A17385:797
A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle general of St.…A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle generall of St.…
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.
For the first: The substance must needs be better than the shadow;1 now gold is used, but to resemble and shadow out the worth of grace. Besides, riches are neither true, nor ours. Not true, for it is manifest, that opinion sets the price upon these outward treasures. Nor are they ours: for they will not go with us. And for the use of these, there is a great disproportion: Grace may bring riches, but riches cannot bring grace, Job 28.16. Prov. 24.4. Riches are but for the use, or ornament of the outward man; but faith and grace make the soul glorious, Psal. 45.10. Riches occasion much sin, Isaiah 2.8.7. 1 Tim. 6.9. but faith purifieth the heart. Riches will not avail in the day of wrath, Prov. 11.4. Ezech. 7.19. & 28.13.19. Zeph. 3.18. but faith will find a propitiation to still Gods displeasure, Rom. 3.25. Faith works a great deal of peace, and inward tranquility; but riches are like thorns, and to have much gold is to have much care, and all will still be vanity and vexation of spirit. And lastly, for the end of these it is apparent, that the end of faith is the salvation of our souls, 1 Pet. 1.9. but a rich man can hardly be saved, and because of riches thousands of men lose their souls.
For the first: The substance must needs be better than the shadow;1 now gold is used, but to resemble and shadow out the worth of grace. Besides, riches are neither true, nor ours. Not true, for it is manifest, that opinion sets the price upon these outward treasures. Nor are they ours: for they will not goe with us. And for the use of these, there is a great disproportion: Grace may bring riches, but riches cannot bring grace,