2. The next thing occurring in the words is the manner of the Exhortation, [Greek or Hebrew], we desire. Chrysostom is large in this place in the consideration of this 1word, and the wisdom of the Apostle in the use of it. From him Oecumenius observes a difference between [Greek or Hebrew] and [Greek or Hebrew]. For they suppose that the word here used includeth both intense Affections, and earnest, diligent, actual desire. And that it doth intend an earnest desire, we showed in the consideration of the word foregoing. And the word is never used in the New Testament, but either in a bad sense, to express the impetuous acting of Lust, as Matth. 5. 28. Gal. 5. 17. Rom. 1. 1. or a most fervent desiring of any thing that is good, Luke 15. 16. Luke 16. 21. chap. 17. 22. chap. 22. 15. And such ought to be the desire of Ministers towards the profiting of their people. There will be a dead, cold, lifeless Administration of the Word, where Ministers have not ardent desires after the profiting and stability of the Hearers. How were it to be wished that all who are called unto the care and charge of the Souls of men, would continually propose unto themselves the example of this Apostle! Do we think that the care, solicitude, watchfulness, tender Love and Affections, earnest and fervent desires of their good, expressed in Prayers, Tears, Travails and Dangers, which he every where testifieth towards all the Churches under his care, were Duties prescribed unto him alone, or Graces necessary for him only? Do we not think that they are all of them required ⟨p. 118⟩of us, according unto our measure, and the extent of our employment? The Lord help men and open their Eyes before it be too late, for either the Gospel is not true, or there are few who in a due manner discharge that Ministry which they take upon them.
2. The next thing occurring in the words is the manner of the Exhortation, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, we desire. Chrysostome is large in this place in the consideration of this 1word, and the wisdom of the Apostle in the use of it. From him Oecumenius observes a difference between 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 and 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. For they suppose that the word here used includeth both intense Affections, and earnest, diligent, actual desire. And that it doth intend an earnest desire, we shewed in the consideration of the word foregoing. And the word is never used in the New Testament, but either in a bad sense, to express the impetuous acting of Lust, as Matth. 5. 28. Gal. 5. 17. Rom. 1. 1. or a most fervent desiring of any thing that is good, Luke 15. 16. Luke 16. 21. chap. 17. 22. chap. 22. 15. And such ought to be the desire of Ministers towards the profiting of their people. There will be a dead, cold, lifeless Administration of the Word, where Ministers have not ardent desires after the profiting and stability of the Hearers. How were it to be wished that all who are called unto the care and charge of the Souls of men, would continually propose unto themselves the example of this Apostle! Do we think that the care, solicitude, watchfulness, tender Love and Affections, earnest and fervent desires of their good, expressed in Prayers, Tears, Travails and Dangers, which he every where testifieth towards all the Churches under his care, were Duties prescribed unto him alone, or Graces necessary for him only? Do we not think that they are all of them required ⟨p. 118⟩of us, according unto our measure, and the extent of our employment? The Lord help men and open their Eyes before it be too late, for either the Gospel is not true, or there are few who in a due manner discharge that Ministry which they take upon them.
- 1[Greek or Hebrew]〈non-Latin alphabet〉
