A09434:597
A godly and learned exposition upon the whole epistle of Jude, containing threescore and…A godlie and learned exposition upon the whole epistle of Iude, containing threescore and…
A godly and learned exposition upon the whole epistle of Jude, containing threescore and six sermons preached in Cambridge by that reverend and faithful man of God, Master William Perkins, and now at the request of his executors, published by Thomas Taylor, preacher of Gods word ; whereunto is prefixed a large analysis, containing the sum and order of the whole book, according to the authors own method, to which are further added, four brief tables to direct the reader ...A godlie and learned exposition upon the whole epistle of Iude, containing threescore and sixe sermons preached in Cambridge by that reverend and faithfull man of God, Master William Perkins, and now at the request of his executors, published by Thomas Taylor, preacher of Gods word ; whereunto is prefixed a large analysis, containing the summe and order of the whole booke, according to the authors owne method, to which are further added, foure briefe tables to direct the reader ...
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for Thomas Man, 1606
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
The second question. But what if there be errors in the Church, or things amiss; may we not then separate our selves? Ans. Things that may be amiss in the Church must be distinguished: for some faults concern the matter of religion: some the manner: the former respecteth doctrine principally: the latter the manners of men. First, for things amiss in the manners of men we may not separate; but with Lot have our righteous hearts vexed, and grieved with the wicked conversation of those among whom we live. The Scribes and Pharisees sitting in Moses chair, teaching Moses his doctrine must be heard, howsoever the corruptions of their manners be such as they may not be imitated, Matth. 23.1. Yet here observe further,1 that although we may not separate our selves from such corrupt persons in the public assemblies, yet in private conversation we may abstain from them. 1. Cor. 5.11. If any that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, with such a one eat• not: that is, eat not privately. Secondly, if the Church err in matter of religion, then must we consider whether the error be in a more weighty and substantial point, or in matter of less importance. If it be in smaller points (the foundation being kept) we may not separate our selves. 1. Cor. 3.15. If any mans work burn, he shall lose, but himself shall be safe, yet as if it were by fire. Now if the error of the Church be in substance of doctrine, or in the foundation, then we must consider whether it err of humane frailty, or of obstinacy: if of frailty we may not separate. The Church of Galatia was through frailty quickly turned to another Gospel, and erred in the foundation, holding justification by works: yet ⟨p. 126⟩Paul writeth unto it as unto a Church of God. So likewise the Church of Corinth erred grievously, and overthrew the Article of the Resurrection: and yet Paul behaved himself accordingly unto it. But if the Church err in the substance of religion obstinately, then with good conscience separation may be made.