An Expository Comment on 2 Corinthians 1, Table of contents – Errata note
THE CONTENTS.
SERM. I. 2 Cor. 1. 1. Paul an Apostle of Jeſus Chriſt by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the Church of God, which is at Corinth, with all the Saints which are in all Achaia. WHy our Saviour is called Jeſus Chriſt, and Saul, Paul, who of a cruel Perſecutor becomes a faithfull Preacher of the Goſpel of Chriſt. Why God of great ſinners often maketh moſt eminent Saints.
SERM. II. Learning an excellent gift of God, though through the corruption of man, 'tis often made an Engine to promote the Kingdom of the Devil, yet by the grace of God 'tis very uſefull in his Church.
SERM. III. Paul's Name being prefixed to his Epiſtle, ſhews it to be of Divine Authority, though of it ſelf not a ſufficient argument to prove it. The Penmen were only Inſtruments, God the principal Authour of the Scriptures, and therefore we ſhould reſt ſatisfied with their ſtyle and method, and not queſtion their Authority. How to arme our ſelves againſt the Devil, and all Hereticks oppoſing the Divinity of the Scriptures.
SERM. IV. What an Apoſtle was. Chriſt in the building of his Church uſed extraordinary Officers, but did not follow the Model of the Jewiſh Government. What were the Properties and Qualifications of an Apoſtle.
SERM. V. The Divine Call of Church-officers is clearly to be known, and faithfully to be improved. What advantages will follow upon a true Call, both to the Officers themſelves, and the People.
SERM. VI. Of the proper and appellative Names of our Saviour, Jeſus, and Chriſt. In what ſenſe he is Jeſus a Saviour, and how Chriſt the anointed of the Lord.
SERM. VII. Church-officers are appointed by Chriſt, and all Church-power radically ſeated in him as King. What Duties follow thence to be practiſed by Church-officers and People. Some things are highly eſteemed in the Church, which are much deſpiſed by the world.
SERM. VIII. In what ſenſe Paul ſaith of himſelf, He was an Apoſtle by the will of God. Shewing likewiſe how all Church-offices and Priviledges, come meerly from the will and good pleaſure of God.
SERM. IX. Paul's mentioning of Timothy, ſhews, That the godly, though exalted above others in Office and Gifts, yet are humble towards them.
SERM. X. There is a great deal of difference betwixt the Perſons whom God calls, and alſo in the manner of his calling them. Education under godly Parents not to be reſted upon, but our hearts are to be ſought into, whether they be really changed, or no.
SERM. XI. How much it concerns Church-officers to agree in matters of Religion. What means may conduce to it. Univerſities and Nurſeries of Religion, of how great uſe they are to the Church of Chriſt.
SERM. XII. Of the Name and Nature of a Church.
SERM. XIII. Concerning the efficient, inſtrumental, formal, and final cauſe of a Church.
SERM. XIV. Of the Notes and Signes of a true Church.
SERM. XV. Why Paul writeth to the Church, not the Churches of Corinth. What is implied in the Churches being called the Church of God.
SERM. XVI. Of the City of Corinth. God ſometimes gathers a Church amongſt the moſt prophane people. A Church, though many wayes defiled, may be a Church ſtill, as it was with the Corinthians.
SERM. XVII. A further Diſcovery of the truth of this Aſſertion, that a Church may be a true Church, though much defiled both in Doctrine and Manners.
SERM. XVIII. The Preheminence of the Church of God above all Civil Societies. As likewiſe concerning Paul's writing this ſecond Epiſtle to the Corinthians; how hard a thing it is for Churches to keep within their proper bounds; and what great care Miniſters ought to have, to uſe all means lawfull to promote the Churches, which they have relation to.
SERM. XIX. Of the Name and Nature of a Church-Saint.
SERM. XX. External Holineſs is not enough to bring us to Heaven, without the inward renovation of the Heart.
SERM. XXI. Wherefore 'tis a Chriſtians Duty to joyn himſelf to Church-ſociety; and in what caſes he may be excuſed. What are the falſe grounds why ſome neglect this Duty. The ſoul of the pooreſt Saint is to be regarded, as well as of the richeſt.
SERM. XXII. 2 Cor. 1. 2. Grace be to you, and Peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jeſus Chriſt. How Grace and Peace, and ſuch like ſpiritual Mercies and Priviledges, are to be deſired before any temporal Mercies whatſoever.
