A60194:543
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 5
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 if there be inward grievances too? Then we have deeper comforts then they: the cross is never so deep but the comfort is deeper, Oh the depth of the wisdom and love of God! there is the part and dimension of Gods love, the depth of it. There is a depth in crosses. Out of the deep have I cried to thee. But there is a deeper depth of comfort, there is a hand under to fetch us up at the lowest, Thy right hand is upon me, and thy left hand is under me saith the Church to God: there is comfort lower, and deeper then the grievance, though it be inward, spiritual grievance. Nay, of all grievances, (I know what I speak a little of mine own experience, and it is true in the experience of all Ministers, and Christians) that there is none that have more help then they that are exercised with spiritual temptations ⟨p. 97⟩of conscience, they are forced to search for deep comforts, shallow comforts will not serve their turn, and when they have them, they keep them, and make much of them, they have more retired and deep thoughts of Christ, and of comforts then other people, who as they are strangers to their crosses, so they are strangers to their comfort. There is no degree of proportion between the crosses and the comforts, the crosses are momentary, the comforts are growing, the crosses make us not await the worse, and the comforts make us better. Fear nothing therefore, but go on in the ways of religion, and never be discouraged to suffer in a good cause for fear of men, to think, oh this will come, and that will come. No, no, if the sufferings grow, the comforts shall grow with it, be of good comfort.
But what if there be inward grievances too? Then we have deeper comforts then they: the crosse is never so deep but the comfort is deeper, Oh the depth of the wisedom and love of God! there is the part and dimension of Gods love, the depth of it. There is a depth in crosses. Out of the deep have I cryed to thee. But there is a deeper depth of comfort, there is a hand under to fetch us up at the lowest, Thy right hand is upon me, and thy left hand is under me saith the Church to God: there is comfort lower, and deeper then the greivance, though it be inward, spirituall greivance. Nay, of all grievances, (I know what I speak a little of mine own experience, and it is true in the experience of all Ministers, and Christians) that there is none that have more help then they that are exercised with spirituall temptations ⟨p. 97⟩