trial 3. That they might be kept from being occasions of stumbling unto others ver 10. And 4. That they might abound in good works undertaken and gone about in the strength of Christ and tending to Gods glory as their main scope vers 11. Doct. 1. That a Christian may be throughly fitted to judge of things controverted there is more required than notional light in the brain to wit Practice according to what he already knoweth and some experimental knowledge and taste of divine Truths in his own heart for the Apostle with knowledge requireth abounding in love and sense that so they might try those things which differ See Heb. 5. 14. 2. Such knowledge as enableth a man to discern betwixt Truth and Error right and wrong is then worthy to be sought after when sincerity in choosing what is right and rejecting of what is wrong is joyned with it for he conjoyneth those two Ye may discern things that differ and be sincere 3. It should be one of our main desires whatever be our wrestlings with corruption within our selves that yet it may not break forth to the offence of others So Paul prayeth that they may be without offence 4. No shorter term ought to be assigned unto our growth and daily progress in holiness than the day of our death for then and not till then shall grace be compleated Heb 12. 23. Thus he prayeth they may abound more and more unto the day of Christ that is Either the day of every mans death so called because of the particular sentence or judgment which is passed by Christ upon every man immediatly after death Luke 12. 20. and 23. 43. or the day of Christs second coming 1 Thess. 5. 2. And this he will have the term-day of their endeavour to continue sincere and without offence because the final and open acquittance of the Elect from sin and misery shall be reserved until then Matth. 25. 33 34. 5. It is not sufficient for Christians to walk without offence by abstaining from what is grosly evil but they must also set about the doing of what is good being filled with the fruits of righteousness 6. It is not the doing of one good work or of some few which will sufficiently evidence a man to be righteous except he aim at the constant practice of everything which is good for that is to be filled with the fruits of righteousness or with good works whereby the sincerity of our righteousnesse is tried as the tree by the fruits Luke 6. 44 45. 7. That a work be truly good or a fruit of righteousnesse it is necessary that the work be done by one who is in Christ by faith and by vertue of strength drawn from Christ for these fruits required are by Jesus Christ that is by strength drawn from him which presupposeth the person to be ingrafted in him Job 15. 4. 8. It is necessary also for a good work That the doer of it have Gods glory for his main scope and not vain glory credit or any by-respect otherwise he is an empty vine bringing forth fruit unto himself Hos. 10. 1. So they are to be unto the glory and praise of God Vers. 12. But I would ye should understand Brethren that the things which hapned unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the Gospel In the second part of this Chapter lest they should have stumbled at his present suffering and feared lest thereby the Gospel should have been totally extinct he sheweth first That the Gospel had received much advantage already by all those sad things which had befallen him Doct. 1. It is the duty of Christ's Ministers as to forecast what may prove a stumbling-block in the way of the Lords People to retard them in their christian course So by all means to endeavour the removal of it Thus Paul wisely foreseeth and carefully laboureth to remove that offence and discouragement which Christians were apt to take from his sufferings But I would ye should understand c. 2. So wise and powerful is God in working that what is intended by adversaries to obscure his glory and to mar his work He maketh it tend to the further clearing of the one and promoving of the other which holdeth chiefly in the sufferings of his servants for Truth whereby the Lord hath promoved the Gospel frequently as much as by their preaching So Paul's sufferings had fallen out to the furtherance of the Gospel 3. That Truth is a gainer by our saddest sufferings is sufficient reason for contentment under them for Paul resteth satisfied and would have others satisfied also with this That all his sufferings had fallen out to the furtherance of the Gospel 4. The observing of the advantage that cometh to the Gospel by the suffering of the Saints for Christ's Truth serveth greatly to remove the scandal of the crosse for this end would the Apostle have them to understand that what had befallen him was for the furtherance of the Gospel Vers. 13. So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the Palace and in all other places He giveth two evidences that advantage had come to the Gospel by his sufferings First his bonds or the Gospel which was the cause of his bonds was made famous in Nero's Court and els-where whileas every one almost enquiring after the cause of his sufferings did learn somewhat of Christ and the Gospel by that mean Doct. 1. That the Gospel getteth entry in the Houses of Kings and great men is a great advantage and furtherance to it for this he reckoneth as one advantage even that the Gospel by his bonds was manifest in all the Palace 2. An occasional report and general fame of Christ and the Gospel may through the blessing of God accompanying it take some by the Heart to whom that report doth come for by