A17384:2216
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.
Thirdly, I would answer a question or two, needful to be considered of about good works; and, in the last place, the uses of all.
Thirdly, I would answer a question or two, needfull to bee considered of about good workes; and, in the last place, the vses of all.
For the first of those. There are many rules to ⟨p. 501⟩be observed, before we can do works that God will account good. And those rules are absolutely necessary, and they are these:
For the first of those. There are many rules to ⟨p. 501⟩bee obserued, before wee can doe works that God will account good. And those rules are absolutely necessary, and they are these:
First,1 the person must be reconciled unto God in Jesus Christ, or else all he doth, will be abominable in Gods sight. He must be turned in Jesus Christ, Eph. 2.10. He must be pure, or else his work is not right, but polluted, Tit. 1. ult. Pro. 21.8. The people that do good works, must be purified unto God, being redeemed by Jesus Christ, and so made a peculiar people, Tit. 2.14. He must be purged, and sanctified, and so prepared to good works, 2. Tim. 2.21.
First,1 the person must bee reconciled vnto God in Iesus Christ, or else all hee doth, will bee abominable in Gods sight. Hee must bee turned in Iesus Christ, Eph. 2.10. Hee must bee pure, or else his work is not right, but polluted, Tit. 1. vlt. Pro. 21.8. The people that doe good works, must be purified vnto God, being redeemed by Iesus Christ, and so made a peculiar people, Tit. 2.14. Hee must be purged, and sanctified, and so prepared to good workes, 2. Tim. 2.21.
Secondly, his works must be warranted and required and prescribed in the Word of God: he must walk by rule: his pattern must be found in the Scripture, Gal. 6.14. he must come to the light of the Word, that his works may be manifest that they are wrought in God, John 3.21. The Scriptures given by inspiration of God to this end that the man of God might be perfectly directed unto every work that is good, 1. Tim. 3.16 17.
Secondly, his workes must bee warranted and required and prescribed in the Word of God: he must walke by rule: his patterne must be found in the Scripture, Gal. 6.14. he must come to the light of the Word, that his works may bee manifest that they are wrought in God, Iohn 3.21. The Scriptures giuen by inspiration of God to this end that the man of God might bee perfectly directed vnto euery work that is good, 1. Tim. 3.16 17.
Thirdly, he must propound a right end in doing his works: or else though the matter be good, yet the work is polluted: as was showed before in the instance of the alms of the Pharisees: and this right end, is not the praise of men only, or to merit thereby, but the glory of God chiefly, in the discharge of our obedience to God, and the edification of our neighbour.
Thirdly, hee must propound a right end in doing his works: or else though the matter be good, yet the worke is polluted: as was shewed before in the instance of the almes of the Pharises: and this right end, is not the praise of men onely, or to merit thereby, but the glory of God chiefely, in the discharge of our obedience to God, and the edification of our neighbour.
Fourthly, The works wust be done in the name of Jesus Christ. We must rely upon the merits ⟨p. 502⟩and intercession of Christ Jesus, as that which can cause our works to be pleasing to God, Col. 3.17. Whatsoever it is we do in word or in deed, all must be done in the name of Christ, or it is done in vain. Without faith it is impossible to please God, Heb. 11.6. Now our works are done in faith, first, when we believe and know they are warranted by the Word, John 3.21. Secondly, when we believe GOD's promises concerning the reward of welldoing, Heb. 11.6. Thirdly, when we fly to Jesus Christ to cover the imperfection of our works from the sight of God, and so in that place, Col. 3.17. and fourthly, when our belief of Gods goodness to us, makes us careful to do all the good we can.
Fourthly, The works wust bee done in the name of Iesus Christ. Wee must relie vpon the merits ⟨p. 502⟩and intercession of Christ Iesus, as that which can cause our works to bee pleasing to God, Col. 3.17. Whatsoeuer it is wee do in word or in deed, all must bee done in the name of Christ, or it is done in vaine. Without faith it is impossible to please God, Heb. 11.6. Now our works are done in faith, first, when we beleeue and know they are warranted by the Word, Iohn 3.21. Secondly, when we beleeue GOD's promises concerning the reward of weldoing, Heb. 11.6. Thirdly, when wee fly to Iesus Christ to couer the imperfection of our workes from the sight of God, and so in that place,
Fifthly, his works must be done with repentance for his sins, and the judging of himself for the evil of his best works: by repentance, I mean not the first work of a sincere turning to God; for that is comprehended in the first rule: but the preservation of himself in his uprightness, and the daily judging of himself for his frailties: for if a godly man after his calling fall into presumptuous sins, his works done all the time he liveth in beloved sins, without the renewing of his repentance, are polluted, Isaiah 1.
