1 Corinthians

This is that Christ prayed so heartily for (John 17:21): That they all may be one. Christians should be one, 1. in judgment; the Apostle exhorts to be all of one mind (1 Corinthians 1:10). How sad is it to see religion wearing a coat of diverse colors, to see Christians of so ma…

Branch 4. See the happy condition of the children of God, they have Christ to be their Prophet (Isaiah 54:13): All your children shall be taught of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:30): He is made to us wisdom. One man cannot see by another's eye; but believers see with Christ's eyes,…

This is the name whereby you shall be called, Jehovah Tzidkennu, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (1 Corinthians 1:30) He is made to us righteousness. This righteousness of Christ which does justify us, is a better righteousness than the angels; theirs is the righteousness of creatur…

In the text we are kept by the power of God to salvation; every person in the Trinity has a hand in making a believer persevere. God the Father establishes (2 Corinthians 1:21), God the Son confirms (1 Corinthians 1:8), God the Holy Ghost seals (Ephesians 1:13), so that it is th…

What is the weak breath of a man to convert a soul? It is like whispering in the ears of a dead man; this is foolishness in the eye of the world: but the Lord loves to show his wisdom by that which seems folly (1 Corinthians 1:27). He has chosen the foolish things of the world t…

Though God could work grace immediately by his Spirit, or by the ministry of angels from heaven, yet he chooses to work by the word preached; this is the usual means by which he sets up the kingdom of grace in the heart. And the reason is, because he has put his divine sanction…

Herein appears the distinguishing love of Christ, that the virtue of his death should reach some and not others. (1 Corinthians 1:26) Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. That Christ should pass by many of birth and parts, and that the l…

And Saint Augustine, in his book against Pelagius, affirms, that it has been the custom of the church in all ages to baptize infants: indeed, it was an apostolical practice. Saint Paul affirms, that he baptized the whole house of Stephanas (1 Corinthians 1:16). And as you have s…

Why do many apostatize and fall away, but because they did never sit down and count the cost. 2. If we would hold out to the kingdom, let us cherish the grace of faith (1 Corinthians 1:24): By faith you stand. Faith, like Hercules' club, beats down all oppositions before it; it…

And thus by this Covenant, the righteousness of Christ came to be, not only equivalent in virtue and worth, but the very actual price of the ransom of sinners (1 Timothy 2:6). Who gave himself a ransom: and Christ not only virtually but actually, properly, and according to Coven…

Quest. 19. What is an instituted Church of the Gospel? A society of persons, called out of the world, or their natural worldly state, by the administration of the Word and Spirit, to the obedience of the faith, or the knowledge and worship of God in Christ, joined together in an…

Answ. Professing believers, if not baptized in their infancy, and their infant seed. Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38, 39; Acts 16:33; 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 7:14; Colossians 2:12, 13; with Genesis 17:10, 11, 12. Quest. 39. Where, and to whom, is the ordinance of the Lord's S…

What righteousness is it then? That perfect righteousness whereby we are justified is that righteousness which was wrought by Christ, and inherent in his person (Isaiah 45:24, 25; Jeremiah 23:6; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:18, 19). How comes the righteousnes…

Q. But may not a true believer lose his faith, and so lose all these benefits that come by faith in this life, and fall short of eternal glory in the life to come? A. If he should finally lose his faith, it would be so indeed; but God that of his grace has wrought this faith in…

Thus Jeremiah would needs be reasoning with God about his dispensations toward wicked men (chapter 12:1-2) and Job about his dealings with himself (chapter 13:3). And reason being likewise the supreme principle in us by nature and our highest distinction as we are men — therefor…

His name likewise has an all-sufficiency in it to supply all our wants and desires and satisfy all scruples. For example, the name of his mentioned by the prophet Isaiah in chapter 9:6, compared with 1 Corinthians 1, last verse: Would we have peace of conscience and the guilt of…

Second, one who does not daily above all things directly and immediately aim at and seek out Christ's righteousness — making it the chief focus of his thoughts, prayers, and business, and being restless without it — still rests in his own. For when Paul had given up his claim in…

Jeremiah 32:40: I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them to do them good, and I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me. Again, 1 Corinthians 1:8–9: God shall confirm you to the end blameless: God is faithful…

Our calling is to profess the Gospel and religion of Christ; now to many it is a reproach and ignominy: but we must learn this special lesson by the example of these men; that howsoever the world judge of Christ and his religion, yet we having entered into this holy profession,…

There is nothing more evident than that all true believers, and all those who upon their profession are presumed so to be, are in the New Testament styled Saints. For [in non-Latin alphabet] are the same with [in non-Latin alphabet] (Romans 1:7), [in non-Latin alphabet] (Hebrews…

Not a temporary righteousness suited to the age of the Church under the Old Covenant, which is often said to be everlasting in a limited sense; but that which was for all ages to make the Church blessed to eternity. So is he made to us of God righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30).…

And those who like not God's Covenant on those terms, as none do by nature, will eternally fall short of the grace of it. Hereby all glorying, and all boasting in ourselves is excluded, which was that which God aimed at in the contrivance and establishment of this Covenant (Roma…

For the principles of the doctrine of Christ indefinitely, must include all, at least the most principal of those which are so: [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] the word; that is, the Word Preached. So [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] is frequently used (1 Corinthians 1:18). And the name Chri…

Christ himself with all the grace and mercy we have by him, is from the free love and will of God. So is our election (Ephesians 1:4, 5), our vocation (1 Corinthians 1:26, 27), our regeneration (John 1:13; James 1:18), our recovery from sin (Hosea 14:4). So is our peace and all…

That the Lord Christ as Mediator, and in the discharge of his office, is the wisdom of God and the power of God. So says our Apostle; Christ crucified is to them that believe the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:23, 24). His death is both an effect of divine p…

[⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], is to rest in, to approve, to delight in, to be pleased with: so is it always used in the New Testament, whether spoken of God or men. See (Matthew 3:17), Chap. 12:18, Chap. 17:5, (Luke 3:22), Chap. 12:32, (Romans 15:26, 27), (1 Corinthians 1:21), Ch…

Ans. Neither does this make against the Baptism of the children in question; forasmuch as their Parents and they are under the Promise of God, I will be a God to you, and to your seed in their generations: and the Parents being qualified as in the fifth Proposition, cannot be de…

Saint Luke and Saint Paul set out the faithful servants of God by this mark, Acts 9:14. He has authority to bind all that call on your name. 1 Corinthians 1:2. To them that are sanctified by Jesus Christ, saints by calling, with all that call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…

In whom all have sinned. If the head plot treason, all the body is guilty; but Christ is made to us righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). Indeed it is this righteousness only, in which we can stand before the justice of God (Jeremiah 23:6).

From where note, that it is the condition of the people of God to be a called people; this is first in their description: see (Romans 1:6): Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ. So the Corinthians are said to be Saints by calling (1 Corinthians 1:2), and (Hebrews 3…

We hold and believe that the obedience of Christ is imputed to us even for our righteousness before God. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:30: Christ is made unto us of God wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Hence I reason thus: if Christ is both our sanctificatio…

And (chapter 3): Neither working anything, nor repaying the like, are they justified by faith alone through the gift of God. And (1 Corinthians 1): This is appointed of God that whoever believes in Christ, shall be saved without any work by faith alone, freely receiving remissio…

As Machiavel is said to have told the Confessor sent to him by the Duke of Florence, when he was upon his sick bed: he dreamt that he was in Heaven, and that there he saw many poor unlearned Monks and others of mean capacity and quality; and that he had been in Hell, and there s…

The young man in the Gospel went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions: therefore, says Christ, a rich man can hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 1 Corinthians 1:26: For you see your calling, brothers, how that not many wise men, after the flesh, not many mighty, no…

And Peter had in his eye Christ's example, and pointed them thereunto, who at his death committed his separate soul or spirit into the hands of God (Luke 23:46) and the word commit is one and the same in both these places: only there is this difference, that whereas Christ says,…

It is true, the Scripture speaks honourably of the Cross of Christ, God forbid, (says Paul) that I should glory in any thing save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, whereby the world is crucified to me, and I to the World: but by the Cross of Christ is meant the death of Chr…

He sends not the Gospel till reason was nonplussed, and that the world in that highest wisdom it had at that time attained to, was not able to arrive at the knowledge of God. After that the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them…

Saints (Psalm 50:5, 16, 17). [Called to fellowship with Christ] so (1 Corinthians 1:9) else if they be not united to Christ by faith, they are not fit materials for such a building as a Church of God, which is the house of the living God (Ephesians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Philip…

They can not find out and discover Hereticks, how shall they excommunicate them? It is answered that this evill proceedeth from another, namely that there is too much sloth and oversight in the admission of such as are to be members of a Congregation, and that they would be fit…

Saint Luke and Saint Paul set out the faithful servants of God by this note. (Acts 9:14) He has authority to bind all that call on your name; (1 Corinthians 1:2) to them that are sanctified by Jesus Christ, saints by calling, with all that call on the name of our Lord Jesus Chri…

The insufficiency of human abilities to bring to pass any such happy change in the world as is foretold, or to afford any remedy to mankind, from such miseries as have been mention'd, does now remarkably appear. Those observations of the Apostle (1 Corinthians 1), the world by w…

Very good! It is indisputably evident, that Paul wrote his second Epistle to the Church of Corinth, and all the rest of Achaia, for he expressly affirms himself so to do, and for the first Epistle it is directed not only to the Church of Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2), but also, [i…

And so those terms, as far as the sacred Scripture is concerned, are unwritten (agrapha). Indeed, evangelical doctrine is called "the word of life" (Philippians 2:16), "the word of the cross" (1 Corinthians 1:18), "the word of faith" (1 Timothy 4:6), "the word of Christ" (Coloss…

The combined genius of the Greeks and Latins claims this honor for itself. That this progress of philosophy had looked to the peak of the fullness of time, the apostle teaches us at 1 Corinthians 1:21: "For since," he says, "in the wisdom of God the world through wisdom did not…

When, moreover, the wretched, lost, weary, and accursed behold Him lifted up on high, as it were "from the ends of the earth" (Isaiah 45:22), and see that propitiation has been set forth in His blood for the declaration of God's righteousness in the forgiveness of sins (Romans 3…

Theology as a complex of spiritual gifts — Extraordinary or ordinary gifts — Ordinary gifts peculiar to the ministry or common to all — Christ the bestower of all gifts (Psalm 68:19; Acts 2:33; Ephesians 4:8) — The Hebrew word signifies both to receive and to give — Christ the a…

What sort of persons they gathered into Christ's fold they themselves everywhere teach. They were born again, called with a holy and effectual calling, godly, faithful, holy, washed, justified, separated from the world and from all evil, children of God, instructed and anointed…

He that loves father and mother more than me (Matthew 10:37). So we must desire more the presence of God in the life to come, than his favor in this life (1 Corinthians 1:7). And love, and reverence more the teaching Elders, than governing only (1 Timothy 5:17), etc.

3. He stands as the great end of preaching, not only that hearers may have Him known in their judgments, but may have Him high in their hearts and affections (2 Corinthians 3:4), We preach not ourselves, that is, not only do we not preach ourselves as the subject, but we preach…

And because the power of God is taken either more generally for that which is exercised in the works of common providence, or more particularly for that which is put forth in the work of saving grace; we take it here in short to be the grace of God exercising its power in and by…

Philippians 1:21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Saint Paul was a great admirer of Christ, he desired to know nothing but Christ and him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). No julep to the blood of Christ; and in the text, To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain…

2. Christ teaches these sacred mysteries, inwardly, by the Spirit (John 16:13). The world knows not what it is (1 Corinthians 2:14): The natural man receives not the things of God, neither can you know them. He knows not what it is to be transformed by the renewing of the mind (…

2. Great will be our advantage if we love God. God does not court our love that we should lose it (1 Corinthians 2:9): Eye has not seen, nor ear heard the things which God has prepared for them that love him. If you will love God, you shall have such a reward as exceeds your fai…

There is nothing lost by our love to God. [reconstructed: 1 Corinthians 2:9]: Eye has not seen, etc. the things which God has prepared for them [who love him]. Such glorious rewards are laid up for such as love God: That (as Austin says) they do not only transcend our reason, bu…

(Psalm 71:17) O God, you have taught me from my youth. If God be our Father he will give us the teachings of his Spirit: the natural man receives not the things of God, neither can he know them (1 Corinthians 2:14). The natural man may have excellent notions in divinity, but God…

God gives the spring flowers and a crop; he settles upon us such a kingdom as exceeds our faith, Praemium quod Fide non attingitur, Aug. Such as mortal eye has not seen, nor can it enter into the heart of man to conceive (1 Corinthians 2:9). Alas, what an infinite difference is…

'Tis called Regnum paratum, a Kingdom prepared (Matthew 25:34), which implies something that is rare and excellent. God has prepared in his Kingdom, such things as eye has not seen nor ear heard (1 Corinthians 2:9). Heaven is beyond all hyperbole.

In the [illegible] it is frequently [illegible] come, that he shall, and will do such and such things, all of them declaring him to be a person. Thirdly, He has personal properties assigned to him, as a will (1 Corinthians 12:11): He divideth to every man severally as he will; a…

Q. When were all these things decreed by God? A. Before the world was created, even from everlasting (1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 1:4; 3:11; 1 Peter 1:20; 2 Timothy 1:9). Q. What was the cause of God's decrees?

And although it is true that every man, having the power of reflecting upon his own actions, can discern what thoughts are in him and what affections, and can tell for the matter of them what he thinks on and that he is grieved, etc. — but yet so as he may still question whether…

And in this respect that name 'the accuser' is given this evil spirit in a direct and full opposition to that special name and office of the Holy Ghost, 'the Comforter' or pleader for us. Because as the Holy Ghost makes intercession in our own hearts to God for us, and upon true…

Here then we learn, that the third Heaven is like a piece of work, wherein an excellent workman hath spent his art, and showed his skill; that is, that the highest heaven is a most glorious place, and surpasses all other creatures of God in glory and excellency, so far as therei…

As if he had said, I will communicate and impart my secrets unto you, as one friend does unto another, as far as shall be fit for you to know. And the Apostle saith, 1 Corinthians 2:15. A faithful and a holy man discerneth into the deep counsels of God; which are revealed unto t…

They therefore that deny that liberty to Ministers, are too rough and rugged, and pull out of the hand of the Ministers, one of his weapons, and out of the wings of the Scripture one of her feathers. Yet we must know, that all, or any kind of eloquence is not permitted to a Chri…

For he had respect to all that the Prophets had foretold; all that he was to do in this world, and the consummation of the Church was to ensue thereon, when by one offering he for ever perfected them that are sanctified. And those who were throughly instructed in the privileges…

That is, such a knowledge of the mysterious and sublime doctrines of the Gospel, as those who were completely initiated, and thoroughly instructed, were partakers of. Of this he says [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] (1 Corinthians 2:6): we speak wisdom among the perfect; or declare the…

The whole work is therefore expressly called the wisdom of God, because of those characters and impressions thereof that are upon it, and because it is a peculiar effect thereof. So our Apostle tells us, that Christ crucified is the power of God and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians…

The things which God proposes to our faith through Christ, are exceeding great and glorious, and such as being most remote from our innate apprehensions, do need the highest confirmation. Things they are, which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have they entered into the…

He is hereby Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and end of all (Revelation 1:11), because he is [illegible], the living one, ver. 18. And this life of Christ is the foundation of the efficacy of all his mediatory actings, namely, that he was in his own divine…

In the designation and contrivance of it. So preparation is sometimes used for predestination, or the resolution for the effecting any thing that is future in its proper season (Isaiah 30:33; Matthew 20:23; Romans 9:23; 1 Corinthians 2:9). In this sense of the word, God had prep…

Yes, for this very end our Apostle refused to make use of such a persuasiveness of words and exercise of wisdom, as might give any appearance or countenance to such an apprehension, as though by them this effect were produced. 1 Cor. 2:4, 5. My speech and my preachings was not w…

No, he shall not, he cannot: the terror of the Lord makes him afraid; there is no rest in his soul now by reason of his sin, and the danger that he is in thereby: well then, shall he fall in with the way of the Gospel? He should indeed, but he cannot: for he is ignorant thereof,…

Answ. No, not always: we can neither discern Christ's love to us, nor our love to him, unless the Spirit of God discover the same to us. We are said to receive the Spirit, that we may know the things that are freely given to us of God (1 Corinthians 2:12). So also those things t…

Did you ever see a need to know the things, that you knew before: to know spiritually, what you know doctrinally; there is a form of knowledge, and of the truth (Romans 2:20). And there is a spiritual discerning of spiritual things, which no natural man has (1 Corinthians 2:14,…

This apprehension of faith, is not performed by any affection of the will, but by a certain and particular persuasion, whereby a man is resolved that the promise of salvation belongs to him. Which persuasion is wrought in the mind by the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 2:12). And by t…

First, he asks of God, the spirit of wisdom, whereby the servants of God are enabled to discern out of the word, in every business which they take in hand, whether it be in word or deed, what ought to be done, and what ought to be left undone: as also the circumstances, the time…

1. A righteous man is more excellent than a wicked, in respect of what he is. 1. He is more richly endued with wisdom; he is of a dexterous sagacity, mixing the serpent's prudence with the dove's innocence (1 Corinthians 2:15). He that is spiritual judges all things: As the soul…

He promiseth: We have not only mercies in hand, but mercies in hope; not only obligations, but promises. 'Tis our duty to love God if there were no Heaven; our obligations might suffice: yet what great things has God provided for them that love him? (1 Corinthians 2:9). If a man…

Reason 2. (1 Corinthians 2:14) The natural man does not perceive the things of the spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. In these words Saint Paul sets down these points: 1, that a natural man does not s…

But here is neither. 1. There is a defect and impotency in the faculty; there is a natural blindness in men's minds, not done away but by regeneration (1 Corinthians 2:14). The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, neither can…

Other men's judgment of a good man is frivolous, they cannot rightly judge of his state and concerns, but he can make a judgment of theirs. (1 Corinthians 2:15) A spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is judged of no man. No man can make a sound judgment and estimate o…

If men be united into a body politic or incorporate, a man cannot be said to be joined to them by mere hearty affection, unless withal he joins himself to them by some contract or Covenant. Now of this nature is every particular Church, a body incorporate (1 Corinthians 12:27),…

Titus 1:16, they are to every good work reprobate; they cannot judge aright of any good works, as to like, approve and love them, to see a beauty in them as they are good. Romans 8:7, the wisdom of the flesh is enmity with God, for it is not subject to the law of God, the Greek…

The abstract notion of theology — In what sense the scholastics contend it is a science — Their opinion rejected — The apostle proves that theology is alien from all human science, 1 Cor. 2 — The terms "to initiate" (myein), "mystery" (mysterion), "to perfect" (teleioun), "perfe…

And in this its nature is first of all distinguished from all other sciences. For as the apostle plainly declares, "The natural man is not capable of the things of the Spirit of God, nor can he understand them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). So the…

Second, he who is imbued with true theology "is light in the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8); being called, that is, "out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 4:21-24). But notwithstanding that other science, he in whom it inheres is blind (2 Peter 1:9), and darke…

The proper subject of evangelical theology — The division of all mankind into two kinds: the regenerate and the unregenerate — Only the regenerate are Christian theologians — In what sense philosophers exclude young men from the hearing of moral philosophy — It is proved that on…

Theology as a complex of spiritual gifts — Extraordinary or ordinary gifts — Ordinary gifts peculiar to the ministry or common to all — Christ the bestower of all gifts (Psalm 68:19; Acts 2:33; Ephesians 4:8) — The Hebrew word signifies both to receive and to give — Christ the a…

That one Spirit, whom He commanded the faithful to seek with all their prayers from the Father (Luke 11:13), He willed to be all in all throughout the whole of evangelical worship. See (Luke 12:10; John 3:5, 6, 8, 4:24; Romans 7:6, 8:1, 2, 9, 18, 26, 15:30; 1 Corinthians 2:4, 12…

As, therefore, the doctrine itself — which has respect to the faith and obedience of sinners — emanated from pure and unmixed revelation, proceeding from the bosom of the Father through the one Jesus Christ, so also the manner of expounding and setting it forth by the Holy Spiri…

2. More particularly, observe, that Jesus Christ, and what concerns Him, the glad and good news of a Saviour, and the reporting of them, is the very proper work of a minister, and the great subject of a minister's preaching; his proper work is to make Him known, or take it thus,…

For the second, the revealing of the arm of the Lord, by this we do not understand the revealing of it objectively as it is brought to light by the preaching of the Gospel, for thus it is revealed to all the hearers of the Gospel, it is in this respect not kept hidden, but broug…

2. In the solid faith of a believer, there is, as a use-making of Christ crucified solely, as the meritorious cause of justification and life, so he is exercised in this to be solely settled on Him as such. As for presumptuous souls, as they find it easy to believe, so they find…

2. Because, though there be not an evidence to reason in all the things which we believe; yet there is a certainty; and faith gets this name, because it makes men certain of these things which it takes up, as if it were a science or knowledge. 3. To distinguish it from all other…

For though these who truly believe, ought not to doubt of their belief, yet these who have lamps of faith, and no oil, ought to question, whether there be oil in their lamps, or no, and true faith with their profession, else the foolish Virgins were not far out, who never questi…

But yet they are not Christ's who neither know how they are drawn, nor can give any proofs that they are drawn. The Apostle says (1 Corinthians 2:12), Now we have received not the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely…

Then he who cannot be blamed in not acting cannot be united as one spirit, person with person, with him who is justly to be blamed in not acting. Assertion 4. It must evidently follow that there is in the saints a grace created that is neither Christ, nor the Holy Ghost in perso…

Thus did the Apostles also in their sermons. So Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians seemed by the matter of his sermon to have known nothing but Christ, and him as crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2), as Christ above all, so Christ as crucified above all in Christ, as suiting their…

But yet there is something more in it than this, in this worship of Christ in our minds: We honor, or worship Christ in our minds, when we make him the chiefest, and esteem nothing more worthy to be known, than to know the Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:3). This is life eternal to k…

But if this true picture of Christ be defaced, or in any wise darkened, then follows a confusion of all things. For the natural man cannot judge of the law of God (1 Corinthians 2:14). Here fails the cunning of the Philosophers, of the Canonists, and of all men.

