§. 189. Of preferring the substance before circumstance.
IN the promise of the Apostles coming to see the Hebrews with Timothy, this caution is inserted, a 1.1 If he come shortly.
The Greek Adverb translated b 1.2 shortly, is the very same that is translated sooner, v. 19. §. 159.
By this caution it appeareth that Timothy was not at that time present with this Apostle; but he shortly expected him.
If there should fall out any occasions of keeping the Apostle and Timothy one from the other (as that Timothy upon his delivery should again be restrained, or importuned there to abide with some Christians: or upon weighty occasions go to another place) the Apostle would not for want of his company be kept from the Hebrews.
This circumstance therefore much amplifieth the Apostles desire of seeing the Hebrews. He was very loth to go without Timothy, and greatly desirous of his company: yet herein he had rather deny his own mind and desire about Timothy, then about seeing the Hebrews.
Of the two desires this later was the more weighty. This was the main substance of his desire. The other concerning Timothies company was but a circumstance. He would not therefore suffer a circumstance to hinder the substance. If both might stand together he accounted it the best: but howsoever, he meant himself to see the Hebrews. Nay he would not suffer the foresaid circumstance of Timo∣thies company to procrastinate or put delay to his coming: and therefore saith, If he come shortly. It is a point of wisdom well to discern things that differ: and to preferre the things that are most needfull and usefull.