A60194:569
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 6
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.
How can this be that the afflictions of Gods people, are for the consolation and salvation of others?
I answer, many ways, as we shall see afterwards more particularly: but only now to make way. Afflictions are for the good and comfort of others, because we have their example in suffering, to train us up how to suffer: Example is a forcible kind of teaching; therefore (saith the Apostle) our afflictions are for you, to lead, and teach you the way how to suffer. Words are not enough, especially in matter of suffering, there must be some example; therefore Christ from Heaven came, not only to redeem us, but to teach us; not only by words but by example, how to do, and suffer willingly, and cheerfully, and stoutly in obedience to God as he did.
I answer, many wayes, as we shall see afterwards more particularly: but onely now to make way. Afflictions are for the good and comfort of others, because we have their example in suffering, to traine us up how to suffer: Example is a forcible kinde of teaching; therefore (saith the Apostle) our afflictions are for you, to lead, and teach you the way how to suffer. Words are not enough, especially in matter of suffering, there must be some example; therefore Christ from Heaven came, not onely to redeem us, but to teach us; not onely by words but by example, how to doe, and suffer willingly, and chearfully, and stoutly in obedience to God as he did.
Again, Afflictions do good to others by ministering occasion to them, to search deeper into the cause: when they they see the people of God are so used, they take occasion hereby to enquire what is the cause, and so take occasion to be instructed deeply in matters of Religion: for mans nature is inquisitive, and grace takes the hint of any thing: What is the matter that such and such endure such things? Hereupon I say they come to be better grounded in the cause, & little occasions oft times are the beginnings of great matters: by reason that the spirit as well as wit is of a working nature, and will draw one thing from another. We see what a great Tree riseth of a little seed, how a little thing upon report worketh conversion Naaman the Assyrian had a Servant, and she told him that there was a Prophet in Jury that was a famous man, that did great matters, and if he would go to him, he should be cured of his leprosy; that little occasion being ministered Naaman comes to the Prophet, and he was cured of a double leprosy, both of soul and body, and went home a good man; so by way of ministering occasion of inquisition the sufferings of others do good.