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…

2 COR. 1. 12. But by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world.

WE are enumerating the particulars of that grace, which the Apostle doth especially acknowledge in his ministerial course. We proceed therefore, and

First, The faithfulness of Paul to his Apostolical trust, fixing his heart ¹upon that, and using no other means, then what are proportionable and commensurate to such a noble end, was wholly of the grace of God towards him. It is required of Stewards, that they be found faithful, saith this Apostle, 1 Cor. 4. 2. and with this grace God had honoured him. Insomuch that we do not find in Paul any halting, any carnal compliance, which might contradict the holy end of his Apostolical Office. Those are two noble expressions, 2 Corinth. 10. 8. Our authority the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for destruction. The other is, 2 Cor. 13. 8. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. In these Texts we have expressed the end of all ministerial power, it is for edification: And therefore if any through the Word preached be more hardened in their sins, and made more obdurate in their evil ways, this is besides the intention of the Word. As when the Sun blindeth a mans eyes through the dazzling thereof, this is accidental; the proper and natural effect, being to illuminate, all spiritual authority is for edification. And in the other Text, you have the power of grace upon Paul's heart, so affecting of him, that he cannot do any thing against the truth. Neither doctrinally or practically would he indulge to any evil way; but thereby the end of his Ministry should be frustrated. Now this is a special work of Gods grace so to sanctify, and keep tender our hearts, that we take heed of every thing that may obstruct the happy course of the Gospel: Whereas the Jesuitical party will wander out into many by and extravagant ways, to accomplish their designs. Jansenius a learned Papist (Jansen. Sanctus Augustinus liber proaemialis, pag. 9.) speaketh of one man, who not daring to do something out of favour to another, which he knew was contrary to the principles of morality; neither affirmed by any Authors; as probable, had this answer from a Jesuited Doctor, Aude, & nos efficiemus probabile, Be bold to do it and we will make it probable. Here we see, their power is many times against the truth. But Paul was so kept by the grace of God, that not only deliberately he did not any thing which might retard the progress of the Gospel;