A60194:670
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.
Now as it is good for the Speaker to be well conceited: so it is a good, preparative in the Hearer, it hath a winning power in the party hoped of, it is a great attractive: for we willingly hear those that conceit good of us. St. Paul here works upon the natural disposition in all, which is, that they love to be well thought of, and natural dispositions are strong. It is the natural disposition for every man to love where he is well thought of, and it is not sinful (unless it be in vain-glory) to desire to have good place in the esteem of others. And there a man will labour to carry himself answerable to the good conceit had of him.
Now as it is good for the Speaker to be well conceited: so it is a good, preparative in the Hearer, it hath a winning power in the partie hoped of, it is a great attractive: for we willingly heare those that conceit good of us. St. Paul here works upon the naturall disposition in all, which is, that they love to be well thought of, and natural dispositions are strong. It is the natural disposition for every man to love where he is well thought of, and it is not sinful (unless it be in vain-glory) to desire to have good place in the esteem of others. And there a man will labour to carrie himself answerable to the good conceit had of him.
There is a conflict in the worst man, where he is well conceited of, he labours to maintain it, except it be those that are mightily enthralled, as some wretches are, to blasphemy, and to a cursed life that they care not; but else if they be well thought of, it will stir them up to maintain it, he is a dissolute man, he is not a man so far as he is careless of this, he is brutish, and senseless. St. Paul in saying, Our hope is steadfast concerning you. He wins himself into their good opinion, and so by that means, he hoped to prevail with them for greater matters: So hope it stirs up men to do good; and it makes the other willing to receive good: for it makes them willing to content them that hope well of them. St. Paul was led with this heavenly wisdom, and that which made him so industrious, was hope of prevailing; and that which made him prevail with others, was the good conceit he had of them. He would gather upon every one; when he saw Agrippa come on a little, Agrippa, believest thou the Scriptures? I know thou believest; Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian, saith he, and so he comes in a little. It is good as much as may be to have hope of others.