SERM. XXIII. Of the Name, Nature and Preheminence of the Grace of God above all other things.
SERM. XXIV. Who are fit ſubjects to partake of the Grace of God. As likewiſe Rules and Scripture-characters of the Grace of God, by which we may rightly underſtand, and judge of it.
SERM. XXV. Of the Nature of true Goſpel-peace, and wherein it chiefly conſiſteth.
SERM. XXVI. A further Diſcovery of the Nature of true Goſpel-peace, with the Effects of it; and ſome Directions how to attain it.
SERM. XXVII. Of the Names of God; 'tis he alone who can give Grace and Peace to his People. He is a Father to all Believers, even the weakeſt as well as the ſtrongeſt.
SERM. XXVIII. Of the Dominion and Lordſhip of our Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt.
SERM. XXIX. 2 Cor. 1. 3. Bleſſed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. Of the Duty of Thankfulneſs, Bleſſing and Praiſing God for all his Mercies.
SERM. XXX. Of Praiſing God, and that for all, but eſpecially for ſpiritual Mercies.
SERM. XXXI. How Chriſt is the Sonne of God: and how the conſideration thereof is the foundation of all a Chriſtians comfort.
SERM. XXXII. How God is a mercifull Father, the Father of all mercies to his children.
SERM. XXXIII. Of the mulitude, variety, properties and objects of Gods mercies.
SERM. XXXIV. How God is the God of comfort, yea of all comfort and conſolations to all thoſe that are his.
SERM. XXXV. Some Propoſitions clearing the Doctrine of Gods mercy, from both Doctrinal and Practical Objections.
SERM. XXXVI. 2 Cor. 1. 4. Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we our ſelves are comforted of God. That God not only can, but doth actually comfort his People, and how he doth it.
SERM. XXXVII. That Believers only are the Subjects of the comforts and conſolations of God.
SERM. XXXVIII. How God will comfort his People in all both their ſpiritual and temporal Afflictions, which all the Art of Philoſophy can never do.
SERM. XXXIX. What are theſe Apples which Chriſt refreſheth his Spouſe with? Or what are thoſe Scripture-grounds of comfort, which ſupport the hearts of Gods children under all their afflictions.
SERM. XL. How God may be ſaid to comfort his children in all their tribulations, though many of them may live very diſconſolate.
SERM. XLI. The works of Gods Spirit upon his People, are not only for their good, but likewiſe for the advantage of others.
SERM. XLII. That thoſe only can make fit applications of ſpiritual things to others, who have an Experimental knowledge of them in their own ſouls.
SERM. XLIII. It is a ſpecial Duty incumbent upon every one both Miniſter and Chriſtian, to apply comforts to the Afflicted in a right manner.
SERM. XLIV. That the ſame grounds of comfort, which revive the hearts of one godly man, may do the ſame likewiſe to another.
SERM. XLV. 2 Cor. 1. 5. For as the ſufferings of Chriſt abound in us, ſo our conſolation aboundeth by Chriſt. The true and unfeigned owning of Chriſt, is alwayes accompanied with ſome, ſometimes with great Afflictions.
SERM. XLVI. The ſame Doctrine proſecuted, ſhewing the Object for which Chriſtians are to ſuffer, if they would ſuffer for Chriſt.
SERM. XLVII. What Qualifications they muſt be endowed with, who ſuffer in a right manner for Chriſt.
SERM. XLVIII. How many wayes, and by what means Chriſt comfortteh thoſe who ſuffer for him.
SERM. XLIX. How and why God alwayes proportions a Saints comforts to his ſufferings, and often makes them to overflow. And why he often denies comforts to his People in their troubles.
SERM. L. 2 Cor. 1. 6. And whether we be afflicted; it is for your conſolation, and ſalvation, which is effectual in the enduring the ſame ſufferings, which we alſo ſuffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your conſolation and ſalvation. The Saints ſufferings are for the Churches good.
SERM. LI. The Afflictions which others ſuffer for Chriſt, make much for our comfort and ſalvation.
SERM. LII. How ſalvation is promoted and advanced by our ſufferings for Chriſt.
SERM. LIII. Afflictions not in themſelves, but as improved by patience, conduce to our ſalvation. What goes to the producing of patience.
SERM. LIV. Motives exciting us to a patient ſubmiſſion unto God under all the Afflictions he layes upon us.