Though nothing can add to God's essential glory, yet praise exalts him in the eyes of others: when we praise God we spread his fame and renown, we display the trophies of his excellence: in this manner the angels glorify God, they are the choristers of heaven, and do trumpet for…

My glory, (that is, my tongue which is the instrument of glorifying you.) The saints are temples of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 3:16). Where should God's praises be sounded but in his temples?

19. If God be our Father it is comfort: 1. In case of loss of relations: Have you lost a father, yet if you are a believer you are no orphan, you have a heavenly Father, a Father that never dies, (1 Timothy 6:16) Who only has immortality. 2. It is comfort in case of death: God i…

Let them fear death, who do not fear sin: but let not God's children be overmuch troubled at the grim face of that messenger which brings them to the end of their sorrow, and the beginning of their joy. Death is yours (1 Corinthians 3:22), it is part of a believer's inventory. I…

Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the Prophet to our Fathers, saying, go to this people and say— 1 Corinthians 3:16. Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you.

First, of the human body of Christ, the Temple of the deity. Secondly, of the mystical body of Christ, his Church or congregation (1 Corinthians 3:16). Christ's human body never decays, and therefore needs no repairing; his mystical body the Church, if it fall into decay through…

The principles of mutual, spiritual love among believers, arise from their relation to one Father (Matthew 23:9): "One is your Father which is in Heaven," who gives to all them that believe in Christ, power to become the sons of God (John 1:12). And their being all children of t…

For besides that this is signified by the typical holiness of the Church of old, into the room whereof real holiness was to succeed under the new Testament (Exodus 19:6; Psalm 24:3, 4, 5, 6; Psalm 15:1, 2; Isaiah 35:8, 9; Isaiah 54:13; Chapter 60:21; 1 Peter 2:9), our Lord Jesus…

(1.) Reject false hypocritical pretenders if in or by any means their hypocrisy be discovered to them (Acts 8:20, 23; Titus 1:10; Jeremiah 15:19). (2.) That they may direct, and encourage in the way, such as appear to be sincere, instructing them principally in the nature of the…

Quest. 53. What are the ends of all this dispensation and order of things in the Church? Answ. The glory of God, the honor of Jesus Christ the Mediator, the furtherance of the Gospel, the edification and consolation of believers here; with their eternal salvation hereafter (Reve…

Christ says; If a man will ever come in the Kingdom of heaven, he must be born again, John 3:3. Saint Paul says; If any man among you seem to be wise, let him be a fool that he may be wise: 1 Corinthians 3:18. Christ says, If any man will be my Disciple, he must deny himself and…

We prove it thus; First, from plain Scripture, 1 Corinthians 3:24. He that knew no sin, was made sin for us; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and a more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not made of this building (Hebrews 9:11), rears up a spiritual structure, or house. 1. Whose foundation was the living stone, who has lif…

Knowing, as it is recorded in the inspired Scriptures, that If any man build upon this foundation (Jesus the Christ) gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it; because it shall be revealed by fire: and…

Elsewhere he complains of them who are always learning, that is in the way of it, under the means of it, but yet by reason of their negligence and carelessness in the application of their minds to them, do never come [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] (2 Timothy 3:4), to a clear knowledg…

But in the latter sense they cannot be so. It is Christ himself, and he only, who is so the Foundation as to bear the weight, and to support the whole Building of the Church of God (Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:10, 11; Ephesians 1:20, 21, 22; 1 Peter 2:4, 5). He…

The essential holiness and righteousness of God, whereby he cannot bear with the iniquities and provocations of men who betake not themselves to the only atonement, and that he will by no means acquit the guilty, is intended in this metaphorical expression. The judgment of God c…

The faculties of our souls, our minds, wills and affections are meet to entertain the Gospel, and to bring forth the fruits of it, whereof nothing is found in any other creatures on the Earth. Hence we are [in non-Latin alphabet], (1 Corinthians 3:9), God's husbandry, the ground…

We try gold in the fire; that is, whether it be true and pure. Fire is the great trier and discoverer of metals, of what sort they are (1 Corinthians 3:13, 14, 15). And hence the Lord Christ in the trial of his Church, is compared to a refiner with fire (Matthew 3:2), so faith i…

Now I say, it is not easily obtained, and that upon divers accounts. In that the heart of man is naturally so averse to it: there is a marvellous opposition in man's carnal heart against it: it is impossible but that it must be an exceeding bitter, yes, a killing thing to a man'…

And not only so, but it teaches him, as to work, so to look beyond all his own works, and doings and to own himself to be a poor nothing: else it is but (as I may call it) a legal faith. Paul did much, and so did Apollos too, yet neither of them were any thing (1 Corinthians 3:5…

Our bread] First Question. How is bread ours? Answer. Paul shows how (1 Corinthians 3:22): You are Christ's, and all things are yours: So then by means of Christ, bread is called our. For God having given Christ to us, does in him and by him give all things else to us.

The false prophets returned to the people, complyed with their humors: we must deliver our message, pardon to whom pardon, terror to whom terror is due; servants must be faithful. Thus must you look upon them as servants; yet but as servants, that you may not fondly idolize thei…

The next words after my Text tell you that this refining fire is specially intended for purifying the sons of Levi. The same thing we have more largely, though more obscurely, in (1 Corinthians 3:12 to verse 15). I do not say, that the Apostle there means only of times of Reform…

Just thus it is in fitting the soul for that glory: and again, that glory in heaven for that soul: God works the one for the other apart. The very similitude in the former verses does import so much; he styles glory in heaven a being clothed upon, and holiness here he compares t…

As for all other things I know no true satisfaction can be in them, but as they are subservient to God's honor, and give us an advantage for imitating some one or other of his perfections. Crosses in the Scripture are not excluded from those things we have a right to by Christ,…

For, by it the Son makes us free, and we receive the Spirit of Christ. Now where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (1 Corinthians 3:17). This liberty Christ proclaims in the Gospel to all that do believe (Isaiah 61:1).

4. It makes the last part of the speech, in the word and doctrine, to be superfluous: for they hold that all the difference here is in the measure or manner of labor, and no difference in re subjecta. 5. All who have any charge in the ministry are called [in non-Latin alphabet]…

If all things be the Churches, even the Ministers themselves; yes, though they be Paul, Cephas, and Apollos, then may every Church use and enjoy all things immediately under Christ. But the first is true (1 Corinthians 3:24). Therefore, &c.

The first, is self-wisdom; this is a great impediment from hearing the voice of the Son of God: self-conceitedness hinders men much, because it breeds a despising of the ways of God. 1 Corinthians 2:4. The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are fo…

[Our bread.] 1. Question. How is bread ours? (1 Corinthians 3:22) You are Christ's, and all things are yours. So then, by means of Christ, bread is called ours.

Eternal life, and everlasting reward, the enjoyment of God in bliss, was promised no less truly in the old Testament, then under the new, though less clearly; and our Author grants it, by confessing that the estate of the Saints in rest extra Coelum, to be admitted there upon th…

And so likewise the particular sins, and sinners both there and here, to which they apply their exhortations, the incest, the going to law before heathen judicatures, the seditions, etc. do evidently restrain it from that latitude, which two circumstances being balanced on each…

Where the consequent is declared by two arguments. First, the subject ours; that is, such as we in Christ be heirs of, to use, being sanctified by word and prayer (1 Timothy 4; 1 Corinthians 3:22). The second by the adjoint, such as is both apt, and able by his blessing to nouri…

1. He is the text, to say so, of preaching; all preaching is to explain Him (Acts 10:43), To him give all the Prophets witness, and so do the four Gospels, and the Apostolic Epistles, which are as so many preachings of Him; and that preaching which stands not in relation to Him,…

Should a man remove the roof of your house, cut down the timber of it, and pick out all the fair stones in the wall, and say, Friend, I wrong not your house, see, the foundation stones are safe, and the four corner stones are sure, in the meantime, the house can fence off neithe…

Answ. 1. We are to make believers know if they believe not, and walk not worthy of Christ, in all holy duties; their faith is a fancy, and a dead faith, and the wrath of God abides on them, and they are not believers. 2. Though they be believers, wrath must be preached to them,…

3. Being drawn to Christ makes all yours; when you are hungry, all the bread of the earth is your Father's: when you are in a ship, you are in Christ's Father's waters; when you travel in summer, you see your Redeemer's fields, your Savior's woods, trees, flowers, grains, cattle…

(2.) Often in the fullest sense, not regenerated, nor wholly reprobated, are called men (Job 11:11, 12; Psalm 12:1; and 4:2; and 53:2). (3) Believers are called men (Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 3:21, 22). In regard of passions (Acts 14:15).

And in the fourth place, for cleansing ourselves from all superfluous and noisome lusts that we do not, neither can we be freed from them: O Jerusalem, wash your heart from your wickedness, how long shall your vain thoughts lodge within you? (Jeremiah 4:14). Purge out all those…

And truly in this case this shall you often find to be true: you come full of hopeful expectation to the congregation, but return very empty home, or full of bitterness in your souls, and all was because you trusted in lying words — in words that could not profit. You trusted in…

Secondly, we must consider whether the church errs in the foundation or no. If the error or errors be beside the foundation of religion, Paul has given the sentence that they which build upon the foundation hay and stubble of erroneous opinion, may be saved (1 Corinthians 3:15).…

Of it three cautions are to be observed. The first, that grace or power to regenerate, is not included in the word preached, as virtue to heal, in a medicine: Paul says, He that plants, and he that waters is not anything (1 Corinthians 3:7). To regenerate, is the proper work of…

For if you be the child of God, you can have no great loss. For all things are yours, you Christ's, and Christ God's (1 Corinthians 3:22). Lastly, this meditation must stir up in us, a care to lead a heavenly and spiritual life (1 John 3:3), that we may be like our eldest brothe…

To the pure, all things are pure (Romans 14:14). And the reason is, because the dominion over the creatures, lost by Adam, is restored by Christ (1 Corinthians 3:22). And hence it is, that Paul calls the forbidding of marriage, and of meats, with obligation of conscience, a doct…

The third thing to be considered, is, the persons that are to restore their brethren, laid downe in these words, yee that are spirituall. Spiritual men are opposed to carnal, as (1 Corinthians 3:1): I could not speak to you brethren, as to spiritual men, but as to carnal: and to…

It is a stone then; yet so as it fills the whole corner: and is so the corner stone, that the whole building is laid upon it. For as no man can lay any other foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11) so must all the Church and her members rest and be built upon it only. Some translate the…

In a word, it is as much as if he should have said; What will become of this goodly wisdom of yours in the end; will it bereave God of his Spirit? Nay, contrariwise in reproving you for your deceit and vanity, he will show by the effects, that he catches the wise in their crafti…

But this false persuasion, is not condemned only, for that it makes men disobedient to God, and so causes their ruin: but also because it is intolerable in itself. For we must become fools, if we will be the disciples of God (1 Corinthians 3:18). It is also certain, that whereve…

And yet I willingly consent, that the Levites and Ministers of the Temple are here mentioned by way of excellence, for all the people. Thus this doctrine then pertains at this day not only to the Ministers of the word, but to all Christians in general, who are also called a roya…

4. Do you have grace, be humble; you have it not of your own growth, it is borrowed. Were it not a folly to be proud of a ring that is lent (1 Corinthians 4:7)? You have more sin than grace, spots, than beauty.

Put your tears into your bottle. When the secrets of all hearts shall be opened, God will make an honorable mention of the zeal and devotion of his people, and he himself will be the herald of their praises (1 Corinthians 4:5). Then shall every man have praise of God.

1. We must stop our ears to Arminian teachers, who place the chief power in the will, as if that were the helm that turns about the soul in conversion. 1 Corinthians 4:7: Who makes you to differ from another? Ego me ipsum discerno, said Grevinchovius, I have made myself to diffe…

Thus you see the dignity of such as have God for their Father. What a comfort is this to God's children, who are here despised and loaded with calumnies and invectives (1 Corinthians 4:14): We are made as the filth of the world, etc. But God will put honor upon his children at t…

Thirdly, there are spiritual fathers, as pastors and ministers. These are the instruments of the new birth (1 Corinthians 4:15): Though you have ten thousand instructors, yet you have not many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. The spiritual fat…

And where there was none in public calamities, that did voluntarily devote themselves, the people were wont to take some obnoxious person, to make him execrable, and to lay on him according to their superstition, all the wrath of their gods, and so give him up to destruction. Su…

Quest. 17. Which are the principal institutions of the Gospel to be observed in the worship of God? Answ. (1.) The calling, gathering and setling of Churches with their Officers, as the seat and subject of all other solemn instituted worship. (2.) Prayer with thanksgiving. (3.)…

For his Temple, is now to be built of living stones (1 Peter 2:5), men spiritually and savingly quickened from their death in sin and by the Holy Ghost, whereof they are partakers, made a meet habitation for God (Ephesians 2:21, 22; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16), which…

And that with all diligence, care, and watchfulness, as those that must give an account (Hebrews 13:17), which no man is able to do towards more Churches than one, the same duty being at all times to be performed towards all. And because the whole authority of the Elders, Pastor…

(4) 1 Timothy 6:20; Acts 20:28; Jude 3. (5) 1 Corinthians 4:1, 2; 1 Timothy 3:15. (6) 1 Timothy 4:14, 15, 16.

Quest. 42. To whom is the power and administration of this Discipline committed by Jesus Christ? Answ. As to the authority to be exerted in it in the things wherein the whole Church is concerned, to the Elders; as to trial, judgment and consent in, and to its exercise to the who…

(4) In exhorting, comforting, and restoring to the enjoyment and exercise of Church privileges such as are recovered from the error of their ways; all according to the laws, rules, and directions of the Gospel. (1) (Matthew 18:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Titus…

It was fitting that he only should take upon him to reward, who only could know the principles of all actions, in which the chief of the good or evil in the action lies. This is the great glory of God and Christ at the day of judgment, that they will discover the secrets of all…

And though as Saint James says, They justify our faith, and make us just before men, James 2:21: Yet can they not justify us before God's Justice; nor, at the bar of the last Judgment, will they pass for payment. Saint Paul says, 1 Corinthians 4:4. I know nothing by myself, yet…

Afflictions and temptations for the most part, are a needful balance for eminent gifts. This therefore the Scripture has provided against, both warning us, that knowledge, which is the matter of all spiritual gifts, will puff up, and forbidding us to boast in them, because they…

In all these things they possessed their souls in patience, following the example of their Master, committing themselves to him that judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23). 3ly, The false sentences which under their provocations professors have passed on one another, see (1 Corinthia…

(2) By patient waiting for the pleading of our cause under a sense of our own sin, and an acknowledgement of the righteousness of God (Micah 7:9, 10). (3) By supporting the soul with a testimony of its own sincerity (1 Corinthians 4:3, 4). 2. With respect to violence and persecu…

So is our peace and all our consolation, from where he is called the God of all grace (1 Peter 5:10), and the God of patience and consolation (Romans 15:5), the author and sovereign disposer of them all. So is it also with respect to grace and mercy considered comparatively as c…

But because the theater was the place where persons were publicly exposed to be looked upon with scorn and contempt, the word [in non-Latin alphabet] is used to signify men's being so exposed, and made a spectacle, in any place, on any occasion. And this is the meaning of the ph…

Was it not he who has mercy on whom he will have mercy, and is gracious to whom he will be gracious? And it is laid down as a universal rule, that no man has any thing in this kind but what he has freely received, nor does any man make himself to differ from others (1 Corinthian…

And it is so by the LXX (Judges 13:8; 2 Kings 12:2; chap. 17:27). Our Apostle uses it for to make manifest, that is, bring to light (1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Timothy 1:10). And the meaning of it (John 1:9), where we render it lighteth, is to teach.

It is by the word of God (1 Peter 1:23). I have begotten you through the Gospel, says Paul to them, in (1 Corinthians 4:15). And have they found the narrow way which leads to life, which few do find (Matthew 7:14)?

A Christian man can never have greater honor than to suffer for the gospel of Christ when God calls him to that: and therefore Saint Paul sets forth another most glorious show which all those must make that suffer any thing for God's cause. They must encounter with the world, th…

4. Branch. See the different esteem that God has of the righteous, and that men have of them: The men of the world esteem lightly of the saints; they disdain them, and scarce allow them half an eye; they think, of all things the people of God may be best spared. They look upon t…

A man that sets up for himself, is to trade for himself; but all that a servant does, should be for his Master's honor and profit. 2. It hinteth duty to the people; regard ministers as servants of Christ, that you may give their persons all due honor; consider, God has retained…

Your condition is not singular; though you have hitherto been strangers to wants, other saints have daily conversed with and been familiarly acquainted with them. Hear what blessed Paul speaks — not of himself only, but in the name of other saints reduced to like extremities (1…

To this, last of all is adjoined humility, when emptying ourselves of all, we give God the whole glory of all good things, which are in us (Genesis 18:17; 1 Peter 5:5; Isaiah 40:3, 4). Forbidden: love of our honor (Matthew 18:3, 4); vain glory (Philippians 2:3); boasting of any…

Either we must not know, and not be born again to this piece of excellency, or else we must have this peculiar commandement to humble us, and in this point to drive us to Christ, afterward also, be a rule and square to us of the same. Fourthly, the Apostles in taking this day, a…

In this we say that God is the efficient cause, and so we may take the words, By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; actively, and efficiently to look to Christ, as having this power, as He is God; which is proper to God alone, as is clear (Romans 8:34): It is…

Some immediate sense of God, and working of the Holy Spirit, on the soul of the child of God, witnessing to me in particular, that I am the child of God, I deny not, and that my name expressly is not in Scripture, is as true; but this testimony excludes not the Scripture, as if…

First, it applies itself against the Church of Rome; first, who maintain that men in the state of nature have free will to lay hold upon Christ, and they conceive it is upon very fair terms; but I would only demand of you this question, whether when they do lay hold on Christ (a…

Therein stands our blessedness, when the Lord imputes not sin to us, but if we look to be justified either by the gifts of grace we have received, or by the works and acts of grace that we have performed, we shall certainly fall short. Paul knew nothing wherein he had dealt unfa…

4. Because they are witnesses of the obedience and fidelity of Christ's disciples, and so far as God permits, they cannot but assist them in their conflicts. Thus Paul (1 Corinthians 4:9): We are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels and to men. Now the angels, that are w…

I reply, though we know not the form of words he will speak, yet that a discovery shall be made of the acts of piety and charity (Matthew 25) evidently declares. Indeed, that secret duties shall be brought to light as well as secret sins, the Scriptures declare (1 Corinthians 4:…

Contrariwise, if we seek first the glory of God by the ministry of the word, then surely our glory will follow, according to that saying: Him that honors me I will glorify. To conclude, let every man prove his work: that is, let him do his endeavor that his ministry may be found…

I was as the very filth and [reconstructed: offscouring] of the world. He makes mention of this his infirmity in many places, as in (1 Corinthians 4; 2 Corinthians 4; 6; 11; 12) and in many other. We see then that Paul calls afflictions the infirmities of the flesh which he suff…

For it is imperfect, because it is increased (as they teach) by a second justification, and it is in this life mixed with the corruption of the flesh. Fourthly, the righteousness of a good conscience is an excellent grace, and gift of God — but by it we are not justified (1 Cori…

And for this cause, he had a privilege to preach the truth, so as he could not err in things which he delivered to the church. 2. He preached with authority, as having power to correct rebellious offenders (2 Corinthians 10:6) and (1 Corinthians 4). 3. He preached with unspeakab…

You will say; If such persons have not the Spirit of God, what other Spirit have they? Answer: If their life be bad, they have an unclean Spirit dwelling in them: and the god of this world has blinded their eyes, and makes them so that they cannot see the right way wherein they…

A notable example hereof we have in Moses, who being provoked, instead of anger, showed meekness. It further makes a man to yield of his right, and not to prosecute the matter in rigor, and extremity, and so it is opposed to severity (1 Corinthians 4:21): Shall I come to you wit…

Let them therefore rest themselves upon his defense, and leave the maintenance of their cause to him. Let them make their appeal (as Paul does) to the day of the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:4), and never stand to break their brains about the lies, slanders, and outrages of their enemi…

Because the judge that defends their innocence is near. The faithful ministers therefore may (by Saint Paul's example) summon the false and sinister judgments of men before the judgment seat of God, who will give a just sentence (1 Corinthians 4:4). Let us stand together.] The f…

The same kind of coldness may be now observed in the speculative theology of Popery. Those masters do indeed thunder out whatever they think proper in a sufficiently magisterial style; but as their manner of discoursing about divine things is so profane, that their controversies…

Nor is there any importance in the distinction which some have brought forward, that men, by whom children have been begotten, are fathers according to the flesh, but that God alone is the Father of spirits. I readily acknowledge that in this manner God is sometimes distinguishe…

Relying on this testimony, let us learn to set little value on any reports concerning us that are spread abroad in the world, provided we know that what men condemn God approves. In this manner Isaiah, when oppressed by wicked calumnies, makes reference to God as his voucher, (I…

Do not therefore take any regard to those vain talkers, that can prattle much of these things, whose words notwithstanding, are but as wind and mere trifles. Of such, Paul speaks (1 Corinthians 4), I will come to you, and will know, not the words of them that are puffed up, but…

It is a very apt description of the judgment, serving for the present place, that they might know — which willingly hide themselves in the darkness of insensibleness or dullness of mind — that those inward cogitations, which now are altogether hidden in the depth of their hearts…

He is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and Circumcision is that of the Heart; in the Spirit, and not in the Letter; whose Praise is not of Men, but of God. That by this last Expression, whose Praise is not of Men, but of God, the Apostle has Respect to the Insufficiency of Men to j…

1 Thessalonians 1:5. Our Gospel came not unto you in Word only, but also in Power, and in the holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 4:20. The Kingdom of God is not in Word, but in Power. Hence saving Affections, though oftentimes they do not make so great a Noise and Show as others; yet hav…

And the Grace of God is sometimes (2.) take Subjectively, for the Grace which God is pleased to Communicate to us, or gracious Qualities that he Works in our Souls by his Spirit. In this sense also we are sometimes said to receive it; 1 Cor. 4. 7. Who makes you to differ from an…

1. A privative part, Mortification, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours, and to leprosy, which defiles: Sanctification does purge out the old leaven (1 Corinthians 5:7). Though it takes not away the life, yet the love of sin.

