The second kind of conversation mentioned in the Scripture, is, A godly 1and an heavenly one. So that although we live upon the earth, yet our principles, aims, and ends, carry us up to the enjoyment of God. This is called a good conversation, Jam. 3. 13. where all divine faith and spiritual wisdom is said to be demonstrated by a good conversation. It is not Doctrine, faith, profession, or gifts that men look at, but the conversation, that speaketh a Christian, that speaketh a Minister more than ten thousand excellent discourses; Plus oculis quam auribus creditur, said Seneca. So that a good conversation is more demonstrative of godliness, then good gifts, good parts, a good faith. Thy prayers are good, thy conference and discourse is good; Is thy conversation also? Hence Paul exhorteth Timothy as a Minister to be a [Greek or Hebrew], An example (1 Tim. 4. 12.) to believers in word, in conversation. In word, that is, in his Doctrine and preaching. In conversation, that is, in the exercise of all holy duties. So that you see a man is above all things to look to his conversation that it be good. For as this is a special means to edify and build up others; so none can take comfort from the choicest abilities, the most fervent duties, the purest Church-ways, unless there be a good conversation to uphold him. Hence you see Paul doth not run to his Apostolical Office, to his great miracles, to the wonderful revelations and gifts bestowed upon him, but to his conversation in the world, as if that were a greater conviction of all adversaries, then the most glorious Church-prerogatives or privileges that can be. Hence a godly conversation is a special means to convert others. The Apostle speaketh fully to this concerning godly women, who have Heathen, or wicked, and ungodly husbands, that they should look to their duty, That they may without the Word be won by the conversation of their wives, while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear, 1 Pet. 3. 1, 2. he saith, Without the Word; not but that the Word is the only ordinary means of conversion; but because their conversation may be an occasion and introductory means to bring them to the Word. As Austin said, He should not have believed the Scriptures, but for the Church, because that was the introductory motive, though the Scriptures themselves were the cause of his faith.
The second kind of conversation mentioned in the Scripture, is, A godly 1and an heavenly one. So that although we live upon the earth, yet our principles, aims, and ends, carry us up to the enjoyment of God. This is called a good conversation, Jam. 3. 13. where all divine faith and spiritual wisdom is said to be demonstrated by a good conversation. It is not Doctrine, faith, profession, or gifts that men look at, but the conversation, that speaketh a Christian, that speaketh a Minister more than ten thousand excellent discourses; Plus oculis quam auribus creditur, said Seneca. So that a good conversation is more demonstrative of godlinesse, then good gifts, good parts, a good faith. Thy prayers are good, thy conference and discourse is good; Is thy conversation also? Hence Paul exhorteth Timothy as a Minister to be a 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, An example (1 Tim. 4. 12.) to believers in word, in conversation. In word, that is, in his Doctrine and preaching. In conversation, that is, in the exercise of all holy duties. So that you see a man is above all things to look to his convesation that it be good. For as this is a special means to edifie and build up others; so none can take comfort from the choisest abilities, the most fervent duties, the purest Church-wayes, unlesse there be a good conversation to uphold him. Hence you see Paul doth not runne to his Apostolical Office, to his great miracles, to the wonderfull revelations and gifts bestowed upon him, but to his conversation in the world, as if that were a greater conviction of all adversaries, then the most glorious Church-prerogatives or priviledges that can be. Hence a godly conversation is a special means to convert others. The Apostle speaketh fully to this concerning godly women, who have Heathen, or wicked, and ungodly husbands, that they should look to their duty, That they may without the Word be wone by the conversation of their wives, while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear, 1 Pet. 3. 1, 2. he saith, Without the Word; not but that the Word is the onely ordinary means of conversion; but because their conversation may be an occasion and introductory meanes to bring them to the Word. As Austin said, He should not have believed the Scriptures, but for the Church, because that was the introductory motive, though the Scriptures themselves were the cause of his faith.
- 1The other is an heavenly and godly conversation.
