A17384:1174
A commentary: or, sermons upon the second chapter of the first epistle of Saint Peter wherein method, sense, doctrine, and use, is, with great variety of matter, profitably handled; and sundry heads of divinity largely discussed. By Nicholas Byfield, late preacher of God's Word at Isle-worth in Middlesex.A commentary: or, sermons vpon the second chapter of the first epistle of Saint Peter vvherein method, sense, doctrine, and vse, is, with great variety of matter, profitably handled; and sundry heads of diuinity largely discussed. By Nicholas Byfield, late preacher of God's Word at Isle-worth in Middlesex.
London: printed by Humphrey Lownes for George Latham, 1623London: printed by Humfrey Lownes for George Latham, 1623
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Now for the third, there are divers excellent rules that may much adorn the lives of Christians in their courage toward the wicked; and so either prevent scandal, or leave them without excuse,1 themselves being Judges, as they will confess in the day of visitation. These things then will much advance our cause before wicked men, to show in our conversation, 1. Integrity, and harmlessness, and sound ⟨p. 263⟩care of the practising of godliness, Philippians 1.15, 16. 2. Submission and obedience unto the King, and his humane ordinances, 1. Peter 2.13.14.15. 3. Reverence and fear, when we entreat of any thing,2 that concerns God, and Religion. 4. Meekness of wisdom, expressing a mind free from conceitedness, frowardness, or affectation, Jam. 3.13. 5. Mercy to the poor, and a mind free from the greedy desire of earthly things, a serious declaration of the contempt of the world, Jam. 1.26. Math. 5.16, &c. 6. Quietness and peace to be showed first in studying to be quiet, & to meddle with our own business: secondly, in making peace amongst others, Math. 5.8. 7. Love to our enemies, being ready to pray for them, or do them any good.
Now for the third, there are diuers excellent rules that may much adorne the liues of Christians in their courage toward the wicked; and so either preuent scandall, or leaue them without excuse,1 themselues being Iudges, as they will confesse in the day of visitation. These things then will much aduance our cause before wicked men, to shew in our conuersation, 1. Integrity, and harmelesnes, and sound ⟨p. 263⟩care of the practising of godlines, Philippians 1.15, 16. 2. Submission and obedience vnto the King, and his humane ordinances, 1. Peter 2.13.14.15. 3. Reuerence and feare, when we intreate of any thing,2 that concernes God, and Religion. 4. Meeknes of wisdome, expressing a minde free from conceitednes, frowardnes, or affectation, Iam. 3.13. 5. Mercy to the poore, and a minde free from the greedy desire of earthly things, a serious declaration of the contempt of the world, Iam. 1.26. Math. 5.16, &c. 6. Quietnes and peace to be shewed first in studying to be quiet, & to meddle with our owne busines: secondly, in making peace amongst others, Math. 5.8. 7. Loue to our enemies, being ready to pray for them, or doe them any good.
Lastly, hence may be gathered some matter of consolation for the godly. For first, if the Lord have kept them from taking offence, he hath freed them from a great & sore spiritual judgement. Secondly, if the wicked should be so perverse, as to take offence, when he gives none; yet this may stay him, that Christ himself was an offence unto them. Thirdly, as it is a great judgement to be offended at Christ: so it is a great mercy and supernatural grace, when the Lord makes our hearts able to love the Lord Jesus in all sincerity.
Lastly, hence may be gathered some matter of consolation for the godly. For first, if the Lord haue kept them from taking offence, hee hath freed them from a great & sore spirituall iudgement. Secondly, if the wicked should be so peruerse, as to take offence, when he giues none; yet this may stay him, that Christ himselfe was an offence vnto them. Thirdly, as it is a great iudgement to bee offended at Christ: so it is a great mercy and supernaturall grace, when the Lord makes our hearts able to loue the Lord Iesus in all sincerity.