This has made many they could not reach heaven, because of their over-reaching. 13. If you would not miss of the Kingdom of Heaven, take heed of evil company; there is a necessary commerce with men in buying and selling, else, as the Apostle says, we must go out of the world (1…

Thus Abraham was instructed in the nature of the Covenant of Grace by circumcision (Genesis 17:10), which is often explained in the Old Testament, by applying it in particular to the grace of conversion, called the circumcision of the heart (Deuteronomy 10:16; chapter 30:6; Jere…

And as the Apostles in their writings, do ascribe to all the Churches, and the members of them a participation in this effectual vocation, affirming that they are saints called, sanctified, justified and accepted with God in Christ (Romans 1:5, 6; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthian…

Hereunto also diligence and watchfulness are to be added, without which ability and power will never obtain their proper end in a due manner (Romans 12:6, 7, 8). Fourthly, The end of this discipline is continuance, increase, and preservation of the Church, according to the rule…

Quest. 42. To whom is the power and administration of this Discipline committed by Jesus Christ? Answ. As to the authority to be exerted in it in the things wherein the whole Church is concerned, to the Elders; as to trial, judgment and consent in, and to its exercise to the who…

(4) In exhorting, comforting, and restoring to the enjoyment and exercise of Church privileges such as are recovered from the error of their ways; all according to the laws, rules, and directions of the Gospel. (1) (Matthew 18:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Titus…

Q. If the matter of particular churches for the quality of it ought to be true believers in Christ, what ought to be the quantity thereof? Q. No more in number in the days of the new Testament, but only so many as may ordinarily meet together in one congregation (Acts 2:46; 5:12…

Q. What persons are subject to Church censures? A. All and only they that are members of the Church (Matthew 18:15; 1 Corinthians 5:12; Psalms 149:4). Q. In what way, and by what steps and degrees must an offending brother be dealt withal?

God would have a public satisfaction given. So when the incestuous person had committed that sin (1 Corinthians 5:1, 9), for which at that time he was not humbled — for afterward in 2 Corinthians 2:7, when he was humbled indeed, Paul bids them comfort him — yet until his humilia…

Even as on the contrary, the special work of baptism (which admits into the church), to such as were adult believers already, was by joy in the Holy Ghost to seal up their adoption and regeneration to them, as to the eunuch (Acts 8:39). This we may see in the excommunication of…

seeing properly the Passover is nothing else, but the act of the Angel passing over the houses of the Israelites, when he smote the firstborn in every house of the Egyptians. Answer. The phrase is improper: yet it must not seem strange, because it is usual in Scripture, treating…

Their last objection is, If a sinner be righteous by Christ's righteousness, then Christ is a sinner by his sins: for there is the same reason of both. But Christ is no sinner, but the holy of holiest: and Saint Paul says, He knew no sin, 1 Corinthians 5. And himself for himself…

1. The introduction of the assertion is by the particles [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], But now; [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], now, is a note of time, of the present time. But there are instances where these adverbial particles thus conjoined, do not seem to denote any time or seas…

These assemblies were of two sorts. (1.) Stated on the Lord's Day, or first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:2; Acts 20:7). (2.) Occasional, as the duties or occasions of the church did require (1 Corinthians 5:4). The end of these assemblies were twofold.

To the second argument, to prove children when adult subject to church-discipline; namely, Because they are within the church, or members thereof, and therefore subject to church-judicature (1 Corinthians 5:12). The answer that is given, is, that the argument is to be denied, an…

Before God sends his judgments on Jerusalem, an angel is sent to mark them in the foreheads that mourn for the abominations of the people (Ezekiel 9:4). And this privilege none can have but he whose heart is sprinkled with the blood of Christ (Exodus 12:23 with 1 Corinthians 5:7…

That God has proper places where the creatures shall perform their duty and enjoy their happiness, as the Angels had Heaven which was [in non-Latin alphabet], their proper place, so Adam had Paradise, and the Saints the Church. 'Tis misery enough to be thrown out of that place w…

And 1 Corinthians 10:4: The rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 5:7: The Passover was Christ. The like phrase is to be found in the institution of this sacrament concerning the cup, which the Papists themselves confess to be figurative — when it is said in Luke 22: This cup is the ne…

Now we command you brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly (2 Thessalonians 3:6). I have written to you, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, o…

But let us hear what he has said concerning some Scriptures (for he names but two of them) upon which the acts of spiritual or ecclesiastical government have been grounded. That place, 1 Corinthians 5, takes not hold (says he) on my conscience for excommunication, and I admire t…

If all Churches, officers, and members, have power in the Lord over all their members, then joining in Covenant is necessary to make a man a member of a Church, but the former is true, therefore the latter is true also. The assumption in this argument, that all Churches have pow…

It is answered that this evill proceedeth from another, namely that there is too much sloth and oversight in the admission of such as are to be members of a Congregation, and that they would be fit enough to doe their duty, if they were all Saints, they meane appearantly, and in…

5. Papists by their implicit faith believe whatever the Church believes, because they think the Church cannot err, but our Churches conceive not only their particular Elderships, but ecumenical councils to be subject to error. Come we now to his third general reason: whereby he…

The use is, after all temptations to receive comfort and relief by them (Psalm 51:9). Of one correction, for the rest, as of excommunication: the preparation is by the authority and majesty of Christ, the action a fearful sentence with majesty, justly pronounced, the use for the…

Christ's yoke is easy, he has not cords and bands to cut the necks of those that follow him. Answer. 1. Indeed but this rod is a rod of love, only used that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:5), for the gaining of the soul (Matthew 18:15), for…

And it is the same that you read (Isaiah 1:16-18), to show you that if men do begin to learn to be better, if they cease to do evil, and learn to do well, if they acknowledge their sins in the sight of God, God will so sprinkle the blood of Christ upon them, as that their great…

Fourthly, neither must I behold my brother's failings with a wanton eye, that is, when a man is not humbled for his brother's faults, but partly puffed up with it, and prides himself with beholding another man's failings, and thinks every man's fall is a refreshing to himself; h…

If the faults of the Church be in manners, and these faults appear both in the lives of ministers and people, so long as true religion is taught, it is a church, and so to be esteemed; and the ministers must be heard (Matthew 23:1). Yet may we separate from the private company o…

The example of one incestuous man was sufficient to corrupt all Corinth. Therefore Paul says, Purge out the old leaven (1 Corinthians 5:6). The law of God is, that blasphemers, murderers, adulterers, etc. shall be put to death: the reason is, that evil may be taken away out of I…

(Matthew 23:8) One is your Doctor, to wit, Christ, and all you are brethren. (1 Corinthians 5:11) If any that is called a brother be a fornicator, with such a one eat not. To these we may add a fifth sense: for all those that are confederate, or otherwise joined together, by the…

By this similitude then he threatens, that nothing shall remain in good condition to the Assyrians, who are now destined to destruction, because they shall perish, both soul and flesh: not that men's souls are mortal, but because God will openly show his vengeance upon them. Sur…

Here we perceive also what Paul tells us, that some are delivered to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus, (1 Corinthians 5:5.) And the length of time points out to us that, though the Lord does not immediately relieve…

and when Paul says, that a little leaven leavens the whole lump, (1 Corinthians 5:6.) But here the term must be understood simply as applying to the present subject.

There are restless men, on the other hand, who have endeavored in various ways to corrupt sound doctrine, and, in guarding also against such impostures, believers must maintain a strict watch, that they may keep a perpetual Passover With the unleavened bread of sincerity and tru…

It is asked, what does he mean by the term Church? For Paul orders (1 Corinthians 5:5) that the incestuous Corinthian shall be excommunicated, not by a certain chosen number, but by the whole assembly of the godly; and therefore it might appear to be probable that the power of j…

Such is the import of what Paul says, that Christ our passover is sacrificed for us, (1 Corinthians 5:7.) 19. And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them.

And so also is it called a New Creature. He that is in Christ is a new Creature, 1 Cor. 5. 17. It is something, that by an almighty creating Act of the Power of God by his Spirit, that has the Nature of a living Creature, is produced in the Souls of all that are in Christ Jesus.

Then he was offered up to God as a lamb without blemish, and without spot. Then especially did he appear to be the antitype of the lamb of the Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7). And yet in that act, he did in an especial manner appear as the Lion of the tribe of Judah; yes, in this a…

Separation generally hears ill in the world; and yet there is a separation suitable to the mind of God: he that will not separate from the world, and false worship, is a separate from Christ. Now the separation here commanded from any persons, is not in respect of natural affect…

The Greeks retain the name, but corrupt it into [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], and are followed by the Latines, who call it Pascha. Hence after the Apostle had applied this Feast and Sacrifice to the Lord Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7), and Christians began to celebrate the commemoratio…

But it is from the sanctification of it by the death of Christ. Hereby that which was God's ordinance for the infliction of judgment, becomes an effectual means for the communication of mercy (1 Corinthians 5:22; chap. 15:54). It is by virtue of the death of Christ alone, that t…

And they have amongst them the broad seal of Heaven; To Gods people that are together in a Church-fellowship, the seals are committed; now this is a mighty priviledge. And besides, they have the power of Christ with them, 1 Cor. 5:4 the power of Christ is committed to them. And…

The Lord would have his people shun the society of such, as a pest. Not to eat with them, 1 Corinthians 5:11. Indeed, the Scripture brands them with Atheism; they are such as have lost the sense and expectation of the Day of Judgment; mind not another world, nor do they look for…

What are my Lusts, (says Fuller's Medone) but so many Toads spitting of Venome, tations, p 11. and spawning of Poison; croaking in my Judgment, creeping in my Will, and crawling into my Affecttions? The Apostle in 1 Corinthians 5:1. tells us of a sin, Not to be named; so monstro…

3. One beyond those degrees of consanguinity and affinity which are forbidden by the law of God: these degrees are expressed by Moses (Leviticus 18:6-7, etc.) and explained in a table of the degrees of consanguinity and affinity within which none may marry, appointed to be hung…

Some begin to grow negligent, careless, worldly, wanton; they break the ice toward pleasing the flesh; at first others blame and judge them, but before long their love also waxes cold and they conform to the same mold. A little leaven leavens the whole lump — Paul repeats this t…

It is the greatest judgment which can be laid upon any creature, that he may have his own will. A man may be given up to Satan, yet recover (1 Corinthians 5:5): Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesu…

Were not separations made, if not from that church, yet in that church as well as divisions? Let the Scripture determine (1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 Corinthians 5:3). I am a disciple of Paul said one, and I a disciple of Apollo said another: in our language; I am a member of such a m…

This is a great sin. Paul spent the great part of a chapter to excuse himself, because he was necessitated by Providence to break promise of coming to Corinth (1 Corinthians 5:16-18). It was grievous to him that he should seem to use lightness, and not make good his word, though…

In this sense Christ is a Redeemer, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], he has paid a price. Never such a price paid to ransom prisoners (1 Corinthians 6:20): You are, Pretio Empti, bought with a price; and this price was his own blood. So in the Text, By his own blood he entered in on…

Faith throws itself into Christ's arms; it says, Christ is my Priest, his blood is my sacrifice, his divine nature is my altar, and here I rest. This faith is seen by the effects of it, a refining work and a resigning work; it purifies the heart, there is the refining work; it m…

What worthiness in the Corinthians, when God began to call them by his gospel? They were fornicators, effeminate, idolaters (1 Corinthians 6:11). Such were some of you, but you are washed, etc.

Spiritual worship is the virgin-worship. Though God will have the service of our bodies, our eyes and hands lifted up, to testify to others that reverence we have of God's glory and majesty, yet chiefly he will have the worship of the soul (1 Corinthians 6:20): Glorify God in yo…

Question. How shall I get a part in this unchangeable God? Response. By having a change wrought in you (1 Corinthians 6:11): "But you are washed, but you are sanctified." When we are changed, A tenebris ad lucem, so changed as if another soul did live in the same body, by this c…

2. The glory which is ascribed to God, or which his creatures labor to bring to him (1 Chronicles 16:29): Give to the Lord the glory due to his name. And (1 Corinthians 6:20): Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit. The glory we give God is nothing else but our lifting up…

Let Christ's golden maxim be observed (Matthew 7:12): What you would have men do to you, do you even so to them. You would not have them wrong you, neither do you them; rather suffer wrong than do wrong (1 Corinthians 6:7). Why do you not rather take wrong?

God the Son is said to justify (Acts 13:39). By him all that believe are justified. God the Holy Ghost is said to justify (1 Corinthians 6:11). But you are justified by the spirit of our God. God the Father justifies as he pronounces us righteous; God the Son justifies as he imp…

Nothing will hold out but grace; it is only this anointing that abides; paint will fall off. Get a heart-changing-work (1 Corinthians 6:11). But you are washed, but you are sanctified.

Jude 14: Behold the Lord comes with ten thousands of his saints to execute judgment upon all. 1 Corinthians 6:2: Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world? The saints shall sit with Christ in judicature, as justices of peace with the Judge; they shall applaud Christ'…

Keep your bodies pure: keep your eyes from unchaste glances; your hands from bribes; your tongues from slander: defile not your bodies which you hope shall rise one day to glory. Your bodies are the members of Christ; and hear what the Apostle says (1 Corinthians 6:15). Shall I…

Revelation 18:4: Come out of her my people, that you not be partakers of her sins, and that you do not receive of her plagues. Idolatry lived in cuts men off from heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9). So then it is no small mercy to be delivered out of idolatrous places.

(Joel 1:5): Howl, you drinkers of wine! Drunkenness excludes a person from heaven (1 Corinthians 6:10): Drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God: a man cannot go to heaven reeling. King Solomon makes an oration full of invectives against this sin (Proverbs 23:29): Who has…

They sit on a better throne: King Solomon (1 Kings 10:18) sat on a throne of ivory overlaid with gold; but the saints are in heaven higher advanced; they sit with Christ upon his throne (Revelation 3:21). They shall judge the princes and great ones of the earth (1 Corinthians 6:…

We have no call to sin; we may have a temptation, but no call; no call to be proud, or unclean, but we have a call to be holy. 2. The necessity appears in this, without Sanctification there is no evidencing our Justification; Justification and Sanctification go together (1 Corin…

It is a tearing of God's picture, and breaking in pieces the King of Heaven's broad-seal. Man is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?

A king's palace must be kept clean, especially his presence-chamber. The body is the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19) — then the soul is the Sanctum Sanctorum; how holy ought that to be? Secondly, you are to dwell with God.

(2.) Injurious to God the Son, two ways. First, as he has purchased you with his blood (1 Corinthians 6:20). You are bought with a price.

Covetous Achan stole the wedge of gold. Therefore thieves and the covetous are put together (1 Corinthians 6:10). 9. Covetousness is a breach of the Ninth Commandment, You shalt not bear false witness.

The Holy Ghost works miracles, which transcend the sphere of nature; as raising the dead (Romans 8:11). To him belongs [illegible], divine worship; our souls and bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19), in which temples he is to be worshipped (verse 20). We…

Thus justification and sanctification are not the same; yet, for all that, they are not separated. God never pardons and justifies a sinner, but he does sanctify him (1 Corinthians 6:11): "but you are justified, but you are sanctified." (1 John 5:6): "This is he that came by wat…

Adam was created a glorious creature but mutable, a bright star but a falling star, but in the kingdom of heaven is a fixation of happiness: when Christ's kingdom of glory comes you shall be rid of all your enemies: As Moses said (Exodus 14:13), The Egyptians whom you have seen…

2. Moral actions are done out of a vain-glorious humor, not any respect to God's glory. The Apostle calls the heathen magistrates unjust (1 Corinthians 6:1). While they were doing justice in their civil courts they were unjust; their virtue became vice, because faith was wanting…

1. That he offered himself a sacrifice to God, to make atonement for our sins, and that in his death and sufferings (Isaiah 53:10): "When you shall make his soul an offering for sin" (John 1:29): "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" (Ephesians 5:2): "Chr…

He has no consideration of the person in this case, nor is it enquired about him, whether he have been a greater or lesser sinner, whether he has lived a longer or a shorter time in a state of alienation from the life of Christ; but this righteousness is as readily and willingly…

For his Temple, is now to be built of living stones (1 Peter 2:5), men spiritually and savingly quickened from their death in sin and by the Holy Ghost, whereof they are partakers, made a meet habitation for God (Ephesians 2:21, 22; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16), which…

(2) In judging with the Elders according to rule, what in all cases of offence is necessary to be done, for the good of the offenders themselves, and for the edification and vindication of the whole Church. (3) In their consent to, and concurrence in the admonition, ejection, pa…

Now whereas he is the head and King of the Church, the next immediate and special law-giver of it appointing to it all his ordinances, and its whole worship, as it becomes him who is Lord of the house, the institutions of the Gospel worship are his most especial commands. And in…

Let us come to the first of these benefits which is our justification; and first tell me what is the meaning of the word to justify? It does not signify to make an unjust man just by changing his qualities; for then it were all one with sanctification from which it is distinct (…

Q. How else do they differ? A. Justification makes no real change in the soul, as when the judge acquits a man, but makes him never a whit the more honest than before; but Sanctification makes a great change in the soul from sin and corruption to purity and holiness (Romans 6:17…

This circumstance is worth the marking: for, good Jacob, by reason of the weakness of his body and old age, was not able to come forth of his bed, and kneel down or prostrate himself; but raises himself up upon his pillow towards his bed's head: and by reason of feebleness being…

For, Noah being told of a miraculous thing, and believing it, and being commanded so unreasonable a thing, as the making of the Ark, and obeying, shall condemn that wicked world, who would not believe God's ordinary promises; nor obey his ordinary and most holy commandments. And…

How could she believe, being a harlot in former times? for it is said, That neither fornicators, nor adulterers, shall inherit the Kingdom of heaven, 1 Corinthians 6.9. Answer.

I beseech you brethren upon the mercifulness of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. You are bought with a price; glorify God therefore in body and spirit, which are God's (1 Corinthians 6:20). Third…

So the Redemption that is by Christ, is everywhere said to be a price, a Ransom. See (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 Peter 1:18, 19). It is the deliverance of persons out of a state of captivity and bondage, by the payment of a valuable price or…

But (1) it is required that this property of repentance be prevalent against the common sins of the world, men's old sins which they lived in before their conversion. Those sins which are expressly declared in the Gospel to be inconsistent with the profession, ends and glory of…

1. He undertook as the Surety of the Covenant to answer for all the sins of those who are to be, and are made partakers of the benefits of it. That is, to undergo the punishment due to their sins; to make atonement for them, by offering himself a propitiatory sacrifice for their…

(2.) Because the body is the instrument of the perpetration of them; hence are they called deeds of the body; the members of the body; our earthly members (Romans 3:13, 14, 15, 16; chap. 8:13; and 12:19; Colossians 3:3, 4, 5). (3.) Because the body is defiled by them, some of th…

1. These few sermons will be so many witnesses against you that have heard them; they will rise up in judgment against you. He that uttered them, and all they also that profited by them, shall appear in judgment against you; and perhaps these and those whom you now despise, shal…

The dealing of the world in this case is no example for us to follow. For through rage and stomach men will abide no private agreement, and therefore they use the law in the first place, as the Corinthians did: but what says Paul (1 Corinthians 6:7), it is utterly a fault among…

But such are all habitual sinners; those who having prevalent habits and inclinations to sins of any kind unmortified, do walk according to them. Such are profane swearers, drunkards, fornicators, covetous, oppressors, and the like, who shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Co…

Your tongues are not your own to speak what you please, nor your hearts your own to think what you please, nor your hands your own to do what you please; by virtue of your Creation you are another's, and are bound to live and act for another, according to his Will, for his Glory…

All that are truly good will not only make conscience of serving God, but will also provide things honest in the sight of men (Romans 12:17). So (1 Corinthians 6:9) Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God; that is, are you so ignorant of the princi…

1. The meritorious procuring cause of this liberty, is the death and blood of Jesus Christ. So is it declared (1 Peter 1:18, 19; 1 Corinthians 6:20; chapter 7:23). Nothing else could purchase this freedom.

But to be changed (Romans 12:2), and renewed (Ephesians 4:23), and put off the old man, and put on the new (Ephesians 4), yes to grow in grace and holiness (2 Peter 3:18), and be stronger and stronger (Job 17:9), that our good works may be more at the last, than at the first (Re…

Hence he argues against Bellarmine, that so it ought to be in the Christian Church also, because the privilege of Christians is no less than the privilege of the Jews. Camero tells us, that when the Apostle (1 Corinthians 6) reproves the Corinthians, for that when one of [illegi…

We desire not to affright you with false fears, but to admonish you, that you be not deceived. I find this sentence, Be not deceived, prefixed before many places of Scripture, where God's judgments are denounced, as 1 Corinthians 6:9: Be not deceived, neither fornicators, idolat…

The dealing of the world in this case, is no example for us to follow. For through rage and stomach they will abide no private agreement: and therefore, they use the law in the first place, so did the Corinthians, but what says Paul (1 Corinthians 6:7)? It is utterly a fault amo…

If we were clear that our share was there, and that our iniquities came in among the rest to make up the libel, and if we could aright discern him so [reconstructed: pinched] and straitened in satisfying for us, would we not think ourselves eternally obliged to him, to hate sin,…

And if people have anything, they should not be proud or conceited of it, but mind that what they have, is a fruit of Christ's purchase, and that therefore there is no ground to be proud of it. The 3rd use serves to show what great obligation lies on sinners that get any special…

Solomon had put all the creatures into a Limbeck, and when he came to extract the spirits and quintessence, all was vanity (Ecclesiastes 2:11). The Apostle calls it [illegible], a show or apparition (1 Corinthians 7:31), having no intrinsical goodness. 3. The third lesson is the…

- 1. Fixedness of mind. - 2. Fervency of devotion. - 3. Uprightness of aim. 1. Fixedness of mind: then we spiritualize duty when our minds are fixed on God; (1 Corinthians 7:35). That you may attend on the Lord without distraction.

