A60194:2976
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 22
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.
But what need confirmation when we believe? Is not faith confirmation enough? when a man may by a reflect act of the soul know that he is in the state of grace by believing?
It is true, as the natural conscience knows what is in a man, as the natural judgment can reflect, so the spiritual understanding can reflect; and when he believes, he knows that he believes, without the Spirit, by the reflect act of the understanding (except he be in case of temptation) what needs sealing then?
It is true, as the natural conscience knows what is in a man, as the natural judgment can reflect, so the spiritual understanding can reflect; and when he believes, he knowes that he believes, without the Spirit, by the reflect act of the understanding (except he be in case of temptaton) what needs sealing then?
This act of ours in believing, and the knowledge of our believing it is oft terribly shaken: and God is wondrous desirous (as we see by the whole passage of the Scripture) that we should be secure of his love; he knows that he can have no glory, and we can have no comfort else: and rherefore when we by faith have sealed to his truth, he knows that we need still further sealing, that our faith be current and good, and to strengthen our faith, for all is little enough in the time of temptation; and therefore the single witness of our soul by the reflect act, knowing that we do believe when we do believe, it is not strong enough in great temptations; for in some trials the soul is so carried and hurried, that it cannot reflect upon it self, nor know what is in it self, without much ado: therefore first the Spirit works faith whereby we seal Gods truth, Joh. 3. He that believes, hath put to his seal that God is true: when God by his Spirit moves me to honour him by sealing his truth, that Whosoever believes in Christ, shall be saved, then God seals this my belief with an addition of his holy Spirit: so that this sealing is a work upon believing; and as faith honours God, so God honours faith with a superadded seal and confirmation.