The Complete Works of Richard Sibbes Volume 5

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1863 edition. Excerpt: ... OF THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD.* But I trust in the Lord that 1 myself also shall come shortly.--Phil. II. 24. In the former verses the apostle Paul shews his care and love that he bore to the Philippians, in that he would not leave them destitute of a guide and director; and therefore he sends Timothy, whom he commends, to shew his love the more; and for his greater commendations, he shews the wickedness of the contrary sort, that thereby Timothy his sincerity may the better appear; ' others seek their own, but Timothy as a son hath served me.' He lays down the causes of this his sincerity. He first had learned the Scriptures of a child; then he had a gracious grandmother and mother. It is an excellent comfortable thing whenas children can say, ' I am the son of thy servant and thy handmaid, ' Ps. lxxxvi. 16. And a third cause or help was his conversing with him. He drew in the sweet spirit of the blessed apostle. God, he derivesf good to men by good society. They are therefore enemies to themselves that regard not good, choice company; for it makes of good excellent, and of those that are not yet good, if they belong to God, it makes them good. In this verse he shews a further degree of his caro of the Philippians. There are I divers ways to come to the knowledge of men's estate: as first by report; secondly, by messengers; thirdly, by letter. St Paul had used all these; but his care was such as all those would not content him. He must see them himself, which is indeed tho surest means and way of all. In these words, therefore, consider tho manner of the delivery of this speech, ' I trust in the Lord.' Then tho matter, which contains a purpose of his coming. Then the ground, his trust in God. Here, first of all, mark the language of...