A17384:987
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.
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, 2. Tim. 3.17. They are like the Priests for cutting vp, or diuiding of the Sacrifices, 2. Tim. 2.15. And this may serue to iustifie the course of godly and painfull ministers, that most studie the sound application of their doctrine, and secretly staineth the pride of these men, that auoide with scorne, application, vainly affecting the praise of wit and learning.
Thirdly, we may hence note, that all men, in the visible Church, have not a right to the comforts ⟨p. 221⟩of the Scripture; and it is the Ministers duty to drive wicked men off, from claiming any part in the promises, which are the only treasure of the Saints, as here we see in these two verses, the Apostle carefully doth: Men must do the works of Jacob, if they would have the comforts of Jacob,