A60194:437
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 2
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.
And so whatsoever inward comforts we have, it is for the comfort of others, we are debtors of it; whatsoever ability we have, as occasion is offered, if there be a necessity in those that are of the same body with our selves, we ought to regard them in pity and compassion. If we should see a poor creature cast himself into a whirlpool, or plunge himself into some desperate pit, were we not accessory to his death, if we should not help him, if we would not pull one out of the fire? Oh yes; and is not the soul in as great danger? and is not mercy to the soul the greatest mercy? shall we see others ready to be swallowed up in the pit of despair, with heaviness of spirit, shall we see them dejected, and not take it to heart? but either we are unable to Minister a word of comfort to them, or else unwilling: as if we were of Cains disposition, that we would look to our selves only: we are none of their keepers.
And so whatsoever inward comforts we have, it is for the comfort of others, we are debtors of it; whatsoever ability we have, as occasion is of•ered, if there be a necessity in those that are of the same body with our selves, we ought to regard them in pitty and compassion. If we should see a poor creature cast himself into a whirlpoole, or plunge himself into some desperate pit, were we not accessorie to his death, if we should not help him, if we would not pull one out of the fire? Oh yes; and is not the soul in as great danger? and is not mercy to the soul the greatest mercy? shall we see others ready to be swallowed up in the pit of despair, with heaviness of spirit, shall we see them dejected, and not take it to heart? but either we are unable to Minister a word of comfort to them, or else unwilling: as if we were of Cains disposition, that we would look to our selves only: we are none of their keepers.
It is a miserable thing to profess our selves to be members of that body whereof Christ is the Head, to profess the communion of Saints, and yet to be so dead hearted in these particular Exigences and occasions. It lies upon us as a duty, if God convey comfort to us from others: and his end in comforting us any way, of putting any comfort in our hands outward or inward, it is to comfort others, if we do it not, we are liable to sin, to the breach of Gods command, and we frustrate Gods end.