A17412:674
Sermons upon the ten first verses of the third chapter of the first Epistle of S. Peter Being the last that were preached by the late faithful and painful minister of Gods word, Nicolas Byfield. Wherein method, sense, doctrine, and use, is, with great variety of matter, profitably handled; and sundry heads of divinity largely discussed. Published since the authors death by William Gouge.
London: printed by H. Lownes for George Latham, 1626
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.
Finally, let all men that profess the knowledge of Gods word, remember that their knowledge should make them differ from all other men. Their lives should excel others, according to the knowledge in which they differ from them. A man must hold forth the life and light of the knowledge he hath, Phil. 2.15. They have a great task to do, that have received much knowledge; much is required of them: If they do ill, their example may do much mischief. 1. Cor. 8.10.11.
Finally, let all men that professe the knowledge of Gods word, remember that their knowledge should make them differ from all other men. Their lives should excell others, according to the knowledge in which they differ from them. A man must hold forth the life and light of the knowledge hee hath, Phil. 2.15. They have a great taske to doe, that have received much knowledge; much is required of them: If they doe ill, their example may doe much mischiefe. 1. Cor. 8.10.11.
Doct. 5. True knowledge makes an impression upon every part of a mans life: it makes him better in all his ways, both towards God and man; as here, true knowledge makes a man a better husband. He must carry himself as a husband, according to his knowledge he hath of Gods word. True knowledge enricheth a man in every thing, 1. Cor. 1.5. The favour of our knowledge, should be manifest in every place, 2. Cor. 2.14. The knowledge that will not do thus, is falsely so called, 1. Tim. 6.20. There is use of knowledge in the most ordinary things of the life of man; as meats, marriage, and the things of our calling, 1. Tim. 4.3. and therefore this should stir up all godly Christians, to show this proof of their knowledge, and to pray that they may abound in knowledge, and all judgement, Phil. 1.9. Col. 1.9. and gives cause to Christians of ill behaviour, in their callings or private carriage, to mistrust that their knowledge is not right: and in particular, wives should pray God to give their husbands knowledge of his Word, and to bless all means to that end; for that will make them the better husbands.
Doct. 5. True knowledge makes an impression upon every part of a mans life: it makes him better in all his wayes, both towards God and man; as here, true knowledge makes a man a better husband. Hee must carrie himselfe as a husband, according to his knowledge he hath of Gods word. True knowledge enricheth a man in everie thing, 1. Cor. 1.5. The favour of our knowledge, should be manifest in everie place, 2. Cor. 2.14. The knowledge that will not doe thus, is falsely so called, 1. Tim. 6.20. There is use of knowledge in the most ordinarie things of the life of man; as meates, marriage, and the things of our calling, 1. Tim. 4.3. and therefore this should stir up all godly Christians, to shew this proofe of their knowledge, and to pray that they may abound in knowledge, and all judgement, Phil. 1.9. Col. 1.9. and gives cause to Christians of ill behaviour, in their callings or private carriage, to mistrust that their knowledge is not right: and in particular, wives should pray God to give their husbands knowledge of his Word, and to blesse all meanes to that end; for that will make them the better husbands.
Doct. 6. It is an ill thing for men to transgress against their knowledges, when they do things that are not according to their knowledge, or leave undone things they know they should do. The servant that knows his Masters will, and doth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes. See Rom. 1. ult. Heb. 10.26. 2. Pet. 2.21. Husbands and wives should in a special manner remember this: for there is a great deal of need that they should take notice of this point. Oh it is a grievous thing for a Christian to be wilfully corrupt, to do or leave undone things against his knowledge.
Doct. 6. It is an ill thing for men to transgresse against their knowledges, when they doe things that are not according to their knowledge, or leave undone things they know they should doe. The servant that knowes his Masters will, and doth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes. See Rom. 1. ult. Heb. 10.26. 2. Pet. 2.21. Husbands and wives should in a speciall maner remember this: for there is a great deale of need that they should take notice of this point. Oh it is a grievous thing for a Christian to be wilfully corrupt, to doe or leave undone things against his knowledge.
Doct. 7. One thing here is comfortable, that God requires ⟨p. 123⟩no more of his servants, but to do according to the knowledge they have. Ignorances, by the benefit of the new Covenant in Christ, he will pass by, so as they be careful to get knowledge according to the means they have of knowledge. This is a great comfort.
Doct. 7. One thing here is comfortable, that God requires ⟨p. 123⟩no more of his servants, but to doe according to the knowledge they have. Ignorances, by the benefite of the new Covenant in Christ, he will passe by, so as they be carefull to get knowledge according to the meanes they have of knowledge. This is a great comfort.
Doct. 8. In knowledge men should excel women: therefore is knowledge here specially mentioned, in giving the charge to men. They are the heads of their wives, and therefore in them should be the especial seat of spiritual senses and understanding: and their wives are charged, if they doubt of any thing, to ask their husbands at home. It is a great dishonour to many men in this age in many places, that women excel them in knowledge, both for the measure of it, and power of it, and care to use the means to get it. Thus of the general Doctrines.
