A60194:615
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.
Therefore have we not cause to suspect our selves, that we are in smooth ways and find no crosses? God doth give respite to his children, they have breathing times, they are not alway under crosses; he is merciful, perhaps they have not strength enough he will not bring them to the lists, to the stage, ⟨p. 112⟩because they are not enabled, they have not strength enough. But they that have a continual tenor of prosperity may well suspect themselves. If one have direction to such a place, and they tell him there are such ways, deep waters, that except he take heed, he will be drowned, and step into holes, and they are craggy ways, and if he meet with none of these, he may well think he is not in his way. So the way to Heaven, it is through afflictions; we must endure many afflictions, saith the Apostle here, Salvation is wrought by enduring the same afflictions, that you see in us. Now if I suffer and endure nothing; if I cannot endure so much as a Fillip, a disgrace, a frown, a scorn for Christ: if the way be over smooth, it is not the way to heaven certainly: the way is not strewed with roses; we must have our Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel. They must be well shod that go among thorns, and they had need to be well fenced, that go the way to heaven, it is a thorny rugged way, but it is no matter what the way be, so it bring us to Heaven: but certainly if the way be too smooth, we ought to suspect our selves.
Therfore have we not cause to suspect our selvs, that we are in smooth ways and find no crosses? God doth give respit to his children, they have breathing times, they are not alway under crosses; he is mercifull, perhaps they have not strength enough he will not bring them to the lists, to the stage, ⟨p. 112⟩because they are not inabled, they have not strength enough. But they that have a continuall tenour of prosperity may well suspect themselves. If one have direction to such a place, and they tell him there are such ways, deep waters, that except he take heed, he will be drowned, and step into holes, and they are craggie wayes, and if he meet with none of these, he may wel think he is not in his way. So the way to Heaven, it is through afflictions; we must indure many afflictions, saith the Apostle here, Salvation is wrought by induring the same afflictions, that you see in us. Now if I suffer and indure nothing; if I cannot indure so much as a Filip, a disgrace, a frowne, a scorne for Christ: if the way be over smooth, it is not the way to heaven certainly: the way is not strewed with roses; we must have our Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel. They must be well shod that go among thorns, and they had need to be wel fenced, that go the way to heaven, it is a thorny rugged way, but it is no matter what the way be, so it bring us to Heaven: but certainly if the way be too smooth, we ought to suspect our selves.