Fiftly, his works must be done with repentance for his sinnes, and the iudging of himselfe for the euill of his best works: by repentance, I meane not the first work of a sincere turning to God; for that is comprehended in the first rule: but the preseruation of himselfe in his vprightnes, and the daily iudging of himselfe for his frailties: for if a godly man after his calling fall into presumptuous sins, his workes done all the time hee liueth in beloued sinnes, without the renewing of his repentance, are polluted, Esay 1.
Sixthly, his works must be done willingly, not grudgingly, or of constraint, or only to avoid shame or punishment: God loves a cheerful giver. That alms that is given with an ill will, or forced from men by the laws or otherwise, is not accounted a work of mercy in Gods sight: to do ⟨p. 503⟩mercy, is not enough to make it a good work pleasing to God, but to love mercy, Mich. 6.8. and to come into Gods presence to do his service, is not pleasing, unless we humble our selves to walk with our God.
Sixtly, his works must bee done willingly, not grudgingly, or of constraint, or onely to auoid shame or punishment: God loues a cheerefull giuer. That almes that is giuen with an ill will, or forced from men by the lawes or otherwise, is not accounted a work of mercy in Gods sight: to do ⟨p. 503⟩mercy, is not enough to make it a good work pleasing to God, but to loue mercy, Mich. 6.8. and to come into Gods presence to do his seruice, is not pleasing, vnlesse we humble our selues to walk with our God.
Seventhly, his works must be finished: to intend it, or promise it, or begin it, will not serve turn: as in the case of mercy, to promise to contribute, or to begin for a day or a week, is not sufficient, unless we perform it, 2. Cor. 8. and 9. So it is in repentance: it is then a good work, when it is finished, not when a man hath had some remorse, or uttered a word or two of confession, or prayed for a day or two: but when a man having repented, repents still, till he have soundly humbled himself for his sins,1 and reformed his ways▪ So it is in general in any work God sets us to do, John 4.3, 4.
Seuenthly, his works must bee finished: to intend it, or promise it, or begin it, will not serue turne: as in the case of mercy, to promise to contribute, or to begin for a day or a weeke, is not sufficient, vnlesse wee performe it, 2. Cor. 8. and 9. So it is in repentance: it is then a good work, when it is finished, not when a man hath had some remorse, or vttred a word or two of confession, or praied for a day or two: but when a man hauing repented, repents still, till he haue soundly humbled himself for his sins,1 and reformed his waies▪ So it is in generall in any work God settes vs to do, Iohn 4.3, 4.
Eighthly, his works must be his own fruit, such as belong to him in his place and calling. As in the calling of the Ministry, his good work is, to preach the Gospel with all frequency, and diligence and power, &c. So in the Magistrate, to do the works of justice: so in other callings, every man must look to the duties of his own place: and so it is in our general callings; as Christians, we must do those which are meet for repentance, which not only concern a penitent life, but such as have a due respect unto the performing things we are called to in our repentance, Luke 4.44. Acts 26.20. Every tree must not only bear fruit, but his own fruit, proper to his kind: as the proper fruit of rich ⟨p. 504⟩men, is mercy, and if they had never so many praises otherwise, that they were courteous, wise, just, chaste, &c. yet if they be not merciful, their works are not good works.
Eightly, his works must bee his owne fruit, such as belong to him in his place and calling. As in the calling of the Ministry, his good work is, to preach the Gospell with all frequency, and diligence and power, &c. So in the Magistrate, to do the works of iustice: so in other callings, euery man must look to the duties of his owne place: and so it is in our generall callings; as Christians, we must doe those which are meet for repentance, which not onely concerne a penitent life, but such as haue a due respect vnto the performing things wee are called to in our repentance, Luke 4.44. Acts 26.20. Euery tree must not onely beare fruit, but his own fruit, proper to his kind: as the proper fruit of rich ⟨p. 504⟩men, is mercy, and if they had neuer so many praises otherwise, that they were courteous, wise, iust, chaste, &c. yet if they be not mercifull, their works are not good works.
Ninthly, his works must be full before God. It was an objection against the Church of Sardis, that her works were not perfect or full before God; and therefore she is threatened, if she repent not, to feel the heavy hand of God, Revel. 3.1.2. Now, as I conceive, a mans works are not full, when he is not careful of every good work, which he knows concerns him; as for instance: If a man pray, and yet be not careful of hearing the Word, his prayers are abomination to God, because his works are not full: there be some duties which he makes no conscience to obey in, though he know they be required: he turneth away his ears from hearing the law, his prayers are abominable, Pro. 28.9. If a man would be never so careful about Gods service, and yet make not conscience of the works of mercy required of him, his sacrifice is not accepted, Hosea. 6.6, 7, &c. Thus the long prayers of the Pharisees will not be regarded, if they devour widows houses, Matthew. 23. and so on the other side, if a man were never so merciful a man, if he were not also a religious man in the things of Gods service, his works would not abide trial before God: they were not good, because they were not full. And for this reason the works of civil-honest men are not good: such were Paul's works, Phil. 3.6. which he accounts but dross and dung in comparison,1 verse. 8. of such as these.