the very occasional mentioning of the Gospel as the cause of Paul's sufferings some were made to enquire and learn so much of it as made them fall in love with it else he would not have thought the manifesting of his â—onds had tended to the furtherance of the Gospel Vers. 14. And many of the Brethren in the Lord waxing confident by my bonds are much more bold to speak the Word without fear A second evidence is That contrary to the expectation of enemies who concluded that Paul one of the chief Apostles being put in bonds at Rome no Minister should have the courage ever to preach again many Ministers of Jesus Christ having heard of his constancy under sufferings were encouraged to shake off fear and preach Christ more boldly than ever Doct. 1. The Gospel and glad tydings of Salvation through Jesus Christ is the most excellent word that ever sounded in a lost sinners ear Therefore it is called The Word by way of excellency as if there were no other word besides worthy of the name 2. This tendeth much to the furtherance of the Gospel when Preachers of it are men of
because as appears of their being joyntly imployed in the work of the Ministery as Oxen drawing under one yoke to set him upon the reconciling of those two who were at distance and I intreat thee also true yoke-fellow 7. As Church-divisions though easily fallen into Act. 15. 37 c. are not easily cured so it is the duty of all who have power and parts to imploy them all for the curing of them and this especially when the scandalous rent is among such who have been reputed gracious and have proved steadable to the work of God in their several stations hence he exhorteth to help those women to union because they had laboured with him in the Gospel 8. As the Gospel when it first cometh in power to a place meeteth with no small opposition so it is the duty not only of Ministers but also of private Christians and that of both sexes keeping still their own stations 1 Cor. 14. 34. to contribute their uttermost for making of the Gospel successefull so did they at Philippi who laboured with me in the Gospel with Clement also and with other my fellow-labourers the word rendered Laboured signifieth to strive as wrestlers who make use of all their strength What their labour was is not expressed but certainly it was such as became them in their stations 9. The Lord knoweth who are his with as great certainty as a man knoweth those of his family whose names he hath written in a book so much is imported by this phrase whose names are written in the book of life not that God hath or standeth in need of any such book for the help of his memory the speech is only metaphorical bearing this much That God hath fore-ordained them to life and so knoweth certainly they shall be saved as if their names were all inrolled Sec 2 Tim. 2. 19. 10. Though none can passe a certain and infallible judgment upon others whether they belong to the election of grace or not Rom. 14. 4. yet there may and ought to be a judgment of charity passed upon all and every one of such as elected and chosen whom we see constant in the doctrine of Faith studying to be holy themselves and contributing their utmost for promoving the work of God among others for Paul from the judgment of charity pronounceth of such whose names are written in the book of life Vers. 4. Rejoyce in the Lord alway and again I say Rejoyce He exhorteth most earnestly that they would not suffer themselves to be drawn off from that necessary duty of rejoycing in the Lord pressed chap. 3. v. 1. But that under all conditions and at all times they would make conscience of it Doct. 1. It is not only the Lords allowance but also his command unto his people which they are to obey under hazard of disobedience to rejoyce in the Lord that is from the consideration of the excellency of Christ in himself Cant. 5. 10 c. and his usefulness unto them Psal. 118. 1. together with their interest in him Cant. 2. 16. and the observation of his providence and care towards them 1 Sam. 17. 37. to keep their own hearts not only free from anxiety and discouragement but feeding also upon the sense and sweetnesse which floweth from all those considerations for this is the duty of rejoycing in the Lord which he here presseth 2. This is a duty constantly to be made conscience of under all cases and conditions whether prosperous or adverse there being alwayes grounds of rejoycing to the believer though not in the world nor in himself yet in the Lord and in what the word holdeth forth of him Joh. 16. 33. if he by his own untender walking or misbelieving discouragement do not mar his accesse to the right use-making of those grounds Psal. 42. 11. Rejoyce alwayes saith he 3. It is not easie to work up the heart to the conscientious practice of this duty especially at all times hence he doubleth the exhortation thereby pointing out how averse we are from this duty Rejoyce alwayes and again I say rejoyce Vers. 5. Let your moderation be known unto all men The Lord is at hand He further exhorteth them in all their affairs to the exercise of moderation whereby they should rather remit somwhat of what was their right according to the rule of strict justice then do any reall hurt unto others and that because of Gods presence to wit by his providence presently and by his second comming to judge the world before it be long Doct. 1. It is the duty of Christians not alwayes to exact the rigour of what in strict Law they may claim unto whether in seeking reparation of injuries Col. 3. 13. and repayment of debts Ex. 22. 