1. Distraction. 1 Corinthians 7:35. That you may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

If parents should indeed counsel a child to match with one that is irreligious or Popish, I think the case is plain; and many of the learned are of opinion, that here the child may have a negative voice, and is not obliged to be ruled by the parent. Children are to marry in the…

(1.) Something implied: that the ordinance of marriage should be observed. (1 Corinthians 7:2) Let every man have his own wife, and every woman have her own husband. Marriage is honorable, and the bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4).

Therefore children in their infancy being God's servants, why should they not have baptism, which is the tessera, the mark or seal which God sets upon his servants. Third Arg. Is from 1 Corinthians 7:14: "But now are your children holy." Children are not called holy, as if they…

Quest. 17. Which are the principal institutions of the Gospel to be observed in the worship of God? Answ. (1.) The calling, gathering and setling of Churches with their Officers, as the seat and subject of all other solemn instituted worship. (2.) Prayer with thanksgiving. (3.)…

Answ. Professing believers, if not baptized in their infancy, and their infant seed. Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38, 39; Acts 16:33; 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 7:14; Colossians 2:12, 13; with Genesis 17:10, 11, 12. Quest. 39. Where, and to whom, is the ordinance of the Lord's S…

Thirdly, he is able indiscernably to communicate all his false reasonings (though never so spiritual) which he does forge and invent, and that in such a manner as to deceive us by them and to make them take with us. First, he is able not only to put into the heart suggestions an…

For, too much delight in fleshly pleasures, smothers the grace of God in us, and lets loose all sins, and gives life unto all corruptions. Secondly, we must use this world as though we used it not; that is, even the necessary comforts and delights thereof: they be the very words…

For, if he had loved and liked the pomp of Egypt, he would have had his sepulcher among them; but, giving commandment to the contrary, it shows plainly, that his heart was never set on that glory and pomp in which he lived. By whose example we are taught, that in using the world…

And the same reason must move every one of us, to use this world, and all things herein (even all temporal benefits) as though we used them not: being, always willing and ready to leave them whensoever God shall call. This same reason does Paul render when he persuades the Corin…

For, if they had, they would rejoice in it, and not in the vain and transitory delights of this world, which perish in the using, and are lost with more torment and vexation, than they were kept with delight. We must learn then to use this world, as though we used it not, 1 Cori…

But how (will some say) shall we be answerable to this profession? Answer. For the practice hereof, we must do these three things: 1. We must use this world and the things thereof, as though we used them not; 1 Corinthians 7.31: The temporal blessings we here enjoy, we must so u…

What do you know, oh you believing husband, whether God will not make you instrumental to save your wife, though an unbeliever? Or what do you know, oh you believing wife, whether God will not make you instrumental to save your husband (1 Corinthians 7:16)? And when he is conver…

4. In our freedom from the whole system of Mosaical worship in all the rites and ceremonies, and ordinances of it, which what a burden it was, the Apostles do declare (Acts 15), and our Apostle at large in his Epistle to the Galatians. 5. From all the laws of men in things apper…

The Reverend Author answers, That both the assertion and the proof of it are to be denied. The assertion is not true, that the parents in question are regularly in the Church: Infants, and children in minority of confederate believers, are in the Church by their parents' covenan…

Therefore does Sedulius in the Old Testament commend to us the Hebrew verity (for so with Saint Hierome does he style it:) and in the New correct oftentimes the vulgar Latin according to the truth of the Greek copies. For example: in (1 Corinthians 7:34) he reads as we do, There…

Our love to God must be intense and vehement; like the Coals of Juniper, which are most acute and fervent, Psalm 120.4. Our love to transitory things must be indifferent; we must love quasi non, as if we loved not, 1 Corinthians 7.30. But our love to God must flame forth.

4. A righteous man has more excellent freedom (Psalm 119:45): And I will walk at liberty. Another is capable of civil freedom; he may be a Roman born; but he is still enslaved to his lusts; but a righteous person is God's freeman (1 Corinthians 7:21). His neck is out of the Devi…

1. It may be understood of any kind of subserviency to God's Will and secret counsels, or instrumentality in the execution of his decrees: so wicked men may be said to be God's servants, so far forth as he serveth his designs of their endeavors: as Cyrus was God's servant, becau…

Daniel 10:3: I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine within my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, until three weeks of days were fulfilled. 1 Corinthians 7:5: Defraud not one another, except it be with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fast…

Objection 4. 1 Corinthians 7:8: Paul says it is good for all to be single as he was, and in verse 38 he says it is better for virgins not to marry, and this he speaks by permission not by commandment (verse 26). Answer: Here single life is not preferred simply, but only in respe…

The fault is not in the substance of marriage but in the manner of making it. And for this cause the Apostle commands the believing party not to forsake or refuse the unbelieving party — being a very infidel, which no Papist is — if he or she will abide: 1 Corinthians 7:13. The…

This kind of vow is flat against the word of God, and therefore unlawful. For Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:9: If they cannot contain, let them marry. 1 Timothy 4:1: It is a doctrine of devils to forbid to marry.

It is as common with men, indeed, with good men, to exceed in their sorrows for dead relations, as it is to exceed in their loves and delights to living relations; and both of the one and other, we may say as they say of waters, it is hard to confine them within their bounds. It…

And who dares take that confidence upon him, as to affirm any more, when [illegible] a Doctor has denied? Though the scope of the place, the nature of the thing, and first most common sense of the word here used, being willingly to consent (as it is also used in the Scripture fo…

To sleep in them, is to be overtaken with delight of them, as it occupieth our minds and bodies in such sort, as it maketh us unwatchful against the motions of sin, as it breaketh our rests, and weaneth us from some duties of our calling, and the service of God: making us to res…

Malachi 2:14. But you say, Therefore? Because the Lord has witnessed between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you do unfaithfully: yet she is your companion and wife covenanted to you. 1 Corinthians 7:30. The wife is bound by the law, as long as her husband lives, bu…

The great all of heaven and earth, since God laid the first stone of this wide hall, has been groaning, and weeping, for the liberty of the sons of God, (Romans 8:21). The figure of the passing-away world, (1 Corinthians 7:31), is like an old man's face, full of wrinkles, and fo…

But to the unmortified man the world smells like the garden of God: lust casts in, and comes to eye and heart and fancy, grenades and fire-balls of uncleanness; sinful pleasure has a rosy face, profit has golden fingers, court and honor has a sweet breath, the world is not to hi…

And besides, such a natural man, though he be of a magnanimous spirit in respect of fear of danger, yet such a man is often captivated of many base lusts, and sinful courses, and is not able to resist ill counsel, nor ill company; whereas a godly man is free from all these; free…

1. As he works by representation, or the fair show and splendid appearance of worldly things, you must check it. (1.) By considering the little subsistence and reality that is in this fair appearance (1 Corinthians 7:31). The fashion of this world passes away [illegible: non-Lat…

But I need not trouble you with the mention of Popish fopperies. A right-bred Christian, that has learned the truth as it is in Jesus, being thrust into a corner, knows how to improve solitariness for soul-advantage; and voluntarily does withdraw himself into a corner, that he m…

3. Objection. But I am a servant, and must obey my master; I am kept too hardly at work, to get time for secret prayer; I am called to work early, dogged to it all the day. Answer. Though you be servants to do men's work, yet not slaves to their lusts: in that respect you must n…

Paul then did not reject circumcision as a damnable thing, neither did he by word or deed enforce the Jews to forsake it. For in (1 Corinthians 7) he says: If any man be called being circumcised, let him not add uncircumcision. But he rejected circumcision as a thing not necessa…

Justification by works is a yoke that none could ever bear (Acts 15). The vow of single life is as a snare, or as the noose in the halter to strangle the soul (1 Corinthians 7:34). So is the doctrine which teaches that men after their conversion, must still remain in suspense of…

If the root be holy, the branches are holy (Romans 11:16). If either of their parents believe, their children are holy (1 Corinthians 7:14). In a civil contract, the father and his heir make but one person, and the father covenants for himself, and his posterity: even so, in the…

In Acts 2:39, Peter says to the Jews that heard him preach, The promises belong to you, and to your children. Paul says, If the parents believe, the children are holy (1 Corinthians 7:14). If holy, then are they in the covenant: now they are holy: because we are in the judgment…

This authority shows itself, specially in two things: in the marriage, and in the calling of the child. In the marriage of the child, the parent is the principal agent, and the disposer thereof (Deuteronomy 7:3; Exodus 34:16; 1 Corinthians 7:38). Where observe, that the commandm…

Thus magistracy and Christian liberty may stand together: and the rather, because liberty is in conscience, and the magistrate's authority pertains to the body. Here is further comfort for all the godly: for even by Christian liberty, their consciences are exempted from the powe…

Synecdochically, not of perfect and absolute knowledge, for we all know but in part (2 Corinthians 13:12), but of initiate, or inchoate knowledge, which shall be consummate in the life to come. Further, upon this distinction it follows, that hearers are not to intermeddle with t…

Abraham was of an excellent faith, and constancy, of singular meekness, and holiness, yet had he not this gift. Christ himself testifies that it is not given to all, even then when his Apostles so highly commended single life (Matthew 19:6, 10, 11, 12), and Saint Paul says the l…

For not only the eyes, but even the concealed flames of the heart, render men guilty of adultery. Accordingly, Paul makes chastity (1 Corinthians 7:34) to consist both in body and in mind. But Christ reckoned it enough to refute the gross mistake which was prevalent: for they th…

We know, on the contrary, that none of those who walk in their ways are ever left destitute of the assistance of the Spirit. For the sake of avoiding fornication, says Paul, let every man marry a wife, (1 Corinthians 7:2). He who has done so, though he may not succeed to his wis…

2. Think often of him amidst your other affairs. Every one as he is called (be his state or way of living what it will, be he bond or free) is required therein to abide with God (1 Corinthians 7). And how is that but by often thinking of him, as being a great part (and fundament…

And touch not with that which you cannot recommend to God by prayer for a blessing. Be well satisfied in that Station and Imployment in which Providence has placed you, and do not so much as wish your selves in another, 1 Corinthians 7:20 Let every man abide in the same Calling,…

V. 13. For brethren, you have been called to liberty. 1 Corinthians 7:23. You are bought with a price, be you not the servants of men. Cant. 6:4. You are beautiful O my love, terrible as an army with banners.

Servile labor, with Trouble, Sweat and Vexation, was occasioned by the Curse (Genesis 3:17, 18, 19). The State also of Servants and Handmaids such as was then, and is still in use, followed on the entrance of sin, though meerly to serve, be no part of the Curse (1 Corinthians 7:…

Satan is the sworn enemy of Christ, the adversary that openly, constantly, avowedly opposes him in his throne (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8). And he exerts his enmity by temptations (1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:5), accusations (Revelation 12:10), persecuti…

I have said you are gods, (namely) set in God's place to do justice; but dying gods (verse 7). You shall die like men (1 Corinthians 8:5-6). There be that are called gods, but to us there is but One God.

Branch 3. See the misery of men in the state of nature, before Christ came to be their Prophet, they are enveloped with ignorance and [reconstructed: darkness]. Men know nothing in a salvifical, sanctified manner; they know nothing as they ought to know (1 Corinthians 8:2). This…

Quest. 1. What is it to make God to be a God to us? Resp. 1. To make God to be a God to us, is to acknowledge him for a God: The gods of the heathen are idols (Psalm 96:5), and we know that an idol is nothing (1 Corinthians 8:4), that is, it has nothing of deity in it: If we cry…

Nahash the Ammonite would make a covenant with Israel to thrust out their right eyes (1 Samuel 11:2). Since the fall our left eye remains a deep insight into worldly matters, but our right eye is thrust out, we have no saving knowledge of God: Something we know by nature, but no…

The priests going wrong caused others to stumble. 2. He does hurt to the converted; by an open scandalous sin he offends weak believers, and so sins against Christ (1 Corinthians 8:12). Thus sin is worse than affliction, because it does hurt to others.

And this brutish apprehension of theirs, arose from no other principle but this, that the Son had only a temporal existence, and was not the Eternal Son of God. But that I may not in this brief discourse digress to other controversies than what lies directly before us, and seein…

Answ. The Office of them that are Teachers, is one and the same among them all; but where there are many in the same Church, it is the will of Christ that they should be peculiarly assigned to such especial work in the discharge of their office power, as their gifts received fro…

Q. Since there are two natures in Christ, the divine and human, whether is Christ then two persons? A. By no means, but one only (1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). Q. But is not Christ a person in respect of his Godhead?

Q. How many Gods are there? A. No more but one (Deuteronomy 4:39 & 6:4; Isaiah 44:6, 8 & 45:5, 18; 1 Corinthians 8:4, 6; Ephesians 4:6). Q. Why may there not be more Gods than one?

And the end of all is edification in love; that is, either by love, [illegible] for [illegible], which is frequent; or in love, seeing in the increase or enlargement thereof does our edification principally consist. For as love edifies (1 Corinthians 8:1) is the principal means…

For so there were then lords many, and gods many in the world. So they were esteemed by them that made them, and worshipped them: [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] as our Apostle speaks, such as were called gods (1 Corinthians 8:5), but by nature were not gods (Galatians 4:8). They were…

Once more, false grace is not accompanied with humility: when men the more they profess, the prouder they grow and more self-conceited, there is cause of suspicion. With true grace there always goes along a spiritual poverty, or a sense of our spiritual wants; the more knowledge…

2 Peter 2:12. They speak evil of the things they know not; it is true they know the things, [illegible], they know them not experimentally and really, and that deceives them. 1 Corinthians 8:2. If any man think he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. One may…

These are those who are called gods — of whom the apostle speaks (1 Corinthians 8:5). They are indeed called gods by many impiously, but they are not; that is, they are not, as he says elsewhere (Galatians 4:8), gods by nature, but only gods by repute and in common estimation.

God's unchangeableness is the foundation of our comfort. Saint Paul says, If we love God; we are known of him (1 Corinthians 8:3). Now the first we may certainly find in ourselves, namely, the love of God, and Christ: and for the second, God is unchangeable.

But if man be considered in respect of his spiritual estate, as he is a member of the invisible, or catholic church, under spiritual government, consisting in righteousness, peace of conscience and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17), there is no distinction of calling, condit…

For the superstitious do not simply worship the wood, brass, or metal, but the majesty of God, which they fondly and blasphemously tie to the corruptible idol: so as in effect here is nothing but a vain imagination. To which purpose Paul says, that an idol is nothing (1 Corinthi…

Still, he is in a peculiar manner the Lord of believers, who yield willingly and cheerfully to his authority; for it is only of "his body" that he is "the head," (Ephesians 1:22, 23.) And so Paul says, "though there be lords many, yet to us," that is, to the servants of faith, "…

But righteousness and peace. He has by the way, opposed these, against meat and drink, not as though he reckoned all those things, whereon the kingdom of Christ consists: but that he might declare how it stands upon spiritual things (1 Corinthians 8:[illegible]). Although to say…

Those supposed Discoveries that naturally blow up the Person with an Admiration of the Eminency of his Discoveries, and fill him with Conceit, that now he has seen, and knows more than most other Christians, have nothing of the Nature of true spiritual Light in them. All true sp…

The Jews indeed contend that no other Magistrates but only those of the Great Sanedrin are any where called gods; but that concerns not our present enquiry: some Magistrates are so called, but none of them are here intended by the Psalmist; there being no occasion administered t…

It's a relative, where no antecedent goes before, yet certainly it looks to Christ alone, as the reasons show; Here no rules of art are kept, for love stands not on these: This manner of speaking is to be found also in moral authors, when one eminent is set forth, who is singula…

Again, as if that did not fully set out his amiableness, she adds, He is the chiefest among ten thousand. This is a definite great number for an indefinite; in sum it is this, there are many beloveds indeed in the world, but compare them all with Christ, they are nothing to him,…

Thus in redemption, we have not only all things of God, but by and through him. 1 Corinthians 8:6. But to us there is but one God the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Thirdly, the redeemed have all t…

Gifts may damage the person that possesses them; and it may be better in respect of a man's own condition he had never had them. Knowledge (says the Apostle) puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1), makes the soul proud and flatulent. It is a hard thing to know much, and not to know it too…

This union is more fully expressed afterwards, verse 30. The dignity of Christ is here principally intended: so as Christ is the highest in authority over the Church: the titles Lord, Father, Master, Doctor, Prophet, First-born, with the like, being by a kind of excellency and p…

Verse 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever, Amen. (1 Corinthians 8:5) For though there be that are called Gods, whether in heaven, or in earth (as there be gods many, and lords many.) V…

Ioseph fled from his Mistresses temptation, he would not be seen in her company. The appearance of evil though it defile not ones own Conscience, it may offend anothers Conscience: and hear what the Apostle says, 1 Corinthians 8:12. When ye wound the weak Conscience, ye sin agai…

As touching the essence or being, we have but only one God: and yet in Jesus Christ we have the lively and express image of the Father, so as there we find whatever is expedient and requisite for our salvation (Colossians 1:15, etc.). It is said that we ought to glory in our kno…

Most will declaim against the vanity of the creature, evil of sin; but they do not see with an affective heart-piercing light; they have on them the veil of spiritual ignorance. (2.) The veil of carnal knowledge and wisdom, that puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1-2), by which seeing no…

Directive, affective, operative knowledge is never at a stand, but increases daily. And therefore the Apostle says (1 Corinthians 8:2): He that thinks he knows any thing, knows nothing as he ought to know. Many think they know as much as can be taught them; surely they have no e…

A natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned. There is a knowing things at random, and by a general knowledge, and a knowing things as we ought to know (1 Corinthians…

1. Because of our want, we never know so much, but we may know more of God's mind, and know it better, and to better purpose. To know things as we ought to know them is the great gift (1 Corinthians 8:2). If any man thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought…

And when we know generals, yet we are so apt to err in particular cases, and since the commandment of God is [reconstructed: so] exceeding broad (Psalm 119:96), every day we may see more into it, and may be more fully informed of the mind of God. We every day see more in a promi…

Though all sins come from the heart (and may there be acted when men are alone) yet as to matter of fact, some sins cannot be committed by persons alone, but every such sin has a double sinner, if not a greater number. Besides, this way men are confirmed and hardened in their wi…

It is an ordinary thing for the Scripture to speak of such a thing, as if it were, and to say it is, which is but supposed to be by others. As for instance (1 Corinthians 8:4-6): there are gods many, and lords many, not that really there was any such, but by others they were rec…

And this is the sin which uses to reign in young men: if they are descended of better parents than others, they are proud of their birth and parentage: if they have good natural parts, wit and memory; or acquired parts above others, they are on these accounts lifted up with prid…

Even in a thing indifferent, if it is an appearance of evil and may grieve another, we are to forbear. For when we sin against the brethren and wound their weak conscience, we sin against Christ (1 Corinthians 8:12). The weak Christian is a member of Christ; therefore sinning ag…

Hypocrites grow in knowledge; but not in humility. Knowledge puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1). It is a metaphor taken from a pair of bellows, that are blown up and filled with wind.

The blessed man Christ confesses that he knows neither the day nor the hour of the Son of Man's coming; yet there are those who dare define the time of his coming, and the day. The mind is a proud and haughty thing, and we are not dead to it; the mind is not mortified to the min…

So it is affirmed (Genesis 1:16) that God made two great lights, the sun and moon: whereas the moon is lesser than many stars, yet because in regard of her nearness to the earth she seems to us greater than the rest, therefore she is called a great light. In like manner idols in…

May not a man be exhorted from attempting that which yet, if he should attempt, he could not effect? A second place is 1 Corinthians 8:10-11: 'And through your knowledge shall your weak brother perish for whom Christ died.' A brother is said to perish for whom Christ died: that…

Proof 16. The sixteenth proof urges the Scripture's manner of describing the sin of those who despise and refuse grace — that they turn the grace of God into wantonness (Jude 4), trample underfoot the Son of God, profane the blood of the covenant by which they were sanctified, a…

Saving wisdom makes him see himself empty of all that was good, makes him see that before he knew nothing, as he ought to know. But common judgment breeds pride; it puffs a man up (1 Corinthians 8:1-2), and makes him prefer himself before his brethren. Secondly, this right judgm…

Christ denied his name and reputation; Hebrews 12:2, He endured the shame. He denied worldly grandeur and riches; 1 Corinthians 8:9. For our sakes he became poor.

The Saints are called wise Virgins, Matthew 25. 4. A natural man may have some discursive knowledge of God, but he knoweth nothing as he ought to know, 1 Corinthians 8. 2. He knows not God savingly: he may have the eye of Reason open, but he discerns not the things of God after…

2nd Commandment: You shall make to yourself no graven image, etc. He breaks this commandment: who represents God in an image (Exodus 32:6-8); who worships God in or at images, as crucifixes and such like (2 Kings 18:4); who kneels down before an image; who is bodily present at M…

He was a man of a choice spirit, only he was always kept very low, and that made his life so burdensome to himself, and so troublesome to others (Psalm 88). He was, above many, tender of sin: he was so afraid of doing injuries to others, that he often would deny himself of that…

Sixthly, growing in notions of truth without answerable practice, is another thing that indwelling sin makes use to bring the souls of believers under a decay. The Apostle tells us, that knowledge puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1). If it be alone, not improved in practice, it swells…

Revelation 1:8: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, says the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come. But more expresly, 1 Corinthians 8:6: But to us there is but one God, the father, of whom are all things, and we by him, [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], and…

We must not be like the fig-tree in the gospel, which had nothing but leaves, but like the Pomocitron, that is continually either mellowing or blossoming, it is never without fruit. It is not profession but fruit that glorifies God; God expects to have his glory from us this way…

To you that believe he is precious. St. Paul did best know Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1). Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?

