A25280:807
An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustratedAn analyticall exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated
An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated by doctrines out of every text and applied by their uses for a further progress in holiness / by ... William Ames ...An analyticall exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated by doctrines out of every text and applyed by their uses for a further progresse in holinesse / by ... William Ames ...
London: printed by E.G. for John Rothwell, 1641London: printed by E.G. for Iohn Rothwell, 1641
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.
This is gathered from these words: to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you. And this is not to be understood of all truth, but of the truth of religion; nor of all these things neither, which do any way pertain unto religion, but of the very substance of faith, hope, and religion, as it is in the text: a reason of the hope that is in you: nor is it either a natural reason that is required, or such a kind of reason that may stop the mouths of every gainsayer; for this all are not able to do, nor doth it belong unto all; but some sure ground out of Gods word, whereupon our faith and hope should be built and strengthened against all kind of temptations. Now here ariseth a question.
This is gathered from these words: to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you. And this is not to be understood of all truth, but of the truth of religion; nor of all these things neither, which do any way pertain unto religion, but of the very substance of faith, hope, and religion, as it is in the text: a reason of the hope that is in you: nor is it either a naturall reason that is required, or such a kinde of reason that may stop the mouths of every gainsayer; for this all are not able to do, nor doth it belong unto all; but some sure ground out of Gods word, whereupon our faith and hope should be built and strengthened against all kinde of temptations. Now here ariseth a question.
Quest. Whether such a reason is to be given to every one that asketh, or no?
Answ. No not absolutely to every one, because we are not to give it to Dogs and Swine, (that is, to unclean persons) without a necessary cause, but to every one that asketh us, so that our profession or answer may probably at least turn to the glory of God, as it is in the text, to sanctify God.