A60194:3041
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.
So that in these and such like other respects, the Spirit of God by it self, together with the graces of it, and the comforts it bringeth, (for they go both together) are called an Earnest.
Hence then (having thus cleared the words) we may observe some particular Doctrines. As first, I Observe from the first property of an Earnest, that it secures the whole bargain this, That A Christian ought to be, and may be assured of his estate in grace.1
- 1Observ. A Christian man be assured of his estate in grace.
Because (as I said before) an Earnest is given for security, and that not so much for Gods sake, as for our sakes; this then must needs follow, either none have this earnest, or those that have it may be assured, or else God is fickle and plays fast and loose with his children, which is blasphemy to affirm. If none have this earnest, then the Apostle speaks false, when he saith here, he stablisheth us, and gives us the earnest of his Spirit, and us with you, both together; ordinary Christians as well as grand ones, as well as Paul, may be assured of their salvation. And if this be so, then either those that have this earnest, this seal of the Spirit, they may be assured, or no; and if not, where is the fault? doth not God mean in good earnest to them when he gives them this? undoubtedly he doth; and why is it given but for assurance? he is desirous that we should be persuaded of his love in all things, and therefore Gods Children they may, and they ought to be assured of his love in this world.
Because (as I said before) an Earnest is given for security, and that not so much for Gods sake, as for our sakes; this then must needs follow, either none have this earnest, or those that have it may be assured, or else God is fickle and playes fast and loose with his children, which is blasphemy to affirm. If none have this earnest, then the Apostle speakes false, when he saith here, he stablisheth us, and gives us the earnest of his Spirit, and us with you, both together; ordinary Christians as well as grand ones, as well as Paul, may be assured of their salvation. And if this be so, then either those that have this earnest, this seal of the Spirit, they may be assured, or no; and if not, where is the fault? doth not God mean in good earnest to them when he gives them this? undoubtedly he doth; and why is it given but for assurance? he is desirous that we should be perswaded of his love in all things, and therefore Gods Children they may, and they ought to be assured of his love in this world.