A17412:992
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.
6 Prejudice is the root of dissenting many times: as the Gentiles would not abide yielding to ceremonies, out of very dislike of the Jews; and the Jews would not understand the needlessness of their ceremonies, out of very contempt of the Gentiles: and so the strength of faction on both sides kept them from agreeing.
6 Prejudice is the roote of dissenting many times: as the Gentiles would not abide yeelding to ceremonies, out of very dislike of the Iewes; and the Iewes would not understand the needlesnesse of their ceremonies, out of very contempt of the Gentiles: and so the strength of faction on both sides kept them from agreeing.
7 Heaping up of Teachers disorderly: when Christians are so diseased with humour, and so hard to be pleased with sound doctrine, that they hunt up and down to hear all sorts of men; it many times proves hurtful in this respect, that they get infection from the different humours of the many Teachers they hear. Disordered hearing in this respect, breeds as a surfeit of the inward regard of sound doctrine, so a great aptness to receive divers and strange doctrines, 2. Tim. 4.3, 4.
7 Heaping up of Teachers disorderly: when Christians are so diseased with humour, and so hard to bee pleased with sound doctrine, that they hunt up and downe to heare all sorts of men; it many times prooves hurtfull in this respect, that they get infection from the different humours of the many Teachers they heare. Disordered hearing in this respect, breeds as a surfet of the inward regard of sound doctrine, so a great aptnesse to receive divers and strange doctrines, 2. Tim. 4.3, 4.
8 The contempt of their godly Teachers, and want of sound affection to them: To them I say, that have a charge over their souls, whom they ought to obey. And this is the more vile, as some Christians order the matter, because of their hypocrisy, in magnifying the judgement or gifts of Teachers that are absent, and have not the charge of their souls, and abusing the due respect of their own Teachers: which is yet more vile, if this injury be done to such as were their fathers in Christ. Thus of the use for reproof.
8 The contempt of their godly Teachers, and want of sound affection to them: To them I say, that have a charge over their soules, whom they ought to obey. And this is the more vile, as some Christians order the matter, because of their hypocrisie, in magnifying the judgement or gifts of Teachers that are absent, and have not the charge of their soules, and abusing the due respect of their owne Teachers: which is yet more vile, if this injury be done to such as were their fathers in Christ. Thus of the use for reproofe.
By the limitation given before from other express Scriptures, we learn so to understand this doctrine of unity, as it excludes all unity of opinion or practise with such Churches, or particular persons, as hold doctrines against the foundation of Christian religion; so as we must never agree with them. As for instance; We may not, without the damnation of our souls, be of one mind with the Church of Rome: for there are many things which they believe and practise, which we must in no case join with them in; and it is impossible to reconcile us to them, unless they change their minds. I will instance in divers things, wherein we cannot, without losing Christ, be of one mind: as,
By the limitation given before from other expresse Scriptures, wee learne so to understand this doctrine of unity, as it excludes all unity of opinion or practise with such Churches, or particular persons, as hold doctrines against the foundation of Christian religion; so as wee must never agree with them. As for instance; Wee may not, without the damnation of our soules, be of one minde with the Church of Rome: for there are many things which they beleeve and practise, which we must in no case joyne with them in; and it is impossible to reconcile us to them, unless they change their minds. I will instance indivers things, wherein wee cannot, without losing Christ, be of one minde: as,
1 In opinion of merit of works: for thereby we make the Gospel or Doctrine of Gods grace of none effect,1 and the promise of God void; which is to deny the very grounds of Christian Religion. Gal. 5.3. Rom. 4.14. & 11.6.
1 In opinion of merite of workes: for thereby we make the Gospell or Doctrine of Gods grace of none effect,1 and the promise of God voide; which is to deny the very grounds of Christian Religion. Gal. 5.3. Rom. 4.14. & 11.6.
2 In the opinion of worshipping Saints and Angels: for the Apostle saith expressly, that they that do so, hold not the head, and so cannot be true members of Christ. Col. 2.18, 19.
2 In the opinion of worshipping Saints and Angels: for the Apostle saith expressely, that they that doe so, hold not the head, and so cannot be true members of Christ. Col. 2.18, 19.
3 In their Polatry, in making and worshipping of Images, and almost infinite superstitions, contrary to the second Commandment expressly; and so as we are commanded to get out of this spiritual Babel, in respect of her spiritual fornications.
3 In their Polatry, in making and worshipping of Images, and almost infinite superstitions, contrary to the second Commandement expressely; and so as wee are commanded to get out of this spirituall Babel, in respect of her spirituall fornications.
4 In their doctrine of Traditions: for they teach, that Traditions that are not agreeable to Scripture, yet are to be received, if they be delivered by the Church, in equal authority with the Scriptures. If we be of one mind with them herein, we cannot escape Gods eternal curse; as these Scriptures show. Gal 1.8. Rev. 22 18.
4 In their doctrine of Traditions: for they teach, that Traditions that are not agreeable to Scripture, yet are to be received, if they be delivered by the Church, in equall authoritie with the Scriptures. If wee be of one minde with them herein, we cannot escape Gods eternall curse; as these Scriptures shew. Gal 1.8. Rev. 22 18.
5 In their doctrine of perfection: for they teach, a man may perfectly keep the Law of God. No, this is so dangerous an error, that the Apostle saith there is no truth in the man that holds it. 1. John 1.8, 10.
5 In their doctrine of perfection: for they teach, a man may perfectly keepe the Law of God. No, this is so dangerous an errour, that the Apostle saith there is no truth in the man that holds it. 1. Iohn 1.8, 10.
I omit the rehearsal of other differences. Thus of the first virtue.
I omit the rehearsall of other differences. Thus of the first vertue.
The second virtue charge upon Christians, is compassion one towards another.
The second vertue charge upon Christians, is compassion one towards another.
Have compassion one of another.] The word signifies such a fellow-feeling or sympathy, that makes us like affected, as if we were in their case.
Have compassion one of another.] The word signifies such a fellow-feeling or sympathie, that makes us like affected, as if we were in their case.
The doctrine then is clear, That we ought to have a sympathy one towards another; this is a singular virtue. In handling of which point, I will observe these things.
The doctrine then is cleer, That we ought to have a sympathie one towards another; this is a singular vertue. In handling of which point, I will observe these things.
1 The Proofs of it from other Scripture.
1 The Proofes of it from other Scripture.
2 The Explication of the sense, showing in what things we should be like affected.
2 The Explication of the sense, shewing in what things we should be like affected.
3 The Reasons of it.
