Heavenly pastime, or, Pleasant observations on all the most remarkable passages throughout the Holy Bible of the Old and New Testament newly allegoriz'd in several delightful dialogues, poems, similitudes, and divine fancies / by John Dunton, author of The sickmans passing-bell.

A Dialogue between Job and his Wife.

The Argument.

Job's wicked Wife does urge him to despair, And curse that God that of him still took care: But wisely he rejects her curs'd advice, And is restor'd to's former Paradise.

Wife.

WHat a strange temper is this! Can Iob still cringe and bend to him, who from the height of happiness suffered him unpity∣less to fall under such a load of sad adversity? Know you not yet your substance is destroyed; your Sons that should have been the comfort of your Age, slain; and your self in every part, afflicted with tormenting, torturing and consuming Sores.

Job.

Yet must we not repine, since it is the pleasure of that great Omnipotent who made us out of nothing, breathed into us breath of life; and from whom all we did enjoy, pro••eeded.

Wife.

Yet better it is you never had had being, than to be thus contemptible, thus miserable, to undergo this ill-star'd; what wellcomer can be than death, to one who labours under such an Agony? Then turn your praises into curses, that his wrath may vex yet hotter; and by putting a full period to your days, take you from this sad world of wo.

Job.

Base wicked woman, vile and foolish; darest thou let a thought so monstrous harbour in thy breast! much more, how darest thou urge me to such damn'd Impiety? Shall Job, on whom he showred his favours, once move his lips, though in the softest murmur, when he is pleased to stay his giving hand, or call back what he gave; no, nothing ever shall prompt me to a guilt so horrible.

Wife.

Then you it seems will suffer patiently, and stand the mark of fierce indignation tamely.

Job.

Whatever he inflicts it is for our good; his chastening is to try if we are worthy of his favours; nor will he wound beyond what he designs to heal. His mercies are past numbring, which in the midst of Iudg∣ment he oft calls to mind, and makes a full recom∣pence for what he takes away; therefore ever will I praise, and with just adoration bless his holy name; nay though he kill me, yet will I trust in him; and with dying Arms embrace the wounding Shaft sent by his hand to let out life.

Wife.

Well, well, I see then all I urge will work no effect on your meek mind, inured to slavery, serve him still, and be the subject of his Tyranny; bear all the Stripes he can bestow; and fawning, kiss the hand that strikes you: do this and more, whilst loud I laugh at the dull man that hugs his misery, and will not daigne to pity him.

Job.

All you have said is my resolve, no pain, nor loss, nor scorn, shall shake my dear integrity; all tor∣ments witty horror can invent, were they comprised in one, shall never break my constancy, or make me prove a Rebel to the King of Heaven: but with Faith un∣moved I will trust in him till lifes last Sand is run, expecting then to see him as he is, and Hymn his. Throne with Songs of praise.

Wife.

If that be your resolve, I will fly the Mansion of such sorrow, and seek shelter elsewhere, whilst his Arrows beat on you.

Job.

Yet shall I not be comfortless; his hand shall still sustain me, and my Eyes shall yet see happy days.

The Conclusion.

Thus Job bears through afflictions stream, which past, He is restored to health and Riches vast, And once more is the Glory of the East▪ Nor dare the fiend his quiet than molest; So those that trust in God are ever blest.