A good Christian is so humble, as to oblige others; but not so unworthy, as to disobey God. Saint Paul, as far as he could with a good conscience, did become all things to all, that he might save some (1 Corinthians 9:20, 22). But he would not break a commandment to gratify any.

Resp. Corrupt nature may as the spider, suck poison from this flower, but a sober Christian who has felt the efficacy of grace upon his heart, dares not abuse this doctrine: He knows perseverance is attained in the use of means, therefore he walks holily, that so in the use of m…

Excess in the creature clouds the mind, chokes good affections, provokes lust! St. Paul did [illegible], keep under his body (1 Corinthians 9:27). The flesh pampered is apt to rebel.

(3) Ephesians 6:18, 19; Colossians 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Colossians 4:17. (4) Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:14. (5) 1 Corinthians 16:10.

For it seems that others were more diligent in the discharge of that duty, which was no less theirs, if only one sort of Elders be here intended. The Scripture is not wont to commend such persons as worthy of double honor, but rather to propose them as meet for double shame and…

Answ. It is so, both on the part of the elders or ministers themselves, of whom that duty is strictly required, and who principally therein labor and watch for the good of the flock; and on the part of the Church, for the furtherance of their faith, and obedience, by instruction…

5. On these suppositions it is that the Apostle treating of this matter makes no use of the right or law of tithing, though directly to his purpose, if it had not been abrogated. For intending to prove that the ministers of the Gospel ought to be liberally supported in their wor…

We take it for granted that the way of maintenance is changed as to the ministers of holy things under the Old and New Testament. That the law of maintenance is taken away is the highest folly to imagine, it being so expressly asserted by our Savior himself and his Apostles (Luk…

[〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]. See 2 Timothy 2:5; 1 Corinthians 9:25. The allusion is taken from their striving, wrestling, fighting, who contended publicly for a prize, victory and reward, with the glory and honor attending it.

[in non-Latin alphabet] (Romans 14:18): accepted with God, and approved with men. Hence [in non-Latin alphabet] is one rejected, disproved upon trial, reprobate (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5, 6; Titus 1:16). The whole is expressed (Jeremiah 6:29, 30): the bellows are b…

To speak good words, is no hard matter: this many can do in praying, in preaching, and in discourse with others, and have excellent gifts indeed, who yet are strangers to the thing that we are speaking of; and there be divers things that concu[r] to it: it may be a man has been…

And we think this arguing to be better, and more strong, than to say, That because they are not under such Discipline as was then, that therefore now they are under none at all. And plain it is, that the Apostle argues for the maintenance of the Ministry now under the Gospel, fr…

If he had been fully glorified, he could not so sensibly and plainly have made manifest the truth of his resurrection to his disciples: and therefore for their sakes and ours he is content after his entrance into glory still to retain in his body some remnants of the ignominies…

4. In times of disheartening, because of the difficulties of religion, when the use of means grows troublesome: to quicken you in your Christian course, think of the unchangeableness of God's love; all graces rise according to the proportion and measure of faith; loose hopes wea…

Such a man was Paul — he did not only spend his time in preaching to others, in keeping others' vineyards, but he looked to himself and kept his own vineyard. 1 Corinthians 9:27: 'Lest when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.' And what an eminent instrument…

I would entreat you to consider, that, 1. Religion does not oblige you to them; that consists not in meats and drinks, and phrases and gestures; but in righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 2. Religion obliges you against them, the great command of the Gospel is, L…

It seems not to consist with his wisdom to neglect that which he has seen fit to create. And though the Apostle seems to deny God's care of brutes (1 Corinthians 9), "Does God take care for oxen?" — it is true God did not in that law only take care of oxen, that is, with a legis…

The Apostles, when they were first sent through Judea, took no stipend (Matthew 10:8, 9). Neither did Paul take any at Corinth (1 Corinthians 9:18). The ministers among the Waldenses work with their hands for their maintenance.

However much these axioms may be founded in the very nature of things, yet since our Lord Jesus Christ willed nothing at all to be reverently observed in His church except on His own authority — since He alone is its head, king, and lawgiver — He has secured by His own instituti…

The Sacraments also has he given, not to be neglected, as most excellent pledges of his sure favor and mercy in Christ (Romans 4:11; 6:3, 4; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Corinthians 11:23). The order of his Church set down in his word (Hebrews 3:2; 1 Chronicles 28:12, 19; 2 Chronicles 29:2…

Is there not reason for it? Who (as the Apostle says, (1 Corinthians 9:7)) goes a warfare on his own charges? Who plants a vineyard and eats not of the fruit thereof?

9. He has friends within us, every saint is a divided party. 2. The quarrel is not money, civil liberties, laws, houses, lands, nor corruptible things, yet we run and strive for pence and pounds, but here peace of conscience, an incorruptible crown (1 Corinthians 9:25), the Lord…

And as the promises are peculiar to Christ, so the persons and grace promised, both the one and the other, are due to Christ, and result from the Head, to those who in God's decree only shall be members; as righteousness, life eternal, and perseverance, are made to those that ar…

He that believes in me, the works that I do, he shall do, and greater than these (Matthew 12:50). He that does the will of my heavenly Father, the same is my brother, etc. (1 Corinthians 9:24). So run, that you may obtain (Revelation 2:2).

If by any Means I may provoke to Emulation them which are my Flesh, and might save some of them. 1 Corinthians 9:22. That I might by all means save some.

It is not without cause therefore that Paul warns the hearers of the Gospel to make their pastors and teachers partakers with them in all good things. If we (says he to the Corinthians) have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we reap your worldly things (1 Cor…

He grants moreover that he had lived after the manner of the Jews, but yet only among the Jews. And this is it which he says in 1 Corinthians 9: when I was free from all men, I made myself servant to all men, that I might win the more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might…

Verse 2. Which I preach among the Gentiles. For among the Jews he suffered the law and circumcision for a time, as the other Apostles did: I am made all things to all men, says he (1 Corinthians 9), yet ever holding the true doctrine of the gospel, which he preferred above the l…

The Corinthians were babes in Christ, and Paul feeds them with milk (1 Corinthians 3:3). To the Jew he became a Jew, to the Gentile a Gentile, that he might win some (1 Corinthians 9:18). For this cause it were to be wished, that catechizing were more used than it is of our mini…

And he compares the word and precepts of God, to a way or race; believers to runners, life eternal to the prize, God to the umpire or judge, the lookers on, are men and angels, good and bad, and the exercise of religion, is the running in this race. Read of this (1 Corinthians 9…

The Colossians are commended by the Apostle, for that they continued, and increased, in faith to God, and love to man, for the hope's sake that was laid up for them in heaven (Colossians 1:5). And Paul shows this to have been the practice, and to be the duty of all the saints of…

Let him always think and remember that he must use an invincible freedom of speech against all difficulties that are opposed to his ministry, as the Prophets and Apostles have done, without shrinking their necks out of the collar. Woe be to me, says the Apostle, if I preach not,…

Do you not know your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you are reprobates? And it is implied that it is an argument of a very blamable negligence in Christians, if they practice Christianity after such a manner as to remain uncertain of the reward, in that 1 Co…

The Apostle Paul sought assurance chiefly this way, even by forgetting the things that were behind, and reaching forth unto those things that were before, pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus; if by any means he might attain unto the…

The ministers of the seven churches of Asia — doubtless some of them were bad men. Paul tells you (1 Corinthians 9:17), I keep under my body, lest when I preach to others, I myself may be a castaway. Intimating, that a man may preach to others, and may be a means to save others,…

And he himself labored with his own hands, that he might not be burdensome to others, much less would he have the chief of the Laity who abound with wealth to be maintained of the common store; and that more liberally than others: For, if by those that rule well, you shall under…

Verse 7. Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for what a man sows, that shall he reap. 1 Corinthians 9:7. Who goes a warfare at any time at his own charges? Who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof?

Neither is it to be omitted, that there is such a coincidence in many phrases, use of words and expressions between this Epistle, and the rest of Saint Paul's, as will not allow us to grant such a discrepancy in style, as some imagine. They have many of them been gathered by oth…

The motive whereby she presses this petition, is, We will run after you: wherein we are to consider these three things. 1. What this is, to run; which is, in short, to make progress Christ-ward, and advance in the way of holiness, with cheerfulness and alacrity (having her heart…

And so also, that and the like precepts, discharging the Jews, the sowing their fields with diverse grains, &c. which though they be not wholly allegorical, but have in the letter their own truth, yet, somewhat in these beyond what appears, was aimed at by the Spirit; for, says…

And God himself tells such ignorant and foolish teachers (Hosea 4:6), Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you, that you shall be no priest to me: seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. And as they must be able to teac…

Covetousness is one of the sins which the Apostle would not have so much as named among the saints (Ephesians 5:3). It is a sin if it reign, which is inconsistent with the truth of grace, and power of godliness, because it is idolatry (Colossians 3:5), and the Apostle tells us e…

There is something needs mortifying. Hence it was St. Paul did [illegible], beat down his body, by prayer, watching, fasting (1 Corinthians 9:27). But, is it not said, Ephesians 5:29, no man ever hated his own flesh?

It is appointed for all men once to die. Secondly, the seed is cast into the earth in hope (1 Corinthians 9:10). Were there not a resurrection of it expected, the husbandman would never be willing to cast away his corn.

O, what matter of unspeakable joy and comfort is this to upright souls! Well then, be not discharged, for you do not run as one uncertain, nor fight as one that beats the air (1 Corinthians 9:26), but the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, the Lord knows who are hi…

But God's workmen have a much harder task than they. Hence they are set forth in Scripture by the laborious ox (1 Corinthians 9:9; Revelation 4:7). Some derive the word deacon from a word that signifies dust, to show the laboriousness of their employment, laboring till evening,…

Now this life is not so much as an hour to eternity; and therefore why should we not be careful how we spend this hour, seeing it shall be with us forever according as we spend it? (1 Corinthians 9:25) Every one that strives for the mastery is temperate; now they do it to obtain…

Therefore that which is very much beside the common practice, unless it be a thing in its own nature of considerable importance, had better be avoided. Herein we shall follow the example of one, who had the greatest success in propagating the power of religion in the world, of a…

Here are two ends of life specified, 1. The glorifying of God. 2. The enjoying of God. First, I begin with the first, the glorifying of God (1 Peter 4:11): That God in all things may be glorified; the glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions (1 Cori…

Finis specificat actionem: In religion the end is all. The end of our obedience must not be to stop the mouth of conscience, or to gain applause and preferment; but that we may grow more like God, and bring more glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Do all to the glory of God.

I come next to answer some objections of the Arminians. 1. The first objection of the Arminians is, if a believer shall persevere in grace, then to what purpose are all those admonitions in Scripture, Let him take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12), and (Hebrews 4:1): Let u…

Exercise a holy fear and jealousy over your own hearts (Romans 11:20). Be not high minded but fear (1 Corinthians 10:12). Let him that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.

(Job 5:19) He shall deliver you in six troubles, and in seven. How is the Scripture bespangled with these promises, as the firmament is with stars; either God will deliver them from death, or by death; [illegible], he will make a way to escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). When promise…

First, against reason. Are we able to stand it out against God (1 Corinthians 10:22)? Do we provoke the Lord, are we stronger than he?

Oh, unthankful! Israel's murmuring cost many of them their lives (1 Corinthians 10:10): "Neither murmur you as some of them did, and were destroyed of the destroyer." Their speeches were venomous, and God punished them with venomous serpents.

2. If it be a great blessing to be delivered from Egypt, Popish idolatry, then it shows their sin and folly, who being brought out of Egypt, are willing to return into Egypt again: having put off the yoke of Rome, would fain put it on again. The Apostle says, Fly from idolatry (…

6. If God be our Father then he will correct us in measure (Jeremiah 30:11). I will correct you in measure; and that two ways: 1. It shall be in measure for the kind; God will not lay upon us more than we are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). He knows our frame (Psalm 103:14).

The Papists tell us of five more, namely Confirmation, Penance, Matrimony, Orders, and the Extreme Unction. Resp. 1. There were but two Sacraments under the Law, therefore there are no more now (1 Corinthians 10:2-4). 2. These two Sacraments are sufficient: the one signifying ou…

1. Because there is no standing it out against God. If we do not obey him we cannot resist him: (1 Corinthians 10:2) Are we stronger than he? (Job 40:9) Have you an arm like God?

1 Corinthians 8:6. And one Lord Jesus, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 10:9. Neither let us also tempt Christ as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents; compared with (Numbers 21:6). Phil. 2:5, 6. Let this mind be in you which was also in…

Qu. 11. How are mutual love and communion among believers testified and confirmed in their observation? Answ. In that they are appointed by the Lord Christ for that end, and in their own nature as attended to in their assemblies, are in an especial manner suited to that purpose…

And what is not so appointed, neither does, nor can be any part thereof. Of this nature are the celebration of all other ordinances with prayer; for every thing is sanctified by the word of God and prayer (1 Timothy 4:5); of some of them indispensably in the assemblies of the Ch…

These he warns, reproves, instructs, threatens, commands, all in order to their walking before him in the condition of particular Churches (Revelation 2 and 3 at large). Besides, as he has appointed them to be the [illegible] and subject of all his ordinances, having granted the…

(4) That the Lord having called them to faith, repentance, and newness of life by Jesus Christ, they give up themselves to be saved by him, and to obey him in all things; and therefore (5) are willing and ready through his grace, to walk in subjection to all his commands, and in…

Quest. 52. Wherein consists the duty of any Church of Christ towards other Churches? Answ. (1) In walking circumspectly, so as to give them no offence. (2) In prayer for their peace and prosperity. (3) In communicating supplyes to their wants according to ability. (4) In receivi…

(3.) Ephesians 4:12, 13, 14, 15, 16; Jude 20. (4.) 1 Corinthians 10:16, 17. Explication.

What is the spiritual blessing, or thing signified? The general sum thereof is Christ himself, and our communion with him, and withal the benefits of his passion (Matthew 26:26, &c.; 1 Corinthians 10:16). What are the things signified more particularly?

And again also 2, the Holy Ghost may represent to him and remind him of all those examples of men in whom, for their going on in sin, his soul has had no pleasure, and of God's dealings with them: as how he swore against many of the Israelites for their provocations of him, that…

Some have enough to struggle under one of these, and it is seldom that all befall one. Some spirits are so weak that they would faint and not be able to sustain themselves, and God never suffers any to be tempted above what they are able (1 Corinthians 10:13). Some men's bodies…

So to prepare you for it, it is good to take notice that such a condition exists. In like manner also in 1 Corinthians 10:13 the apostle says for the same end of other kinds of trials, that nothing had befallen them but what is common to man. There is great relief in that — that…

Answer. This could not be in reason, but it was indeed to Abraham's faith: whereby he saw Christ more lively, and more to his joy and consolation, so many hundred years before he was; than many which lived in Christ's time, and saw him, and heard him, and conversed with him: for…

In this example of faith, we are taught to hold fast true religion, and to prefer the enjoying of it, before all the pleasures and commodities in the world; yea, before life itself. This point, Paul urges in sundry exhortations; saying, Let him that thinks he stands, take heed l…

So that if we would die well, as Jacob did, praising God, then let us lead our lives as he did; namely, by faith, and the direction of his word and promises. Then come death when it will, and how it will, we may indeed be sore assaulted by sickness and temptation; but yet we sha…

Lastly, Moses went with courage out of Egypt. This departure of his was a sign of our spiritual departing out of the Kingdom of darkness: for, so Paul applies it, 1 Corinthians 10. And therefore after Moses' example, we must with courage come every day more and more out of the K…

Answer. Not all: for Paul says, With many of them God was not well pleased; for they were overthrown in the wilderness: 1 Corinthians 10:5. Which shows, that all that passed over had not true faith; for, some believed: and by the force of their faith all went over safely.

Hereby were they taught to look for the bread of life from heaven, which should maintain them in their spiritual, and nourish them to eternal life. When the whole Church was ready to perish for want of water; a rock was smitten with the rod of Moses, which brought water out of i…

Doctrine is compared to, and called Baptism (Deuteronomy 32:2). Hence the people were said to be Baptized to Moses, when they were initiated into his doctrines (1 Corinthians 10:1, 2). The Baptism of John was his doctrine (Acts 19:3).

Therefore as God engages his omnipotency or all-sufficiency as the foundation of all his covenant actings towards us (Genesis 17:1), so he often pleads the same power to assure us of the accomplishment of his promises (Isaiah 40:28, 29). And it is expressly asserted as the princ…

And we think this arguing to be better, and more strong, than to say, That because they are not under such Discipline as was then, that therefore now they are under none at all. And plain it is, that the Apostle argues for the maintenance of the Ministry now under the Gospel, fr…

And earthly fathers are called the fathers of our bodies, and not of our souls. It remains therefore as being most agreeable to the scriptures, that the souls of men are then created by God of nothing, when they are infused into the body (1 Corinthians 10; Hebrews 12). And thoug…

And the thing itself implieth a contradiction; this were to fall away because we cannot fall away: you may as soon say that the fire should make a man freeze with cold, as that certainty of perseverance in grace should make us do actions contrary to grace. Again, we do not say t…

Reason 5. 1 Corinthians 10:3-4: The fathers of the Old Testament did eat the same spiritual meat and drink the same spiritual drink, for they drank of the rock which was Christ. Now they could not eat his body which was crucified, or drink his blood shed bodily, but by faith, be…

Here (say they) is a prayer made to angels. Answer: By the angel is meant Christ, who is called the angel of the covenant (Malachi 3:1) and the angel that guided Israel in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:9 compared with Exodus 23:20). Objection 2.

Works are to be done in respect of God: that his commandments may be obeyed — 1 John 5:12; that his will may be done — 1 Thessalonians 4:3; that we may show ourselves to be obedient children to God our Father — 1 Peter 1:14; that we may show ourselves thankful for our redemption…

However a man may be assured of his present estate, yet no man is certain of his perseverance to the end. Answer: It is otherwise: for in the sixth petition, lead us not into temptation, we pray that God would not suffer us to be wholly overcome of the devil in any temptation: a…

And whereas God denied the believing Israelites, with Moses and Aaron to enter into the land of Canaan, it cannot be proved that it was a punishment or penalty of the law upon them. The scripture says no more but that it was an admonition to all men in all ages following, to tak…

Thus it is with us: looking through the glass of carnal fear upon the waters of trouble, the swellings of Jordan, we cry out, 'O, they are unfordable! we must surely perish in them!' But when we come into the midst of those floods indeed, we find the promise made good: 'God will…

For example, conscience will justify, that a man should strive to enter in at the straight gate, and make religion his work and end, to which all other things should give place, so as neither worldly business, nor idle visits, nor recreations should divert a man from it. Conscie…

And whereas some have seemed to condemn the superstitious part of Christmas, but plead hard for the hospitable part, as they call it: the answer is, that the feasting and sporting is an appendix to the worship, or rather to the superstition, and therefore stands or falls togethe…

I shall but offer to you three reasons briefly to evince it. Reas. 1. Because the Scripture calls it a table, but not an altar, and we ought to speak as God and Christ has taught us of his ordinances, (1 Corinthians 10:21) "You cannot be partakers of the Lord's Table, and of the…

Therefore the Lord so interprets false worship, that a new God is devised for the Object of it. The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to Devils, and not to God (1 Corinthians 10:20). And the Jewish idolatry was no better, they shall no more offer their sacrific…

Although that which is foretold in these two chapters, and namely in the fourth and fifth verses of this chapter, was in part fulfilled when the people of God returned from captivity in Babylon at the end of seventy years: yet we must not limit the place to that time only, but m…

And what then? I pray, is not the body of Christ, sometimes mentioned without speaking of the blood, and the blood oftener without speaking of the body; is not the whole Supper called the Cup, without mentioning of the Bread (1 Corinthians 10:21), all by the same Synecdoche? I s…

'The one who is devoted to piety,' he says, 'sacrifices nothing animate to the gods, but to daemons and other divine powers, whether good or evil' — that is: 'The studious of piety sacrifices nothing animate to the gods, but to daemons and to other divine beings, both good and e…

Whereby we gather, if meat and drink, and the use of marriage, must be sanctified with the word of God and prayer, much more recreations, which are not of that necessity with the other, and whereby we are more in danger to fall into abuse, especially the sober minded, who will n…

Lastly, my hearty desire is in the Lord, that if these reasons cannot persuade my good brethren, to think this unlawful, (which in my judgment is evidently proved to be so) that they would (as I hope they will) be persuaded upon the reasons of the Holy Ghost following, to abstai…

So this is for our comfort, if we feel this readiness in us, otherwise we can have no assurance (Luke 11). The second is disposed in the like simple axiom, adorned with a Metaphor taken from war, where men are led captive: Lead us not? that is, though we daily deserve it, yet se…

Fifth, indeed, the law was no less a letter of condemnation to them than to us (Romans 8:3; Romans 10:3; Deuteronomy 27:26; Galatians 3:10, 13; 2 Corinthians 3:7-8, 13-15). Sixth, they drank of the same spiritual rock with us, and the rock was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:1-4; Hebre…

The apple of his eye is touched, and is not he sensible? Saint Paul was scourged by cruel hands (1 Corinthians 11:35). Three times I was beaten with rods; as if you should see a scullion whip the king's son.

