The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…

First, They that are so, do rejoice in the grace and progress thereof in their people, though they should not esteem, nor highly prize them. Oh this is a good sign! Though thou dost not applaud, or admire them, yet if they see thee walk in the ways of godliness, and mortify sin, they are glad of it, and praise God for it: this proveth plainly it's not themselves they aim at Thus Paul, 2 Cor. 13.7. I pray God that ye do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest. Paul earnestly prayeth, that they might not do any evil, especially such gross evils as should deserve his censure, not that he might be approved, he cared not for that, let them think what they will, and say what they will, if they keep from evil, he shall heartily be glad of it. To these very Corinthians also see what he saith, 1 Cor. 4.8, 9, 10. We are fools for Christs sake, but ye are wise: Ye are honourable, but we are despised: Ye have reigned as Kings without us, and I would to God ye did reign. The Apostles meaning is, That they thought themselves strong, and rich in all grace, they despised Paul for his afflictions, and contempt the world poured upon him. Oh saith Paul, this troubleth not me, I would ye did reign, I wish it were indeed so well with you as you think, and then for my part, I could be content with all the scorn and reproach I have in the world! Oh then when a Ministry is still praying for, desiring, and pressing men to the reformation of their lives, and for all their reproaches, uncharitable judgements, he matters them not, if he could see them forsake sin, walk holily, obey the Laws of Christ, let them account him a reprobate, the dross of men, any thing he careth not.

First, They that are so, do rejoyce in the grace and progress thereof in their people, though they should not esteem, nor highly prize them. Oh this is a good sign! Though thou dost not applaud, or admire them, yet if they see thee walk in the wayes of godliness, and mortifie sinne, they are glad of it, and praise God for it: this proveth plainly it's not themselves they aime at Thus Paul, 2 Cor. 13.7. I pray God that ye do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest. Paul earnestly prayeth, that they might not do any evil, especially such grosse evils as should deserve his censure, not that he might be approved, he cared not for that, let them think what they will, and say what they will, if they keep from evil, he shall heartily be glad of it. To these very Corinthians also see what he saith,