CARYL'S 'JOB' TO BE BACK IN PRINT

Joseph Caryl (1602-1673) was a leading nonconformist in his day, a member of the famous Westminster Assembly of divines, and a faithful expositor of God's infallible Word. It was said by a close acquaintance of his that he lived his sermons. Charles H. Spurgeon thought highly of Caryl both as a witness and expounder of God's truth.

In 1602, Caryl entered a world of great turbulence. The Puritan cause was gaining momentum in England and little did his parents know that their son would some day join the famous Assembly at Westminster in 1643. He grew up in place of great learning, having attended Exeter College, Oxford, where he earned his B.A. in 1625 and later his M.A. in 1627. All of his contemporaries singled him out as a noted disputant, even those who disliked his Puritan convictions. He was ejected in 1662 on account of his nonconformity and thus retired to his home in London. But Caryl could not keep silent the burning in his heart to preach God's Word to a decaying generation, and so gathered a congregation in the vicinity of London Bridge. He would only preach as the times would permit, and by the time of his death in 1673 he left behind 136 communicant members.

Caryl is most famous for his commentary on Job, which consists of sermons preached at Magnus every week for the course of 24 years. Archibald Alexander (1772-1851), first professor of Princeton Seminary, found great merit in Caryl's exposition of Job, but lamented that its enormous size had hindered its usefulness. Thus, the wise preacher will not imitate Caryl in preaching from Job for 24 years, but will no doubt find a treasure house of golden nuggets for both the private and public worship of God.

The whole 12-volume set of Caryl's commentary on Job is currently being reprinted by Reformation Heritage Books in conjunction with Dust and Ashes Publishers. This is the first time that Caryl's mammoth work has seen the press since its last printing in two large volumes folio in 1676-1677. The reproduction is a high quality, clear facsimile of the original 12-volume set. The retail cost is $495.00 and the discounted price is $300.00. There are only a limited number of sets being printed. They may be ordered from Reformation Heritage Books website (www.heritagebooks.org). No payment is due until the first week of July when the entire set goes to press.

It is their desire that in the midst of scanty commentaries on Job in the 21 century, Caryl's may prove to be sufficient to inspire pastors and commentators to return and look once more into the hidden riches of the Book of Job.