A17384:3464
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.
Doct. 4. It is evident from hence, that God is a Judge:1 and this point is both terrible to the wicked, and comfortable to the godly. It is terrible to the wicked many ways: First, because he is Judge of all the world; all must be judged by him, Gen. 18.25. Heb. 12.23. 1. Sam. 2.10. He is not a Judge of some one circuit, as Judges amongst men are. Secondly, because he is a Judge that needs no evidence be brought-in: for, he knows all causes, and is witness himself, Jer. 29.23. and so Judges among men are not. Thirdly, because he judgeth for all offences: he tries the hearts and the reins, as well as the words and works of men, Psalm 7.9, 11. Earthly Judges try malefactors but in one or ⟨p. 827⟩some few cases. Fourthly, because he hath Armies of Executioners: he can call to the heavens, or speak to the earth, and have hosts of servants to do his will, and execute his judgements, Daniel 7.9, 10. Psalm 50.4, 22. so as none can deliver out of his hands. Fifthly, because he is Judge himself, Psa. 50.6. and 75.8. He doth not do justice by Deputies, but will hear all cases himself. Sixthly, because his judgement is the last and highest judgement; and therefore there lieth no appeal from it. Seventhly, because he can bring men to judgement without any warning: he standeth before the door, and often seizeth upon the offender, without serving any Writ, or giving him any summons, James 5.9. And therefore wicked men do very foolishly, that ruffle here in the world, and lift up their horns so high, and speak with such a stiff neck, and walk on in their sins and injuries so securely,