Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace…

Not to insist on the Connection, We have in the words these Four things, 1. Pauls continued cheerfulness, notwithstanding his formerly mentioned […], This is our rejoicing. 2. The ground and rise of this spiritual, and solid joy, that no affliction can remove from him, The testimony of our conscience; in his affliction and tribulation he taketh a back-look of his way, and findeth his Conscience no• simply speaking, but testifying good on his hehalf, telling him, that though he and his fellows were accounted deceivers, and unknown. yet they were true and well-known, &c. As it is, 2 Cor. 6. v. 8. 3ly. The extent, or amplification of this ground, 1. More generally, we have had our conversation in the world, (which is to be restricted to Pauls Conversation after his Conversion, in his Ministry, and otherwayes; For, though a natural man may have a blameless visible Conversation, yet it is not such as a renewed man hath for the ground of his rejoicing) 2. More particularly, he not only had a good Conversation, as to the general tract of his Life, but in his carriage towards the Corinthians in particular, with whom he had been so much, and so long conversant; and more abundantly to you-wards; what ever they might, through the suggestion, and instigation of false Teachers, have been disposed, and ready to upbraid him with, yet he had the Testimony of his sincerity, and integrity, as to what all the world could say of him, which he allegeth, and more abundantly towards you; Partly to show his distinctness in searching his Conscience, not by the Lump (to speak so) but as to the several parts and pieces of his Life; and partly to obviate an Objection, or Calumny that might arise among them, whe•e his conversation was most; and most carped at. 4ly. We have the Characters ⟨p. 186⟩whereby he confirms this Testimony of his Conscience, or the qualifications of it, whereby his confidence of having it, is confirmed; Which are Four, The 1. whereof is negative, not by fleshly wisdom, Not seeking my own ends, nor my own good in a carnal way; neither by carnal reason prosecuting the work of the Ministry; The other three are positive, The 2. Is simplicity, that is, a holy singleness in reference to the end; He was a straight upright single man, and in nothing double. The 3d. is, That is was in godly sincerity;