A17384:2870
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.
1Secondly, since we belong to God, who is so great a Master, we should not only do his work, but do it in such a manner as becomes the servants of the King of all kings: God's servants should serve him, 1. Reverently, and with fear and trembling, we must humble our selves to walk with God, Psal. 2.11. Mic. 6.7. 2. Zealously: we should be zealous about this work, and so we should do it readily. It is a shame for us to be dull, and careless, and prone to shifts and excuses; the Centurions servants go, when he bids them, and come, when he calls for them, and do this when he requires it; and our zeal should be shown by our cheerfulness,2 and willingness: God's people should be a willing people, and our hearts should be full of desires, above all things, to approve our selves to God: we should make it appear, that we not only are his servants, but love to be his servants, Isaiah 56.7. and in matters of his worship, or the means, thereof; the zeal of his House should eat us up. 3. Wisely and discreetly. Kings get the wisest men they can light upon, to serve before them: and therefore the King of all kings will not be served with fools. Since we serve GOD, we should be circumspect, and be sure we understand what the will of God is, Eph. 5.15, 16. And therefore ⟨p. 687⟩we have need to pray with David, that God would give us true understanding hearts to search his Law, Psalm 119.124. 4. Sincerely, Josh. 24▪14. And this sincerity in God's work, we should show five ways. First, in seeking none but him, Deut. 6.13. We must not be the servants of men,