25 26. or in use-making of recreations and any of their allowed liberties Gal. 5. 13. but are to remit somwhat of their right as the necessity of their neighbour Ex. 22. 25 26. or his edification calleth for it Rom. 14. 21. for this is the moderation here exhorted unto let your moderation be known 2. However Christians are not to hunt after applause or vain-glory by setting forth the good things which are in them to the publick view Mat. 6. 1. 6. 18. yet they are not under pretence of eschewing that evil or the suspicion of it to cover all they do from the view of others but are bound to make their good works manifest that others therein may see their duty and have matter of blessing God on their behalf See Matth. 5. 16. Let your moderation be known c. 3. The fore-mentioned advantages by making our good works manifest are most effectually produced not so much by speaking of the good which we do as when the work speaketh for it self unto those who do behold it and chiefly unto such as find benefit by it thus they were to make their moderation known unto all men to wit by giving reall proof of it 4. Although these duties flowing from intimate society and near relations be due onely to such who stand under those relations unto us 1 Tim. 5. 8. yet none whether good or bad are to be excluded from their just interest in those duties which are grounded upon common equity such as are duties of charity justice mercy and condescendence unto humane infirmity of which sort is this moderation here spoken of let your moderation be known to all men 5. God is still present by his providence for the help of those that fear him Psal. 145. 18. and is hasting unto his second coming when he shall judge the world in righteousnesse Rev. 22. 20. The Lord is at hand 6. The consideration and faith of Gods nearnesse as said is may incourage Christians much to the exercise of moderation in all their affairs as knowing whatever present prejudice they may sustain by their christian condescendencie in remitting somewhat of their own right rather than to hurt or scandalize others it will be abundantly made up by the providence of
that they might stand perfect and compleat in all the will of God 5. It is neither the pains of a Minister nor resolution of a people Rom. 9. 16. but the power of God which worketh constancie in the way of holinesse against the stormy blasts of severall temptations for Epaphras prayeth unto God for it that they may stand perfect and compleat in the will of God 6. Approven obedience to the will of God and that which is to be aimed at is that which is 1. perfect to wit with a perfection of parts or sincere and not hypocriticall that ye may stand perfect 2. 〈…〉 earty and willing the affections being as it were filled with and carried on by the command and compleat or filled It 's a Metaphor from sails filled with winde 3. Universall as having respect unto all the Commandments In all the will of God Vers. 13. For I bear him record that he hath a great zeal for you and them that are in Laodicea and them in Hierapolis He confirmeth by his own testimony what he presently spoke concerning the zeal or fervent and burning care for so the word signifieth which Epaphras had of them and their neighbouring Churches Doct. 1. Men in place and eminencie are bound to give a testimony to the graces and gifts of any whom they know to be deserving that so the person of whom they testifie may be in better capacity to do good unto others with whom such a testimony will have weight for Paul giveth as it were a testimonial unto Epaphras I bear him record c. 2. It 's a great part of a Minister's commendation that he be zealous or fervently carefull for the spirituall good of his flock So Paul beareth record that Epaphras had a great zeal for these Colossians the people of his charge chap. 1. v. 7. 3. A Minister's zeal ought to be extended towards others of Christ's Members than those of his proper charge and chiefly unto those Churches which ly nearest unto him as being in a neerer capacitie by their good or evill example to advance or retard the work of God among his own flock So Paul beareth record that Epaphras had a great zeal for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis which were neighbouring Churches Vers. 14. Luke the beloved Physician and Demas greet you Here are some salutations sent from Luke and Demas Doct. 1. As Christ when he is about to supply his Church with a Ministery will take men of any calling whom he pleaseth to choose and make them Ministers So worldly advantage is not to be stood upon when Christ calleth for Luke the same as it seemeth who wrote the Gospel was before a Physician and had now become a Minister though his former calling would have advantaged him more chiefly at those times when Civill Authority did allow no maintenance for Ministers Luke the beloved Physician 2. Men in place chiefly should lay out their love and respect so wisely that it may tend to a man's commendation to be respected by them as being known to lay out their affection upon none but such as are worthy of it So Paul calleth Luke beloved to wit by him that hereby he may commend him to them Luke the beloved Physician 3. There are many fair Professors within the Visible Church who may afterwards turn Apostats who so long as they keep the mask of a Profession will not be behind with the best in externall duties yea and often do out-strip others for this Demas whom many take to be the same who is spoken of 2 Tim. 4. 