A17385:1060
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.…
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.A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle generall of St. Peter VVherin are most judiciously and profitably handled such points of doctrine as naturally flow from the text. Together with a very usefull 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 alphabeticall table, not formerly published.
London: printed by Miles Flesher and Robert Young, 1637
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.
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.
Three things may be here noted.
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.