A81199:117
An exposition with practical observations continued upon the twenty-second, twenty-third, twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth, and twenty-sixth…An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the twenty-second, twenty-third, twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth, and twenty-sixth…
An exposition with practical observations continued upon the twenty-second, twenty-third, twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth, and twenty-sixth chapters of the book of Job being the sum of thirty-seven lectures, delivered at Magnus near London Bridge. By Joseph Caryl, preacher of the Word, and pastor of the congregation there.An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the twenty-second, twenty-third, twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth, and twenty-sixth chapters of the book of Job being the summe of thirty-seven lectures, delivered at Magnus near London Bridge. By Joseph Caryl, preacher of the Word, and pastour of the congregation there.
London: printed by M. Simmons, 1655
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
The punishment which God layeth upon wicked men is not after the manner of men. God doth not punish as man punisheth.
Eliphaz here speaks of that wch is often indeed a true ground among men why they reprove or punish other men. Some reprove others upon a vain fear of them, and some upon a just fear of them. Why did the Jews accuse and reprove Christ? Was it not for fear of him? at least they pretended a fear, why else were they so hasty to have Jesus Christ brought to judgement? (John 12.47, 48.) Then gathered the chief Priests and Pharisees a Council, and said, what do we? for this man doth many Miracles, if we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him, and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and Nation. They Crucified Christ for fear (though it was but a vain fear) that he would be the ruin of their state; the Romans must needs come and destroy them if they let him alone. ⟨p. 31⟩Fear makes men cruel, and they are most ready to hurt others, who continually suspect hurt from others. It hath been an ancient Observation, that Cowards are murderous and revengeful; while a man fears that such a man will be his ruin, he ruins him if he can, and removes that out of his way which he supposeth standing in the way of his own safety. Why did Pharaoh give Command to slay the Male-Children of the Jews, and oppress that people? It was upon a vain or cowardly fear, Come let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it come to pass that when there falleth out any war, they join also with our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the Land, (Ex. 1.10) It is said at the 7th verse of that Chap. that the children of Israel were fruitful and (God fulfilling herein his promise made to Abraham) increased abundantly, and multiplied and waxed exceeding mighty, and the Land was filled with them. When God thus cast a gracious eye upon them, Pharaoh and his Counsellors cast a jealous eye upon them; and began to suspect their multiplying might at last diminish him, that their rising might prove his ruin. Therefore upon reason of state he must find out a way to suppress and keep them under as slaves and bondmen, whom his Ancestors received as welcome guests, and had to that day, enjoyed as faithful friends. Pharaoh being captivated with this fear, saw no way to free himself, but by taking away the freedom of that whole People.