10. to have turned Apostate and as some write an Idolatrous Priest is here among the first in saluting those Colossians And Demas greet you 4. Though judicious Ministers may have their own fears concerning such fore-mentioned Professors yet so long as they continue in the externall duties of Christianity they ought to give unto them that outward respect which is given unto others but withall Ministers would be sparing to ingage much in the commendation of any whom they have ground to suspect will prove such untill time try what they are for Paul writeth the salutation of Demas among the rest though it is like he had his own fears concerning him for he commendeth him not as he did the rest And Demas greet you Vers. 15. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea and Nymphas and the Church which is in his house The Apostle directs them to salute in his name the Christians at Laodicea that so they might be prepared to hear this Epistle with greater attention And above all the rest he saluteth one Nymphas a man eminent for plety and the Church at his house whereby may be meant both a Congregation of Christians to whom he had given his house for a place of publick assembling to Divine Worship As also his own Family who were piously instructed and orderly governed as if they had been a Church Doct. 1. People are not so to make use of the respect and affection which a publick Minister carryeth unto them as to make others equally deserving jealous of him as if he did carry no such respect unto them for the Apostle imployeth those Colossians to salute in his name the brethren which were in Laodicea as if he had said Let them know I carry the same respect unto them which I carry unto you 2. However a Minister be tyed to respect all the Members of the Church and to evidence so much by discharging all common duties towards them yet he is bound to put some more respect upon those who are more eminent for piety among them that so by his countenancing the appearances of piety he may make it the more desirable and lovely for Paul saluteth Nymphas in particular 3. As the Primitive Church had not the countenance of Civill Authoritie to provide upon the Publick expence places for the Congregation to meet and publick maintenance for Ministers So such was the servor of love to the Gospel then that private Christians did contribute largely and freely for the up-holding of it Charity did move to give more then than force of Law can now for Nymphas gives his house to be a publick Place of meeting for the Church and the Church at his house 4. Masters of Families should so train up their houshold in the exercise of Divine Worship and in a godly conversation by instructing the ignorant 1 Cor. 14. 35. rebuking and censuring the disobedient and profane Psal. 101. 7. and by discharging all duties of worship competent to the Master of a Family and causing his Family to joyn with him Josh. 24. 15. that they may deserve the name of a Church So much is imported by those words the Church at his house as they contain a designation of his Family Vers. 16. And when this Epistle is read amongst you cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans and that ye likewise read the Epistle from Laodicea He directeth them that after they have
the work of Christ he was near unto death he had no evill conscience therefore in bringing sicknesse upon himself 3. However God loveth mercy better than sacrifice and willeth no man foolishly and rashly to be prodigall of his own life and health no not under pretence of doing service unto him 1 Tim. 5. 23. Yet there are some cases wherein he calleth men to the performance of some duties and which they should be willing to go about although they should evidently perceive most certain hazard of life and health to ensue thereby such are the duties of owning those who suffer for Christ contributing to the supply of their outward necessities when they cannot be supplied otherwayes the faithfull discharging of any publick imployment wherein we are intrusted those were the duties for performance whereof Epaphroditus regarded not his life wherein he is here commended for the work of Christ he regarded not his life to supply your lack of service 4. As it sometimes falleth out that through distance of place or other insuperable difficulties the children of God cannot manifest that cordiall affection by their own presence and personall attendance which they carry unto those who suffer for truth so they ought to supply that in-lack so far as is possible by others who representing them may go about these duties of humanity and charity in their name Thus there was no want of affection in these Philippians toward Paul onely there was a lack of service they not being able though otherwayes willing to attend him because of distance of place and they direct their Pastour to supply this lack of their service towards himâ— CHAP. III. IN the first part of this Chapter having premitted an exhortation to rejoyce in the Lord Christ v. 1. he exhorteth them to beware of false teachers who gloried in circumcision v. 2. shewing that not they but he and other true believers had right to that title v. 3. In the second part being to oppose his own practice to their dangerous opinions in the matter of Justification he sheweth he had as much to boast of as they v 4. which he instanceth in eight privileges v. 5 6. In none whereof he did now place any confidence v. 7. nor yet upon any thing imaginary without Christ confirming this his resolution practice by shewing the advantages to be hereby