rise the more firmly, the more carefully the foundation is laid in the mind, from considering the first beginning of the subject. Blessed Job, known to God and himself alone in his state of tranquillity, when he was to be brought before our notice, was smitten with a rod, in order that he might scatter more widely the odour of his strength, the more sweetly he gave forth his scent, as spices, from the burning. He had learned in his prosperity to rule over his subjects with gentleness, and to guard himself strictly from evil. He had learned how to use the things he had got: but we could not tell whether he would remain patient under their loss. He had learned to offer daily sacrifices to God for the safety of his children, but it was doubtful, whether he would also offer Him the sacrifice of thanksgiving when he was bereft of them. For fear then that sound health should conceal any defect, it was proper that pain should bring it to lighr. Permission then to practise temptation against the holy man is given to the crafty foe. But he, in seeking to destroy his VOL. III. B 2 Safari's craft ngalnst Joh^ and its utter failure. Jon 32, goods which were known to many, l)rings to li^ht the '- — vh'tiie of patience also v^liich was lying hid, and whom he