SERM. LV. All the Diſpenſations of God carry on and further the ſalvation of his people.
SERM. LVI. 2 Cor. 1. 7. And our hope of you is ſtedfaſt, knowing that as you are partakers of the ſufferings, ſo ſhall ye be alſo of the conſolation. Of Paul's hope and perſwaſion of the Corinthians, with the Reaſons and Grounds of it.
SERM. LVII. Of our partaking with others in their ſuffering for Chriſt, and how this is a way to intereſt our ſelves in the joy and glory which ſuch ſufferers enjoy.
SERM. LVIII. 2 Cor. 1. 8. For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Aſia, that we are preſſed out of meaſure, above ſtrength, inſomuch that we deſpaired even of life. How uſefull it is to the children of God, to know the Afflictions which the Saints ſuffer for Chriſts ſake. And why the preaching concerning the Saints afflictions, even from Heathens, is neceſſary to Chriſtians, though for the preſent they be in peace and quietneſs.
SERM. LIX. The Miniſters of the Goſpel finde much oppoſition from the carnal and worldly Profeſſors. Who are theſe carnal and worldly Profeſſors.
SERM. LX. A further Diſcovery of ſuch, who take up Religion meerly from carnal motives and worldly reſpects.
SERM. LXI. Of the different judgment that Faith and Fleſh paſſe upon Afflictions.
SERM. LXII. How the voice of the Spirit, and the voice of the Fleſh differ in Afflictions. And why it is neceſſary a man ſhould know them aſunder.
SERM. LXIII. What is to be underſtood by Paul's being preſſed above meaſure: as likewiſe, how neither natural, nor moral ſtrength can carry us through troubles in a gracions manner.
SERM. LXIV. The natural fear of Death is not taken away by Graces. What are the Uſes of it.
SERM. LXV. Of the natural and ſinfull fear of Death. How to diſcern between them; and from whence the ſinfulneſſe of that fear proceedeth.
SERM. LXVI. 2 Cor. 1. 9. But we had the ſentence of death in our ſelves, that we ſhould not truſt in our ſelves, but in God which raiſeth the dead. The truly godly may ſometimes paſſe falſe ſentences upon their own Perſons and Actions, and Gods Diſpenſations towards them.
SERM. LXVII. The People of God often paſſe falſe judgement upon the Diſpenſations of God towards them. The Reaſons from whence the falſe judgement proceeds; with Rules to prevent it.
SERM. LXVIII. Of humane and divine Truſt, and of the true and proper Objects of our confidence.
SERM. LXIX. What are thoſe ſecret and inward objects, that men are apt to place their confidence in; and wherein even the Saints themſelves may be guilty of that ſinne.
SERM. LXX. Whether Paul ſpeaketh theſe words in his own perſon: and wherein the ſinfulneſs of Self-confidence appears.
SERM. LXXI. Of the Nature, Object and Matter of our Divine Truſt, or Dependance upon God.
SERM. LXXII. What is required in our truſting in God, ex parte ſubjecti. And of the excellency of this grace.
SERM. LXXIII. Of the Expreſſion, God who raiſeth the dead, how it is to be underſtood, and what it implyes.
SERM. LXXIV. 2 Cor. 1. 10. Who delivered us from ſo great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we truſt that he will yet deliver us. We are not to conſider Gods Mercies in general only, but their ſeveral aggravations alſo.
SERM. LXXV. Privative and preventing Mercies are to be accounted of, as Poſitive.
SERM. LXXVI. Of the Neceſſity of Gods continuing his Mercies to us, as well as his conferring Mercies upon us.
SERM. LXXVII. Former Experience ſhould be a ſufficient Argument for future confidence.
SERM. LXXVIII. Of Motives to truſt in God, and the Oppoſites to it, Preſumption and Deſpair.
SERM. LXXIX. 2 Cor. 1. 11. You alſo helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift beſtowed upon us by the means of many perſons, thanks may be given by many, on our behalf. How we are to relie upon God, and yet make uſe of requiſite means too.
SERM. LXXX. The higheſt in gifts and graces, ſhould deſire the prayers of the meaneſt. And People ought to pray for their Miniſters, as well as Miniſters for their People.
SERM. LXXXI. How, and why we ſhould praiſe God for all his mercies vouchſafed to us.
SERM. LXXXII. God is the fountain of all our mercies, they are his gifts, and why.
