A60194:2245
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 17
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.
Let men be never so great, if they be such as S. Paul here declines from himself, that they use lightness, they lose their authority. Authority is the special help that Governors have to rule, and that Ministers have to prevail: now, nothing weakens esteem and authority more, then when men are tossed between the waves of contrary affections: when men are such as we know not where to have them, as we say, off, and on; fast, and loose: one while fitting, another, standing: no man will build on them, or much regard their love, or hatred.
Let men be never so great, if they be such as S. Paul here declines from himself, that they use lightnesse, they lose their authority. Authority is the special help that Governours have to rule, and that Ministers have to prevail: now, nothing weakens esteem and authority more, then when men are tossed between the waves of contrary affections: when men are such as we know not where to have them, as we say, off, and on; fast, and loose: one while fitting, another, standing: no man will build on them, or much regard their love, or hatred.
Now you know Authority is a beam of Majesty, and God hath put it upon Magistrates above others; and imprinted likewise the respect of it in the peoples hearts, to maintain the World, the pillars of the earth will shake else, as the Psalmist saith. What would become of the Pillars of Government, if it were not for Authority in them that are above, and respect of that Authority, an impression of it in them that are under.
Now there are many grounds of Authority, as success, when God blesseth them with it wonderfully to admiration; and good parts, &c. but ⟨p. 360⟩one main Ground of Authority is Constancy, and firmness: this raiseth a high respect in the hearts of the people.