A60194:2291
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.
So there is flesh and blood to hinder in every good thing: the flesh will be foisting bad ends, or bad moving causes, and the flesh will be ready to ⟨p. 366⟩keep us from reforming ill from fear of danger. And if we do ill, and be in ill, it will be ready to keep us in ill: Oh, it is time enough to repent, &c. a thousand such policies the flesh hath to keep us in ill till we be in hell it self. Who would be advised, and take counsel by such an enemy?
So there is flesh and blood to hinder in every good thing: the flesh will be foysting bad ends, or bad moving causes, and the flesh will be ready to ⟨p. 366⟩keep us from reforming ill from fear of danger. And if we do ill, and be in ill, it will be ready to keep us in ill: Oh, it is time enough to repent, &c. a thousand such policies the flesh hath to keep us in ill till we be in hell it self. Who would be advised, and take counsel by such an enemy?
Therefore let us take heed; we have it in us, but let it live in us only, and not rule in us; although it will be in us as long as we live, yet let us 1not be ruled by it, let us not admit it to counsel, but suppress it, and keep it under. Especially those that are Magistrates, that are called to public business: let them not bring private respects to public business, but bring public hearts to intend the good of Religion, and of their Country, before any private interest whatsoever. And not consult according to the flesh; If I do this, I shall displease such and such: that is no matter. If it were not for Religion, if a man have a public mind, such as the very Heathens had, he would lay aside base respects in public business. Therefore I humbly desire such to examine deeply their intentions and purposes, what they aim at; whether to serve God, and the Church, and their Country, or to serve themselves: that if so be they may be safe, they care not what befall their Country, or Religion, or whatsoever. That is it that moves God to indignation, to cross their intentions: for when God sees they set earth above heaven, the world present before the world to come; and the dirt of the world, base respects before those that are greater, that they invert the order of things, he crosseth them in that they aim at, because they cross him in neglecting their duty. Therefore as we would have things succeed well, let us labour to consult not according to the flesh, for our private advantage; but for what may make most first for Religion, and then for the public good.