Hitherto of the first kind of punishment: the second is, that Christ shall be to them A rock of offence, that is, they shall fall upon Christ, as the ship doth upon the rock, and be broken all to pieces: There shall be a desperate anguish upon their consciences, perceiving themselves to have no right in Christ, by the fear of which, as men that have suffered shipwreck, they shall be out of all hope of mercy. Thus he that falleth on this stone, shall be broken, and upon whom it shall fall, he shall be ground to powder, Luke 20 17.
Hitherto of the first kinde of punishment: the second is, that Christ shall be to them A rock of offence, that is, they shall fall vpon Christ, as the ship doth vpon the rock, and be broken all to pieces: There shall bee a desperate anguish vpon their consciences, perceiuing themselues to haue no right in Christ, by the feare of which, as men that haue suffred shipwrack, they shall be out of all hope of mercy. Thus hee that falleth on this stone, shal be broken, and vpon whom it shall fall, he shall be ground to powder, Luke 20 17.
The consciences of wicked men are diversly affected: some are without feeling of any grievance in the matters of their souls; some have feeling. The conscience is without feeling, either through a continual security, and sleepiness, which is in all men, or through a searedness, by which some men are grown past feeling. Now those wicked men that have any feeling in this text, are cast into two sorts; for either they are offended, or they despair. Christ is to those latter, an occasion of their ruin, they suffer shipwreck upon Christ, which is joined with singular offence, or pain, or grievance of their consciences. This rock is like that in the Judges, chap. 6.21. out of which fire went and consumed them.
The consciences of wicked men are diuersly affected: some are without feeling of any grieuance in the matters of their soules; some haue feeling. The consciēce is without feeling, either through a continuall security, and sleepines, which is in all men, or through a searednes, by which some men are growne past feeling. Now those wicked men that haue any feeling in this text, are cast into two sorts; for either they are offended, or they despaire. Christ is to those latter, an occasion of their ruine, they suffer shipwracke vpon Christ, which is ioyned with singular offence, or paine, or grieuance of their consciences. This rocke is like that in the Iudges, chap. 6.21. out of which fire went and consumed them.
The despair that wicked men feel, is of two sorts. For either it is a despair, which riseth from their persuasion of their want of help in spiritual things, or from their want of help in outward things: sometimes they fall into desperate torments, and griefs, and fears about outward things, either ⟨p. 265⟩upon fear of danger, or upon an apprehension that they are utterly undone, or shall be in matters of the world:1 this was the despair mentioned: and this despair was in Saul, Ahithophel and Belshazzar, Dan. 5. and in the Jews, when they said there was no hope, Jer. 2.25. and this was in the Egyptians, Babylonians, Tyrians; and their case in the desolation of their estate by war, mentioned in many chapters of the Prophet Isaiah. But, this despair is not meant here: for, this is a despair of all help or salvation of the soul by Christ; conceiving, that they are utterly cast off of God, and shall perish for ever. Thus Cain and Judas despaired of all mercy in God.
The despaire that wicked men feel, is of two sorts. For either it is a despaire, which riseth from their perswasion of their want of helpe in spirituall things, or from their want of help in outward things: somtimes they fall into desperate tormēts, and griefs, and fears about outward things, either ⟨p. 265⟩vpon fear of danger, or vpon an apprehension that they are vtterly vndone, or shall be in matters of the world:1 this was the despair mentioned: and this despair was in Saul, Achitophel and Belshazzer, Dan. 5. and in the Iews, when they said there was no hope, Ier. 2.25. and this was in the Aegyptians, Babylonians, Tyrians; and their case in the desolation of their estate by warre, mentioned in many chapters of the Prophet Esay. But, this despair is not meant heer: for, this is a despair of all help or saluation of the soule by Christ; conceiuing, that they are vtterly cast off of God, and shall perish for euer. Thus Cain and Iudas despaired of all mercy in God.
And this despair of salvation and all happiness,1 is felt either in hell, or at the day of Judgement, or in this life.
And this despaire of saluation and all happinesse,1 is felt either in hell, or at the day of Iudgement, or in this life.
