A60194:2197
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.
So when we have any means prepared to bring us to that end, the offer of the Word, and the Spirit of God disposing us to embrace the Word; this preparing of the means to that end, it falls within the compass of Predestination, we may gather our Election by it: when we see the Word sent in favour, and have gracious hearts to receive it; this is a preparation wrought to bring us to heaven, a man may know his Election by it: all is of grace that falls within the decree of grace. When God decrees to bring a man to heaven, all that helps to the main must needs be grace. The Minister is a grace, the Word a grace, opportunities to do good, a grace; the communion of Saints a grace, all that helps a man forward is a grace. A gracious heart sees God in every thing, it sees Gods love in every thing: it considers of every thing that befalls it as a Grace. Why? From this disposition especially, because with the grace, there is grace to make a blessed use of, and to improve every thing.
So when we have any means prepared to bring us to that end, the offer of the Word, and the Spirit of God disposing us to imbrace the Word; this preparing of the means to that end, it falls within the compasse of Predestination, we may gather our Election by it: when we see the Word sent in favour, and have gracious hearts to receive it; this is a preparation wrought to bring us to heaven, a man may know his Election by it: all is of grace that falls within the decree of grace. When God decrees to bring a man to heaven, all that helps to the main must needs be grace. The Minister is a grace, the Word a grace, opportunities to do good, a grace; the communion of Saints a grace, all that helps a man forward is a grace. A gracious heart sees God in every thing, it sees Gods love in every thing: it considers of every thing that befalls it as a Grace. Why? From this disposition especially, because with the grace, there is grace to make a blessed use of, and to improve every thing.
If this be so, let us look upon every benefit that concerns salvation, (though it be remote) even the very direction of good speeches to us, account 1it a grace. It is the grace of God that I have this opportunity, especially the public Ministry. Saint Paul calls it a grace: let us think of it as a grace. And as we do in Clocks, we go from the hammer that strikes, to the wheels, and from one wheel to another, and so to the weights that make it strike; we go to the first weight, the first wheel that moves all, and leads all. So when we see good done, look not to the good done only, but go to the wheels, to the weights, what moves it, and makes it strike? what sets all a going? The grace, and free love of God: when good things are spoken, when any good is done, go higher to the first wheel that sets all a going, to the grace, and free love of God. This is the language of the Scripture, and of the Spirit of God: thus we must speak and think, to the end that God may have the glory of his grace in whatsoever good is done, or offered.