A12184:498
An exposition of the third chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul to the…
An exposition of the third chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians also two sermons of Christian watchfulness. The first upon Luke 12 37. The second upon Revel. 16.15. An exposition of part of the second chapter of the Epistle to the Philip. A sermon upon Mal. 4. 2.3. By the late reverend divine Richard Sibbes, D.D. master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher at Gray's-Inn.An exposition of the third chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians also two sermons of Christian watchfulnesse. The first upon Luke 12 37. The second upon Revel. 16.15. An exposition of part of the second chapter of the Epistle to the Philipp. A sermon upon Mal. 4. 2.3. By the late reverend divine Richard Sibbes, D.D. master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher at Grayes-Inne.
London: printed by T. Cotes and John Dawson for Peter Cole, 1639
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.
Secondly, we must eye them not to observe their weaknesses, to uncover their shame; for this is a poisonous disposition, proceeding even from the devil: neither are we to observe them, thereby to take liberty, to the flesh from their ill example; but we are to eye them as we view glasses, to deck and adorn our selves by them, and to compose our selves in a good course.
Secondly, we must eye them not to observe their weaknesses, to uncover their shame; for this is a poysonous disposition, proceeding even from the divell: neyther are wee to observe them, thereby to take libertie, to the flesh from their ill example; but wee are to eye them as we view glasses, to deck and adorn our selves by them, and to compose our selves in a good course.
Thirdly, in imitation we are to observe the best, and the best of the best, and not to compare our selves with those that are inferior to us: for he that thinks himself good by comparison, he is not good, as a runner will not conclude he runs swiftly, because he hath outrun a lame man. And therefore St. Paul says else where, Brethren follow me, as I follow Christ: propounding to himself the most excellent pattern of all, Christ Jesus. Contrariwise he blames the Corinthians, because they measured themselves by themselves, 2 Cor. 10.12.
Thirdly, in imitation we are to observe the best, and the best of the best, and not to compare our selves with those that are inferiour to us: for he that thinks himself good by comparison, he is not good, as a runner will not conclude he runnes swiftly, beeause he hath outrunne a lame man. And therefore St. Paul sayes else where, Brethren follow mee, as I follow Christ: propounding to himselfe the most excellent patterne of all, Christ Iesus. Contrariwise he blames the Corinthians, because they measured themselves by themselves, 2 Cor. 10.12.