A17384:2256
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.
Which they shall behold.]
It is manifest from hence, that good works may, and ought to be so done, as that men may see them: It is not true that all good works must be hid from the view and beholding of other men: this may seem strange, because the Pharisees were blamed for doing their works to be seen of men; but yet it may be easily and plentifully proved. I will first prove it, and then explain it: for proof, our Saviour Christ requires, that the light of mens good works should shine, that men may see their good works, Mat. 5.16. Christians, in respect of their practice, should be as shining lights in the midst of a froward and crooked generation, Phil. 2.15, 16. They must maintain good works, Tit. 3.8. They must show their Faith by their Works, and so they are justified before men, by the works which they behold, Jam. 2. They are the express words of S. ⟨p. 513⟩James also, in the third chapter, verse 13. Let him show, by good conversation, his works. And the Apostle Paul saith, If there be any praise, think on those things that may get praise, Phil. 4.8. Yea, some Christians are charged to be patterns of good works, Tit. 2.7.
It is manifest from hence, that good works may, and ought to be so done, as that men may see them: It is not true that all good works must be hid from the view and beholding of other men: this may seeme strange, because the Pharises were blamed for doing their works to be seene of men; but yet it may be easily and plentifully proued. I will first proue it, and then explane it: for proofe, our Sauiour Christ requires, that the light of mens good works should shine, that men may see their good works,