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…

Thirdly, Their humble condescension is seen, In the acknowledging and rejoicing at the graces and gifts which they see God bestoweth upon others. Thus Paul, how often doth he profess his praises unto God, and continual thanksgivings in the behalf of them he writeth unto for this particular? Yea they heartily desire such growth in grace, and such plenty of abilities and gifts, though it should be to the overshadowing and eclipsing of them: Even as John said about Christ with joy, He must increase, but I must decrease, John 3. 3. And as Moses, Would all the people of God might prophesy, Num. 11. 23. So can they say and delight in such gifts that God shall give to others, though inferior. It's a great sin, and high pride in Superiors, to envy, and to look with an ill eye, upon the gifts which God may bestow upon those that are not of their rank. Not that such who have no gifts, should presume as if they had; or those that have gifts, should intrude upon public preaching, before the examination and approbation of others. To dislike this, is not to envy the gifts and graces that are in others.

Thirdly, Their humble condescension is seen, In the acknowledging and rejoycing at the graces and gifts which they see God bestoweth upon others. Thus Paul, how often doth he profess his praises unto God, and continual thanksgivings in the behalf of them he writeth unto for this particular? Yea they heartily desire such growth in grace, and such plenty of abilities and gifts, though it should be to the overshadowing and eclipsing of them: Even as John said about Christ with joy, He must increase, but I must decrease, John 3. 3. And as Moses, Would all the people of God might prophesie, Num. 11. 23. So can they say and delight in such gifts that God shall give to others, though inferiour. It's a great sinne, and high pride in Superiours, to envy, and to look with an ill eye, upon the gifts which God may bestow upon those that are not of their rank. Not that such who have no gifts, should presume as if they had; or those that have gifts, should intrude upon publick preaching, before the examination and approbation of others. To dislike this, is not to envy the gifts and graces that are in others.