A17385:771
A17385:771
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. First, if he be conscious to himself of any evil that he hath too much favoured, he must speedily repent, and give glory to God, and make his peace with God, Dan. 12.10.
1. First, if he be conscious to himself of any evill that he hath too much favoured, hee must speedily repent, and give glory to God, and make his peace with God, Dan. 12.10.
2. Secondly, he must be sure he hold fast his assurance, so as he call not the love of God into question. For as the Lord will still own his people in all their adversities, saying, they are his people: so must they still stick to this, the Lord is my God. This is to believe, to hold fast this assurance, whatsoever befall us, Zach 13. ult.
2. Secondly, he must be sure he hold fast his assurance, so as he call not the love of God into question. For as the Lord will still owne his people in all their adversities, saying, they are his people: so must they still stick to this, the Lord is my God. This is to beleeve, to hold fast this assurance, whatsoever befall us, Zach 13. ult.
3. Thirdly, he must be sure to lose no ground, either in the affections of godliness, or in the confession or profession of the truth. No affliction must abate his love to godliness, or the Word, or Gods children; nor hinder his free profession of the truth.
3. Thirdly, hee must be sure to lose no ground, either in the affections of godlinesse, or in the confession or profession of the truth. No affliction must abate his love to godlinesse, or the Word, or Gods children; nor hinder his free profession of the truth.
4. Fourthly, he must commit his way to God, and rely himself, and all his actions upon God, putting his trust upon Gods promises and goodness, Psal. 37. Phil. 4.6.
4. Fourthly, hee must commit his way to God, and rely himselfe, and all his a•tions upon God, putting his trust upon Gods promises and goodnesse, Psal. 37. Phil. 4.6.
But especially the praises of faith in affliction will be greatly enlarged, if we can add these things following:
But especially the praises of faith in affliction will be greatly enlarged, if we can adde these things following:
2. If patience may have her perfect work so as we could go through afflictions with that firm unmoveablenesse that we would resist all perturbations, and that in all sorts of trials.
2. If patience may have her perfect worke so as we could goe through afflictions with that firme unmoveablenesse that we would resist all perturbations, and that in all sorts of trials.
3. If we would believe, though God himself did seem to withdraw, or to neglect us. This was the great faith of the woman of Canaan.
3. If we would beleeve, though God himselfe did seeme to withdraw, or to neglect us. This was the great faith of the woman of Canaan.
4. If we can hold out without hasting to use any ill means, or unlawful courses to deliver our selves, Isaiah 28.16.
4. If we can hold out without hasting to use any ill meanes, or unlawfull courses to deliver our selves, Esay 28.16.
5. Fifthly, if we can in affliction be wise to sobriety, resting contented, though God do not discover the reason of his proceedings with us, Rom. 12.3.
5. Fiftly, if wee can in affliction be wise to sobriety, resting contented, though God doe not discover the reason of his proceedings with us, Rom. 12.3.
6. Sixthly, if we can preserve a tender sense of our own vileness, being glad of smaller favours, rejoicing when God is pleased to give us but a little ⟨p. 66⟩help, thankfully acknowledging any degree of succour, not seeking great things for our selves.
6. Sixtly, if wee can preserve a tender sense of our owne vilenesse, being glad of smaller favours, rejoicing when God is pleased to give us but a little ⟨p. 66⟩help, thankfully acknowledging any degree of succour, not seeking great things for our selves.
1But might some one say, What should move us thus in affliction to rely upon God, and to approve our faith in him?
11. First, Gods promise: Heb. 13.4. Psal. 50.15. Job 34.23. Isaiah 30.18, 20. Psal. 94.12, 13, 14. Psal. 97.11. Psal. 125.3. Psal. 126.5, 6. and it is certain, we may trust God upon those promises: For Gods words are pure, and sure words, and have been tried in the fire seven times.
11. First, Gods promise: Heb. 13.4. Psal. 50.15. Iob 34.23. Esay 30.18, 20. Psal. 94.12, 13, 14. Psal. 97.11. Psal. 125.3. Psal. 126.5, 6. and it is certaine, we may trust God upon those promises: For Gods words are pure, and sure words, and have been tryed in the fire seven times.
3. The consideration of Gods unchangeable counsel and decree; we are appointed unto all our afflictions, 1 Thes. 3.2, 3.
3. The consideration of Gods unchangeable counsell and decree; wee are appointed unto all our afflictions, 1 Thes. 3.2, 3.