SERM. LXXXIII. Of the Neceſſity and Uſefulneſs of publick Ordinances; and of the Churches Intereſt in its Miniſters mercies.
SERM. LXXXIV. 2 Cor. 1. 12. For our rejoycing is this, the teſtimony of our conſcience, that in ſimplicity and godly ſincerity, not with fleſhly wiſdome, but by the grace of God, we have had our converſation in the world, and more abundantly to you-wards.
SERM. LXXXV. What is required to a good and well-ordered conſcience.
SERM. LXXXVI. Further Diſcoveries of what is required to a well-regulated conſcience, with Diſtinctions concerning it.
SERM. LXXXVII. A Believer may be aſſured of the uprightneſs of his heart in the performance of Duties. What is required to ſuch an Aſſurance.
SERM. LXXXVIII. Of the Impediments which keep us from Aſſurance; commands for it, and Cautions about it.
SERM. LXXXIX. Of the true Nature of godly Simplicity and ſingleneſs of Heart.
SERM. XC. A further Diſcovery of the true Nature of godly Simplicity both towards God and man.
SERM. XCI. Of the true Nature of godly Sincerity.
SERM. XCII. A further Diſcovery of the Nature and Effects of godly Sincerity.
SERM. XCIII. Of fleſhly Wiſdome, with ſome Principles of it.
SERM. XCIV. Principles of fleſhly Wiſdome uſed in the Propagation of the Goſpel.
SERM. XCV. Of the grace of God which Paul exalteth above fleſhly Wiſdome, and aſcribeth all unto.
SERM. XCVI. Wherein the grace of God appeared towards Paul in his Miniſterial Labours.
SERM. XCVII. Of a good and godly converſation in the world.
SERM. XCVIII. Of Gods Preſence with the Miniſtry, how it renders the People inexcuſable.
SERM. XCIX. 2 Cor. 1. 13. For we write no other things unto you, then what you read or acknowledge, and I truſt that you ſhall acknowledge even to the end. Of the convincing Nature of Godlineſs in Miniſters and private Chriſtians.
SERM. C. 'Tis Perſeverance that is the crown of Holineſs.
SERM. CI. 2 Cor. 1. 14. As alſo you have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoycing, even as ye alſo are ours, in the day of the Lord Jeſus. Of the mutability and changeableneſs there is in the Affections of the beſt Churches, to their ſpiritual Guides and Officers.
SERM. CII Of the mutual rejoycing which ought to be betwixt Miniſter and people.
SERM. CIII. Of the Rejoycing a faithfull Miniſter hath in an obedient people.
SERM. CIV. Of the great changes that will be in the Day of Chriſts coming.
SERM. CV. A further Diſcovery of the great changes that will be wrought at the Day of Chriſts ſecond coming.
SERM. CVI. 2 Cor. 1. 15. And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that you might have a ſecond benefit. Of the Encouragements a Miniſter hath from the hopes of doing good to a people.
SERM. CVII. Of the Neceſſity of a conſtant Miniſtry, not only for the conſtituting, but to an eſtabliſhing the Church.
SERM. CVIII. 2 Cor. 1. 16. And to paſs by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judea. All Chriſtians, eſpecially Miniſters, ought to lay out themſelves wholly for Gods glory, and others good.
SERM. CIX. Of the Office of Apoſtles, and particular Paſtours; and of the Peoples eſteem of their Miniſter.
SERM. CX. 2 Cor. 1. 17. When I therefore was thus minded, did I uſe lightneſs? or the things that I purpoſe, do I purpoſe according to the fleſh, that with me there ſhould be Yea, yea, Nay, nay? Of the ſinfulneſs of Levity and unconſtancy in the children of God.
SERM. CXI. Of the ſinfulneſs of Inconſtancy, and lightneſs in matters of Religion.
SERM. CXII. Of walking according to the fleſh.
SERM. CXIII. Of Principles in general, and a godly mans in particular.
SERM. CXIV. Of the kinds and ſinfulneſs of Lying.
SERM. CXV. 2 Cor. 1. 18. But as God is true, our word towards you was not yea and nay. GOD is True.
SERM. CXVI. The perſonal failings of Miniſters are oft caſt upon the Miniſtry it ſelf.
SERM. CXVII. Of changing in matters of Religion.
