7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.



Ver. 7. Should be swallowed up] It was a saying of Mr Philpot, martyr, Satan goes about to mix the detestable darnel of desperation with the godly sorrow of a pure penitent heart.



With overmuch grief] Some holy men (as Master Leaver) have desired to see their sin in the most ugly colours, and God hath heard them; but yet his hand was so heavy upon them therein, that they went always mourning to their graves; and thought it fitter to leave it to God’s wisdom to mingle the portion of sorrow, than to be their own choosers. (Dr Sibbs, on Psa_42:5) It is a saying of Austin, Let a man grieve for his sin, and then joy for his grief. Sorrow for sin, if it so far exceed, as that thereby we are disabled for the discharge of our duties, it is a sinful sorrow, yea, though it be for sin.