A12184:499
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.
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.
Fourthly, we must learn truths before we §4practice, for the best have their blemishes: so that we must learn to know how to avoid them. The Papists urge us with the succession ⟨p. 183⟩and universality of their Church. No say we, it is the doctrine that must try the Church, whether it be true or false; for men are Mensura mensurata, its the doctrine is Mensura mensurans, the measure measuring, whereby our actions ought to be squared and framed aright. The Papists urge us with an implicit faith. Alas, what example? what imitation can there be, when they know not what to imitate? they know not what the Church believes, and and yet they must believe as the Church believeth.