A17385:1113
A17385:1113
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.
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.
4. The Lord doth still assist his servants in speaking and hearing, and teaching to profit: we have more than we bring into the pulpit, and th• Lord still opens mans understanding, and is with our mouths to give us a doors of utterance, Eph. 1.18. Col. 4.3.2 Cor. 3.5,6.
4. The Lord doth still assist his servants in speaking and hearing, and teaching to profit: we have more than we bring into the pulpit, and th• Lord still opens mans understanding, and is with our mouthes to give us a doors of utterance, Eph. 1.18. Col. 4.3.2 Cor. 3.5,6.
5. The Spirit of Christ doth reveal now also, both daily the things given us of God, 1 John 5.10. 2 Cor. 2.10. and at some times the particular pleasure of God in some special cases.
5. The Spirit of Christ doth reveale now also, both daily the things given us of God, 1 Iohn 5.10. 2 Cor. 2.10. and at some times the particular pleasure of God in some speciall cases.
6. We are nearer unto, and wait for the revelation of Christ, and the sons of God from h•aven, of which theirs was but a glimpse, and in this we shall in the day of Ch••st have as full a measure as they. Their revelations were but a drops to this sea. Rom. 8.1•,19.2 Thes. 1.7.1 Cor. 1.7.
6. We are neerer unto, and wait for the revelation of Christ, and the sonnes of God from h•aven, of which theirs was but a glimpse, and in this we shall in the day of Ch••st have as full a measure as they. Their revelations were but a drops to this sea. Rom. 8.1•,19.2 Thes. 1.7.1 Cor. 1.7.
So that we are happy six ways in respect of revelation.
So that we are happy sixe waies in respect of revelation.
The Use should be therefore to learn thankfulness and contentation,1 as resting assure•, tha• if we truly fear God, though he make us not Prophets, yet his secrets shall be with them that fear him, and he will answer us when we call, and show us great and hidden things.
The Use should be therefore to learne thankfulnesse and contentation,1 as resting assure•, tha• if wee truely feare God, though hee make us not Prophets, yet his secrets shall be with them that feare him, and he will answer us when we call, and shew us great and hidden things.
Thus of the manner how God did answer them: the matter follows, which concerneth either Persons or things: Persons in these words,
Thus of the manner how God did answer them: the matter followes, which concerneth either Persons or things: Persons in these words,
T•at not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister.
The plain meaning is, that the Lord would have them to know, that they were implied in these prophesies of glory, not that they should thereby reveal any further blessedness unto themselves (for they should die before those days come) but should therein do service unto Churches that should come long after.
The plain meaning is, that the Lord would have them to know, that they were implyed in these prophesies of glory, not that they should thereby reveale any further blessednesse unto themselves (for they should die before those daies come) but should therein doe service unto Churches that should come long after.
Here are divers things to be noted hence.
That the Lord hath been used to deny the requests,1 or desires of his servants in respect of the circumstances of their suits, such as were time, place, manner, means, measure &c yea, we see, how he denieth his best servants in the letter of his desires: Isaac must not have his will concerning Esau: nor Joseph concerning Manasseh: Moses may see Canaan, but he must not enter in: David must not prosper in his beloved Absalom: the Apostles must not be ⟨p. 88⟩great in an earthly kingdom: nor Paul have his tentation depart just as soon as he prays: Jonah must not be humoured; nor Elijah die when he list: David shall not bring in the Ark at his pleasure: nay Christ himself must not be heard in the very letter of his desires; for the cup did not pass from him. The Use is therefore to commit our ways to God with all patience and humility,2 and never rebel in our hearts, if the Lord cross us, but rather confess our errors, and yield our selves to God, as knowing that all shall work together for the best, &c. and he will so hear and so answer, as may be best for our best good.
That the Lord hath beene used to deny the requests,1 or desires of his serva•ts in respect of the circumstances of their suits, such as were time, place, manner, meanes, measure &c yea, we see, how he denieth his best servants in the letter of his desires: Isaac must not have his will concerning Esau: nor Ioseph concerning Manasses: Moses may see Canaan, but he must not enter in: David must not prosper in his beloved Absolon: the Apostles must not be ⟨p. 88⟩great in an earthly kingdome: nor Paul have his tentation depart just as soon as he prayes: Ionah must not be humored; nor Elias die when he list: David shall not bring in the Arke at his pleasure: nay Christ himselfe must not be heard in the very letter of his desires; for the cup did not passe from him. The Use is therefore to commit our waies to God with all patience and humility,2