A60194:2646
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 20
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.
For the issue in our labours, Oh, what will become of it? we take pains 1to no purpose, we rise early, and go to bed late, what will become of all in the issue? What saith Saint Paul? 1 Cor. 15. Be constant, alway abounding in the work of the Lord: be ye abundant in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord: therefore abound you in the work of the Lord: let the issue go to God, you have a rich promise, Knowing this, that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Therefore you know, when Peter had fished all night, and had caught nothing; when Christ bids him cast the net into the Sea: saith he, We have fished all night, and catched nothing, to what purpose should I cast it? yet in thy Word, in thy command I will cast it; he obeyed, and he drew so many, that the net brake again with the fish. So, I say, it is thy command, Lord, that I should go on in the duties of my calling, that I should do that that belongs to me; and in well doing, to commit my self to thee as to a faithful Creator, and a gracious Redeemer, and to cast my self on thy Promises, do what thou wilt: you shall see then as the Apostle graciously speaks, Your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. Cast your care on him: for he cares for you.2
- 1For issue of our labours.
- 2In weak performances.
I but when we have done, there are so many imperfections cleave to that we do, that they discourage us. Why look, the Promise is Yea, and Amen for acceptance, a cup of cold water is accepted: offer that thou doest in the mediation of Christ: God will pardon that which is faulty, and accept that which is good. So we have Promises of acceptance in Christ, God will pardon, and spare us as a Father spares his child. Doth not a father accept the endeavour of his poor child, and pardon his weakness when he cannot do as he would? God looks on us as a Father on his children. Therefore let us not fear this, we have a promise of acceptance of what we do, though it be weak, and maimed, and lame obedience. If we cannot do as much as others, yet bring two Turtles. They that could not bring an Ox, a great sacrifice; a less was accepted, two Pigeons: if thou canst not do as much as others, a little sacrifice shall be accepted.