A17384:985
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.
Sixthly, by any means be careful of the seasons of doctrine: be wise to understand the season. There be many truths, which if thou let pass the opportunity of informing of thy self, thou mayest perhaps never have it so again: and therefore take heed of losing precious things, when thou hast the time and means to attain them, &c.
Sixtly, by any means bee carefull of the seasons of doctrine: be wise to vnderstand the season. There bee many truths, which if thou let passe the opportunity of informing of thy selfe, thou maist perhappes neuer haue it so again: and therefore take heed of losing precious things, when thou hast the time and meanes to attaine them, &c.
Thus of the first point.
The second thing is the special duty of Ministers, to apply the Scriptures to the hearers, that belong to their charge: we see the Apostles do it, and for this purpose hath God set apart the ministry of the Word, that by them it might be applied. God inspired the Scriptures, and the Ministers are to urge them, and whet them upon the hearts of their hearers for their Instruction, Reproof or Consolation, 2. Tim. 3.17. They are like the Priests for cutting up, or dividing of the Sacrifices, 2. Tim. 2.15. And this may serve to justify the course of godly and painful ministers, that most study the sound application of their doctrine, and secretly staineth the pride of these men, that avoid with scorn, application, vainly affecting the praise of wit and learning.
The second thing is the speciall duty of Ministers, to apply the Scriptures to the hearers, that belong to their charge: we see the Apostles doe it, and for this purpose hath God set apart the ministery of the Word, that by them it might be applied. God inspired the Scriptures, and the Ministers are to vrge them, and whet them vpon the hearts of their hearers for their Instruction, Reproofe or Consolation,