A35535:1732
An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and…An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and…
An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and the thirty fourth chapters of the book of Job being the substance of forty-nine lectures / delivered at Magnus near the Bridge, London, by Joseph Caryl ...An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and the thirty fourth chapters of the booke of Job being the substance of forty-nine lectures / delivered at Magnus neare the Bridge, London, by Joseph Caryl ...
London: printed by M. Simmons, 1661
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
God first shows regard to the person, then to the offering, to prayers and services.
God first shewes regard to the person, then to the offering, to prayers and services.
This truth may be understood two ways, First, in reference to the state of grace. When Abel and Cain brought their sacrifices or offerings, God had respect to Abel and his offering, but to Cain and his offering had no respect, (Gen. 4.4, 5.) Abel was in a state of grace, Cain was not, so the Apostle states their case, (Heb. 11.4.) By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice then Cain, by which he obtained witness that he (his person) was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and what did he testify? surely that his gifts were brought in faith, and were presented from a principle of grace, which Cain had not; and therefore God did not approvingly testify of his gifts. Till we close with God by faith, God doth not close with our services by acceptance. Secondly, as this is true in reference to the state of grace, so in reference to somewhat in the present actings or dispositions of those who are gracious. 'Tis possible for a godly man to act so sinfully, and to be so ill disposed to the frame of his heart, that God may seem to deny acceptation to his prayers, and services. David said (Psal. 66.18.) If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. And God told the Jews, his Covenant people, (Isa. 1.15.) When ye make many prayers, I will not hear; your hands are full of blood. Thus while they who have a state interest in Christ, walk unworthy of it, they are under the frowns of God, and his dis-acceptation of all their duties, till they renew their repentance and humble themselves. And I conceive this was the case of the sick man in the Text (in whom doubtless, he aimed at Job) whom Elihu granted to be a godly man, yet under great distempers of spirit, which must be healed & removed before he could so call upon or pray unto God, as he would be favourable to him, or give him testimony of his favour. Thus