Doct. 8. In knowledge men should excell women: therefore is knowledge here specially mentioned, in giving the charge to men. They are the heads of their wives, and therefore in them should be the especiall seate of spirituall senses and understanding: and their wives are charged, if they doubt of any thing, to aske their husbands at home. It is a great dishonour to many men in this age in many places, that women excell them in knowledge, both for the measure of it, and power of it, and care to use the meanes to get it. Thus of the generall Doctrines.
These words, as they in particular order the duties of Husbands, show diverse things they are to look to in their carriage, in dwelling with their Wives. To dwell with them according to knowledge, imports,
These words, as they in particular order the duties of Husbands, shew diverse things they are to looke to in their carriage, in dwelling with their Wives. To dwell with them according to knowledge, imports,
1 Matter of edification;1 and so three ways; for first, they must set up Religion, and the worship of God in their dwellings. Josh. 24.15. They must keep off the curse of God from them, and their wives and children, by daily praying to God, Jer. 10. ult. They must diligently (in their kind) instruct the family in the plain things of Gods Law, talking and discoursing of the Word of God upon all occasions, Deut. 6.7. Gen. 18.19. They must see that Gods Sabbaths be kept and sanctified in their dwellings; and therefore must not only restrain labour, but bring his household to the exercises of Religion, and privately help them, by examination or repetition, Command 4. Exod. 20.4. yea, and by sanctifying them to Gods worship. Job 1.5. which is done by exhorting them to holiness and preparation, and by humbling himself in prayer before God for himself and them: and he must sanctify the creatures they use, by prayer. 1. Tim. 4.5. Secondly, in special towards their wives, they must use their knowledge in instructing them, or resolving their doubts as there shall be occasion. 1. Cor. 14.35. Thirdly, they must teach their wives reformation, ⟨p. 124⟩and right order of behaviour by their own example: giving full proof of their piety, discretion, providence, painfulness and meekness; not daring to commit the faults themselves they reprove in their wives, and to live so, as not to be liable to any just exception. There is a question is often asked about the first branch of this answer, and that is, whether a woman may perform the duties of religion in the family, in case of the absence or insufficiency of the husband? Now for answer thereunto, it is hard to give any peremptory rule, because in this thing we have no commandment from the Lord: but yet, seeing some of the duties of Religion may be done by the Wife; as, instructing of children and servants, for the Law of grace should be in her lips,
or if it go further, it must be in some special cases, and with observation of divers circumstances, in which, their safest way is to get direction and resolution from their learned Pastors.
or if it goe further, it must be in some speciall cases, and with observation of divers circumstances, in which, their safest way is to get direction and resolution from their learned Pastors.
2 Matter of toleration; and that in respect of the infirmities of his wife: if her infirmities be bodily, it must be the praise of his knowledge, not to loath her for that, because God layeth them on her, and she cannot help them. And for her faults, they are either mere frailties arising from ignorance, or insufficiency she cannot help; and those he must pass by altogether, when he discerneth that she is not willing to offend in them, Prov. 19 10. Or else, they are faults she committeth of knowledge; and so, they are either curable or incurable. Curable, are such faults of negligence or waywardness, that prove grievous to him or others: for these his rule is, he must not be bitter to her, Col. 3.19. but show himself to be gentle and easy to be entreated, James 3.17. He must use all good means of counsel, and forewarning of her, and entreating, and such reproofs as may be seasonable, and secret as much as may be. He must avoid raging & furious passion, ⟨p. 125⟩and reproaches. If her faults be incurable, that is, such as he cannot mend by such courses, then I suppose he may fly to the general remedy of all Christians in the case of trespasses; and that is, to take one or two with him and admonish her, & then, if she mend not, he may fly to his Pastor, and such as have charge of souls with him, and get them to admonish her. But if none of these courses will serve, I think the Pastor, or others employed in the business, may give notice, as they have occasion, to other Christians of her incurableness, and they may thereupon forsake her company, and reject her as a Pagan or a Publican: but for the husband, he must cohabit still, and with patience bear the cross God hath laid upon him, waiting, if at any time God will give her repentance, or otherwise restrain her wickedness.
2 Matter of toleration; and that in respect of the infirmities of his wife: if her infirmities be bodily, it must be the praise of his knowledge, not to loath her for that, because God laieth them on her, and she cannot helpe them. And for her faults, they are either meer frailties arising from ignorance, or insufficiency shee cannot helpe; and those hee must passe by altogether, when he discerneth that shee is not willing to offend in them,
3 Matter of circumspection. To dwell according to knowledge, is to dwell with circumspection; and that he must show in matter of his own right. He must take heed that by no indulgence or remissness he lose his own right. He must keep his authority, and rule as head; and not suffer things to be done, or disposed ordinarily against his will. And for the good ordering of necessary directions, if his wife will not obey, he must then provide to have things done aswell as he can, by his children or servants. This I speak of things essentially expedient to the peace or well-being of the family: he must not be his wives underling, contrary to the order of nature, and ordinance of God, Gen. 3.16. 1. Cor. 11.3, 7, 8, 9. Ephes. 5.23. 1. Tim. 2.12, 13, 14. Secondly, he must show it in the care of his estate, restraining her wastefulness if she be given to disorder, or wretchlesnesse in that kind, Prov. 14.1. Thirdly, in case of sin against God: he must take heed that he nourish not sin in her by connivance, or neglect of counsel or reproof, Job 2.9, 10. Fourthly, in case of difference between her and her servants; so preserving his authority, as he judge not partially, but with equal judgement showing the fault wheresoever he find it, else he may extremely harden his servants against them both.
