A17385:1401
A17385:1401
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.
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.
I answer:11. That God thereby doth give way unto the kingdom of Christ, for the exercise of it on earth in gathering the Elect, and subduing his enemies, which when it is done he will deliver the Kingdom into his Fathers hands, and th•n God shall be all in all. 2. It is deferred, that so God might make evident proof of the faith and patience of his servants, and to show that they stand by a better grace then they had in their creation. But what should I wade into this point? It is enough for us, that it is the pleasure of Gods will it should be so, and it is equal we should do our work before we receive our wages.
I answer:11. That God thereby doth give way unto the kingdome of Christ, for the exercise of it on earth in gathering the Elect, and subduing his enemies, which when it is done he will deliver the Kingdome into his Fathers hands, and th•n God shall be all in all. 2. It is deferred, that so God might make evident proofe of the faith and patience of his servants, and to shew that they stand by a better grace then they had in their creation. But what should I wade into this point? It is enough for us, that it is the pleasure of Gods will it should be so, and it is equall we should doe our work before we receive our wages.
3. It shows, that the Maker and Builder of that happiness is God, and that our glory is made ready to our hands.
3. It shewes, that the Maker and Builder of that happinesse is God, and that our glory is made ready to our hands.
4. It imports, that as in the state of nature we cared not for grace; so in the state of grace we are not so careful as we should be of going to heaven: wh•n we are justified, and sanctified, we forget heaven: it must be brought unto us, we will scarce go seek it.
4. It imports, that as in the state of nature we cared not for grace; so in the state of grace wee are not so carefull as wee should be of going to heaven: wh•n we are justified, and sanctified, we forget heaven: it must be brought unto us, we will scarce goe seeke it.
5. It shows, •u• security and forgetfulness shall not make the faith of God of none •ffect: it shall certainly be brought unto us.
5. It shews, •u• security and forgetfulnesse shall not make the faith of God of none •ffect: it shall c•rtainly be brought unto us.
6. Lastly, we may here gather one way of comforting our selves against the infirmities that accompany our natures; that when we feel our weaknesses, yet we should be comforted in the hope of the strength we shall have. Art th•u humbled for thy ignorance? why rejoice in the knowledge thou shalt have. And so I say of the untowardness of thy nature to good: think of the time when Christ shall be perfectly formed in thee: think of the grace shall be brought unto thee, if thou be discouraged, and never of […].
6. Lastly, wee may here gather one way of comforting our selves against the infirmitie• that accompany our natures; that when we feele our weaknesses, yet we sh•uld be comforted in the hope of the strength wee shall have. Art th•u humbled for thy ignorance? why rejoyce in the knowledge thou shalt have. And so I say of the untowardnesse of thy nature to good: thinke of the time when Christ shall be perfectly formed in thee: think of the grace shall be brought unto thee, if thou be discouraged, and never of 〈…〉.
•t the revelation of Jesus Christ.
•t the revelation of Iesus Christ.
That i• at the day of judgement.1 The day of judgement shall be a time of wonderful revelation. For then,
That i• at the day of judgement.1 The day of judgement shall be a time of wonderfull revelation. For then,
1. […] glory of his person which he hath received of the Father in heaven sh•ll •e revealed.
1. 〈…〉 glory of his person which he hath received of the Father in heaven sh•ll •e r•vealed.
2. The terror of Christ as a Judge shall then be fully expressed. The world little know• the terror of that day. He came not at the first coming to judg• the world that is yet to be revealed.
2. The terror of Christ as a Judge shall then be fully exprest. The world little know• the terror of that day. Hee came not at the first comming to judg• the world that is yet to be revealed.
3. The g••ry of the body of Christ (the Church) shall then be revealed, when we shall •ee all the societies of all ages together in one army. 2. All the good they have all done shall be fully opened. 3. All the glory of heaven shall then •e e••ated upon them.
3. The g••ry of the body of Christ (the Church) shall then be revealed, when we shall •ee all the societies of all ages together in one armie. 2. All the good they have all done shall be fully opened. 3. All the glory of heaven shall then •e e••ated upon them.