1818 Feb. 5

Not Paul

I Argument

Motives to Conversion

Proofs of money craving

§. 12 Disinterestedness boasted

Phil. IV. 11 to 14

11. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

14. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

 Enter what follows in its proper place

I. Cor. X. 33. Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the ( profit) of many, that they may be saved.

II. Cor. I 23. Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

II. Cor. XI. 9. And when I was present with you, & wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me, the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept my self from being burdensome unto you, and so, will I keep myself.

II. Cor. XII. 13. For what is it wherein you were inferior to other Churches, except ( it be) that I myself was not burthensome to you? - forgive me this wrong. With these four passages compare those quoted as above, under the head of Money craved: in short under all the heads by which the present one is preceded. See how in the same letter this man could write a thing and deny his having written it. - ‘Forgive me this wrong’: i.e. the reproach - the sarcastic reproach which I am thus casting upon you.

I Thess. II. 5. 6. 5. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

6. Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as y e Apostles of Christ.

I Thess. II. 9. For ye remember, brethren, our labour & travail: for labouring night & day, because we w d not be chargeable unto any of you we preached unto you the gospel of God.