26 The Almighty's speech, chapter xxxviii. &c. which is what I
paraphrase in this little work, is by much the finest part of the
noblest and most ancient poem in the world. Bishop Patrick says, its
grandeur is as much above all other poetry, as thunder is louder
than a whisper. In order to set this distinguished part of the poem
in a fuller light, and give the reader a clearer conception of it, I
have abridged the preceding and subsequent parts of the poem, and
joined them to it; so that this piece is a sort of an epitome of the
whole book of Job.
I use the word paraphrase, because I want another which might better
answer to the uncommon liberties I have taken. I have omitted,
added, and transposed. The mountain, the comet, the sun, and other
parts, are entirely added: those upon the peacock, the lion, &c. are
much enlarged; and I have thrown the whole into a method more suited
to our notions of regularity.
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