First, it is certain, that the Wicked feel an eternal despair in hell, which increaseth their torments, because they have no hope of ease or help: and thus also the devils despair. This despair in hell, is a mere gnawing the conscience, and tormenting it, which never dieth.
First, it is certain, that the Wicked feel an eternall despair in hell, which increaseth their torments, because they haue no hope of ease or help: and thus also the diuels despair. This despair in hell, is a meer gnawing the conscience, and tormenting it, which neuer dieth.
Secondly, they also feel despair with singular horror, when they come to appear before Jesus Christ at the last Day, when they behold the face of the Judge, and feel within them a witness that tells them they shall be damned. This torment will then come upon them, like the pains of a woman in travel; and their anguish will be so great, that they will cry to the mountains to cover them from the face of the Judge,1 1. Thes. 5.3.
Secondly, they also feel despair with singular horrour, when they come to appear before Iesus Christ at the last Day, when they behold the face of the Iudge, and feel within them a witnes that tels them they shall bee damned. This torment will then come vpon them, like the pains of a woman in trauell; and their anguish will bee so great, that they will cry to the mountains to couer them from the face of the Iudge,1 1. Thes. 5.3.
Thirdly, now the first degree of this despair, is felt by divers wicked men in this life, as it was by Cain and Judas: and of this he speaketh here. And thus wicked men despair, when they think their sins cannot be forgiven, and that they have no benefit by Christ, and shall certainly perish for ever.
Thirdly, now the first degree of this despaire, is felt by diuers wicked men in this life, as it was by Cain and Iudas: and of this hee speaketh heer. And thus wicked men despair, when they think their sins cannot be forgiuen, and that they haue no benefit by Christ, and shall certainly perish for euer.
And this is noted here as a grievous curse of God inflicted upon unbelievers. Despair is one of God's most fearful judgements in this world; which when God inflicteth, he may be said to rain upon them fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest, Psal. 11.6. Most fearful is their case, when the wrathful Arm of God takes hold of them, and he pours out his indignation upon them: this will make their loins to shake, Psalm 69.23, 24. They are then like the raging sea, having no peace within them, Isaiah 57. ult. They are brought to the King of terrors, and their confidence is rooted out, Job 18.11, 14. There they were in great fear, Psalm 14.5. They are said to blaspheme God, and gnaw their tongues, Revel. 16.9, 10.
And this is noted heer as a grieuous curse of God inflicted vpon vnbeleeuers. Despair is one of God's most fearfull iudgements in this world; which when God inflicteth, hee may bee said to rain vpon them fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest, Psal. 11.6. Most fearfull is their case, when the wrathfull Arme of God takes hold of them, and hee poures out his indignation vpon them: this will make their loins to shake, Psalm 69.23, 24. They are then like the raging sea, hauing no peace within them, Esay 57. vlt. They are brought to the King of terrors, and their confidence is rooted out, Iob 18.11, 14. There they were in great fear, Psalm 14.5. They are said to blaspheme God, and gnaw their tongues, Reuel. 16.9, 10.
While God's Saints sing for joy of heart, they howl for vexation of spirit, Isaiah 65.14. They could be glad to run into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth for fear of the Lord, and the glory of his Majesty, when he comes thus terribly to shake the earth, Isaiah 2.19. Surely, such is the case of the Wicked; and this is the portion of their cup that know not God. And how terrible this torment is in the heart of ⟨p. 267⟩a wicked man, may appear, if we consider but what torment the very Godly suffer in their despair, which is far easier than that of the wicked. David saith, The pains of hell compassed him, Psalm 18.5, 6. and 116.3. and that God's terrors did cut him off; and that he was ready to die; and that, while he suffered God's terrors, he was distracted, Psal. 88.15, 16, 14. As also it may appear by those torments which the very despair for outward things hath put wicked men to, which is far less grievous than this despair of God's mercy and eternal salvation: and yet in that case their pains are compared to the pain of a woman in travel, Psalm 48.6.