gained namely 1. access to Christ v. 8. Secondly his being judged not according to his own righteosnesse but Christ's v. 9. Thirdly experimentall knowledge of the worth and power which is in Christ v. 10. And fourthly his attaining to the glorious resurrection of the just v. 11. And obviateth a mistake shewing he had not yet attained unto perfection in the knowledge of and conformity with Christ but that it was his aim v. 12. which he inlargeth and cleareth by a similitude taken from runners v. 13 and 14. In the third part he exhorteth them to follow his example leaving place for God to give a more full manifestation of any thing which was doubtsome v. 15. providing they did walk peaceably and tenderly v 16. and so having repeated the exhortation v. 17. he inforceth it because 1. there were many whose example was not to be followed to wit the false Apostles whom he setteth forth in their blackest colours v 18 19 Secondly his own example was worth the following v. 20. and he with such as he was to be rewarded gloriously v. 21. Vers. 1. Finally my Brethren rejoyce in the Lord. To write the same things to you to me indeed is not grievous but for you it is safe THat he may guard those Philippians against the Errors of the false Teachers in the doctrine of justification he premits an exhortation to rejoyce in the Lord Christ as the author purchaser and worker out of their salvation and all their other happinesse excusing himself for his often inculcating of the following admonition because it was not wearisome unto him nor yet unprofitable for them Doct. 1. Unity in judgment and affection would be so pressed upon us by others and endeavoured by our selves as not to prejudge the purity of doctrine for having pressed unity chap. 2. he presseth purity of doctrine as much in this 2. According as people are tainted with or tempted unto Error so should Ministers be more or lesse in the publick refutation of it Thus the Apostle writing to the Galatians entereth a just dispute with the false Apostles urging reasons and answering objections because many in that Church were already seduced by them Gal. 3. 1. But here because the Philippians were only tempted unto and not much overtaken with Error he doth not so much dispute as admonish and exhort 3. To rejoyce in Christ that is to keep our hearts affected towards him and the doctrine which speaketh of him to be constantly and with delight making our recourse unto him and imploying him as the author procurer and worker out of all our happinesse here and hereafter is a choice guard against any Error which is contrary unto those Truths relating to him for the Apostle being to guard against Errors in the doctrine of justification premitteth this as a foundation to the whole work rejoyce in the Lord. 4. It is not sufficient to know what Jesus Christ is what he hath done for us or what use may and should be made of him except that the knowledge which we have of him do produce suitable affections in the heart towards him for having made Christ known chap. 2 v. 6 c. he inferreth from thence with a finally that their hearts should rejoyce in him the word saith as much as there remaining one thing yet necessary 5. The often repeating and frequent inculcating of such points of Truth as are most for edification of the hearers ought neither to be burdensome to a Minister nor yet wearied of by the people so to inculcate often the following admonition was not grievous unto Paul neither were they to weary of it because unto them it was safe 6. Temptations unto Error for the most part are covered over with such pious pretences Col. 2. 23. and lovely baits Gal. 6. 12. that there is need of many guards and frequent warnings to keep them off so the Apostle thinketh it necessary to reiterat again and again both by preaching while he was present and now by Letter while he is absent this following exhortation To beware of false-Teachers But for you it is safe Vers. 2. Beware of dogs beware of evil workers beware of the concision He exhorteth them particularly to beware of false-teachers who did labour to conjoyn in the matter of justification the righteousnesse of works with that righteousnesse which is of Christ by faith whom he calleth first Dogs because of their barking against the sincere Doctrine of the Gospel and their railing against the orthodox Preachers thereof and this all to get wherewith to satisfie their unsatiable greed Secondly Evil workers because under pretence of working well to
establish Truth and build up the Church they did what in them lay to destroy them both and were men of wicked lives ver 19. However they pretended much zeal for the Law of Moses and good works Thirdly Concision alluding to Circumcision whereof they gave out themselves to be Patrons and defenders and designed themselves by it Gal. 2. 12. which name he taketh from them as being unworthy of it and calleth them concision as it were the destroyers and renters of the Church Doct. 1. There ought to be a spirit of wise and godly zeal in faithfull Preachers against the spreaders of Errors how great soever their reputation be among the people so Paul calleth them Dogs c. 2. That Ministers may guard the Lords People against seducers they would labour to undeceive them by taking off the vizard of piety zeal and other seeming vertues under which the spreaders of Errors do usually lurk that so they may be seen in their own colours thus they pretended to puritie to be patrons of good works and upholders of Circumcision one of God's Ordinances and the Apostle taking off the vizard calleth them prophane dogs evil workers and concision or Church-renters under pretence of pleading for a divine Ordinance 3. It is the Duty of the Lords People to know and discern those who preach Truth from those who preach Error that they may cleave to the one and flee from the other beware of dogs the word signifieth see and know them and from knowledge eschew them 4. It is not unbeseeming piety to use merry words witty and pleasant allusions yea and upon some occasions piercing jests or taunts providing alwaies there be no scurrility or basenesse Eph. 5. 