A17384:2110
A commentary
A commentary: or, sermons upon the second chapter of the first epistle of Saint Peter wherein method, sense, doctrine, and use, is, with great variety of matter, profitably handled; and sundry heads of divinity largely discussed. By Nicholas Byfield, late preacher of God's Word at Isle-worth in Middlesex.A commentary: or, sermons vpon the second chapter of the first epistle of Saint Peter vvherein method, sense, doctrine, and vse, is, with great variety of matter, profitably handled; and sundry heads of diuinity largely discussed. By Nicholas Byfield, late preacher of God's Word at Isle-worth in Middlesex.
London: printed by Humphrey Lownes for George Latham, 1623London: printed by Humfrey Lownes for George Latham, 1623
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.
First, that a sound Christian must show himself to be so by his conversation; a Christian must show the power of his Religion by his works, and by sound practice; and that too, amongst men abroad, he must be known by his fruits, Col. 1.9, 10. Tit. 2.12. and therefore the Apostle beseecheth them to prove before the Gentiles, that they were true Christians, by their works and conversation. This reproves their discontentment that are vexed, because they are not reputed for sound Christians, and yet show no care of a conscionable behaviour in their dealings and carriage among men; and withal, this may warn all sorts of Christians to look to themselves, that they be not deceived with vain shadows in pretences; for 'tis not talking and discoursing of Religion will serve turn, nor the ⟨p. 474⟩frequenting of the exercises of Religion; nor is it enough to do secret duties: but they are bound to the good behaviour generally in their carriage amongst men. This is the first point.
First, that a sound Christian must shew himselfe to bee so by his conuersation; a Christian must shew the power of his Religion by his works, and by sound practice; and that too, amongst men abroad, he must be knowne by his fruits, Col. 1.9, 10. Tit. 2.12. and therefore the Apostle beseecheth them to proue before the Gentiles, that they were true Christians, by their works and conuersation. This reproues their discontentment that are vexed, because they are not reputed for sound Christians, and yet shew no care of a conscionable behauiour in their dealings and carriage among men; and withall, this may warne all sorts of Christians to looke to themselues, that they be not deceiued with vaine shadowes in pretences; for 'tis not talking and discoursing of Religion will serue turne, nor the ⟨p. 474⟩frequenting of the exercises of Religion; nor is it enough to doe secret duties: but they are bound to the good behauiour generally in their carriage amongst men. This is the first point.