A17384:2469
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.
Secondly, it is to be noted, that we are bound to submit our selves to the ordinances, that is, to the office, or calling, or authority: he doth not ⟨p. 578⟩mention the persons so much as the calling; because oftentimes there is found in the persons vices, and some causes of not obeying: but in such again, we must not consider the person, but the ordinance, or calling it self.
Secondly, it is to bee noted, that wee are bound to submit our selues to the ordinances, that is, to the office, or calling, or authority: hee doth not ⟨p. 578⟩mention the persons so much as the calling; because oftentimes there is found in the persons vices, and some causes of not obeying: but in such againe, wee must not consider the person, but the ordinance, or calling it selfe.
Thirdly, we must submit our selves to their ordinances, that is, to all sorts of Magistrates. Now all Magistrates may be distinguished, either in respect of 1. Jurisdiction, 2. or Religion, 3. or Objects, 4. or Affairs, 5. or Office, 6. or Adjuncts, 7. or Dignity. First, in respect of Jurisdiction: some are superior, that they have none above them but God; as Emperor, King, Dictator, Senate, &c. or inferior, which is appointed by the superior, as are all inferior Governors, and Officers. Secondly, in respect of Religion; some are believers, as David: some infidels, and so are either such as persecute Religion, as Herod, Julian: or tolerate it, as Trajan. Thirdly, in respect of Objects, some are Togati, Governors: some are Armati, Marshall men. Fourthly, in respect of Business, some are Councillors, some Senators, some Judges, &c. Fifthly, in respect of Office, some are [Greek or Hebrew], Law-givers: some are [Greek or Hebrew], Law-keepers, as Justices, and the like. Sixthly, in respect of Adjuncts, some are lawful, and just, and good Magistrates, who come by their power by lawful election or succession, and do exercise it well: others are unlawful, or bad Magistrates, as having, in respect of the manner, attained their places by unlawful means, or do exercise their authority with cruelty or partiality, or the like. Seventhly, in respect of Dignity,