Answ. The females were included, and were virtually circumcised in the males. What is done to the head, is done to the body; the man therefore being the head of the woman (1 Corinthians 11:3), what was done to the male sex, was interpretatively done to the female. Having answere…

God lets us fall into sufferings to prevent falling into snares; say then, Lord do as it seems good in your sight, your will be done. (2.) God by affliction would prevent damnation (1 Corinthians 11:32). We are corrected in the world, that we may not be condemned with the world.

Qu. 11. How are mutual love and communion among believers testified and confirmed in their observation? Answ. In that they are appointed by the Lord Christ for that end, and in their own nature as attended to in their assemblies, are in an especial manner suited to that purpose…

Qu. 12. What is principally to be attended to by us in the manner of the celebration of the worship of God, and observation of the institutions and ordinances of the Gospel? Answ. That we observe and do all whatever the Lord Christ has commanded us to observe, in the way that he…

And (2.) some temporary appointments relating to gifts in the Church, bestowed only for a season in the first plantation of the Gospel, are ceased. But (3.) no institution or command of Christ, given to the whole Church, relating to the evangelical administration of the New Cove…

(1) Genesis 2:16, 17; Genesis 4:3, 4; Genesis 17:9, 10, 11; Exodus 12:24; Exodus 20; Matthew 28:19, 20; Matthew 26:26, 27; Ephesians 4:11, 12; Revelation 1:13; Revelation 21:3. (2) Genesis 17:10; Exodus 12:23, 24; Romans 6:3, 4, 5; Matthew 26:27; 1 Corinthians 11:25, 26, 27. (3)…

Quest. 17. Which are the principal institutions of the Gospel to be observed in the worship of God? Answ. (1.) The calling, gathering and setling of Churches with their Officers, as the seat and subject of all other solemn instituted worship. (2.) Prayer with thanksgiving. (3.)…

Answ. In the Church, or assembly of the congregation, to all the members of it, rightly prepared, and duly assembled, or to such of them as are so assembled. 1 Corinthians 11:20, 21, 22, 28, 29, 33; Acts 2:46. Quest. 40. How often is that ordinance to be administered?

Qu. 5. Is there any farther alteration to be expected in, or of those institutions and ordinances of worship, which are revealed and appointed in the Gospel? Answ. No! The last complete revelation of the will of God being made by the Son, who is Lord of all, his commands and ins…

Qu. 6. May not such an estate of faith and perfection in obedience be attained in this life, as wherein believers may be freed from all obligation to the observation of Gospel institutions? Answ. No! For the ordinances and institutions of the Gospel being inseparably annexed to…

Remember how you have received, and heard, and hold fast and repent. Secondly, The outward manner of observance which is to be kept entire, according to the primitive institution of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:23). I have received of the Lord, that which also I delivered to you, no…

Qu. 9. How do we in our observation, profess our subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ and his Gospel? Answ. In that being all of them 1. Appointed by him as the head law-giver, King of his Church. And 2. Made by him the ensigns and tokens of his Kingdom, and subjects, in their du…

Who is the author of the Lord's Supper? The Lord Jesus in the same night in which he was betrayed when he was about to lay down his life, which was the greatest act of love that ever was (1 Corinthians 11:23, 24). What is the outward sign in the Lord's Supper?

Non fuit sic ab initio, from the beginning it was not so (Matthew 19:7, 8). Yes, and we must so follow Paul (as he followed Christ, 1 Corinthians 11:1) in reforming the abuses crept into the Church of Corinth, reducing all things to the first institution: with a what I received…

Thus in the preaching of the Word, Jesus Christ is evidently set forth crucified among us (Galatians 3:1), not darkly represented in types and shadows. And in the Sacrament of the Supper we do plainly show forth his death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). And the like may be…

For it being the blood of beasts that were slain, in this use of it each party as it were engaged their lives to the observation and performance of what was respectively undertaken by them. (3) Typically, in that it represented the blood of Christ, and fore-signified the necessi…

All the warnings he has left on record in the Scripture, given to his churches in the various conditions wherein they were, as for instance, those in the second and third of the Revelations, are given likewise to all the churches now, that are in the same state or condition wher…

[in non-Latin alphabet] is often used by our Apostle for an experience upon trial (Romans 5:4; 2 Corinthians 2:9; Philippians 2:22), as [in non-Latin alphabet] by Peter (1 Peter 1:7). Hence is [in non-Latin alphabet], one that upon trial is approved, found sound, and therefore i…

Again, if the want of such abilities be too often seen in the children of the covenant when grown up, as is here acknowledged; then what the Synod here says seems to be true, and stand good, that such grown persons, though children of the covenant, or Church-members, are not the…

And of receiving the sacrifice from the hands of the minister: as in that sentence of the Synod attributed to Saint Patrick; He who deserves not to receive the sacrifice in his life, how can it help him after his death? And in that gloss of Sedulius upon 1 Corinthians 11:33, Tar…

This is to provoke God: To a sinner there is death in the Cup, he eats and drinks his own damnation, 1 Corinthians 11.29. Thus the Lord's Supper works for hurt to impenitent sinners.

And considering that men have care to behave themselves well when they are before men: what a shame is it for a man to behave himself unseemly either in open or in secret, he then being before the glorious angels. Paul says that the woman ought to have power on her head, because…

1. There are express testimonies of the will of Christ, and his promise for its accomplishment, that the church and all its ordinances of worship should be continued always to the end of the world. So as to the church itself (Matthew 16:13; Revelation 21:3), the ministry (Matthe…

A soul inspired by the Almighty, and beautified with grace, does exceed others more than the light of the sun does exceed the light of a taper. 7 Branch. If the righteous are more excellent than others, then how severe will God be against those that wrong them; the wicked are th…

Sometimes God punishes, but with what aim? That he may not for ever punish: 'tis we that make punishment to be a pledge of eternal damnation; in its own aim 'tis a prevention; and so it proves to the elect; we are judged of the Lord, that we may not be condemned of the world (1…

That is: the Roman religion now established by the Council of Trent is, in the principal points thereof, against the very grounds of the catechism that have been agreed upon ever since the days of the Apostles by all churches. These grounds are four: the first is the Apostles' C…

In the first estate, all afflictions are curses or legal punishments, be they little or great: but to them that are in the second estate and believe in Christ, though the same afflictions remain, yet do they change their condition, and are the actions of a Father serving to be t…

We hold that the Church of God has power to prescribe ordinances, rules, or traditions touching time and place of God's worship, and touching order and comeliness to be used in the same. In this regard, Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:2 commends the Church of Corinth for keeping his tr…

Upon this account it is indeed a greater sin to kill a good man that has the image of God renewed in him, than to kill a wicked man. Nevertheless, that [illegible] is a capital crime; for all men have something of God's image remaining in them, not only in that every man has an…

Many sit down at the table of the Lord, who have no right to the children's bread; they feed without faith, or fear, or examination of their fitness. But such should tremble at the damnation threatened, and remember the caution given (1 Corinthians 11:28-29): But let a man exami…

It is gross hypocrisy for us to pretend to more holiness, reverence, and devotion in the act of receiving than Christ himself, or than the Apostles did, when Christ himself was there bodily present with them. We must follow the example of Christ and his Apostles, except where th…

Churches I confess are holy things, but the word Church is very improperly, and catachrestically used concerning the material church of wood and stones, by a metonymy; but the Scripture knows no other church but the church of saints. That place (1 Corinthians 11:22) is much abus…

Thus Christ reforms the abuses of marriage, by bringing them to the first institution of that ordinance; From the beginning it was not so (Matthew 19:8). And thus Paul reforms the abuses of the Lord's Supper, by telling them what was the first institution thereof (1 Corinthians…

Now these two, the multitude of Christians, and the want of Temples, shall abundantly give light to my first proposition. But it may be objected to the contrary, that all the Disciples at Jerusalem did meet together into one place (Acts 2:44), and the same is said of the Church…

The cause of them is from hence, that you neglect the Sacrament, that you receive it unworthily. For this cause many are weake and sicke among you, and many sleepe (1 Corinthians 11:30). Consider the danger of neglecting the Sacrament, he that came not to the Passeover, must be…

Instead of arguing plainly, as he promised to do, in justification of this practice of the Church of Rome, he tells us of the wine they give their people after they have received the body; which he knows to be in their own esteem, a little common drink to wash their mouths, that…

And for the Sacraments, to consider God's institution, their ministry, his mercy in Christ, their faith, their repentance and their wants: and so seeking the assurance of grace, of reconciliation and comfort, to come to the table of the Lord. [1 Corinthians 11:28. But let every…

Forbidden in the second part, to worship images, to set them up, to gild them, or any manner of way to serve them (Matthew 4:10; Revelation 19:20). Also here is forbidden all additions of Sacraments, as the Papists made matrimony, and so gave it a sign of the wedding ring, all a…

The brawny and fat heart, which being never a whit moved, never or to small purpose repeats, examines, applies, or practises (Ezekiel 33:31; Zephaniah 2:1; 2 Samuel 12; Mark 6:20). In the Sacraments, the preparation is an examination of our faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 11:28;…

For though these who truly believe, ought not to doubt of their belief, yet these who have lamps of faith, and no oil, ought to question, whether there be oil in their lamps, or no, and true faith with their profession, else the foolish Virgins were not far out, who never questi…

Answ. 1. We are to make believers know if they believe not, and walk not worthy of Christ, in all holy duties; their faith is a fancy, and a dead faith, and the wrath of God abides on them, and they are not believers. 2. Though they be believers, wrath must be preached to them,…

It is true of the love of election and reconciliation, in the work of justification; but most false of the love of divine manifestation, in the work of sanctification; as is clear (John 14:21, 23). Nor are men by this taught to seek righteousness in themselves; because they are…

Then by this, all and every one of them were converted. (1 Corinthians 11:3) The head [illegible], of every man is Christ — of every man without exception? No, these of whom Christ is head, these are his body, the Church, that have life from him, and are knit to him by the Spiri…

So he preached him, and so they received him, and so they began in the Spirit (verse 3). And thus also do the seals of the promises (the sacraments) present Christ to a believer's eye: as they hold forth Christ (as was in the former direction observed), so Christ as crucified, t…

3. Take we heed how we carry ourselves, because of this honorable presence. In congregations there should be no indecency, because of the angels (1 Corinthians 11:10). In all our ways let us take heed that we do not step out of God's way.

Satan makes fair offers of what he cannot perform: He promises many things, but does only promise them: he offers the kingdoms of the world to Christ, but cannot make good his word; he shows them to Christ, but cannot give them. And this is the devil's custom, to be liberal in p…

2. They delight in the holy conversation of the godly; as they are offended with all impurity, filthiness, and ungodliness. If good men be offended at the sins of the wicked, as Lot's righteous soul was vexed from day to day with their ungodly deeds (2 Peter 2:8), much more are…

First, they serve for trial of men, that it may appear what is hidden in their hearts (Deuteronomy 8:2). Secondly, they serve for the correction of things amiss in us (1 Corinthians 11:23). Thirdly, they serve as documents, and warnings to others, specially in public persons: th…

If they be taken properly, they are absurd in common reason: therefore the words are figurative, and the sense is this: I am as the true vine, and my father as a husbandman. The words of Christ, Take, eat, this is my body (1 Corinthians 11:24), taken properly, are against the ar…

Question. But this is to pin our faith upon men? Response. We are to receive nothing for current but what is agreeable to the Word; as God has given to his ministers gifts for the interpreting obscure places, so he has given to his people so much of the Spirit of discerning, tha…

(2.) Their love is evidenced by their cost. 1 Corinthians 12:14: They lay up, and lay out for their children. They are not like the raven or ostrich (Job 39:14), which are cruel to their young.

Christ speaks not there of an attribute, but a person. And that the Godhead subsists in the person of the Holy Ghost appears thus: The Spirit, who gives diversity of gifts, is said to be the same Lord, and the same God (1 Corinthians 12:5-6). The black and unpardonable sin is sa…

4. A wonder any holds out in grace, and does not tire in his march to heaven; if you consider the difficulty of a Christian's work, he has no time to lie fallow, he is either watching or fighting; in fact, a Christian is to do those duties which to the eye of sense and reason se…

Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. 1 Corinthians 12:11. All these worketh that one and self-same spirit, dividing to every man as he will, 2:6.

The principles of mutual, spiritual love among believers, arise from their relation to one Father (Matthew 23:9): "One is your Father which is in Heaven," who gives to all them that believe in Christ, power to become the sons of God (John 1:12). And their being all children of t…

Quest. 17. Which are the principal institutions of the Gospel to be observed in the worship of God? Answ. (1.) The calling, gathering and setling of Churches with their Officers, as the seat and subject of all other solemn instituted worship. (2.) Prayer with thanksgiving. (3.)…

Titus 1:5: for this cause left I you in Crete that you should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you. 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11, 12. Fifthly, they do every where in the name and authority of Christ, give to the…

Qu. 22. Who are the extraordinary officers or rulers or ministers of the Church appointed to serve the Lord Jesus Christ therein for a season only? An. (1) The Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, with (2) the Evangelists and Prophets endowed with extraordinary gifts of the Holy G…

Quest. 23. Who are the ordinary officers or ministers of Christ in the Church to be always continued therein? Answ. Those whom the Scripture calls, pastors and teachers, bishops, elders, and guides (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11; Philippians 1:1…

(3) Matthew 28:18, 19, 20; 2 Corinthians 11:28; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:2; Colossians 4:17. (4) 1 Corinthians 12:28, 29, 30. The answer hereunto is such as needs no further explication.

For, First, if the person so called or employed have received gifts fitting him for the whole work of the ministry, the exercise of them is not to be restrained by any consent or agreement; seeing they are given for the edification of the Church to be traded withal (1 Corinthian…

And therefore (2) Whatever they do as Elders in the Church according to rule, they do it not in the name or authority of the Church by which their power is derived to them, nor as members only of the Church by their own consent or covenant, but in the name and authority of Jesus…

Now the foundation of this distinction and difference lyes. First, In the different gifts that they have received; for although it be required in them all, that they have received all those gifts, abilities, and qualifications which are necessary for the work of the Ministry, ye…

Quest. 31. Are there appointed any Elders in the Church, whose office and duty consist in rule and government only? Elders not called to teach ordinarily, or administer the Sacraments, but to assist and help in the rule and government of the Church, are mentioned in the Scriptur…

(3) 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6, 7; Colossians 4:17; Matthew 25:14, 15, 16. (4) 1 Corinthians 12:7. Quest. 37. Is the constant work of preaching the Gospel by the elders of the Church, necessary?

He knows all the several ranks and classes of men in the state of grace, and according to their ranks, with what sort of temptations to encounter them. For men's temptations are various and manifold (1 Peter 2:6), even as the gifts and operations of the Spirit are (1 Corinthians…

Or else 3. when this ordinance is not in the case of such sins administered, then God himself (who works without an ordinance sometimes the same effects that with it) does excommunicate men's spirits from his presence and gives them up to Satan by terrors to whip them home to hi…

Yes; for the children born of believers are brought up in holy instruction, and education from their childhood (as young Timothy was taught in the Scriptures from his youth, by his mother Eunice), seeing it is the charge the holy Spirit has laid upon believing parents (Ephesians…

And when I thought to understand the difference, it was too hard for me, until I went into the Sanctuary of God; where the Father of glory, of his good pleasure, revealed to me (the most unworthiest of all his servants) the truth of that; which (I conceive) is the root of all ou…

Those therefore who have only gifts in the Church, as they have different gifts, so they have some of them better gifts than others, some as to the especial kinds of gifts, but mostly as to the degrees of their usefulness to their proper end. Hence our Apostle having reckoned up…

It is Christ himself, and he only, who is so the Foundation as to bear the weight, and to support the whole Building of the Church of God (Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:10, 11; Ephesians 1:20, 21, 22; 1 Peter 2:4, 5). He is so Personally; the life and being of the…

And among them that are chosen he calls them when and how he pleases, both to grace and employment or work. And (2.) as to grace, gifts, and spiritual endowments, the Holy Spirit divides to every man as he will (1 Corinthians 12:11). Let every one then be contented with his lot…

His operations respect his gifts. So to partake of him is to have a share, part or portion in what he distributes by way of spiritual gifts; in answer to that expression: All these worketh that one and self-same Spirit, dividing to every one severally as he will (1 Corinthians 1…

Now the dispensation of these spiritual gifts without which the rain of the doctrine of the Gospel falls not, depends solely on the sovereignty of God. The Spirit divides to every one as he pleases (1 Corinthians 12:11). And it is evident that he does not herein follow the rule…

And if Circumcision was lawfully administred to the children of these, they abiding in the Family of Jacob, how can Baptism lawfully be denied to the children in question, or be said to be profaned when administred to them, sith they are children of Parents who were once in the…

In the observation of Christ's institutions, and celebration of the ordinances of divine worship, does the church-state of the Gospel, as professing, consist. It does so in opposition: (1.) to the World and the Kingdom of Satan, for hereby do men call Jesus Lord, as (1 Corinthia…

Reasons are these. 1. None can have better grounds to love another, they are members of the same body (1 Corinthians 12). Brothers born of the same womb, living in the same family, have defaced all the feelings of nature, and been divided in interest and affection; but surely no…

He says, Christian Magistrates are to manage their Office under Christ, and for Christ. Christ has placed governments in his Church (1 Corinthians 12:28, &c). I find all Government given to Christ, and to Christ as Mediator (I desire all to consider it) (Ephesians 1:3, last vers…

Man would cease to be man, if every member had not some distinct work, and a universal agreement in the common profit of the body. All mankind is but one great body constituted of several members, which have distinct offices, but all ordered to the good of the whole; the Apostle…

If men be united into a body politic or incorporate, a man cannot be said to be joined to them by mere hearty affection, unless withal he joins himself to them by some contract or Covenant. Now of this nature is every particular Church, a body incorporate (1 Corinthians 12:27),…

THE office of Ruling Elders is not only maintained by [illegible] Cartwright, [illegible], Bucer[illegible], and others whom our opposites will call partial Writers, let him who pleases read the commentaries of Martyr, [illegible], Gualther, Hemmingius, Piscator, Paraus upon (Ro…

8. Some of all estates in the commonwealth voice in Parliament, therefore some of all sorts in the Church ought to voice in Councils and Synods; for de paribus idem judicium, a National Synod is that same to the Church, which a Parliament is to the commonwealth. 9. Those Elders…

Where, as Beza notes, he distinguishes the Word, which is the Pastor's part, from Doctrine, which is the Doctor's part. Even as (Romans 12:7-8) he distinguishes teaching from exhortation: and (1 Corinthians 12:8) puts the word of wisdom, and the word of knowledge for two differe…

Our fourth Argument is drawn from 1 Corinthians 12:28, where we find again an enumeration of sundry offices in the Church (though not so perfect as that Romans 12), and among others, Helps, that is, Deacons, and Governments, that is, Ruling Elders. Where we cannot enough admire…

Bilson gives yet another sense, That there were two sorts of Elders, some who laboured in the word and doctrine, some who had the care of the poor: both were worthy of double honor; but especially they who laboured in the word. Answer. Deacons are distinguished from Elders, (Rom…

Theology as a complex of spiritual gifts — Extraordinary or ordinary gifts — Ordinary gifts peculiar to the ministry or common to all — Christ the bestower of all gifts (Psalm 68:19; Acts 2:33; Ephesians 4:8) — The Hebrew word signifies both to receive and to give — Christ the a…

The difference that exists among them is one of degree. For the distribution of spiritual gifts among the faithful through the Holy Spirit — (1 Corinthians 12:11) — from this all difference among theologians depends. The same saving light dwells in all.

In their ripe age, their duty is to give their children that which may help them in this life, and also, if they have not the gift of continence, to counsel them, to govern them to a fit and religious wife, such as is fit for the duties afore-named. [1 Corinthians 12:14. For I s…

Your kingdom come: the second sort has two petitions: the first is disposed in a simple axiom of the subject and adjoint, that the kingdom of God, which he exercises by his Son, may daily come; that is, be set up in glory, fit for it: this having two parts, his administration he…

Position 2. The Scripture and all the ordinances are but created things, and not the ultimate object of our faith, and highest and completest love, that is reserved to God in Jesus Christ. Indeed, the most perfect we read of, Paul a chosen vessel stood in need of comfort from Ti…

14. And he dwelt personally in the flesh and nature of all Adam's sons. So is it said (1 Corinthians 12:13), For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit [illegibl…

But beyond all these relations, the relation of Head and Members, as it is most natural, so it obliges most: No man ever yet hated his own flesh (says the Apostle) (though diseased and leprous) but loves and cherishes it. And it is the law of nature, that if one member be honore…

And yet before long God answered Stephen's prayer in converting Saul; so that let a man — a believing Christian — pray for his sinning brother, and he shall give him life. Reason 1. It is taken from the pleasure that God takes to knit the members of the body of his Son together,…

For we must eat the flesh of Christ, and drink his blood, before we can have life abiding in us (John 6:53), and our bodies are members of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15). Again, this union is spiritual, because it is made by the bond of one spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13): by one spir…

Lastly, it is a means of unity. Read (Ephesians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13). The fifth point concerns the efficacy of baptism.

One sheepfold (John 10:16). There be many members, but one body (1 Corinthians 12:12). Fourthly, hence we gather, that the Catholic Church is invisible.

Hence we learn, that the Holy Ghost is author not only of meekness, but of all sanctifying graces, and therefore is called the spirit of wisdom and understanding; the spirit of counsel and strength; the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2). Secondly, th…

For in one essence of God we acknowledge three persons: but he names the Spirit, because he is the only teacher and conductor of all the Prophets. Saint Paul says, That none can say Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost: and by and by after he says, that the gifts of God are…

Which is no new thing. For when Paul speaks of that union which is between Christ and the Church, having set it forth under the similitude of a man's body, he adds, even so is Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12). And in this place the name of Christ is attributed to Israel: that is to…

Good works should shine, but not blaze. If I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profits me nothing (1 Corinthians 13:3). The same I may say of a sincere aim; if I obey however much, and have not a sincere aim, it profits me nothing.

