A17384:2537
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.
Fourthly, that when the authority of the Magistrate or Church hath determined concerning the use of things indifferent, we are not now left free, nor are bound to look at the scandal of particular persons; but must make conscience of it, that we ⟨p. 596⟩offend not the Church, by working a greater hurt or loss to the Church, than the particular hurt of private persons can extend unto. In such cases as this, the Apostle's rule holds: If any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor the Church of God, 1. Cor. 11.16. And we are bound, in this Text of the Apostle Peter, to obey the humane ordinances of men in authority; from which obligation, other mens offence cannot free us. And the Apostle chargeth us to look to it, that we offend not the Church in prescribed ordinances, and that we be careful not to offend private men in free ceremonies.
Fourthly, that when the authority of the Magistrate or Church hath determined concerning the vse of things indifferent, we are not now left free, nor are bound to look at the scandall of particular persons; but must make conscience of it, that wee ⟨p. 596⟩offend not the Church, by working a greater hurt or losse to the Church, than the particular hurt of priuate persons can extend vnto. In such cases as this, the Apostle's rule holds: If any man seem to be contentious, we haue no such custome, nor the Church of God, 1. Cor. 11.16. And wee are bound, in this Text of the Apostle Peter, to obey the humane ordinances of men in authority; from which obligation, other mens offense cannot free vs. And the Apostle chargeth vs to look to it, that wee offend not the Church in prescribed ordinances, and that wee bee carefull not to offend priuate men in free ceremonies.
Fifthly, that where ceremonies are left free and indifferent, and have no commandment to restrain their use, or enjoin it, there are men to redeem the offence of their brethren with no other price, than the loss of liberty in things indifferent. The Apostle Paul saith, Rather than he will offend his brother, he will never eat flesh while he liveth,