A17384:3192
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.
Thirdly, when the Conscience languisheth about questions that tend not to edification, and raiseth the strength of zeal, and all the power of it, about things that are less necessary either unto faith or practice. And this was the case of the Pharisees Conscience, that spent all their zeal about less matters, and neglected the weightier things of the Law. And this is the case of all such Christians that are zealous with a fiery zeal about circumstances, ⟨p. 768⟩or the estates and businesses of others, and neglect the main things of substance, that concern their own sanctification, assurance, or salvation.
Thirdly, when the Conscience languisheth about questions that tend not to edification, and raiseth the strength of zeal, and all the power of it, about things that are lesse necessary either vnto faith or practice. And this was the case of the Pharises Conscience, that spent all their zeale about lesse matters, and neglected the waightier things of the Law. And this is the case of all such Christians that are zealous with a fiery zeal about circumstances, ⟨p. 768⟩or the estates and businesses of others, and neglect the main things of substance, that concern their owne sanctification, assurance, or saluation.
Fourthly, when the Conscience is for men, and not for God; when the motive that raiseth and encourageth it, is the praise of men, and not the praise of God. This also was the case of the Consciences of the Pharisees: for, the Conscience in them was busy, and did require good duties, but the respect was still the praise of men; whereas a good Conscience is for God above all.
Fourthly, when the Conscience is for men, and not for God; when the motiue that raiseth and incourageth it, is the praise of men, and not the praise of God. This also was the case of the Consciences of the Pharises: for, the Conscience in them was busie, and did require good duties, but the respect was still the praise of men; whereas a good Conscience is for God aboue all.