Ninthly, his works must be full before God. It was an obiection against the Church of Sardis, that her works were not perfect or full before God; and therefore she is threatned, if she repent not, to feele the heauy hand of God, Reuel. 3.1.2. Now, as I conceiue, a mans works are not full, when he is not carefull of euery good work, which he knowes concernes him; as for instance: If a man pray, and yet bee not carefull of hearing the Word, his prayers are abomination to God, because his works are not full: there bee some duties which he makes no conscience to obey in, though hee know they bee required: hee turneth away his eares from hearing the law, his praiers are abominable,
Thus of the rules of good works: the kinds follow:
Thus of the rules of good works: the kindes follow:
The vulgar commonly when they hear of good works, think of nothing but alms and hospitality, or other, courses of showing mercy. Now, though it be true, that works of mercy are good works, yet they are but one sort of good works, whereas the Christian is bound to be ready to every good work, 1 Tim. 3.17. and therefore it will be profitable to inform our selves of the many ways by which we may do good works: for, thereby such Christians as are not able to give alms, may see a way how to enrich themselves in well-doing other ways. These then are the sorts of good works:
The vulgar commonly when they hear of good works, think of nothing but almes and hospitality, or other, courses of shewing mercy. Now, though it be true, that works of mercy are good works, yet they are but one sort of good works, whereas the Christian is bound to bee ready to euery good work, 1 Tim. 3.17. and therefore it will bee profitable to informe our selues of the many waies by which we may doe good works: for, thereby such Christians as are not able to giue almes, may see a way how to inrich themselues in wel-doing other waies. These then are the sorts of good works:
First,1 to believe, is a good work, yea it is instead of many good works, yea in some sense it is to us instead of the works of the whole Law; as it is a means to lay hold on all the good works that ever Christ Jesus did. To put on the Lord Jesus, is a good work in a high degree: and so every act of faith in all the passages of a mans life, is a good work: for this is the work of God, to believe, as our Saviour shows, when he gives that for answer for such as asked what they must do, to do the works of God? Joh. 6.28. Rom. 13, 12, 13.14. This is clearly acknowledged in these other Scriptures, 1. Thes. 1.3. 2. Thes. 1.11.
First,1 to beleeue, is a good work, yea it is instead of many good works, yea in some sence it is to vs instead of the works of the whole Law; as it is a meanes to lay hold on all the good works that euer Christ Iesus did. To put on the Lord Iesus, is a good work in a high degree: and so euery act of faith in all the passages of a mans life, is a good work: for this is the work of God, to belieue, as our Sauiour shewes, when he giues that for answer for such as asked what they must do, to do the workes of God? Ioh. 6.28. Rom. 13, 12, 13.14. This is clearely acknowledged in these other Scriptures, 1. Thes. 1.3. 2. Thes. 1.11.
Secondly, all works of piety are good works; all works of worship, that is, such works by which a man doth service to God, are all in the number of good works: and so, to pray, to fast, to hear the ⟨p. 506⟩Word, to receive the Sacraments, &c. are good works; for, Godliness hath the promises of this life, and of the life to come: and therefore it is profitable to all things, 1. Tim. 4.8. And these works must needs be accounted good works, for they are dear works: the blood of Christ was poured out, that we might be cleansed from dead works, to serve the living God, Heb. 9.14.
Secondly, all works of piety are good works; all works of worship, that is, such works by which a man doth seruice to God, are all in the number of good works: and so, to pray, to fast, to hear the ⟨p. 506⟩Word, to receiue the Sacraments, &c. are good works; for, Godlinesse hath the promises of this life, and of the life to come: and therfore it is profitable to all things, 1. Tim. 4.8. And these workes must needs be accounted good works, for they are dear works: the bloud of Christ was poured out, that wee might bee clensed from dead works, to serue the liuing God, Heb. 9.14.
Thirdly, all works of repentance: all that a Christian doth about his humiliation or reformation, are evangelically good works; as, if he confess his sins, and do execution upon his sins; if he make satisfaction for his trespasses to men; if he reform himself, or his household, or his charge: these and the like are all good works, 2. Chron. 19.3.
Thirdly, all works of repentance: all that a Christian doth about his humiliation or reformation, are euangelically good works; as, if he confesse his sinnes, and doo execution vpon his sinnes; if hee make satisfaction for his trespasses to men; if he reform himself, or his houshold, or his charge: these and the like are all good works, 2. Chron. 19.3.
