A17385:774
A17385:774
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.
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.
4. Fourthly, the example of all the worthies of God, as a cloud of witnesses, should persuade us with faith and patience to run the race of godliness set before us: For these all lived by faith, Heb. 12.1. Their afflictions were as great as ours, and they rested upon God and were not disappointed, therefore we should be followers of them, Heb. 6.12.
4. Fourthly, the example of all the worthies of God, as a cloud of witnesses, should perswade us with faith and patience to run the race of godlinesse set before us: For these all lived by faith, Heb. 12.1. Their afflictions were as great as ours, and they rested upon God and were not disappointed, therefore we should be followers of them, Heb. 6.12.
5. Fifthly, the speediness of our help and succour. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry, and therefore the just should live by faith, their tentations shall not last long.
5. Fiftly, the speedinesse of our help and succour. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry, and therefore the just should live by faith, their tentations shall not last long.
6 Sixthly, our own experience: Did we ever lose by resting upon God? Was he not a help in trouble ever ready to be found? Can we say, that we ever believed in God and were ashamed of it afterwards? Or can we tell the time, that by our care we could ever add one cubit to our stature. Matth. 6. Rom. 9.33.
6 Sixtly, our owne experience: Did we ever lose by resting upon God? Was he not a help in trouble ever ready to be found? Can wee say, that wee ever beleeved in God and were ashamed of it afterwards? Or can wee tell the time, that by our care wee could ever adde one cubit to our stature. Matth. 6. Rom. 9.33.