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…

These things explained concerning a two-fold consideration of Paul, as a sinner, and as a learned man. Let us make some practical Use of it. And

First, We see our duty, when God makes use of such great sinners, not to upbraid ¹and revile them with their former impieties; but rather to admire the wisdom and power of God, not to reproach Peter for his Apostasy, or Paul for his persecutions, as the Donatists did Austin for his former miscarriages; but to bless God that giveth us such real testimonies of his grace. When some Papists upbraided Beza with his youthful verses he made, Isti homines (saith he) invident mihi gratiam Dei, These men envy me the grace of God, as the elder brother did the Prodigals conversion. It is disputed by Casuists, Whether a profane ungodly Minister formerly, though now truly converted, is to be continued in his Ministry, at least in that place, where he hath lived so scandalously? Some are rigid for the negative; Yea, the Novatians of old would not admit any Christian that had grossly sinned, though repenting, to Church-communion. Others are more mollified, and hold such Ministers, truly manifesting their conversion and repentance ought to be received, and that as Ministers again. But the determination of this Case concerning a particular person, would be difficult, because circumstances may much alter the matter. But in the general, we see Christ appointing Peter to feed his sheep, though he had apostatized in so dreadful a manner. Neither may we run to that absurd and impious Position of some, who said, the Apostles delivered a more perfect way of Discipline, than Christ did; because (say they) Christ received Peter again, and gave him Commission for his Apostleship through the whole world. In the Old Testament David and Solomon are used as Pen-men of the holy Scripture, though polluted once with sin in a scandalous manner. And here we see Paul, though formerly a notorious sinner, and adversary to the Gospel, yet is appointed by God to be a chosen vessel to carry his name. And certainly, the receiving of such after their serious, and public satisfaction to the Church of God, or to ministerial employment may be of great use. For hereby he will be the more industrious and diligent to reduce other sinners, especially such as he hath been an occasion to lead into sin. Thus David promiseth,