While God's Saints sing for ioy of heart, they howle for vexation of spirit, Esay 65.14. They could bee glad to run into the holes of the rocks, and into the caues of the earth for fear of the Lord, and the glory of his Maiesty, when hee comes thus terribly to shake the earth, Esay 2.19. Surely, such is the case of the Wicked; and this is the portion of their cup that knowe not God. And how terrible this torment is in the heart of ⟨p. 267⟩a wicked man, may appear, if wee consider but what torment the very Godly suffer in their despair, which is far easier than that of the wicked. Dauid saith, The paines of hell compassed him, Psalm 18.5, 6. and 116.3. and that God's terrours did cut him off; and that he was ready to dy; and that, while he suffred God's terrors, hee was distracted,
See more at large of the horrible plight wicked men have been in in this respect, in the description of the judgements should fall upon the foreign nations, rendered by the Prophet Isaiah in many chapters.
See more at large of the horrible plight wicked men haue been in in this respect, in the description of the iudgements should fall vpon the forrain nations, rendred by the Prophet Esay in many chapters.
Uses. The use may be, first, for great amazement to wicked men, that now perhaps laugh and sing in the jollity of their hearts. O let them remember, what God may do to them! What case will they be in, if God bring them once to despair? And this is the portion of their Cup. Oh! if the terror of a King be as the roaring of a Lion; what then is their case, if God shall reveal his wrath from heaven upon them for their weighty sins! And the more should they be affrighted, because despair is but as it were the beginning of evils. They feel it for a short time on earth, but shall feel it for ever in hell. And ⟨p. 268⟩therefore, if it be possible, they should be persuaded in time to repent, that they may be delivered from this great wrath to come. Oh how easy, in comparison, might mens repentance be, if they would be warned in time!
Vses. The vse may bee, first, for great amazement to wicked men, that now perhappes laugh and sing in the iollity of their hearts. O let them remember, what God may doo to them! What case will they bee in, if God bring them once to despair? And this is the por•ion of their Cup. Oh! if the terrour of a King be as the roaring of a Lion; what then is their case, if God shall reueal his wrath from heauen vpon them for their waighty sinnes! And the more should they bee affrighted, because despair is but as it were the beginning of euils. They feel it for a short time on earth, but shall feel it for euer in hell. And ⟨p. 268⟩therefore, if it bee possible, they should bee perswaded in time to repent, that they may be deliuered from this great wrath to come. Oh how easie, in comparison, might mens repentance be, if they would be warned in time!
Secondly, this doctrine may breed in us a wonderful awfulness and fear of God: when we read of such judgements in Scripture, or behold any poor wretches tormented with this judgement, it should breed in us not only an infallible assurance that there is a God, or that there shall be a hell of woeful torments, or the like; but it should especially make us think of God with all reverence, and be afraid to displease him: for, dominion and fear are ever with him, Job 25.2. This doctrine should make us resolute to go our ways, and sin no more: the counsel of the Wicked should be far from us, seeing he can thus put out their candle, and make them drink of the wrath of the Almighty, Job 21.17, 20.
Secondly, this doctrine may breed in vs a wonderfull awfulnesse and fear of God: when we read of such iudgements in Scripture, or behold any poor wretches tormented with this iudgement, it should breed in vs not onely an infallible assurance that there is a God, or that there shall be a hell of wofull torments, or the like; but it should especially make vs think of God with all reuerence, and be afraid to displease him: for, dominion and fear are euer with him, Iob 25.2. This doctrine should make vs resolute to go our waies, and sinne no more: the counsell of the Wicked should bee farre from vs, seeing hee can thus put out their candle, and make them drink of the wrath of the Almighty, Iob 21.17, 20.
Thirdly, it should work in all of us a care to use all means, that we may be kept from despair.
Thirdly, it should work in all of vs a care to vse all means, that we may be kept from despair.
Quest. What then should we do, that we fall not into despair?
Quest. What then should we doo, that we fall not into despair?
