A60194:2164
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 15
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.
Oh, say some, a lively voice hath not alway that Energy, that operation, 1that writing and reading have: for we see S. Paul's Epistle was more ⟨p. 347⟩terrible then his presence. It is the Objection of men that content themselves in their own idleness, wresting of such places as this. Among the rest, 2 Cor. 10. 10. say they, His bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible, but his letters seem terrible. Therefore this is not alway true, That bodily presence hath more efficacy then writing.
Oh, say some, a lively voice hath not alway that Energy, that operation, 1that writing and reading have: for we see S. Paul's Epistle was more ⟨p. 347⟩terrible then his presence. It is the Objection of men that content themselves in their own idlenesse, wresting of such places as this. Among the rest, 2 Cor. 10. 10. say they, His bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible, but his letters seem terrible. Therefore this is not alway true, That bodily presence hath more efficacy then writing.
- 1Object.
I answer briefly, Saint Paul compares not here his bodily presence with 1his letters, as if his letters were more efficacious then his bodily presence: but he compares his mild dealing, being present, with his sharp dealing, being absent: his letters indeed were sharper then his presence: But to take away such Cavils, he tells them after that they shall know (if they reform not,) that his presence shall be as sharp as his writings. Let such a one think this, Such as we are in word being absent, such will we be when we are present. We will be as sharp (if you reform not) in our presence, as we were absent. So he compares the sharpness of his letter with the sweetness of his presence. It is not to be taken in that sense that his letters were more effectual of themselves then his presence: for he saith the contrary, You shall know that my presence shall be as sharp as my letter was. Therefore it is but a Cavil to think there is more efficacy in Reading, then in Preaching. That you might have a second Grace.