A00665:1464
A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written
A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, written by the blessed apostle St. Peter. By Thomas AdamsA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written by the blessed apostle St. Peter. By Thomas Adams
London: printed by Richard Badger and Felix Kyngston for Jacob Bloome, 1633London: printed by Richard Badger and Felix Kyngston for Iacob Bloome, 1633
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Let us then look out better precedents to follow, Phil. 3.17. Be ye followers of me, and look on them which walk so, as ye have us for an ensample. We must not imitate every one, but such as Paul: nor Paul in every thing, but wherein he follows Christ, 1 Cor. 11.1. That great Apostle encouraged our imitation, but gave a limitation: Do not you follow after me, unless you see the tract of Christ before me. Imitemur bonos, sed in bonis: Let us follow good men, but only in what they are good. As Rhetoricians make a double imitation of Orators; one absolutely and always necessary; as Demosthenes among the Grecians, and Tully among the Latins: others but at some times, and in some things; as Poets and Historians. So in our Christian imitation, there is one example necessary; Christ, who is called the Way; Via in exemplo, veritas in pr•misso, vita in praemio: others but in some actions, & at some occasions: •heir lives being lines so far to be followed, as they swerve not from the original co•y, Christ. We are not bound to be good mens apes; let us follow David, where he •ollowed Gods heart, not where he followed his own heart: if he turn toward lust and ⟨p. 422⟩blood, let us leave him there. Let us follow Peters Confession, not his abnegation: Judas Maccabeus hearty devotion and hearty valour; not in bestowing money to make a sacrifice for the dead, 2 Mac. 12.43. All our following hath the Quatenus; if our precedents go out of the way, let us shake hands and bid them fare-well. Two of us are going toward Jerusalem; but saith one, I must needs call in at Rome, or go a little about by Samaria; nay then I leave you; here our ways part.
Let us then looke out better precedents to follow, Phil. 3.17. Be yee followers of me, and looke on them which walke so, as ye have us for an ensample. We must not imitate every one, but such as Paul: nor Paul in every thing, but wherein hee followes Christ,