Secondly, he submits to God's will. If God will have him suffer for him, he does not dispute but obey (1 Corinthians 13:7). Love endures all things.

Love is a holy expansion or enlargement of soul, whereby it is carried with delight after God, as the chief good: So Aquinas defines love, Complacentia amantis in amato; love is a complacential delighting in God as in our treasure: love is the soul of religion, it is a grace hig…

Our ignorance is more than our knowledge. 2. Our divine knowledge is imperfect; we know but in part, said Paul (1 Corinthians 13:9), though he had many revelations, and was wrapped up into the third heaven. We have but dark conceptions of the Trinity (Job 11:7). Can you by searc…

Love is a lovely grace. Love thinks no evil (1 Corinthians 13:5). It makes the best interpretation of another's words.

Knowledge is the pillar of fire to give light to practice; but though knowledge is requisite, yet the knowing of God's will is not enough without doing of his will: your will be done. If one had a system of divinity in his head, if he had 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, all knowledge…

They are to be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love (Romans 12:9-10), which as they are taught of God, so they are greatly exhorted thereunto (Hebrews 13:1). This love is the bond of perfection, the most excellent way and means of preserving Church order, and fu…

Qu. 50 What is the duty of the whole Church in reference to such persons? An. To consider them in love and meekness, according as their condition is known, reported, or testified to them, to approve of, and rejoice in the grace of God in them, and to receive them in love without…

Christ in the Parable calls some at the 11th hour, Matthew 20:6: and so God calls men to grace in their old age. We must therefore spare these sharp and unsavoury censures, which some unadvisedly cast upon such men; for charity thinks not evil, 1 Corinthians 13, where it may thi…

After this manner: It is the property of faith, to persuade the conscience, of God's love and favor in Christ; and upon this persuasion, the heart begins to love God again. Now, by this love does faith work, and make a man able to bear all torments that can be inflicted for reli…

Now the Church of Rome says, A man may be justified by this. But it is not so, as appears by these reasons: First, this righteousness is in this life imperfect: and that is proved by the Apostle, where he says, We do here know but in part, 1 Corinthians 13:12. Therefore, our und…

But the very truth is, that without this love, and the constant exercise of it, they are of little or no use to the true spiritual edification of the Church. This our Apostle does not only plainly affirm, but also so largely argue, as we need not further insist upon it (1 Corint…

Upon the right discharge of this duty he frequently declares that his honor in them and by them in this world does principally depend. And whatever we have besides this, our Apostle declares that it is nothing, or of no use in the Church of God (1 Corinthians 13). And the greate…

This the Apostle denies that he himself had as yet attained (Philippians 3:12): not as though I had already attained, or received, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] namely, the whole of what is purchased for me by Christ, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]; or were already made perfect, whic…

But to leave this: Why should the Reverend Author suggest such a thing into the minds of his readers, that the Elders in their practice do differ from their doctrine, and teach one thing in the Synod, and in their practice do contrary? Were it not more suitable to love (which th…

Though a Christian has not a perfect knowledge of the Mysteries of the Gospel, yet he has a certain knowledge. We see through a glass darkly, 1 Corinthians 13:12. therefore we have not perfection of knowledge; but we behold with open face, 2 Corinthians 3:18. therefore we have a…

Exodus 23: Moses may not see God's face, but his hinder parts. 1 Corinthians 13:12: We may see God as men do, through spectacles in his word, sacraments, and creatures. And therefore as Paul prayed for the Colossians (Colossians 1:10), that they might increase in the knowledge o…

Good words are but a cold kind of Charity; the poor cannot live as the Chameleon upon this air. Let your words be as smooth as oil, they will not heal the wounded, let them drop as the honeycomb, they will not feed the hungry, 1 Corinthians 13. 1. Though I speak with the tongue…

The Apostle says, they were made partakers of the Holy Ghost; that is, had some share, it may be a plentiful share of church gifts, so as to be able to carry on duties to the edification and comfort of others; but alas what is a man the better, if the heart be oppressed with sin…

There are but two ways of the soul's living known in Scripture — the life of faith and the life of vision — 2 Corinthians 5:7. Those two divide all time, both present and future, between them — 1 Corinthians 13:12. If when faith fails, sight should not immediately succeed, what…

Had one the parts and abilities of an Ahithophel, yet these alone would not render one any better, than he who, with Judas, went and hanged himself. Knowledge is good and excellent, yet may be separated from faith and love; and then it is nothing in point of salvation (1 Corinth…

This conjunction therefore of absent from the body, and present with the Lord, falls out in no state else, but only in that interim or space of time between. And let us also view this place in the light, (by bringing the one to the other) which that passage, 1 Corinthians 13:12,…

2. Then, if ever, a man's flesh and his heart fails (Psalm 73:26). 3. And (which is worse) a man's faith fails or ceases after death, and all his spiritual knowledge as in this life — it is the express phrase used in 1 Corinthians 13:8, and which is prosecuted to the end of that…

Moses may not see God's face, but his hinder parts (Exodus 23). We may see God as men do, through spectacles, in his word, sacraments and creatures (1 Corinthians 13:12). And therefore, as Paul prayed for the Colossians (Colossians 1:10) that they might increase in the knowledge…

Yet I do not appear to have reached any other summit in this pursuit of heavenly wisdom than this: that when I discourse or speak of these things, I feel myself miserably stammering. For we are occupied with those things which we perceive only in part, and of which no one can dr…

"For those who are in the flesh cannot please God" (Romans 8:8). See (1 Corinthians 13:2). Furthermore, this knowledge of Himself that God demands, He Himself also promises (Jeremiah 31:33, 34; John 6:45).

Uprightness is, when the affection loves, desires, etc. in a single heart, only because God commands, and for that end; this is called simplicity, truth, a single heart (Deuteronomy 18:13; John 1:17; Ephesians 6:14; Ephesians 6:6; 1 Chronicles 29:5). Forbidden hypocrisy, vain gl…

Hence it is said, many shall come to me in that day, and shall say, we have cast out devils in your name, to whom he will say, depart from me you workers of iniquity. And the Apostle says (1 Corinthians 13:2), if I had all faith, and could remove mountains, if I lack charity, it…

And the reason of this is, 1. Because there is nothing that is not saving, but a natural man may have it; now, this doctrinal faith is not saving, and so a natural man may have it — yea, the devils believe and tremble; and James does not dispute with these to whom he writes on t…

Nor is that true, whatever an inferior power can do, that a superior can much more do; if there be orders in angels, a superior angel cannot determine the will of an inferior, as he himself can do. Sure my knowledge and will are inferior powers, in comparison of angels (1 Corint…

1. That our deliverance from sin in Christ is, in a devilish and hellish spirituality (as Calvin speaks); as that wicked Priest Anto Pocquius said, was in judging neither murders, adulteries, perjury, lying, oppression, to be sins, when once the pardoned and justified person com…

In blessedness there is a confluence of all good; our joys are full and eternal. 1. There is the immediate sight and presence of God, and Jesus Christ, who shall be all in all to them (1 Corinthians 13:12): Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face; now I know in…

In things of this world, persons are apt to grudge others any benefit by what they have stolen from others' view, but in spiritual advantages there is no envy, and if there be, it proceeds not from grace, but from corrupt nature; the more grace the less envy; and when envy is go…

Seeing then there are vices in every state of life and in all men, therefore Paul sets forth the law of Christ to the faithful, by which he exhorts them to bear one another's burden. They which do not so, do plainly witness that they understand not one jot of the law of Christ,…

It had been enough to have said "Love" and no more: for love extends itself to all the fruits of the Spirit. And in 1 Corinthians 13, Paul attributes to love all the fruits which are done in the Spirit, when he says: Love is patient, courteous, etc. Notwithstanding, he would set…

Who although he has done me some wrong, or hurt me by any manner of way: yet notwithstanding he has not put off the nature of man, or ceased to be flesh and blood, and the creature of God most like to myself: briefly, he ceases not to be my neighbor. As long then as the nature o…

For all judgment is God's (Romans 14:10): if this judgment be in truth: if it be in charity, for the amendment of the parties, and for the good of others. Otherwise, if these grounds fail us, we may not give judgment against any man, but must follow the judgment of charity which…

5. There is danger of God's anger, for unless we forgive, we are not forgiven, and we crave forgiveness, as we forgive. 6. It is the duty of love to suffer and bear (1 Corinthians 13). 7. It is a point of injustice, to revenge ourselves, for then we take to ourselves the honor o…

For it is not sufficient to do good to men, unless it proceed from a frank and willing mind. If I distribute all my goods to the poor, says Saint Paul, and have not love; I am nothing: (1 Corinthians 13:3). Thus then to pour out the soul, signifies nothing else but to pity our b…

And certainly, as "tongues shall then cease, and prophecies shall be abolished," (1 Corinthians 13:8,) I think that the written law, as well as the exposition of it, will come to an end; but, as I am of opinion that Christ spoke more simply, I do not choose to feed the ears of r…

Alms are called in Scripture sacrifices of a sweet smell, (Philippians 4:18;) and we learn from the mouth of Paul, that he who "spends all his substance on the poor, if he have not charity, is nothing," (1 Corinthians 13:3.) Lastly, God does not receive and acknowledge, as his s…

Besides, the half of his goods he dedicates to the poor. A man might indeed bestow all his goods on the poor, (1 Corinthians 13:3) And yet his generosity might be of no value in the sight of God; but, though no mention is here made of inward repentance, yet Luke means that the g…

And this is further to be noted, that this love covers not one or two sins only, but the multitude of sins: it cannot be drawn by any provocation to be so angry, but that it covers all. The same also has saint Paul, 1 Corinthians 13, where he does (as it were) expound this place…

So Hope in God and in the Promises of his Word, is often spoken of in the Scripture, as a very considerable Part of true Religion. 'Tis mentioned as one of the three great Things of which Religion consists, 1 Corinthians 13. 13. Hope in the Lord is also frequently mentioned as t…

It is possible that a Man might know how to interpret all the Types, Parables, Enigmas, and Allegories in the Bible and not have one Beam of spiritual Light in his Mind; because he may not have the least Degree of that spiritual Sense of the holy Beauty of divine Things which ha…

Cain's Sacrifice and Ahab's Repentance, were signal single Acts of Obedience materially; yet no Acts of Holiness formally, nor did either make or denominate them Holy. And our Apostle tells us, that men may give all their Goods to the Poor, and their Bodies to be burned, and yet…

Now has not that soul a spring of pleasure within itself, that is in these respects as God would have it be? That is conscious to itself of nothing but righteousness, goodness, benignity, candor towards any man, and is in all things acted by a spirit of love, that suffers long,…

Intimating, that a man may preach to others, and may be a means to save others, and yet not be saved himself. So (1 Corinthians 13:1), ministers in this case may be as cooks are. A cook may dress many a dish, and let them go through his hands to furnish a large and stately table…

As you are not perfect in other graces, so you are not here perfect in knowledge. You know but in part (1 Corinthians 13:9), therefore you have no need to be discouraged at this. Secondly, and more particularly, you that complain of ignorance — though you are ignorant, and canno…

v. 2. Let every one please his neighbor for the good of edification. 1 Corinthians 13:4. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not, charity is not rash, it is not puffed up: ver. 5. Does not behave itself unseemly, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil: ver. 6.…

1. God the Father is the God of peace. As he is the God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33), so the God of peace (Philippians 4:9). This was the form of the priests blessing the people (Numbers 6:26): The Lord give you peace.

And the comeliness and beauty of Gospel worship, consisteth in its relation to God by Jesus Christ, as the merciful high-Priest over his house, with the glorious administration of the spirit therein. The order also of it lies in the due and regular observation of all that Christ…

Quest. 17. Which are the principal institutions of the Gospel to be observed in the worship of God? Answ. (1.) The calling, gathering and setling of Churches with their Officers, as the seat and subject of all other solemn instituted worship. (2.) Prayer with thanksgiving. (3.)…

Quest. 19. What is an instituted Church of the Gospel? A society of persons, called out of the world, or their natural worldly state, by the administration of the Word and Spirit, to the obedience of the faith, or the knowledge and worship of God in Christ, joined together in an…

This authority in the Discipline of the Church they exert and put forth by virtue of their Office; and not either as declaring of the power of the Church itself, or acting what is delegated to them thereby, but as ministerially exercising the authority of Christ committed to the…

The principal means subservient or preparitory to the continuance and increase of the Church, is the preaching of the Word to the conviction, illumination and conversion of sinners, whereby they may be made meet to become living stones in this spiritual building, and members of…

But alas, this may be spoken of old men in these days, that in regard of this wisdom, they are very babes; a thing greatly disgraceful to their condition. For, Paul bids the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 14:20, that they should not be children in understanding, but of ripe age: yea…

Therefore a man must endeavor that all his speech be in one language, at least in such as his hearers understand: for else if he speak the body of his speech in one, and piece out the members in other, which the people understand not; he may indeed in his own spirit speak myster…

Hence (holy Paul says) I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with understanding also. Else, when you shall bless with the spirit, how shall he which occupies the room of the unlearned say, Amen, at your…

Because it is against Gods glory, in stinting to him such a daily measure of service (consisting of prayer or praise) and so hindering the spiritual petitions and phrases, that otherwise would be, if Gods good gifts were used. It is against the dignity of Christ, which has quali…

By the word he wrought internally on the minds and consciences of men, and by these miraculous gifts he turned the thoughts of men to the consideration of what was preached, by what in an extraordinary manner was objected to their external senses. And this was not confined to a…

The assumption here is manifestly proved by those many instances in Scripture alleged and by experience; and the consequence we hope is not fallacious, but sound and good: for if it be frequently thus, why should not charity believe it is thus in this sort of persons, where noth…

And therefore that now when the number of the faithful is grown, there be many within the holy Church that retain the life of virtues, and yet have not those signs of virtues: because a miracle is to no purpose showed outwardly, if that be wanting which it should work inwardly.…

Well then, poverty and pride are most unsuitable, pride is allowable in none, but in the poor most prodigious; 'tis an odd sight to see those of the highest rank to turn fashionists, and display the signs of their own vanity, but when servants, and those of a low degree, put the…

Where any of these three are wanting, miracles may be suspected — because sometimes false prophets have their miracles to try men whether they will cleave to God or no (Deuteronomy 13:1-3). Again, miracles are not done or to be done for them that believe, but for infidels that b…

But how may that be proved that it is a sin? Why thus: to do any thing in the worship of God that is not decent is a sin, for the rule is express (1 Corinthians 14, last verse), let all things be done decently and in order, but to wear a fool's coat is not decent, but ridiculous…

It is gross hypocrisy for us to pretend to more holiness, reverence, and devotion in the act of receiving than Christ himself, or than the Apostles did, when Christ himself was there bodily present with them. We must follow the example of Christ and his Apostles, except where th…

The trumpets of silver and cornets of horn, were instituted by the hand of Moses (Numbers 10, in the ten first verses, and Leviticus 23:23, 24), and in David's time there were added cymbals of brass, and harps and psalteries of fine wood (1 Chronicles 16:4, 5), and that by autho…

The manifestation of the Spirit to any man is given to profit withal (1 Corinthians 12:7). And this is the great end for which men should seek to excel, namely, for the edifying of the church (1 Corinthians 14:12). For as much as you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you…

[Called to fellowship with Christ] so (1 Corinthians 1:9) else if they be not united to Christ by faith, they are not fit materials for such a building as a Church of God, which is the house of the living God (Ephesians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; Revelation 21:27).…

And we doubt that every Pastor be well gifted, for all which comes within the compass of his vocation, or does well every thing, which he has power to do. Another objection is made from 1 Corinthians 14:32, The spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets: from where they…

My proposition he must either grant, or else say that the incestuous man was not to be put out of the midst of women, and that the Apostle did not forbid women to be commingled with fornicators. My assumption is his own, Pag. 24. where he tells us from (1 Corinthians 14:34, 35;…

To know, that hee that is in Christ has crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts of it, is nothing, except you know that you your selves have crucified it. This particular knowledge is it that makes manifest to a man the secrets of his owne heart (1 Corinthians 14:25):…

But because I write not to men, who care not whether they hear or understand, what is their duty in the greatest concernments of their souls, I shall not remove it out of the way, nor hinder the Reader from partaking in the entertainment it will afford him. But our Author forese…

But for the most part this is the work and effect of the preached word of God. So the apostle teaches us (1 Corinthians 14:24, 25), and the prophet (Hosea 6:5). We will daily see the same power or energy accompanying the preaching of the word.

The study of theology, therefore, is nothing other than the effort, directed according to the norm of the divine word, to promote the saving light and the spiritual gifts in which this heavenly wisdom consists in the mind of the theologian. This Scripture itself teaches us every…

Also meditations, conference, &c. on the works of God, that so we might not only by doctrine, but by experience be taught, and so be brought to greater feeling, as is commanded (Deuteronomy 5:20). For others, we are commanded duties of love, in relieving, and comforting the need…

All addition of ministries in the service of the Lord: as the Papists added Priests to sacrifice, Exorcists to conjure, &c. (Luke 20:6; John 3:21-23). Also men's traditions and ceremonies brought into the church, not being to edifying, nor for comeliness, nor for order, &c. (1 C…

Consideration 1. The gospel is the will of God from heaven; yet it is a riddle, a parable not understood (Matthew 13:14). In the Law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak to this people (1 Corinthians 14:21). And (Isaiah 29:11): And the vision of a…

So God is said to be terrible in his holy places, (Psalm 68:35) whether heaven, or the church; indeed the awful carriage of his people in his worship should be one means to convince of the excellency and majesty of God. (1 Corinthians 14:25) The Apostle shows there, that an unbe…

The Gospel is full of this, yes, this is the main hinge of our religion: you are not Christians, unless you make Jehovah your righteousness in all you do, as well as God your ultimate end: You will go away as the proud Pharisee without acceptance, if you plead your enlargements…

So he came upon Christ at Jordan, in the likeness of a Dove: and in the likeness of fire upon the Apostles and other believers. And this was the first sending of the Holy Spirit: which was necessary in the primitive church, for it was expedient that it should be established by m…

For commonly the eldest must be the heir, the next the lawyer, the youngest the divine. Students must love and prize this calling above all other (1 Corinthians 14:1). Lastly, all men must make prayer that God would prosper and bless all schools of learning where this kind of te…

Again, that kind of preaching is to be blamed, in which there is used, a mixed kind of variety of languages, before the unlearned. For this is a sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22). And in this kind of preaching we do not paint Christ, but we paint out our own selves.

First, those that have received the Spirit of regeneration, and do begin to savor the things of the Spirit (Romans 8). Secondly, those that have received a greater portion of the Spirit, and a greater measure of spiritual graces, of whom Paul speaks (1 Corinthians 14:37): If any…

And therefore some foolishly join this verse and that place of Saint Peter together: for they make the Prophet speak as if the Lord should be brought in seeking such disciples as were emptied of all pride; and were become like children lately weaned. But he rather complains that…

The preaching of the Gospel is justly compared to a net sunk beneath the water, to inform us that the present state of the Church is confused. Our God is the God of order, and not of confusion, (1 Corinthians 14:33,) and, therefore, recommends to us discipline; but he permits hy…

When he enjoins his followers to become like a child, this does not extend indiscriminately to all points. We know that in children there are many things faulty; and accordingly Paul bids us be children, not in understanding, but in malice, (1 Corinthians 14:20;) and in another…

But we must attend to Paul’s admonition, not to be children in understanding, but in malice, (1 Corinthians 14:20).

For they are all one, and a spiritual people: and therefore they are all priests together, and all both may and ought to show forth the Word of God. Saving that, in the church, women ought not to speak, but to refer that to men to teach and preach there, because of the commandme…

For we can all utter and declare those things that appertain to the glory of God, and Christian life: we also (so far as is needful and expedient for us) can foretell of things to come, as that there shall be a day of general judgment, and that we shall all rise again from the d…

The Word in the Reading or Preaching of it is the principal means hereof. This the Holy Spirit employes and makes use of in his entrance into this Work, 1 Cor. 14. 24, 25. For those Convictions befal not Men from the Word universally or promiscuously, but as the Holy Spirit will…

So (1 Peter 2:15). And the Apostle when he speaks of the orderly and regular managing the worship of God (1 Corinthians 14:23-25): If there comes an unbeliever among you, and he sees your order, says he, he shall fall down in the midst of you, he shall be convinced, and shall sa…

Neither have they any Reason for this distribution; but finding the general division before mentioned to have been received in the Church of old, they have disposed of the particular Books into their orders, at their pleasure, casting Daniel as is probable into their last order,…

And therefore as all direction and consolation is derived from Christ; so should the husband likewise derive down and communicate knowledge, and comfort, and guidance to the wife; called therefore her guide (Proverbs 2:17). And St. Peter requires of husbands that they should dwe…

(4) The plow turns up, and discovers such things as lay hid in the bosom of the earth before, and were covered under a fair green surface, from the eyes of men. Thus when the Lord plows up the heart of a sinner by conviction, then the secrets of his heart are made manifest [reco…

ib. v. (1 Corinthians 14:36) Has the word of God gone out from you, or has it lit on you alone? Wherein he teaches the Church of Corinth to know, that there was no such great odds between them and the rest of their brethren, that they should think themselves to be gold and the r…

So our Savior has told us (who, even after his resurrection, is called, the Holy Child Jesus (Acts 4:27)) (Matthew 18:3). And even when we have put away other childish things, yet still in malice we must be children (1 Corinthians 14:20). And as for the quarrels of others, in al…

2. That decency and order is necessary to the solemn worship of God, and only such things as are reducible to those two heads. Edification is one end and fruit of ordinances and duties, and not of ceremonies (1 Corinthians 14:26). Our glorified Savior gave gifts to men, when he…

They shall see since the people of God did close one with another, they are encreased in gifts; a poor boy, or girl, or servant, that understood nothing before, now they can understand more, and with their understanding their hearts are more humble then before; this is a great c…

Thus death gives a believer his Quietus est; it frees him from sin and trouble. Though the Apostle calls death the last enemy (1 Corinthians 15), yet it is the best friend: to me to die is gain. Use 1. See here that which may make a true saint willing to die: death will set him…

16. We glorify God when we give God the glory of all we do: Herod when he had made an oration, and the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a God, and not of a man; and he took this glory to himself, the text says, Immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because…

When I go in the streets, and hear the language of some, I think of the man in the gospel, who had the spirit of an unclean devil in him (Luke 4:33). Men's lips do not drop as the honeycomb, but they drop poison to the defiling of others (1 Corinthians 15:33). It is a sign when…

Not in another flesh, but my flesh. 1 Corinthians 15:53. This corruptible shall put on incorruption. Question 2. By what arguments may the resurrection be proved?

