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

But now here are Cautions in such self-justification:

First, We must attribute nothing to our selves, as of our selves. Paul in this very Text, speaks of the grace of God: He is but the Trumpet, that sounds not of it self, but from the mouth that breatheth in it: He is but the Pen of the Writer: And therefore see how careful he is in another place, lest any man should think of him above what he ought to think, 2 Cor. 12.6 Oh, this is an admirable convincing way! When what we say, is still with the acknowledgement of grace, and we are afraid men should look to our parts, to our abilities, more then to Christ himself.

First, We must attribute nothing to our selves, as of our selves. Paul in this very Text, speaks of the grace of God: He is but the Trumpet, that sounds not of it self, but from the mouth that breatheth in it: He is but the Pen of the Writer: And therefore see how carefull he is in another place, lest any man should think of him above what he ought to think, 2 Cor. 12.6 Oh, this is an admirable convincing way! When what we say, is still with the acknowledgement of grace, and we are afraid men should look to our parts, to our abilities, more then to Christ himself.

Secondly, It's so to be done, that it may plainly be seen, we seek not any earthly greatness, or glory of our own, but only that Christ and his own way may be acknowledged. We see Christ himself, though he thought it no robbery to be equal with God, yet looking upon himself as sent by the Father, he saith; I seek not my own glory, (Joh. 8.15.) but the glory of my Father that sent me. Oh, admirable pattern for us to follow! And when Paul had spoken of this authority and power he had, and pressed them so to walk, as that he might not come with a rod, and was afraid he should come to them otherwise then they desired, addeth; Though we be accounted as Reprobates, Cor. 1.2. Undervalue and despise us as you please, yet if you be holy,