A60194:827
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 8, 9
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.
We say of weak brains, that strong drink doth much weaken them, and so weak stomachs, hard meat will not digest in them, it will overcome them. And weak brains, though strong water overcome them not, yet it will weaken them: so in these things, great ⟨p. 146⟩parts, and great place, set a man further off from the Gospel. A great deal of corruption cannot be overcome and digested without a great measure of grace: the proportion of grace it must be great, it must be treble to men that have great matters in this world, it must be greater then to poorer men, who in a less distance from heaven.
We say of weak braines, that strong drink doth much weaken them, and so weak stomacks, hard meate will not digest in them, it will overcome them. And weake braines, though strong water overcome them not, yet it will weaken them: so in these things, great ⟨p. 146⟩parts, and great place, set a man further off from the Gospel. A great deale of coruption cannot be overcome and digested without a great measure of grace: the proportion of grace it must be great, it must be treble to men that have great matters in this world, it must be greater then to poorer men, who in a lesse distance from heaven.
Hence, we may see the reasons of Gods dispensation, why God doth 1seldom work by great means (I say seldom, sometimes he doth, to show that they are good means.) As it is said and observed by an ancient Father, that seldom he saw any good come by general counsels: why? they are good in themselves, but men trust too much upon them, and therefore God disappoints them of that they trust to. Because the naughty nature of man puts too much trust in these things, therefore God will not give that issue that we look for, but on the contrary a curse.
Hence, we may see the reasons of Gods dispensation, why God doth