Herod instead of hallowing God's name, stained the honor of his name in assuming that praise to himself which was due to God (Acts 12:23). We ought to take the honor from ourselves and give it to God (1 Corinthians 15:10): I labored more than they all. One would think this had s…

3. We show honor to our Heavenly Father, by ascribing the honor of all we do to him. 1 Corinthians 15:10. I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was in me. If a Christian has any assistance in duty, any strength against corruption, he rear…

Take heed of any unseemly word that may enkindle unclean thoughts in yourselves or others. (1 Corinthians 15:33) Evil communications corrupt good manners. Impure discourse is the bellows to blow up the fire of lust.

Answ. 1. As it is a means to prevent sin, no sword like this to cut asunder the sinews of temptation; it is almost impossible to sin presumptuously with the lively thoughts and hopes of Heaven: It was when Moses was out of sight that Israel set up a calf and worshipped it; so it…

5. Has God pardoned you? Do all the service you can for God (1 Corinthians 15:58). Always abounding in the work of the Lord.

The contemplating heaven would put us upon the study of holiness, because none but such are admitted into that kingdom: heaven is not like Noah's Ark, into which came clean beasts and unclean; only the pure in heart shall see God (Matthew 5:8). (3.) The meditation of the heavenl…

1. Christ is said to die, to give himself, to be delivered, [in non-Latin alphabet] &c. for us, for his sheep, for the life of the world; for sinners (John 6:51, chapter 10:15, Romans 5:6, 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 2:9). Moreover he is said to die [in non-L…

4. That he answered the Law and the penalty of it (Romans 8:3): "God sent forth his Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us" (Galatians 3:13): "Christ has redeemed us from the curse…

Yes, and we may now find some tracks or footsteps of this truth in the very nature of the first Covenant: it seems to intimate that there was some room left there for such a transaction by a surety, because God dealt with man at first in Adam as in a surety, and he it was that l…

Q. But is it not a shame for persons of years to be catechized? A. It is a shame, and justly reprovable as a sin, when persons grown to years are so ignorant as to have need to be catechized (Hebrews 5:12, 13; 1 Corinthians 15:34). Q. But how if they be not willing to be catechi…

Q. And what is his exaltation in respect of his manhood? A. It consists partly in laying aside all those infirmities which it had been subject to in the time of humiliation by hunger, thirst, weariness and the like, which are all of them removed and done away (1 Corinthians 15:4…

Q. How long shall this sitting of Christ at God's right hand continue? A. Until all his enemies be made his footstool (Psalm 110:1; 1 Corinthians 15:25). Q. Shall it never cease and have an end?

Q. If these things be vouchsafed to believers in this life, what shall they have in the life to come? A. Unspeakable glory and happiness in the immediate fruition of communion with God and Christ to all eternity (Colossians 3:4; 1 John 3:2; Hebrews 12:23; 1 Corinthians 15:28). Q…

Q. How may that appear? A. In that by this means he brought sin and misery upon them all (Romans 5:12, 18, 19; 1 Corinthians 15:22). Q. Why should this sin of Adam bring the guilt of sin and misery upon all his posterity?

The wounds of the guilt of sin are as deadly and as strong as the lusts of its power, and it requires as great a power to dissolve and scatter them. For all the strength that the law and God's justice has, sin also has to back it — 'for the strength of sin is the law' (1 Corinth…

Now to die in faith, is to die in an assured estate of glory and happiness; which is that, that every man desires: therefore, as we all desire it, so let us die in faith, and we shall attain unto it. Saint Paul tells us, 1 Corinthians 15:55, Death is a terrible serpent, for he h…

The faith and baptism that these twelve had received from John, or his Disciples' ministry, though it was a saving faith all the days of John and his Disciples' ministry, yet it was not a saving faith after the death, and resurrection, and ascension of Christ into glory, in the…

2. As by his Death, Resurrection, and entrance into Glory he gave a pledge, example, and evidence to the Church of that in his own person, which he had designed for it; so the grounds of it were laid in the expiatory sacrifice which he offered, whereby he took away the curse fro…

Deuteronomy 19:15. At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall the matter be established, that is, 2 Corinthians 13:1. shall every word be established. Psalm 110:1. Until I make your enemies your footstool, that is, 1 Corinthians 15:25. all your enemies. Therefore the Apostle b…

But they have lost the understanding of their own tradition. This belonged to the bondage under which it was the will of God to keep that people, that they should dread death as an effect of the curse of the law, and the fruit of sin, which is taken away in Christ (Hebrews 2:14;…

They were the shadow, he the body or substance, as he speaks elsewhere. He was the Lord from Heaven; who is in Heaven, who speaks from Heaven (1 Corinthians 15:49; John 3:13). (2) All spiritual and eternal grace, mercy, blessings, whereof the souls of men are made partakers by t…

So he was seen of Stephen standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7). So he appeared to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:8). But as to the state of the Church in general, and in the discharge of his mediatory office, he is not seen of any.

And this he testified to them (John 8:24): I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for if you believe not that I am he, you shall die in your sins; and that because they rejected the promise of God made to the Fathers concerning him, which was the only foundati…

Yes, none have greater hopes for the most part than such as have no faith at all. The great use, benefit and advantage which believers have by this grace, is the supporting of their souls under the troubles and difficulties which they meet withal upon the account of the professi…

(3.) Their eternal disposal by the will of Christ, according as his glory shall be manifested therein. Sin, death, the grave, and hell, as to their opposition to the Church, shall be utterly destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:55, 56, 57), and there shall be no more death. Satan and Ant…

And as ascribed to the new state of things under the Gospel, it does not signify eternity absolutely, but a certain unchangeable duration to the end of the time and works of the Gospel. For then shall the exercise of the Priesthood of Christ cease, with his whole mediatory work…

Therefore the great end which God will ultimately effect, being his own glory in Christ, and the salvation of the elect by him, the wisdom whereby it was contrived must needs be eminent and glorious. So the Apostle tells us, "Then is the end when Christ shall have delivered up t…

The Lord Christ will have the life in himself, the divine life to all eternity; and so also will be the life of glory in the human nature. But he shall cease to live this mediatory life for us, when the work of his mediation is accomplished (1 Corinthians 15:28). But he shall le…

Had it not died, death would have borne rule over all to eternity. But in the death thereof, it was swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:55, 56, 57). As it was subject to death and died actually, so it was meet to be raised again from death.

1. Jesus Christ is a King: as he is a Prophet and a Priest, so he is a King. Psalm 2:6. Acts 17:7. 1 Timothy 6:14, 15. 1 Corinthians 15:25. He is the blessed and only potentate, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and he must reign: and let his Kingdom come.

For whereas Christ says of himself that he descended from heaven (John 3:13), his speech must be understood in respect of his Godhead, which may be said in some sort to descend, in that it was made manifest in the manhood here upon earth. And whereas Paul calls him heavenly and…

1. Such an one is bound not to join with any church or society where any fundamental article of faith is rejected or corrupted. There may be a fundamental error in a true church for a season, when the church errs not fundamentally (1 Corinthians 15; 2 Timothy 2:18). But I suppos…

Now when you think God accepteth you rather then others for some worth and good qualities that he seeth in you more then others; it may be in this light of the Gospel which we now enjoy such thoughts are not expressed, but if they lurk secretly in the heart, you think God foresa…

Because when God gives man power to will good things, then he can will them: and when he gives him a power to do good, then he can do good, and he does it. For though there be not in man's conversion a natural cooperation of his will with God's spirit, yet is there a supernatura…

A saint need not fear to put his hand boldly into it — it has left and lost its sting in the sides of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55: 'O death, where is your sting?' Why are you afraid, O saint, that this sickness may be your death — as long as you know that the death of Christ is…

The honor and dignity of Jesus Christ there spoken of, has place not only in this world, but in that which is to come. But the kingdom and government which is given to Christ as Mediator, shall not continue in the world to come (for when Christ has put his enemies under his feet…

So at last, and then bringing both body and soul together to complete glory. And the congruity of reason that is for this appointment, is observable, something like to that (1 Corinthians 15). As by man came death, so by man came also the resurrection from the dead.

It became him (says he) (Hebrews 2:10). For whom are all things, and by whom are all things, etc. And so in the point of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:21). Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead; that is, it was congruous, harmonious, it shou…

No natural infirmities hang about glorified bodies, nor sinful ones upon perfected spirits of the just. Oh what lovely creatures will they appear to you then, when that which is sown in dishonor shall be raised in honor (1 Corinthians 15)! Fourth, you shall have an everlasting e…

That is, it gives power to Sin to slay the hopes of the sinner, and to distress him with the apprehension of guilt and death. For the strength of Sin is the Law (1 Corinthians 15:56). The power it has to disquiet and condemn sinners, is in and by the Law.

Both the Devil, and sin, which is his work, are to be destroyed not appeased (Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8). But the strength of sin is the law (1 Corinthians 15:56), that is, through the righteous sentence of God, we were held by the law obnoxious to the condemning power of sin. Fr…

XIII. Relying on this persuasion, they encouraged one another to commit every crime. Hence the saying passed into a proverb — "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die" — which the apostle records (1 Corinthians 15:32). Nothing occurs more frequently in the poets.

That He Himself crushed the head of that serpent, the Socinians will not deny, I think. See John 12:31, 14:30; Luke 10:18; 1 Corinthians 15:54; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8; but of these things elsewhere. The Vulgate translator has ipsa conteret — "she shall bruise" — and from this…

So that whenever we want any office of Pastor, Teacher, Elder, Deacons, or the right calling or execution of it, in exhortation, doctrine, watching, Ecclesiastical censure, or the order of them, or the gifts fit for them, and the power of them, we must beg them according to the…

So sometimes they added, or put in stead of the creatures of life, heaven, earth, afflictions, or sufferings, not to give the honor of an oath to them, which were abominable (Deuteronomy 6:13; Isaiah 18:18; 1 Kings 8:31; Hebrews 16:17). But to affect their hearts the more, with…

3. We are afraid that many of you believe not a judgment, and your particular and personal coming to it; in fact there are among you who are like to these mockers spoken of by Peter in his second Epistle (chapter 3:3-4), who say, where is the promise of his coming? And as there…

Christ did not only pray for his disciples and apostles, but for the weakest believer. Branch 4. Love your Intercessor (1 Corinthians 16:22). If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema.

Mercy spreads our table, it carves us every bit of bread we eat; we never drink but in the golden cup of mercy. 2. God shows mercy in lengthening out our gospel liberties (1 Corinthians 16:9): [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]; there are many adversaries; many would stop the waters of…

Christ arose on the first day of the week out of the grave, and appeared twice on this day to his disciples (John 20:19, 26), which was to intimate to the disciples (says Austin and Athanasius) that he transferred the Jewish Sabbath to the Lord's Day. 2. The keeping of the first…

And (2.) some temporary appointments relating to gifts in the Church, bestowed only for a season in the first plantation of the Gospel, are ceased. But (3.) no institution or command of Christ, given to the whole Church, relating to the evangelical administration of the New Cove…

(1) 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13; 1 Timothy 5:17. (2) Hebrews 13:17; 1 Corinthians 16:16. (3) Ephesians 6:18, 19; Colossians 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Colossians 4:17.

Thirdly, Their work or duty consists in a daily ministration to the necessities of the poor saints, or members of the Church (Vers. 1, 2). Fourthly, To this end that they may be enabled so to do, it is ordained, that every first day the members of the Church do contribute accord…

This point, Paul urges in sundry exhortations; saying, Let him that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall: 1 Corinthians 10:12, forbidding us to preserve our outward peace, by communicating with idolaters. And again, Stand fast in the faith: 1 Corinthians 16:13. Yea, this is…

And as God gave testimony to the truth in the prophecy of Enoch, so he visibly determined the whole matter on the side of the Church in the Flood, which was an open pledge of eternal judgement. And hence those words, the Lord cometh, became the appeal of the Church in all ages (…

These assemblies were of two sorts. (1.) Stated on the Lord's Day, or first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:2; Acts 20:7). (2.) Occasional, as the duties or occasions of the church did require (1 Corinthians 5:4). The end of these assemblies were twofold.

If this be intended (as it is also, if not only) then it is as if he had said, If he in whose hand is my life and breath and all my ways, whose I am, whom I serve, and to whose disposal I willingly submit my self in all things, see good and be pleased to continue my life, opport…

And if any obstinately stand out, they must perish: yes the Lord says, let them perish; he will not pitty them. 1 Corinthians 16:22. Let them be Anathema Maranatha; it is just they should, and they must perish for ever and ever. 3. Jesus Christ is a King, and as such to be submi…

'Tis his happiness to love himself, and he would have us to share in this happiness; therefore he threateneth, and promiseth, and beseecheth: As one that would gladly open a door, tryeth key after key, till he has tryed every key in the bunch; so does God try one method after an…

It is gross hypocrisy for us to pretend to more holiness, reverence, and devotion in the act of receiving than Christ himself, or than the Apostles did, when Christ himself was there bodily present with them. We must follow the example of Christ and his Apostles, except where th…

To the multitude of Christians in those cities, let us add another consideration, namely, that they had no Temples (as now we have) but private places for their holy assemblies, such as the house of Mary (Acts 12:12), the School of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9), an upper chamber at Troas…

If we should judge the riches of men and women by their good works, how many rich men would there be accounted very poor? Every man must be serviceable as God has blessed them (1 Corinthians 16:2). Oh! this meditation would be of very great use to those whose estates are blessed…

To these are added these further indications, that in the Epistle to the Romans sent from Corinth, the salutations are sent from the Churches of Christ, in the plural (Romans 16:16), mention is made of the Church which is at Cenchrea (which is one of these Churches), v. 1. So wh…

To this is contrary, a stay, or going backward (Galatians 5). Watchfulness is a continual care with ourselves, that we be readily prepared as we ought, to practice good, and resist evil, which is set forth (Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Mark 13:35)…

Observation 1. The first is, that it is fitting for, and the duty of a minister of the Gospel, to observe what fruit and success his ministry has among a people, and whether they believe or not; Isaiah speaks not here at random, but from consideration of the case of the people,…

Answ. 1. We are to make believers know if they believe not, and walk not worthy of Christ, in all holy duties; their faith is a fancy, and a dead faith, and the wrath of God abides on them, and they are not believers. 2. Though they be believers, wrath must be preached to them,…

Answer: God has given to the Church the power of building, and it has 4 degrees — admonition, suspension from the sacraments, excommunication, anathema. And this last is a censure or judgment of the Church, whereby it pronounces a man severed from Christ and adjudged to eternal…

For Paul and the rest of the Apostles observed the first day of the week for a Sabbath day (Acts 20:7), and he says, Whatever you have heard, and what you have seen in me, that do (Philippians 4:9). Again it was the decree or constitution of Paul, that the collection for the poo…

The word translated prove, signifies also to approve, as (Romans 14:22): Blessed is he that condemns not in himself in the thing that he approves. (1 Corinthians 16:3): Whoever you shall approve or allow of by letters. And so the word is used in English, when we say such a one i…

We read in the Gospel that Christ kissed his disciples, which was a custom then in those countries. Of this kiss Saint Paul also makes frequent mention (Acts 20; 1 Corinthians 16; 2 Corinthians 13; Romans 16). Peace be with you all, which are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Verse 18. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed, and in truth. 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2. Now concerning the collection for the Saints, as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia, even so do you; Upon the first day of the week, let every o…

And all the objections which I have met with against this instance, amount to no more but this; that although the Scripture says, that the disciples met for their worship on the first day of the week, yet indeed they did not so do. 1 Corinthians 16:2, the same practice is exempl…

Again; The public collections for the poorer saints, were ordained by the apostle to be made on this day: Now concerning the collection for the saints — upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him. And this very rule and cus…

Our Sabbath is altered by Christ's own appointment. He arose this day out of the grave, and appeared on it often to his disciples (1 Corinthians 16:1). To intimate to them, says Athanasius, that he transferred the Sabbath to the Lord's day.

It is not unusual, in some churches, where the doctrine I oppose has been established, for persons at the same time that they come into the church, and pretend to own the Covenant, freely to declare to their neighbors, they have no imagination that they have any true faith in Ch…

Whom justice so locks up, mercy will never let out. This is that which makes up the Anathema Maranatha (1 Corinthians 16:22), which is the dreadfulest curse in all the book of God, [reconstructed: accursed] till the Lord come. (3) 'Tis the most indiscernible stroke to themselves…

But that which we have in hand, and commend to your consideration is this: that if he be so exceeding great in goodness, that therefore he deserves your whole love. (1 Corinthians 16:22) If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maranatha. Paul comes with i…

Concerning God, Moses exhorts Israel to love the Lord and serve him: and again, to love the Lord, to walk in his ways, to keep his commandments, etc. (Deuteronomy 11:13; Deuteronomy 30:16). Concerning man, the Apostle exhorts to serve one another by love: and to do all things in…

1. Because no duty on the husband's part can be rightly performed except it be seasoned with love. The Apostle exhorts all Christians to do all their things in love: much more ought husbands: though in place they be above their wives, yet love may not be forgotten (1 Corinthians…

All which Paul calls the Churches of the Gentiles (Romans 16:4), in contradistinction to those of the Jews, and calls them indefinitely the Churches of God (Romans 16:16), or the Churches of Christ (1 Corinthians 7:17; 2 Corinthians 8:18, 19, 23; 2 Thessalonians 1:4), and in sun…

1. The first is a general expression, by no means to be limited to its native signification, of waking from sleep: to watch is as much as to be on our guard, to take heed, to consider all ways, and means by which an enemy may approach to us. So the Apostle (1 Corinthians 16:13):…

This is Popish Slavery wheresoever it is practised, and Popish Tyranny where it is commanded: But Christians ought to give due Attention to the Advice and Counsel of such as are set over them in the Lord, Hebrews 13:17. 1 Corinthians 16:15, 16. Such as are solemnly devoted to th…

2. Whoever uses this remedy, must look to his own heart, that he be not acted with private revenge, nor with a spirit of rigor, or rancor against the party offending; but that he be carried out with zeal to justice, with pity to the person, that he and others may not be hardened…

Wrath is abroad seeking out sinners; now, says the Apostle, O that I might be found in him. 3. A sense of this benefit we have by Christ, will necessarily beget an unfeigned love to him; else we can have no evidence, but the curse does still remain; and therefore it is said (1 C…

He puts all the honor upon grace. So (1 Corinthians 16:10), Not I, but the grace of God. So (Galatians 2:20), I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me.

For a woman to cover her head in time of public Prayer, or Prophecying, and for a man to uncover his head, the Apostle warrants both from the light of Nature, and the custom of the Churches (1 Corinthians 11:4 to 16). The kiss of love in holy Assemblies was warranted, not by div…

But do they love Christ who let the members of Christ starve? No — these love their money more than Christ, and come under that fearful condemnation (1 Corinthians 16:22). Argument 9: Lastly, I shall use but one more argument to persuade to works of mercy — the reward which foll…

This should helpe us to discover our selves, there is no way to discover hypocrisie, none so sure a signe of it, as where love is not. And therefore learne by this to know your selves, and to judge of your condition: It may be, when we confesse our sinnes, we have not thought of…

So I say to you, what else does the Lord your God require of you? But againe know this, that as it is a command full of equity and reasonablenes, so the danger is the greater if you doe it it not; and what that is I will show you but by one place, that is, 1 Cor. 16:22.Cursed is…

One says he will go work in his father's vineyard, it may be he purposes to work, but yet he works not (Matthew 21:30), nor is a practical purpose of heart to obey either obedience or faith formally. 5. If to be justified by faith in Christ as not only Jesus who saves, but as Lo…

Had not God put him into office, and commissioned him for this, all his obedience had been insignificant: for, not only or merely the value, but the acceptance of it for us, made it a purchase: and yet had it not been valuable, it would not have done, because justice and mercy c…

Fourthly, Christs coming will bee dreadfull to all those, who beare not a sincere love to Iesus Christ. Wilt you marke one scripture, 1 Cor. 16. 22. If any man love not the Lord Iesus Christ, let him bee Anathema Maranatha.

He that has two coats to give to him that has none, rather than to see him perish (Luke 3:11). In cases of ordinary necessity we are to give out of our overplus and abundance, providing for the decency of our own condition, which is to give as we are able, according to the bless…

Let Christ lie as a bundle of myrrh, always between your breasts. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha, 1 Corinthians 16.22. Love (says Chrysostom) is the diamond that only the Queen wears, namely The gracious soul.

6. The same may be argued from various other passages of scripture, some of which I shall now cite. 1 Corinthians 16:22: If any man love not our Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema maranatha. It is absurd to suppose, that this curse means a discipline designed for the good on…

Without love to Christ you are under the guilt of all your sins; neither your original sin, nor any of your actual sins are pardoned, they all lie upon your own score, and you must answer for all your selves, and how fearful is your account like to be! Without love to Christ you…

Christian valor and spiritual courage is a needful grace. Note with what variety of phrase the Apostle does exhort to this (1 Corinthians 16:13): Stand fast, quit yourselves like men, be strong: to this God persuades his servant Joshua, and David, his son Solomon. David had in h…