An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

Now to this expression which Paul useth in the Text, we have another place in Paul, which seemeth directly, and in express words to contradict this; it is 1 Cor. 10. 13. There hath no temptation taken you, but what is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able, &c. There Paul saith, God will not let his people be tempted above what they are able. And here Paul speaketh the contrary, He is troubled above what he is able: How can this be reconciled? Some untie this knot from the difference between temptation and affliction; There is no temptation (say they) befalleth the godly above what they are able; but there may some trouble and affliction. For it is a temptation, when it doth induce us into sin, and maketh us to offend God. Therefore we pray, God would not lead us into temptation; but it may be an affliction, even when it is so far from being a temptation, that we do thereby more exercise and put forth our graces. Thus (say they) it was with Paul, It was an affliction above his strength, but not a temptation above his strength. For at that time Paul kept up his graces, his faith and patience were made more illustrious, as file getteth off rust. I cannot say this is solid enough.

Now to this expression which Paul useth in the Text, we have another place in Paul, which seemeth directly, and in express words to contradict this; it is 1 Cor. 10. 13. There hath no temptation taken you, but what is common to man; but God is faithfull, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able, &c. There Paul saith, God will not let his people be tempted above what they are able. And here Paul speaketh the contrary, He is troubled above what he is able: How can this be reconciled? Some untie this knot from the difference between temptation and affliction; There is no temptation (say they) befalleth the godly above what they are able; but there may some trouble and affliction. For it is a temptation, when it doth induce us into sinne, and maketh us to offend God. Therefore we pray, God would not lead us into temptation; but it may be an affliction, even when it is so farre from being a temptation, that we do thereby more exercise and put forth our graces. Thus (say they) it was with Paul, It was an affliction above his strength, but not a temptation above his strength. For at that time Paul kept up his graces, his faith and patience were made more illustrious, as file getteth off rust. I cannot say this is solid enough.