The crucifying of the world

And first it is proved by the example of Paul himself, both here in my Text, and in many other places. 2 Cor. 5. 11, 12, 13. 2 Cor. 11. throughout. 2 Cor. 12. throughout. Vers. 5, 6. Of such a one will I glory; yet of my self I will not glory, but in mine infirmities:] that is, not in any thing that seemeth to advance me in the eyes of the world, lest it should seem a carnal Glorying, or men should be drawn thereby to overvalue me; but in such things as men rather pity or vilify for, even my worldly meanness, and contemptibleness, and sufferings for Christ; though before God these are honourable, and therefore I will glory in them openly, as secretly I may do in all other graces. So it followeth, [For though I would desire to Glory, I shall not be a fool: for I will say the truth. But now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.] And so Vers. 9, 10, 11. [Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me] (that is, that my Glorying may magnify that Power of Christ that is manifest in sustaining me, and not my self:) therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christs sake: for when I am weak, (that is, in the flesh and the eye of the world) then am I strong, (that is, in the Spirit, and the work of Christ) I am become a fool (that is, like a fool) in Glorying: Ye have compelled me: For I ought to have been commended of you; For in nothing am I behind the very chiefest Apostles, though I be nothing.] Yea 1 Cor. 9. 15. he saith, he [had rather die then any should make his glorying void] concerning his self-denial for the advantage of the Gospel.

And first it is proved by the example of Paul himself, both here in my Text, and in many other places. 2 Cor. 5. 11, 12, 13. 2 Cor. 11. throughout.