SERM. CXVIII. A further Diſcovery of the ſinfulneſs and reproach of Inconſtancy, eſpecially in a Miniſter.
SERM. CXIX. 2 Cor. 1. 19. For the Sonne of God Jeſus Chriſt, who was preached among you by us, even by me, and Sylvanus, and Timotheus, was not Yea, and Nay, but in him was Yea. Chriſt the Alpha and Omega of all Preaching.
SERM. CXX. Our Lord Chriſt is the Sonne of GOD.
SERM. CXXI. Chriſt is Jeſus, a Saviour to his People.
SERM. CXXII. Of Aſſiſtants required in the Miniſtry: falſe charges laid againſt it; and the happy Agreement of it.
SERM. CXXIII. The truths of Chriſt, and the Miniſters of it, are alwayes the ſame.
SERM. CXXIV. 2 Cor. 1. 20. For all the promiſes of God in him are yea, and in him amen, unto the glory of God by us. Of Gods Promiſes to man.
SERM. CXXV. A further Diſcovery of the Nature and Sorts of Gods Promiſes.
SERM. CXXVI. How all the Promiſes are confirmed in Chriſt.
SERM. CXXVII. Of the uſefulneſſe and unchangeableneſſe of the Promiſes of God.
SERM. CXXVIII. The Promiſes give glory to God, both as they are made by him, and believed by us.
SERM. CXXIX. 2 Cor. 1. 21. Now he which establiſheth us with you in Chriſt, and hath anointed us, is God. Our Settlement and Eſtabliſhment in the faith of the Promiſes, is the gracious work of God alone.
SERM. CXXX. Of Gods confirmation of us upon his Promiſes, by his own grace.
SERM. CXXXI. The moſt eminent for Godlineſſe need to be eſtabliſhed by God, as well as the meaneſt, which Eſtabliſhment is in Chriſt Jeſus.
SERM. CXXXII. Of the ſpiritual Anointing which Believers receive from God.
SERM. CXXXIII. 2 Cor. 1. 22. Who hath alſo ſealed us, and given the earneſt of the Spirit in our hearts. Gods People are his ſealed ones.
SERM. CXXXIV. Of Gods Spirit Sealing his People.
SERM. CXXXV. A further Diſcovery of the Spirits ſealing the People of God.
SERM. CXXXVI. Of the Object, Manner and End of the Spirits ſealing.
SERM. CXXXVII. Whether all the People of God are his Sealed ones.
SERM. CXXXVIII. Of Grace, as it is the Earneſt of Eternal Glory.
SERM. CXXXIX. What is implyed in Gods giving us the Earneſt of his Spirit.
SERM. CXL. 2 Cor. 1. 23. Moreover, I call God to record upon my ſoul, that to ſpare you, I came not as yet to Corinth. Of Swearing.
SERM. CXLI. Of Oaths and ſeveral Expreſſions uſed in Swearing.
SERM. CXLII. It is lawfull in ſome caſes to ſwear; how and when it is thus lawfull.
SERM. CXLIII. Ordinary Swearing reproved and put to ſilence.
SERM. CXLIV. Of the holy Prudence that Miniſterial Power is to be managed with.
SERM. CXLV. 2 Cor. 1. 24. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy; for by faith ye ſtand. Of Miniſters power over the People.
SERM. CXLVI. The Comforting of the Afflicted, one great part of a Miniſters work.
SERM. CXLVII. God only the Lord of our Chriſtian Faith.
To the Reader.
COURTEOUS READER,
THe Authours habitation being farre diſtant from the Preſſe, he could not have the correction of it, and therefore ſome miſtakes have paſſed, which are to be corrected thus.
ERRATA.
PAg. 58. lin. 7. dele (hatred of ſinne.) p. 85. l. 25. for of, r. if. for beginnings, r. endings. p. 89. l. 8. dele never ſuch. p. 176. l. 27. for miniſterial, r. immaterial. p. 203. l. 8. for Hoſtia, r. Auſtin. p. 385. l. 11. dele not. p. 554. l. 27. adde to my obſervation. p. 610. l. 29. for left, r. kept. p. …75. l. 25. for alienate, r. alleviate. p. 638. l. 14. for afflict, r. affect.
The Reader is alſo deſired to take notice, that the Contents, marginal Notes and Table, were gathered by another hand, and not the Authours, wherein if there be any errour at any time committed, candidly to paſſe it by.
Abel Roper.