A17385:1141
A17385:1141
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.
These words evidently show,
These words evidently shew,
First, that the primitive Church was first taught by tradition, that is, by §1lively voice, not by written Scriptures only: so was Adam: so were the Patriarchs for the first 2000. years, 1 Thes. 2.15.
First, that the primitive Church was first taught by tradition, that is, by §1lively voice, not by written Scriptures onely: so was Adam: so were the Patriarks for the first 2000. yeares, 1 Thes. 2.15.
But might some one say,1 Doth not this wonderfully make for the Papists in their opinion about traditions?
No whit at all: and that this point may be more fully understood,1 I will show out of Scripture that the word Tradition hath been taken three ways: and then declare particularly, that this doctrine can make nothing for the Papists.
No whit at all: and that this point may be more fully understood,1 I will shew out of Scripture that the word Tradition hath been taken three waies: and then declare particularly, that this doctrine can make nothing for the Papists.
1. Sometimes by traditions are meant the inventions or precepts of men, imposed with opinion of holiness and necessity upon the consciences of men, and so it is taken, and taxed, Mat. 15.2, 3, 6. Col. 2.8.
1. Sometimes by traditions are meant the inventions or precepts of men, imposed with opinion of holinesse and necessity upon the consciences of men, and so it is taken, and taxed, Mat. 15.2, 3, 6. Col. 2.8.
2. Sometimes by traditions are meant certain rules prescribed by the Apostles, concerning things indifferent, and their use. Thus the Corinthians ⟨p. 90⟩are praised, because they kept the traditions, as the Apostle delivered them unto them, 1 Cor. 11.2.
2. Sometimes by traditions are meant certaine rules prescribed by the Apostles, concerning things indifferent, and their use. Thus the Corinthians ⟨p. 90⟩are praised, because they kept the traditions, as the Apostle delivered them unto them, 1 Cor. 11.2.
3. Sometimes by traditions are meant certain orders appointed by the Apostles for the prevention of disorder in manners in the Churches of Christians, and thus I take it to be understood, 2 Thes. 3.6. when condemning such as would not work, he saith, they walk disorderly, and not after the traditions which ye received of us. It seems the Apostle had prescribed some courses for preventing of idleness, and such inconveniences.
3. Sometimes by traditions are meant certaine orders appointed by the Apostles for the prevention of disorder in manners in the Churches of Christians, and thus I take it to be understood, 2 Thes. 3.6. when condemning such as would not work, he saith, they walk disorderly, and not after the traditions which ye received of us. It seemes the Apostle had prescribed some courses for preventing of idlenesse, and such inconveniences.
4 Sometimes it is taken for the very word of God delivered by lively voice: so the word was delivered 2000. years before the law.
5. Sometimes it is taken for the word of God, as it was first delivered by the Apostles, while the Scriptures was yet unfinished, whether it were delivered by report, or writings, and so 2 Thes. 2.15. 1 Cor. 11.23. & 15.3.
According to the fourth sense, or this last, it is taken here.
Now this can make nothing for the Papists: for
1. This word of God was afterwards written, and so written, as nothing must be added, Rev. 21.18.
2. The doctrine here reported was delivered by the holy Ghost sent down from heaven, as the coherence shows. Therefore unless they can show the like authority for their traditions, they say nothing.
2. The doctrine here reported was delivered by the holy Ghost sent downe from heaven, as the coherence shews. Therefore unlesse they can shew the like authority for their traditions, they say nothing.
3. Their traditions were of the first sort, and so condemned in Scriptures.
Secondly, we may note, that Christians, when their hearts are turned unto God, do see a wonderful glory in spiritual things. They see that, which the Prophets desired to see, and could not, Mat. 13 16,17. 2 Cor. 3.16, 17, 18. which is one difference between the knowledge of the godly, and the knowledge of the wicked. For wicked men have but a dark glimmering knowledge that tends to baseness and bondage: and this should teach us to pray for the spirit of wisdom, and revelation, to know the riches tha• is in Christ Jesus; being daily careful, that the god of this world do not hide the glorious Gospel of Christ from us.
Secondly, we may note, that Christians, when their hearts are turned unto God, doe see a wonderfull glory in spirituall things. They see that, which the Prophets desired to see, and could not, Mat. 13 16,17. 2 Cor. 3.16, 17, 18. which is one difference betweene the knowledge of the godly, and the knowledge of the wicked. For wicked men have but a dark glimmering knowledge that tends to basenesse and bondage: and this should teach us to pray for the spirit of wisdome, and revelation, to know the riches tha• is in Christ Jesus; being daily carefull, that the god of this world doe not hide the glorious Gospell of Christ from us.