A60194:1786
A learned commentary or exposition
A learned commentary or exposition: upon the first chapter of the second Epistle of S. Paul to the Corinthians Being the substance of many sermons formerly preached at Gray's-Inn, London, by that reverend and judicious divine, Richard Sibbs, D.D. Sometimes Master of Catherine-Hall in Cambridge, and preacher to that honourable society. Published for the public good and benefit of the Church of Christ. By Tho. Manton, B.D. and preacher of the Gospel at Stoke-Newington, near London.A learned commentary or exposition: upon the first chapter of the second Epistle of S. Paul to the Corinthians Being the substance of many sermons formerly preached at Grayes-Inne, London, by that reverend and judicious divine, Richard Sibbs, D.D. Sometimes Master of Catherine-Hall in Cambridge, and preacher to that honourable society. Published for the publick good and benefit of the Church of Christ. By Tho. Manton, B.D. and preacher of the Gospel at Stoake-Newington, near London.
London: printed by J.L. for N.B., 1655
A COMMENTARY upon the first CHAPTER of the second Epistle of S. PAU… › Commentary on verse 12
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Therefore when any base thought, opposite to the Majesty of God, and his Truth, and to the Spirit of God moving our hearts, ariseth in our hearts, think, This is the motion of mine enemy, of an enemy that lurks in my bosom, of God's enemy, of a Traitor: let us renounce it, and be abased, and censure our selves for it, as holy David did, So foolish was I, &c. Crush all thoughts, and devices of carnal wisdom in the beginning.
Therefore when any base thought, opposite to the Majestie of God, and his Truth, and to the Spirit of God moving our hearts, ariseth in our hearts, think, This is the motion of mine enemy, of an enemy that lurks in my bosome, of Godsenemy, of a Traitor: let us renounce it, and be abased, and censure our selves for it, as holy David did, So foolish was I, &c. Crush all thoughts, and devices of carnal wisdome in the beginning.
We see that the Godly, they ought not, nor do not lead their lives by fleshly wisdom: nay, take it in the best sense; take it for the rules of reason: they do not lead their lives altogether by the light of nature, but only 1in those things wherein the light of nature, and reason may be a Judge. For the light of reason, the principle of reason, is given us as a candle in the dark night of this world, to lead us in Civil, and in common actions, and it hath its use: but yet natural reason it becomes carnal reason in a man that is carnal; All things are impure to him that is impure, even his very light is darkness. Not that the light of nature, and that reason (which is a part of the Image of God) is in it self evil; it is good in it self, but the vessel taints it. Those that have great parts of learning, that have great wits, and helps of learning as much as may be, what do they? they trust in them, and so they stain them. Therefore Luther was wont to say, Good works are good, but to trust in good works is damnable. So nature, and reason, and learning they are ⟨p. 289⟩good in themselves; but trusting in them they become carnal, when a man neglects better rules for them; when men scorn Religion (as your Politicians usually do,) then natural reason in regard of this tainture it becomes Carnal. Not with fleshly wisdom, or not with natural wisdom, as it is a higher rule of life.