3 Matter of circumspection. To dwell according to knowledge, is to dwell with circumspection; and that hee must shew in matter of his owne right. Hee must take heed that by no indulgence or remissenesse hee lose his owne right. He must keep his authority, and rule as head; and not suffer things to be done, or disposed ordinarily against his will. And for the good ordering of necessary directions, if his wife will not obey, he must then provide to have things done aswell as he can, by his children or servants. This I speake of things essentially expedient to the peace or well-being of the family: he must not be his wives underling, contrary to the order of nature, and ordinance of God,
Giving them honour.] This is the second thing required in the Exposition. They must honour their wives: ⟨p. 126⟩And this the Husband doth,
11 When he useth her with signs of his estimation of her, according to her rank in the family, and her relation to him; entertaining her as his companion, and not as his servant or slave. To honour her, is to carry himself with such respect towards her, that all may see that he makes a great account of her, as the companion God hath given to him for his life, to be a helper to him.
11 When he useth her with signes of his estimation of her, according to her ranke in the family, and her relation to him; intertayning her as his companion, and not as his servant or slave. To honour her, is to carrie himselfe with such respect towards her, that all may see that he makes a great account of her, as the companion God hath given to him for his life, to be a helper to him.
2 When he is careful to protect her from wrongs, and dangers, and indignities. 1. Sam. 30.5.
2 When he is carefull to protect her from wrongs, and dangers, and indignities. 1. Sam. 30.5.
3 When he provides for her maintenance, both in his life time, and after his death as well as he may; allowing her such apparel and other things as may show manifestly how great account he makes of her, and doing all with cheerfulness, and not like churlish Nabal: and the rather, because for the most part they are not able to make shift, and provide for themselves.
3 When he provides for her maintenance, both in his life time, and after his death as well as he may; allowing her such apparell and other things as may shew manifestly how great account he makes of her, and doing all with cheerefulnesse, and not like churlish Nabal: and the rather, because for the most part they are not able to make shift, and provide for themselves.
4 By the special delight he takes in her above others, cherishing her as his own flesh, and making as much of her, as he can do of himself. Pro. 5.19. Eph. 5.28.
4 By the speciall delight hee takes in her above others, cherishing her as his owne flesh, and making as much of her, as he can doe of himselfe. Pro. 5.19. Eph. 5.28.
5 By suffering himself to be entreated, and in some cases advised and admonished by her. Gen. 21.12.
5 By suffering himselfe to be intreated, and in some cases advised and admonished by her. Gen. 21.12.
1 Matter of edification;1 and so three wayes; for first, they must set up Religion, and the worship of God in their dwellings. Iosh. 24.15. They must keepe off the curse of God from them, and their wives and children, by daily praying to God, Ier. 10. ult. They must diligently (in their kinde) instruct the family in the plaine things of Gods Law, talking and discoursing of the Word of God upon all occasions, Deut. 6.7. Gen. 18.19. They must see that Gods Sabbaths be kept and sanctified in their dwellings; and therefore must not onely restraine labour, but bring his houshold to the exercises of Religion, and privately helpe them, by examination or repetition, Command 4. Exod. 20.4. yea, and by sanctifying them to Gods worship. Iob 1.5. which is done by exhorting them to holinesse and preparation, and by humbling himselfe in prayer before God for himselfe and them: and he must sanctifie the creatures they use, by prayer. 1. Tim. 4.5. Secondly, in speciall towards their wives, they must use their knowledge in instructing them, or resolving their doubts as there shall be occasion. 1. Cor. 14.35. Thirdly, they must teach their wives reformation, ⟨p. 124⟩and right order of behaviour by their owne example: giving full proofe of their piety, discretion, providence, painfulnesse and meeknesse; not daring to commit the faults themselues they reprove in their wives, and to live so, as not to be liable to any just exception. There is a question is often asked about the first branch of this answer, and that is, whether a woman may performe the dueties of religion in the family, in case of the absence or insufficiency of the husband? Now for answer thereunto, it is hard to give any peremptory rule, because in this thing wee have no commandement from the Lord: but yet, seeing some of the dueties of Religion may bee done by the Wife; as, instructing of children and servants, for the Law of grace should be in her lips, Prov. 31. and both Parents are charged with instructing the children, Ephes. 6. therefore I thinke by Anallogy it will follow, that the wife may doe other duties, as pray, and repeat Sermons: But yet it is most likely, that this power extends not further than her children and her maides, which was the power Hester used, Hest. 4.16.
