A17384:3130
A commentary
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.
In this verse then, the Apostle entreats of suffering: and we may note four things about suffering. First, what is to be suffered, grief. Secondly, ⟨p. 744⟩how it is to be suffered, viz. wrongfully and with enduring. Thirdly, the cause of suffering it: conscience toward God. Fourthly, the effect, which is praise & acceptation.
In this verse then, the Apostle intreates of suffering: and wee may note foure things about suffering. First, what is to bee suffered, griefe. Secondly, ⟨p. 744⟩how it is to be suffered, viz. wrongfully and with enduring. Thirdly, the cause of suffering it: conscience toward God. Fourthly, the effect, which is praise & acceptation.
Doct. 1. In this world all sorts of men are liable to suffer grief: For though the Apostle in the scope intends to speak of servants suffering grief, yet the Argument with the uses concern all sorts of men: In this world then we must look for grief: and how can it be otherwise, since first there are such mines in our own nature made by sin, and so many abominations round about us to God's dishonour? Secondly, the creatures which we are to use in this world, are empty, and vain: and so occasion much vexation in the users, that are disappointed by them. All is vanity and vexation of spirit, saith the wise man. Thirdly, we are liable to so many crosses and losses; every day hath his grief and his cross, which must be taken up, Mat. 6. ult. Luke 9.14. Fourthly, how can we be long without grief, that live in a world so full of sin, and devils, and devilish men? Fifthly, our own bodies often grieve us, being liable to so many pains and diseases. What should I say? Our own houses are full of causes of grief, if the disorders of masters, husbands, wives, servants, children, be considered of; and therefore we should be weary of the world, and long for heaven: we shall never be long together without grief, till we come thither.