A35535:940
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.
Thirdly, When any shall desire and even hunger after an occasion of accusing others, this is a very great height of wickedness. The Apostle speaks of such (2 Cor: 11.9, 12.) where he tells us that he did forbear his own right, not receiving maintenance for preaching the Gospel; When (saith he, v: 9.) I was present with you and wanted, I was chargeable to no man. ⟨p. 213⟩But why? he answers (v: 12.) What I do I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion. Some did, it seems, desire an occasion to charge him with covetousness and worldly mindedness, that he preached the Gospel for filthy lucre; therefore, saith he, I will do this, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire occasion to charge me with. The heart of man is full of evil desires, and this is one of the worst of them, to desire another might be found doing that, which might minister an advantage to render him odious or blame-worthy.
Thirdly, When any shall desire and even hunger after an occasion of accusing others, this is a very great height of wickednesse. The Apostle speakes of such (2 Cor: 11.9, 12.) where he tells us that he did forbeare his own right, not receiving maintenance for preaching the Gospel; When (saith he, v: 9.) I was present with you and wanted, I was chargeable to no man. ⟨p. 213⟩But why? he answers (v: 12.) What I doe I will doe, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion. Some did, it seems, desire an occasion to charge him with covetousnesse and worldly mindednesse, that he preached the Gospel for filthy lucre; therefore, saith he, I will doe this, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire occasion to charge me with. The heart of man is full of evill desires, and this is one of the worst of them, to desire another might be found doing that, which might minister an advantage to render him odious or blame-worthy.
Fourthly, Which is yet higher, some even pursue and hunt for occasions to calumniate and slander their brethren. The good Prophet Jeremiah had store of these ill neighbours (Jer: 20.10.) I have heard the defaming of many; fear is on every side; report, say they, and we will report it; all my familiars watched for my halting, saying, peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. As if he had said, How glad would not only my open familiars, but close enemies be, of an occasion against me, it would make them leap for joy to see me halt. By his halting they meant his sinning, his doing that which was uncomely, or not suitable to his profession; they watched, they lay at catch for his halting, not to hold him up, but to cast him down. They said, report, and we will report it; we will make something or other of it, though in truth there be nothing. They had (which may be a fifth step of this wickedness, a secret hope that he would halt and give them occasion of insulting. Peradventure (say they) he will be enticed, peradventure we shall catch him in this snare; this was their hope, and, if attained, their joy.