A17412:961
Sermons upon the ten first verses of the third chapter of the first Epistle…
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.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 faithfull and painfull minister of Gods word, Nicolas Byfield. Wherein method, sense, doctrine, and vse, is, with great varietie of matter, profitably handled; and sundry heads of divinitie 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.
The earnestness of the Apostle, in heaping up these directions, imports, that he discerned many things amiss: which was not only true of the Churches of Corinth and Galatia, and Thessalonica, but even of the Church of Philippi, which S. Paul most commends. And the like we may find in the estate of the seven churches of Asia, if we mark what is said to them by S. John in his Revelation. Yea, there was not perfect agreement at all times amongst the Pillars of the first Christian Churches; Paul and Barnabas were at variance, Act. 15. 39. and Paul and Peter did openly disagree, Gal. 2. The reason is, because in this life we know but in part, and are sanctified but in part, 1. Cor. 13. The use should be, First, to teach us not to be offended or scandalized at the differences of opinion, that break out in all the Churches of Christ every ⟨p. 179⟩where in our times. We must pray the God of peace, to give us peace, and know, that it hath' always been so; and therefore it should not hinder us from embracing the known truth. Secondly, this should the more inflame our desires after heaven, and make us the more willing to die, because there will never be perfect holiness and agreement till we come to heaven; then we shall be holy as God is holy, and know as we are known; and charity will be perfect for ever. And besides, this should teach us with the more patience to instruct and wait for the amendment of such as are contrary minded; and not strive over violently, or passionately with them, 2. Tim. 2.25. Lastly, if Christians can agree no better, and have such defects, then we should never wonder overmuch at the monstrous abominations in opinion or life, that are found amongst the wicked of the world, and in false Churches.
The earnestnesse of the Apostle, in heaping up these directions, imports, that he discerned many things amisse: which was not onely true of the Churches of Corinth and Galatia, and Thessalonica, but even of the Church of Philippi, which S. Paul most commends. And the like we may finde in the estate of the seven churches of Asia, if we mark what is said to them by S. Iohn in his Revelation. Yea, there was not perfect agreement at all times amongst the Pillars of the first Christian Churches; Paul and Barnabas were at variance,