A17385:1101
A17385:1101
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.
There is an uncreated Revelation which is infinite, and such is that which the Father reveals to the Son from all eternity.
There is an uncreated Revelation which is infinite, and such is that which the Father reveales to the Son from all eternity.
The created Revelation hath three degrees, 1. Imperfect, 2. Perfect, 3. And most perfect. The most perfect revelation is in Christ-man, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The perfect revelation is in Angels, and blessed souls in heaven: the imperfect is in men on earth.
The created Revelation hath three degrees, 1. Imperfect, 2. Perfect, 3. And most perfect. The most perfect revelation is in Christ-man, in whom are all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge. The perfect revelation is in Angels, and blessed soules in heaven: the imperfect is in men on earth.
The revelation vouchsafed to men on earth, is either ineffectual, or effectual.
The revelation vouchsafed to men on earth, is either ineffectuall, or effectuall.
The ineffectual is a revelation not available to salvation, such is that revelation which may befall wicked men. For they may prophesy, as is granted Mat. 7. But I call this revelation ineffectual, because they may be Castaways for all this.
The ineffectuall is a revelation not availeable to salvation, such is that revelation which may befall wicked men. For they may prophesie, as is granted Mat. 7. But I call this revelation ineffectuall, because they may be Castawaies for all this.
But properly, Revelation is the heritage of the Saints. For in them only it is effectual, and thus the Lord doth grant revelation in two degrees: 1. Sometimes it is such an illumination as works a full assurance: sometimes it is an illumination that works only a persuasion. In weak Christians, the work of the spirit of revelation is persuasion, but in strong Christians it is full assurance.
But properly, Revelation is the heritage of the Saints. For in them onely it is effectuall, and thus the Lord doth grant revelation in two degrees: 1. Sometimes it is such an illumination as works a full assurance: sometimes it is an illumination that works onely a perswasion. In weak Christians, the work of the spirit of revelation is perswasion, but in strong Christians it is full assurance.
Unto the revelation of full assurance I refer also these revelations of the Prophets, and I place all under the head of imperfect revelation, because though the things revealed to the Prophets were perfectly revealed, in respect of certainty and evidence, yet it was but a revelation in part, that is of some things only. There were many things known to Christ and the Angels, which the Prophets never knew.
Unto the revelation of full assurance I refer also these revelations of the Prophets, and I place all under the head of imperfect revelation, because though the things revealed to the Prophets were perfectly revealed, in respect of certainty and evidence, yet it was but a revelation in part, that is of some things onely. There were many things knowne to Christ and the Angels, which the Prophets never knew.
There is also difference between Visions and Revelations; Visions are external in some things showed to the sight: Revelations are internal showed only •o the understanding.
There is also difference betweene Visions and Revelations; Visions are external in some things shewed to the sight: Revelations are internall shewed •nely •o the understanding.
1There are two ways by which men come to the understanding of Gods will. The one extraordinary, and that is by revelation; and the other ordinary, viz. by knowledge, attained by labour and industry in the use of means, this the Apostle calls knowledge: now prophecy and doctrine depend upon these two.2 For men did vent, and utter their revelation by prophecy, that is, by foretelling things to come,3 and men do vent their knowledge by doctrine, and teaching others.
1There are two waies by which men come to the understanding of Gods will. The one extraordinary, and that is by revelation; and the other ordinary, viz. by knowledge, attained by labour and industry in the use of meanes, this the Apostle calls knowledge: now prophesie and doctrine depend upon these two.2 For men did vent, and utter their revelation by prophesie, that is, by foretelling things to come,3 and men doe vent their knowledge by doctrine, and teaching others.
Are not we more miserable now then they were in the times of the Prophets, seeing they had revelations, and we have none?
We are not: for these reasons;
1. Because we have the substance of all their revelations. For their most ⟨p. 87⟩glorious revelations were concerning Christ to come, whom we possess, as the riches of the Gentiles, whom they had not in the flesh, but saw him a far off.
1. Because we have the substance of all their revelations. For their most ⟨p. 87⟩glorious revelations were concerning Christ to come, whom we possesse, as the riches of the Gentiles, whom they had not in the flesh, but saw him a farre off.
2. Because the Lord hath now fully revealed his will in the Scriptures of the old and new Testament to be a perfect guide unto eternal life.
2. Because the Lord hath now fully revealed his will in the Scriptures of the old and new Testament to be a perfect guide unto eternall life.
3. Because we have all their revelations that could profit us in any special measure, we have them I say left upon record, & written for our learning.
3. Because we have all their revelations that could profit us in any speciall measure, we have them I say left upon record, & written for our learning.
4. Neither are we altogether without revelations,1 that for the riches of them answer the full value of their revelations. For to omit, that God hath revealed his Son in the flesh in these latter ages of the world, which was a greater show then was ever made in heaven or in earth: to omit this; I say,
4. Neither are wee altogether without revelations,1 that for the riches of them answer the full value of their revelations. For to omit, that God hath revealed his Sonne in the flesh in these latter ages of the world, which was a greater shew then was ever made in heaven or in earth: to omit this; I say,
1. In the doctrine of the Gospel now, there are divers riches, mines,1 and mysteries of knowledge broke open, which were hid since the world begun from ages and generations, Col. 1. 26. Rom. 16.26. and these made known not to Apostles only, but to babes and infants, Mat. 11.25. to abject Gentiles as well as Jews, (Luke 2.32. for revelation of the Gentiles) to young men and maidens, Act. 2.
1. In the doctrine of the Gospell now, there are divers riches, mines,1 and mysteries of knowledge broke open, which were hid since the world begun from ages and generations, Col. 1. 26. Rom. 16.26. and these made knowne not to Apostles onely, but to babes and infants, Mat. 11.25. to abiect Gentiles as well as Jewes, (Luke 2.32. for revelation of the Gentiles) to young men and maidens, Act. 2.