A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

For as we observed before, they have nothing but what they have freely received. Yea, it is very suspicious that what any one boasteth of, is not Grace. For it is the Nature of all true Grace to exclude all boasting. He that by comparing himself with others, finds any other Issue in his thoughts, but either to admire Sovereign Grace, or to judge himself beneath them, is in an ill Condition, or at least in an ill frame. (2.) Nor to trust unto what they have received. There is none hath so much Grace, as not every moment to need Supplies with more. And he who like Peter trusteth unto that wherein he is above others, will one way or other be brought down beneath them all. (3.) Let such be greatly Fruitful, or this appearance of much Grace will issue in much darkness.

For as we observed before, they have nothing but what they have freely received. Yea, it is very suspitious that what any one boasteth of, is not Grace. For it is the Nature of all true Grace to exclude all boasting. He that by comparing himself with others, finds any other Issue in his thoughts, but either to admire Sovereign Grace, or to judge himself beneath them, is in an ill Condition, or at least in an ill frame. (2.) Nor to trust unto what they have received. There is none hath so much Grace, as not every moment to need Supplies with more. And he who like Peter trusteth unto that wherein he is above others, will one way or other be brought down beneath them all. (3.) Let such be greatly Fruitful, or this appearance of much Grace will issue in much darkness.

Secondly, God dealeth thus with Men as to Spiritual Gifts. Among those who are called, the Spirit divideth unto every one even as he will. Unto one he giveth five Talents, unto another two, and to a third but one. And this diversity depending merely on Gods Sovereignty is visible in all Churches. And as this tends in it self unto their Beauty and Edification, so there may be an abuse of it unto their disadvantage. For besides those disorders which the Apostle declares to have ensued, particularly in the Church of Corinth upon the undue Use and Exercise of Spiritual Gifts, there are sundry Evils which may befall particular Persons by reason of them, if their Original and End be not duly attended unto. For, (1.) Those who have received these Spiritual Gifts in any Eminent manner, may be apt to be lifted up with good Conceits of themselves, and even to despise their Brethren who come behind them therein. This Evil was openly prevalent in the Church of Corinth. (2.) Among those who have received them in some Equality, or would be thought so to have done, Emulations and perhaps Strifes thereon, are apt to ensue. One cannot well bear that the Gift of another should find more Acceptance, or be better Esteemed than his own. And another may be apt to extend himself beyond his due line and measure, because of them. And (3.) Those who have received them in the lowest degree, may be apt to despond, and refuse to Trade with what they have, because their Stock is Inferior unto their Neighbours. But what is all this to us? May not God do what he will with his own? If God will have some of the Sons of Abraham to pay Tithes, and some to receive them, is there any Ground of Complaint? Unto him that hath the most Eminent