A17385:425
A17385:425
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.
Grace and Peace are the two principal things to be sought, and wished in this world, when Christ comes to enrich the world, he comes with grace and truth, John 1. he cannot be miserable, that hath th•se two, nor happy, that wants them altogether. Which may be a singular comfort to a Christian: in grace and peace is his portion, and he may go boldly to the throne of God in the intercession of Christ to beg either of these in his need, Heb. 4. ult. God may deny him other things, but he will never deny him grace & peace.
Grace and Peace are the two principall things to be sought, and wished in this world, when Christ comes to inrich the world, hee comes with grace and truth, Iohn 1. he cannot be miserable, that hath th•se two, nor happy, that wants them altogether. Which may be a singular comfort to a Christian: in grace and peace is his portion, and he may goe boldly to the throne of God in the intercession of Christ to beg either of these in his need, Heb. 4. ult. God may deny him other things, but he will never deny him grace & peace.
And therefore also Christians should joy in the grace of God, wherein they stand, Rom. 5.3. and be resolved in themselves, that the grace of God is sufficient for them, 2 Cor. 12.9. Especially they should praise and esteem and glorify the grace of God: It is all God asks for as it were at our hands, even to honour him, by praising his grace and free love to us, Ephes. 1.6.
And therefore also Christians should joy in the grace of God, wherein they stand, Rom. 5.3. and be resolved in themselves, that the grace of God is sufficient for them, 2 Cor. 12.9. Especially they should praise and esteeme and glorifie the grace of God: It is all God askes for as it were at our hands, even to honour him, by praising his grace and free love to us, Ephes. 1.6.
Woe unto wicked men, that neglect the grace of God, what shall it profit them to gain the world (which yet they do not) and want grace and peace: but especially why do they not let Christians alone with their portion? why do they trouble them in their peace, and despite them for their grace? can they not follow their pleasures, lusts, profits, honours, &c. and let Christians live quietly by them, who desire but liberty to enjoy grace with peace?
Woe unto wicked men, that neglect the grace of God, what shall it profit them to gaine the world (which yet they doe not) and want grace and peace: but especially why doe they not let Christians alone with their portion? why doe they trouble them in their peace, and despight them for their grace? can they not follow their pleasures, lusts, profits, honors, &c. and let Christians live quietly by thē, who desire but liberty to enjoy grace with peace?
There is something also to be noted from the order of placing: grace must be had before peace, there can be no peace to the wicked, and he is undoubtedly wicked, that hath not the grace of God.
There is something also to be noted from the order of placing: grace must bee had before peace, there can bee no peace to the wicked, and hee is undoubtedly wicked, that hath not the grace of God.
Be multiplied.]
Grace and Peace is multiplied. 1. First when the number of gracious persons is increased: This is to be sought, and prayed for. 2. When the kinds of grace and peace are all had: For there is the manifold grace of God. 3. Thirdly, when the measures and degrees are augmented.
Grace and Peace is multiplyed. 1. First when the number of gracious persons is increased: This is to be sought, and prayed for. 2. When the kindes of grace and peace are all had: For there is the manifold grace of God. 3. Thirdly, when the measures and degrees are augmented.
1The Husbandman would fain have his seed increase, and the tradesman his trade: so would the ambitious man his honours, and preferments, &c. Even so should the Christian be ambitious, and covetous in his desires, that his grace and peace might increase.
1The Husbandman would faine have his seed increase, and the tradesman his trade: so would the ambitious man his honors, and preferments, &c. Even so should the Christian be ambitious, and covetous in his desires, that his grace and peace might increase.
Quest. What should we do, that grace and peace might be multiplied?
Quest. What should we doe, that grace and peace might be multiplied?
1Answ. 1. Be sure it be true grace, else it will never increase.
2. Thou must increase in meekness, and humility: For God will give more grace to the humble, Jam. 4.8. and the meek shall have abundance of peace, Psal. 37.6.11.
2. Thou must increase in •eeknesse, and humility: For God will give more grace to the humble, Iam. 4.8. and the meeke shall have abundance of peace, Psal. 37.6.11.
3. If thou wouldest have thy grace and peace increase, thou must be constant much in the use of all the ordinances of God, which are the means of grace and peace: As thou measurest to God in the means, so will God measure to thee in the success: thou must be much in hearing. For grace is in the lips of Christ, Psal. 45.3. and much peace shall be to them, that love Gods laws, Psal. 119. and thou must go often unto God by prayer, who gives grace and glory, and will withhold no good thing, Psal. 84.12. 2 Thess. 1.11, 12. Run by faith to Christ, who is the Prince of peace, Isaiah 9.6. and stir up the grace of God, that is in thee. For thou hast not received the spirit of fear, but of power. 2 Tim. 1.7.
3. If thou wouldest have thy grace and peace increase, thou must be constant much in the use of all the ordinances of God, which are the meanes of grace and peace: As thou measurest to God in the meanes, so will God measure to thee in the successe: thou must be much in hearing. For grace is in the lips of Christ, Psal. 45.3. and much peace shall be to them, that love Gods lawes, Psal. 119. and thou must goe often unto God by prayer, who gives grace and glory, and will withhold no good thing, Psal. 84.12. 2 Thess. 1.11, 12. Runne by faith to Christ, who is the Prince of peace, Esay 9.6. and stirre up the grace of God, that is in thee. For thou hast not received the spirit of feare, but of power. 2 Tim. 1.7.
4. Thou must not perplex thy heart with the cares of this life: but in all things go to God by prayer, and cast all thy care upon him: so shalt thou have peace, that passeth all understanding to keep thy heart and mind: Phil. 4. 6, 7.
4. Thou must not perplex thy heart with the cares of this life: but in all things goe to God by prayer, and cast all thy care upon him: so shalt thou have peace, that passeth all understanding to keep thy heart and minde: Phil. 4. 6, 7.
Thou must make much of the beginnings of desires, joy, liking, and care of the means of godliness, and not let them go out, so as thou shouldest fails of the grace of God, or receive those graces in vain.
Thou must make much of the beginnings of desires, joy, liking, and care of the meanes of godlinesse, and not let them goe out, so as thou shouldest fails of the grace of God, or receive those graces in vaine.
6. Thou must be resolved upon it to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live righteously, and religiously, and soberly in this present world: else thou c••st never meet with true peace further then thou art good and true in thy heart; and as thou increasest in the care of reformation in thy life, so shalt thou increase in every good and perfect •ift, till thou come to a ripe age in Jesus Christ, Tit. 2.12. Isaiah 32.16. Psal. 125. ult.
6. Thou must be resolved upon it to deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts, and to live righteously, and religiously, and soberly in this present world: else thou c••st never meete with true peace further then thou art good and true in thy heart; and as thou increasest in the care of reformation in thy life, so shalt thou increase in every good and perfect •ift, till thou come to a ripe age in Iesus Christ, Tit. 2.12. Esay 32.16. Psal. 125. ult.
This likewise may be comfortable to a poor Christian, and that two ways.
This likewise may bee comfortable to a poore Christian, and that two wayes.
1. First, If he consider, that grace is not given all at once, but by degrees, and therefore he must not be discouraged, though he have many wants.
1. First, If he consider, that grace is not given all at once, but by degrees, and therefore hee must not bee discouraged, though hee have many wants.