A60194:657
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 7
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.
If this be so, then why should we be offended at Gods order? why should we not take it, not only gently and meekly, but joyfully, the afflictions that God sends to prepare, and fit us for happiness, to sharpen our desire to happiness, to make it precious to us? Certainly it is a ground not only of patience and meekness, but of joy and comfort in all the things we suffer. Will a Patient be angry with his Chirurgeon for searching of his wound? he knows that that is the way to cure him? Will any man take offence at the Gold-Smith for purging his mass? they know that is the way to purify it, and fetch out the dross.
If this be so, then why should we be offended at Gods order? why should we not take it, not onely gently and meekly, but joyfully, the afflictions that God sends to prepare, and fit us for happiness, to sharpen our desire to happiness, to make it pretious to us? Certainly it is a ground not onely of patience and meekness, but of joy and comfort in all the things we suffer. Will a Patient be angrie with his Chyrurgion for searching of his wound? he knows that that is the way to cure him? Will any man take offence at the Gold-Smith for purging his mass? they know that is the way to purifie it, and fetch out the dross.
This is the method in nature, the ground must be ploughed and prepared, and then comes the harvest: let us be content with this method, and rejoice in any suffering, knowing it will have a blessed issue: and not to think much at suffering any thing for a good cause in our selves, or by way of sympathy, or support with others, because this is the high way to a better estate,: if we suffer with the Church, or for the Church any kind of way, we shall be comforted with the Church. It is that which sweetens the cross, that we are under hope of better still. Who would not endure a little grievance in the way to have honour in the end? to have ill usage in an Inn, and to go to a Kingdom? All our discomforts and afflictions are but by the way here, and crosses are necessary for Travellers, and here we are but in a travelling estate. It should I say encourage us not to take offence at any thing, that God exerciseth us with in this world, nor to take scandal at the afflictions of the Church.