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A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle general of St.…A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle generall of St.…

Name: A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle general of St.…
Author: Nicholas Byfield

A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle general of St. Peter Wherein are most judiciously and profitably handled such points of doctrine as naturally flow from the text. Together with a very useful application thereof: and many good rules for a godly life. By Nicholas Byfield preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex. To which is now newly added an alphabetical table, not formerly published.

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2. To seek the evidence of it in the word of God.

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3. To seek the signs of it in our own hearts.

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4. To seek a way that leadeth thither in our practice and conversation.

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Now whereas it is said, the Prophets searched and inquired diligently, that should also fire us, and still stir us up not only to study and inquire, but to do it diligently also. Now to inquire and search about salvation diligently imports five things.

Now whereas it is said, the Prophets searched and inquired diligently, that should also fire us, and still stir us up not onely to study and inquire, but to doe it diligently also. Now to inquire and search about salvation diligently imports five things.

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1. First, that we should refuse no pains, or labour, or care to attain it.

1. First, that we should refuse no paines, or labour, or care to attaine it.

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2. Secondly, that we should do it daily and constantly. He that is in a journey doth not think it enough to ask his way the first day. Oh Lord, ⟨p. 82⟩how are we guilty in thy sight, that inquire so seldom for the way to heaven!

2. Secondly, that we should doe it daily and constantly. Hee that is in a journey doth not thinke it enough to aske his way the first day. Oh Lord, ⟨p. 82⟩how are wee guilty in thy sight, that inquire so seldome for the way to heaven!

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3. Thirdly, that we should practice the directions which are given us out of the word: Else to inquire a way of God, and not to follow it, is greatly to provoke God, Ezek. 14.3,4. Jer. 42.2,3. &c.

3. Thirdly, that we should practice the directions which are given us out of the wnrd: Else to inquire a way of God, and not to follow it, is greatly to provoke God, Ezek. 14.3,4. Ier. 42.2,3. &c.

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4. Fourthly, that we should seek affectionately, as David saith, with our whole hearts, Psal. 119.2. as they did, that asked their way, and went weeping as they went with their faces thitherward, Jer. 50.4,5.

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5. Lastly, that we should seek help from all the ordinances of God, labouring to further our salvation by all means both public and private.

5. Lastly, that we should seek help from all the ordinances of God, labouring to further our salvation by all meanes both publike and private.

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Thus of the second part. The third is the subject matter, which in general is salvation, and in particular the time, and manner of the time.

Thus of the second part. The third is the subject matter, which in generall is salvation, and in particular the time, and manner of the time.

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Of which salvation.]

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By salvation may be meant all that, which befalleth Christians after the time of their calling. For as true grace is the beginning of it, and perfect glory the full consummation of it; so all the means that work either, are comprehended under this name: yea the very sufferings of the godly are a part of their salvation, because they work unto them an eternal weight of glory: yea so should all the godly be disposed, as they should make salvation the end of all their actions; we should do nothing, which should not some way tend to further our salvation.

By salvation may be meant all that, which befalleth Christians after the time of their calling. For as true grace is the beginning of it, and perfect glory the full consummation of it; so all the meanes that work either, are comprehended under this name: yea the very sufferings of the godly are a part of their salvation, because they worke unto them an eternall weight of glory: yea so should all the godly be disposed, as they should make salvation the end of all their actions; we should doe nothing, which should not some way tend to further our salvation.

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Three things may be here noted.

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First, that the doctrine of salvation of Gods people is a subject able to fill the contemplation of the divinest and wisest men: The Prophets have a subject able to fill them; yea more than they are able to conceive of to the full: which may serve for two uses: First, for humiliation, that we should be so barren-hearted, and able to conceive so little of so divine a subject, seeing the Prophets are so taken up with continual study and care about it. Secondly, for singular consolation to the godly. For by this it appeareth, that they have an admirable portion, in that such worthy men so much admire it.

First, that the doctrine of salvation of Gods people is a subject able to fill the contemplation of the divinest and wisest men: The Prophets have a subject able to fill them; yea more than they are able to conceive of to the full: which may serve for two uses: First, for humiliation, that we should be so barren-hearted, and able to conceive so little of so divine a subject, seeing the Prophets are so taken up with continuall study and care about it. Secondly, for singular consolation to the godly. For by this it appeareth, that they have an admirable portion, in that such worthy men so much admire it.

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Secondly, that as any have more grace, so they are more heartily affected with the estimation and desire after the salvation of Gods elect. The Prophets foresaw the rising of many great Kings and Monarchs, that should afterwards in several successions enjoy a marvellous glory in this world; yet they leave looking and wondering at them, and are now taken up with the consideration of the glory of the abject Gentiles, as finding more perfection in their calling into the kingdom of Christ, then they could behold in the greatest Princes of the earth. Certainly so long as we can admire any thing more than the grace of God to his people, our hearts are void of grace.

Secondly, that as any have more grace, so they are more heartily affected with the estimation and desire after the salvation of Gods elect. The Prophets foresaw the rising of many great Kings and Monarchs, that should afterwards in severall successions enjoy a marvellous glory in this world; yet they leave looking and wondring at them, and are now taken up with the consideration of the glory of the abiect Gentiles, as finding more perfection in their calling into the kingdome of Christ, then they could behold in the greatest Princes of the earth. Certain'y so long as we can admire any thing more than the grace of God to his people, our hearts are void of grace.

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Thirdly, that when we go about any thing that concerns salvation, especially our own salvation, we should here learn of the Prophets to do it with all diligence.

Thirdly, that when we goe about any thing that concerns salvation, especially our own salvation, we should here learn of the Prophets to doe it with all diligence.

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