The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Corinthians — Section 11

Vers. 23, 24.-A threefold theme. "Moreover I call God for a record," etc.- In these verses we have three things worthy of note. • , I. THE FULFILME~"T OF A PROMISE ADJOURNED. " Moreover I call God for a record upon IllY soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth." Paul here,'in the most solemn way, -assigns the reason why he had adjourned his promised visit to Corinth. It was not for his personal convenience, or from a change of purpose, or from any indifference towards them, but on the contrary, out of tender regard to their feelings-" to spare you I came not." Knowing the _prevalence of the spirit of schism and disorder which had crept into the Church, he shrank from the exercise of that discipline which of necessity would inflict great pain. Hence, hoping that the admon- ishing letter which he had addressed to them would have the effect he desired upon them, be delayed. Surely a love so generous, so pure, and exquisitely sympathetic, would justify, if not tbe •breaking of a promise, the postponement of its fulfilment. Reo-ard for the feelings of others, it has been said, is the grand characteristic of the "g~ntleman." Anyhow, it is an essential element in personal Christianity. II. AUTHORITY OVER THE FAITH OF OTEIERB DISCLAIMED. ":Not for that we have dominion over your faith." Had we desired to set up a lordship over you, we might have hastened to you at once, but we re$pected yo □ r feelings, and sought your hap- piness. The authority which Paul here disclaims has been assumed by priestly eccle- siastics in all times. It is the very spirit of priestism. The minister, whoever he may be to whatever Church he belongs, who endeavours to make men believe that his own pe~sonal ministry, or the rJ?inistry of hi_s denom!nat\on, is t~e special mi?i.stry of heayen, and essential to the salvat10n of mankmd, bas m him the intolerant spmt of the pnest, he seeks dcminion over the faith of men, he would restrain liberty of thought, and subject the minds of P-Jen to his credenda. 'l'hese men, whether Papists or Prot~stants, Churchmen or Nonconformists, outrage the spirit of the mission they have received, and inflict untold mischief on the minds of men. III. THE TRUE WORK OF A GOSPEL MINISTER. "But are helpers of your joy." He is a helper, not a lord; a helper, not a substitute. A true minister is: 1. To help men to think arioht. To think aright is to think on the right subject, in the right way. 2. To help ~en to feel aright. Feel aright in relation to self, mankinil, the universe, and God. 3. 'l'o help men to believe aright. "By faith ye stand." Spiritually mei: can only "stand" by faith, and the work of a true minist~r is to help people tc "stand" by ••faith" on the right foundation. When will ministers come to feel that they are the spiritual "helpers" of the people; to help them, not by doing their work for them, but to assist them in working for themselves 'I on. 1. 1-24.J THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS. 11