A60194:2206
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.
When S. Paul saith, he intended to bestow a second grace; his meaning is, that he would utter things that were gracious, that the Spirit of God should seal to the souls of them that heard him, and make them effectual.
When S. Paul saith, he intended to bestow a second grace; his meaning is, that he would utter things that were gracious, that the Spirit of God should seal to the soules of them that heard him, and make them effectuall.
Therefore every Christian should have this disposition: Saint Paul did it as a holy man, as well as a Minister. Do we think our selves vessels of grace, (as the Scripture calls the Elect, Children of God,) or no? Yes, God forbid else. Now Gods Children, God hath appointed some to be vessels of Gold, some of Silver, (as the Apostle saith to Timothy,) some for this use, and some for that: all for good use. A vessel is to be filled with something, and to be used for something: therefore set abroach some good thing when you have the advantage of it, when you are called to it; not unnecessarily to thrust forward your selves. Let the desire of your hearts be to do good upon all occasions. A vessel of Grace must not be an empty vessel. A Christian he is a member of Christ, and he hath a part in the communion of Saints, and he hath gifts for that end: there is no Christian, but he can comfort, or instruct, or dissuade from ill when it is moved. There is no Christian, but he is furnished as a member ought to be, in some competent measure. There is no man that hath benefit by the communion of Saints, but he hath grace to fit him for that blessed communion: He is fitted to comfort, upon occasion; and he hath some grace, some knowledge to correct: he that hath not is a dead member, not fit for that communion. Therefore we should bestow Grace where we come; and not leave an ill sent behind us, to infect others with filthy speeches, and blasphemous oaths, to open the rottenness of our own hearts in their presence, and so be conscious of that which is ill in them, because we strengthen it by our example, and by our words. S. Paul was a good man. I come to bestow a second grace, that is, to speak that which is gracious, that Gods gracious providence shall direct to do you special good. For Gods Word is inspired by the Spirit; and the same Spirit that breathed the Word of God into the Penmen of it, the same Spirit is with the Word in the uttering of it: when it is done by a gracious heart, to a gracious man, it works graciously, it hath a blessed operation with it.