A60194:2312
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.
When we come to hear Gods Word, we should consider that we come not for recreation; but we come to a Counsellor, to that that should sway, and direct all our ways and words, to that that is not only our comfort in the time of affliction, but our counsellor, as David saith, it was the man of his counsel. So we come here to be counselled, to hear that which must direct us in the way to heaven: we must come with a purpose to be guided by that, to be taught: As Cornelius faith, We are here in the presence of God, to hear what shall be said to us from God. Saint Paul gives this direction, 1 Cor. 3. If a man will be wise in heavenly things, let him be a fool first. It is a strange thing, Let him be a fool, that is, let him be content to be esteemed so, let him be content to lose his reputation of wisdom, that he may be wise. When he knows others to be fools, let him take a substantial course, that the vain world may think him wise.
When we come to hear Gods Word, we should consider that we come not for recreation; but we come to a Counsellour, to that that should sway, and direct all our wayes and words, to that that is not onely our comfort in the time of affliction, but our counsellour, as David saith, it was the man of his counsel. So we come here to be counselled, to hear that which must direct us in the way to heaven: we must come with a purpose to be guided by that, to be taught: As Cornelius faith, We are here in the presence of God, to hear what shall be said to us from God. Saint Paul gives this direction, 1 Cor. 3. If a man will be wise in heavenly things, let him be a fool first. It is a strange thing, Let him be a fool, that is, let him be content to be esteemed so, let him be content to lose his reputation of wisdome, that he may be wise. When he knowes others to be fooles, let him take a substantial course, that the vain world may think him wise.
It is hard counsel: for of all imputations in the world, many, and the most had rather be accounted wicked, then be accounted fools: account them the veriest fools which are unfit to speak; think of them in the highest degree of ill you can, oh they have wit enough for that, they have learning, and parts for that; take not away their learning, and parts, account them not fools, account them what you will. Religion masters this base opinion. Saint Paul saith, Let a man be a fool, if he will be wise. Let no man deceive himself, and think, Let poor men be so, and so: Religion is the private mans good, and let them make conscience of such things; but for us that are in place and authority, we must rule by policy, and he knows not how to rule that is not a Politician. Let no man deceive himself; there is no man, great or small, but if he will be wise for heaven, let him be a fool, let him take courses that are conscionable, though he be accounted a fool for his pains.