A17385:1261
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.
3. As for the mysteries of the Gospel, it is probable, that the main heads of salvation of the Elect by Christ, they knew it shortly after the creation, else how could they discharge the guardianship of the Elect, if they knew nothing of their salvation? It was their function to minister to them that should be heirs of salvation: and they did often attend upon Christ as the Saviour of the Church, when he appeared: yet the several branches and determinations, and the circumstances of time, and their employments, or the persons in several ages that should be called, (as for example, the calling of the Gentiles) or the like things, that concerned either their ministries, or the mysteries of Christ, they did not know by nature, but by grace of revelation after, Eph. 3.10.
3. As for the mysteries of the Gospell, it is probable, that the maine heads of salvation of the Elect by Christ, they knew it shortly after the creation, else how could they discharge the guardianship of the Elect, if they knew nothing of their salvation? It was their function to minister to them that should be heires of salvation: and they did often attend upon Christ as the Saviour of the Church, when he appeared: yet the severall branches and determinations, and the circumstances of time, and their employments, or the persons in severall ages that should be called, (as for example, the calling of the Gentiles) or the like things, that concerned either their ministeries, or the mysteries of Christ, they did not know by nature, but by grace of revelation after, Eph. 3.10.
4. For the thoughts of men, I must distinguish: some thoughts are so secret and still in the mind, as they make no impression upon the body at all: some thoughts are so boiling and working, that either by gestures, or by the impressions of some affections raised by them, they leave some print upon the body. The first kind God only knows: of the second kind a wise man will know much by guess, much more the Angels of God.