A sermon preached before the Right Honourable the House of Peers, in the Abbey…A sermon preached before the Right Honourable the House of Peeres, in the Abbey…

At this time Paul was in prison at Rome. These Philippians hearing it, having received the Gospel by his Ministry, send Epaphroditus their Minister to visit him, and by him they send relief to his necessities. Pauls sufferings did not take off their hearts from him or his doctrine. It is not the way to prevail against Saints, against truths, or ways of God, to use violence against them; hypocrites may be taken off that way, but those who are sound, will be the more confirmed.

At this time Paul was in prison at Rome. These Philippians hearing it, having received the Gospel by his Ministery, send Epaphroditus their Minister to visit him, and by him they send reliefe to his necessities. Pauls sufferings did not take off their hearts from him or his doctrine. It is not the way to prevail against Saints, against truths, or wayes of God, to use violence against them; hypocrites may be taken off that way, but those who are sound, will be the more confirmed.

Now upon the Philippians sending to relieve him in prison, Paul takes this occasion to write this Epistle to them, wherein he manifests his rejoicing at their care of him: but because some might think he loved to receive gifts from them, (which indeed are oftentimes snares, not only to the ministers of Justice, but to the ministers of the Gospel) No, says Paul, it is not in respect of want that I thus write to you, want troubles me not, do not think that I desire to gain by my imprisonment, for I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content. Let it be want or not, it makes no great difference in my estate, for I know how to be abased, and how to abound: in every thing I am instructed.

Now upon the Philippians sending to relieve him in prison, Paul takes this occasion to write this Epistle to them, wherein he manifests his rejoycing at their care of him: but because some might think he loved to receive gifts from them, (which indeed are oftentimes snares, not onely to the ministers of Justice, but to the ministers of the Gospel) No, sayes Paul, it is not in respect of want that I thus write to you, want troubles me not, doe not think that I desire to gaine by my imprisonment, for I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content. Let it be want or not, it makes no great difference in my estate, for I know how to be abased, and how to abound: in every thing I am instructed.