A17385:1390
A17385:1390
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. That Christ is never revealed in us till the time the grace of the sanctifying Spirit be wrought in us, and the riches of Gods graces in his promises be declared to us. For there is a double grace in the revelation of Christ. 1 The declaration of Gods grace in his promises. 2. The possession of the graces of his holy Spirit.
3. That were not, this grace is brought unto us, offered and urged upon us, we would live and die without it.
3. That were not, this grace is brought unto us, offred and urged upon us, we would live and die without it.
4. That when we know our interest in Gods favour, and that we have received the true grace of Christ, we should trust perfectly in it, and that i• all the four senses before opened.
4. That when we know our interest in Gods favour, and that wee have received the true grace of Christ, we should trust perfectly in it, and that i• all the foure senses before opened.
But I take it in the sense as it is rendered by the Kings Translators, and so understand it of the glory of heaven, which is to be considered both in the nature of it, it is called grace; and the time of manifestation, not on••y in general, that is to be brought unto us: but in special, at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
But I take it in the sense as it is rendred by the Kings Translators, and so understand it of the glory of heaven, which is to be considered both in the nature of it, it is called grace; and the time of manifestati•n, not on••y in generall, that is to be brought unto us: but in speciall, at the revelation of Iesus Christ.
1Grace.] The glory of heaven is called grace in three respects. 1. Because it is given freely without our deserts, as the Scriptures prove, Eph. 2.5.8. Tit. 2.11. Rom. 4.16. & 5.21. 2. Because it is assured unto us by grace: as the body of Christ is called bread, because it is signified by it; so our hope and everlasting consolation is assured by grace, 2 Thes. 2.16. 3. Because grace and holiness is the greatest part of the kingdom of heaven. For righteousness is the main thing wherein the kingdom of God consists: as the image of God in the creation was Adams greatest happiness, not Paradise only, see Psal. 17. ult. Rom. 14.17.1 P•t. 3.7. & 5.10.
1Grace.] The glory of heaven is called grace in three respects. 1. Because it is given freely without our deserts, as the Scriptures prove, Eph. 2.5.8. Tit. 2.11. Rom. 4.16. & 5.21. 2. Because it is assured unto us by grace: as the body of Christ is called bread, because it is signified by it; so our hope and everlasting consolation is assured by grace, 2 Thes. 2.16. 3. Because grace and holinesse is the greatest part of the kingdome of heaven. For righteousnesse is the maine thing wherein the kingdome of God consists: as the image of God in the creation was Adams greatest happinesse, not Paradice onely, see
1The Uses are,
1. We should therefore disclaim al• conceit of our own merits, and use our hearts to it affectionately, to profess that we are all that we are only by the grace of God, 1 Cor. 15.10.
1. We should therefore disclaime al• conceit of our owne me•its, and use our hearts to it affectionately, to professe that we are all that we are onely by the grace of God, 1 Cor. 15.10.
2. It should inflame our thankfulness: we should never be without this sacrifice, considering we have so great inheritance by the mere grace of God in Christ. It is worth the noting, that the same word for thankfulness doth signify grace in the original.
2. It should inflame our thankfulnesse: we sh•uld never be without this sacrifice, considering we have so great inheritance by the meere grace of God in Christ. It is worth the noting, that the same word for thankfuln•sse doth signifie grace in the originall.
3. We should have our conversation according to the grace of God, 2 Cor. 1. 12. seeing grace is that which will live by us for ever, we should be taken up with a perpetual care of getting and increasing of it.
3. We should have our conversation according to the grace of God, 2 Cor. 1. 12. seei•g grace is that which will live by us for ever, we should be taken up with a perpetuall care of getting and increasing of it.
4. Seeing God doth all for us freely, w• should be importunate in prayer that he would make us worthy of the […] him to fulfil all the goo• pleasure of his own goodness, especially the work• of our faith with power, that h•• name and grace may be glorified in u•, 2 The•. •.11, 12.
4. Seeing God doth all for us freely, w• should be importunate in prayer that he would make us worthy of the 〈…〉 him to fulfill all the goo• pleasure of his own goodnesse, especially the work• of our faith with power, that h•• name and grace may be glorified in u•, 2 The•. •.11, 12.
1. Though they deserve it not. 2. In gr•at abundance. 3. In matters of holiness as much as any other way, it being the best means to show mercy to the souls of men. 4. To bring it to them, not tarry till it be sought of us. 5. In the most seasonable time: God doth not give heaven, or his blessings all at once, as men do their works of mercy all at one time of the year. 6. With constancy: God will never leave till they be in heaven. 7. With faith and faithfulness: so as promised mercy may be trusted ⟨p. 111⟩on without fail; God never disappoints after he hath promised, we may trust perfectly on it.
1. Though they deserve it not. 2. In gr•at abun•ance. 3. In matters of holinesse as much as any other way, it being the best meanes to shew mercy to the soules of men. 4. To bring it to them, not tarry till it be sought of us. 5. In the most seasonable time: God doth not give heaven, or his blessi•gs all at once, as men doe their workes of mercy all at one time of the yeere. 6. With constancie: God will never leave till they be in heaven. 7. With faith and faithfulnesse: so as promised mercy may be trusted ⟨p. 111⟩on without faile; God never disappoints after he hath promised, wee may trust perfectly on it.
Which is to be brought unto you.
Which is to be broug•t unto you.
From the manner of the propounding of the words divers things may be noted.
1. That the Christians happiness in hope is better than the carnal mans felicity present: They must trust upon the grace to be brought; yea so a• they trust not in any thing el•e. For they are sure to have their happiness, and to enjoy it when they have it: so are not carnal men of any thing they hold, as we may see by experience. Is it not better for a poor man to have the hope of heaven when h• dies, then to be as some great men have been, which are now confounded and mined?
1. That the Christians happinesse in hope is better than the carnall mans felicity present: They must trust upon the grace to be brought; yea so a• they trust not in any thing el•e. For they are sure to have their happinesse, and to enjoy it when they have it: so are not carnall men of any thing they hold, as we may see by experience. Is it not better for a poore man to have the hope of heaven when h• dies, then to be as some great men have been, which are now co•founded and mined?
2. God hath thought it meet to defer the glory of heaven: it is to be brought, it is not brought already.
2. God hath thought it meet to deferre the glory of heaven: it is to be brought, it is not brought already.