A17385:778
A17385:778
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.
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.
7 Seventhly, the recompense of reward proposed to them that will glorify God by believing in him: He will be made marvellous in them that believe. 2 Thess. 1.11. A crown of life is prepared for them, that by faith and patience prove their love to God, in enduring tentations. Jam. 1.12.
7 Seventhly, the recompence of reward proposed to them that will glorifie God by beleeving in him: He will be made marvellous in them that beleeve. 2 Thess. 1.11. A crowne of life is prepared for them, that by faith and patience prove their love to God, in enduring tentations. Iam. 1.12.
Lastly, in that the Lord stands so much upon faith in the time of trial, it may serve for singular comfort unto us, if the Lord be pleased so to lead us through afflictions, that our faith hath proved unmoveable unto the end. This is in a manner all that God would have of us: certainly he is happy, in whom Christ may find faith, when he comes to try him in the furnace of tribulation.
Lastly, in that the Lord stands so much upon faith in the time of tryall, it may serve for singular comfort unto us, if the Lord be pleased so to leade us through afflictions, that our faith hath proved unmoveable unto the end. This is in a manner all that God would have of us: certainly he is happy, in whom Christ may finde faith, when he comes to try him in the furnace of tribulation.
Thus of the effect of tentations, as is briefly propounded in these first words of the Verse: Now follows the amplification of it, and that first by comparison with gold.
Thus of the effect of tentations, as is briefly propounded in these first words of the Verse: Now followes the amplification of it, and that first by comparison with gold.
More precious than gold.]