4 for as often elsewhere 1 King 18. 27. So the Spirit of God here maketh use of such while alluding to Circumcision he calleth them Concision giving them a name like in sound but much different in the usual signification and as much to their disadvantage Vers. 3. For we are the Circumcision which worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh He giveth a reason why he did not daign them with the name of Circumcision because not they but he and true Believers had right to that title they only having the thing signified by circumcision whereof he maketh three parts first Worshipping God with the inward and spiritual affections of a renewed heart Secondly Confiding in Christ alone for salvation as being the substance of all these shadows Thirdly A denying of confidence in any of these fleshly priviledges or in any thing but Christ. Doct. 1. Though fair pretences to piety and purity of Worship be alwaies on the side of those who erre from Truth Matth. 7. 15. yet the reality of that piety unto which they pretend is frequently to be found in those who oppose them most so was it here We are the Circumcision that is we have the reality of that Ordinance and they only a pretence unto and shadow of it 2. Circumcision and the rest of those Levitical Ordinances may be said in some sense yet to continue in so far as the thing signified by them doth remain for therefore Paul calleth true Believers the Circumcision because they had the thing signified by it We are the Circumcision who serve God in the spirit 3. Circumcision was instituted for this end that by the outward cutting off the flesh the People of God might be carried on first To cut off the sinful fleshly affections of their heart that so with renewed spirits they might serve God And secondly To lay hold on the blood of the promised Messias for pardon of sin and salvation for Paul mentioneth those two as the thing signified by Circumcision We worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Jesus Christ. 4. Though it was sufficient for Paul to oppose the inward Worship of the heart to the practice of Circumcision once an Ordinance but now abolished yet it followeth not that outward Ordinances while standing in force may upon that accompt be wholly neglected Gen. 17. 14. for if the outward rite of Circumcision had been yet in force his pretending to the thing signified would not have justified his omission of it 5. External performance of commanded Worship without inward exercise of the spirit in faith love hope and mortification of fleshly lusts by the power of Gods Spirit is scarce worthy of the name of Worship to God neither will it be owned by him as such for it is this exercise of the spirit unto which Paul giveth the name of true Worship We are the circumcision which serve God in the spirit 6. We should so go about commanded Duties in spirit and truth as not to rest upon or glory in them but in Christ alone and his righteousnesse as the only meritorious cause of our salvation So though they worshipped God in the spirit yet we rejoyce in Christ Jesus saith he 7. Confidence in Christ for salvation and upon any other thing besides him such as are outward priviledges external performances are so inconsistent with and opposite to one another that if the one be the other cannot be so Paul opposeth them here We rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh Vers. 4. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he may trust in the flesh I more The Apostle in the second part of the chapter being to demonstrate the vanity of relying upon any thing besides Christ in the point of justification from his own practice sheweth 1. That he had as much to boast of upon the accompt of outward priviledges as any of his adversaries yea or any other whatsomever if he had found it safe to venture his salvation on such a bottom and this he declareth first in general in this verse Doct. 1. The Lord in his deep wisdom raiseth up such as are most fit to oppose seducers who come not short of them in any thing whereof they glory most that even wherein they glory they may be found but as others see 2 Cor. 11. 12. Thus against those who boasted so much in their outward priviledges as to oppose them unto Christ's righteousnesse in the matter of justification he raiseth up Paul to batter down both their pride and error who had as much matter of boasting that way as they or any other Though I might have also confidence in the flesh 2. Then may a man commend himself by making notour what he hath of graces parts or priviledges equally with or above others when his doing so tendeth to beat down the vain glory of those who boast more of what they are than is meet for Paul here declareth at length his outward priviledges wherein he would yeeld to none which he could not have done without ostentation except it had been to shew the vanity and pride of his adversaries 3. The glory and praise of safetâ— from Gods wrath