Cornelius a Lapide

The things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal S. Augustine (, Sentent No. 270) says well : “ There is this difference between things temporal and things eternal, that the former are loved more before they are obtained, but seem worthless when they arrive . Nothing satisfies the mind but a true and certain eternity of incorruptible joy . But eternal joy is more ardently loved when obtained than when longed for. No one can value it above its true worth, so that when he attains it it seems vile in his eyes through having been too ardently longed for . But so great is the excellency of heaven that charity will obtain far more than faith has believed or hope desired” See also S. Gregory, Horn. 36 in Evang, where he draws out at length this distinction between carnal and spiritual pleasures. CHAPTER V I That in his assured hope of immortal glory, 9 and in expectance of it, and of the general judgment, he laboureth to keep a good conscience, 12 not that he may herein boast of himself, 14 but as one that, having received life from Christ, endeavoureth to live as a new creature to Christ only, 18 and by his ministry of reconciluxtion to reconcile others also in Christ to God ■pOR we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven, 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened : not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now he that hath wrought us for the self same thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord : 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight :) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 1 1 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men ; but we are made manifest unto God ; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. 13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God : or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us ; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead : 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh : yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 6x 62 SECOND EPISTLE TO THE Therefore if any man be In Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away ; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation ; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them ; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us : we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin ; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. SYNOPSIS OF THE CHAPTER i The Apostle goes on to remind the Corinthians of the glories of heaven, saying that in exile here and in the tabernacle of the flesh he longs for them, and wishes to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. ii. He shows (ver. 9) that it is his endeavour to please not men but Christ alone, who shall come to judgment. iii. He declares (ver. 14) that he is constrained to do this by the love of Christ, who has reconciled us by His death ; and therefore that he no longer knows any one according to the flesh, but only him who is a new creature in Christ iv. He professes himself (ver. 18) to be a minister and ambassador of Christ, and he prays them to be reconciled to God for Christ's sake