A35535:918
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.
First, Because he spake many things of himself which had an appearance of boasting, and so of vain speaking. A little truly said of our selves, or in our own commendation, may be thought too much, how much more, when we say much.
First, Because he spake many things of himselfe which had an appearance of boasting, and so of vaine speaking. A little truly sayd of our selves, or in our owne commendation, may be thought too much, how much more, when we say much.
Secondly, He spake such things as carried a show of overboldness with God. He did not observe his distance, as he ought, when he so earnestly pressed for a hearing to plead his cause before God; especially, when he so often complained of the severity of Gods procedure with him, with which Elihu taxeth him directly in the two verses following. Upon both these grounds Elihu thought (and was no doubt guided in it by the Spirit of God) to cut him to the quick, that Job might learn to speak more humbly of himself, and more temperately to God. And therefore
Secondly, He spake such things as carri'd a shew of overboldness with God. He did not observe his distance, as he ought, when he so earnestly pressed for a hearing to plead his cause before God; especially, when he so often complained of the severity of Gods proceedure with him, with which Elihu taxeth him directly in the two verses following. Upon both these grounds Elihu thought (and was no doubt guided in it by the Spirit of God) to cut him to the quick, that Job might learne to speake more humbly of himselfe, and more temperately to God. And therefore
Thirdly, The Lord did righteously, yea and graciously let out the spirit of Elihu upon him in another way then his friends before had done. He did not charge him with wickedness in fact, but dealt with him about the unwariness of his words. Job could not say he had never spoken such words, for such words he did speak, though he did not speak them as Elihu took them. When words are out they must stand to the mercy of the hearers, and abide such a judgement as may, with truth be made of them, though possibly, besides the purpose of the speaker. A man (in that case) is not wronged, he should learn to speak more warily, and not give occasion of offence. Doubtless the Lord had a gracious intent upon Job, in stirring the spirit of Elihu to represent his words in the hardest sense, that he might humble him. Job's spirit was yet too high and not broken enough, as it was afterwards. Nor doth Job reply or retort upon Elihu for this; And when the Lord himself began to deal with him, he saith, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge (Chap: 38. 2.) and Job himself being brought upon his knees confesseth (Chap: 42. 3.) I have uttered that I understood not, things too wonderful for me, which I knew not: I have been too bold I confess. Though it was not Jobs purpose or meaning to speak so (he had integrity in what he spake)