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SELECT EXTRACTS FROM THE FIRST FOURTEEN

CHAPTERS OF THE REV. JOSEPH CARYL'S
COMMENTARY ON THE BOOK OF JOB.

BY

JOHN BERRIE,

DALKEITH.

EDINBURGH:

PRINTED FOR DAVID BROWN, WM. OLIPHANT, JOHN
WARDLAW AND CO. EDINBURGH; CHALMERS AND
COLLINS, GLASGOW; J. FINLAY, NEWCASTLE; J.
NISBET, JAS. DUNCAN, B. J. HOLDSWORTH, AND
F. WESTLEY, LONDON.

M.DCCC.XXIV.

PRINTED BY A. BALFOUR AND CO.

TO THE READER.

In the course of Divine Providence, I have often had occasion to consult the Book of Job, which may well be styled, "The Afflicted Man's Companion," and in these exercises I experienced much benefit in the perusal of Mr. Caryl's Commentary on that part of the inspired writings, which occupied the learned and pious author's time and attention for more than twenty years during the civil wars. I was induced to make extracts from the whole work; but it is only the first part of these which is now published, comprehending the first fourteen chapters, which contain an account of Job's troubles; his behaviour under them; with his replies to certain accusations brought against him by his three friends. The second part, consisting of extracts taken from the remain

iv

der of the book, will be published in due time, if the present selection meet with a favourable reception, and time and opportunity be afforded for preparing them for the press. It is my humble hope that this small volume may be found useful, not only to the afflicted themselves, but likewise to those who converse with and desire to comfort them.

The only apology offered for introducing the following Selected Sentences to the notice of the public, is, that many of that numerous class of mankind for whom they are chiefly intended, (the afflicted,) have neither leisure nor opportunity to read the voluminous and valuable work from which they are extracted.

That the divine blessing may render them profitable to all who may peruse them, is the sincere desire of

DALKEITH, October 22, 1824.

THE EDITOR.

The following Extract is taken from Dr. Calamy and S. Palmer's Non-Conformist's Memorial.

66

“JOSEPH CARYL, A. M. of Exeter College, Oxford, where Wood speaks of him as a noted disputant. [He was born of genteel parents, in London, 1602.] He was preacher to the Honourable Society Lincoln's Inn, where he continued several years with applause; and he was a Member of the Westminster Assembly. In 1653, he was appointed one of the Triers for the approbation of Ministers. He was sent by the Parliament to attend the King at Holmbyhouse; and was one of the Commissioners in the Treaty of the Isle of Wight.

"Soon after his ejectment in 1662, he gathered a congregation in the neighbourhood of St. Magnus, near London Bridge, to whom he preached, as the times would permit. His church increased so much, that, at his death, he left 136 communicants. He was a moderate independent; a man of great piety, learning, and modesty. He died at his house in Bury Street, February 7, 1673, aged seventy-one. In the summer of that year, his church chose Dr. John Owen for their pastor; and, 1708, they built a new Meeting-house in Berry Street, at which time Dr. Isaac Watts was their pastor.

"When that band of worthies was ejected from their congregations by the Act of Uniformity, 1662, Mr. Caryl's farewell sermon is founded upon Rev. iii. 4. And they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy.'

"They shall walk with Christ. They shall enjoy peace and intimacy with him as his friends. They shall walk in white garments, which is expressive of their state of justification, but particularly of their character, which is truly honourable in the sight of

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