Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Corinthians 8:7

7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing , in faith , in utterance , and in knowledge , and in all diligence o, and in your love to us , see that ye abound in this grace also .

Though the Apostle made little use of Oratory in his ordinary Discourses and Epistles, yet he knew how to use it when it might be of probable advantage for the Ends which he aimed at, viz. the glory of God, and the good of the Souls that were under his care. He did not turn Divinity into mee[illegible: 1 letter] words, and Rhetorical flourishes; yet he made use of these sometimes, as a waiting Maid to Divinity. Being therefore to press upon these Corinthians this great duty of Charity, he insinuateth himself into them, by telling them, that they abounded in all other spiritual habits.

Faith, by which they had both steadily assented to the truth of Gospel Propositions, and also received Christ.

Vtterance, by which they were inabled either to speak with Tongues, or to God in Prayer, or to men by Prophecy and Exhortation.

Knowledge both of things Divine, and humane.

And in Love to the Ministers of the Gospel, which if it did not appear in all, yet it did in many of them.

And from hence he fetcheth an Argument to press them to be compleat in this habit of Grace. The force of the Apostles Argument lies in the duty of all Christians, to strive after perfection, and that natural desire, which is in all [illegible: 1 letter]ngenuous people, to be perfect in that good of which they have a taste in less perfect degrees.

Marginal references: 1 Cor. 1.[illegible: 1 letter].