A17385:831
A17385:831
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.
1But shall Christians have no glory till that day?
1Yes: For first there is a natural glory stamped upon their very persons, Col. 2. ult. Secondly, they are already vessels of glory in Gods decree, Rom. 9. Thirdly, true honour is restored them in the kingdom of gra•e: for God acknowledgeth them: so do the Angels of God, and they have honourable privileges, and such graces as will bring to glory. And lastly, God many times doth honour them with special Honour before men, Hest. 8.16. Psal. 64. 3. to the end. Act. 28.10.
1Yes: For first there is a naturall glory stamped upon their very persons, Col. 2. ult. Secondly, they are already vessels of glory in Gods decree, Rom. 9. Thirdly, true honor is restored them in the kingdome of gra•e: for God acknowledgeth them: so doe the Angels of God, and they have honorable priviledges, and such graces as will bring to glory. And lastly, God many times doth honor them with speciall Honor before men, Hest. 8.16. Psal. 64. 3. to the end. Act. 28.10.
The Uses follow.
1And first, the consideration of this great praise, and honour, and glory in the revelation of Christ, should serve for instruction in divers respects: For it should quicken us to faith and good works, seeing our labour shall not be in vain, 1 Cor. 15. ult. Men will say in that day, Oh blessed was he, or she, that believed. It may also persuade us to cheerfulness and patience under afflictions and the scorns of the world: we shall then have praise enough, what need we care for a little disgrace in the mean time? and shall we ever be ashamed of Christ and his truth, that will thus honour us at the last day? Finally, we may here learn of Christ how to esteem of tried Christians, we should learn of him to praise them and honour them.
1And first, the consideration of this great praise, and honor, and glory in the revelation of Christ, should serve for instruction in divers respects: For it should quicken us to faith and good works, seeing our labour shall not be in vaine, 1 Cor. 15. ult. Men will say in that day, Oh blessed was he, or she, that beleeved. It may also perswade us to cheerfulnesse and patience under afflictions and the scornes of the world: we shall then have praise enough, what need we care for a little disgrace in the meane time? and shall we ever be ashamed of Christ and his truth, that will thus honor us at the last day? Finally, we may here learne of Christ how to esteem of tryed Christians, we should learn of him to praise them and honor them.
Secondly, this doctrine should wonderfully comfort Gods servants. How should they exult in the glory and honour they hope for? They shall then have so much honour, as the Kings of the earth would be glad to bring their honour in exchange for it. Think of it: If it were such a great glory to be honoured by earthly Kings, as it was done to Joseph and Mordecai; what is it to be such whom God will honour? God gives more honour then Kings have, and therefore much more then they give: & Christians shall have this honour, not in the sight of a few men, but before all Nations of men & Angels: & this honour shall not be for a small while, but for ever. For the King of heavens mind will not change, nor shall the Elect die and lose their honour, or live and stain it. Besides, God will give fullness of gifts and grace to use this honour, which earthly Princes cannot give, and this honour shall be held without envy or opposition, and they shall have eternal possessions answerable to their Honour.
Secondly, this doctrine should wonderfully comfort Gods servants. How should they exult in the glory and honor they hope for? They shall then have so much honor, as the Kings of the earth would be glad to bring their honour in exchange for it. Think of it: If it were such a great glory to be honoured by earthly Kings, as it was done to Ioseph and Mordecai; what is it to be such whom God will honour? God gives more honour then Kings have, and therefore much more then they give: & Christians shall have this honour, not in the sight of a few men, but before all Nations of men & Angels: & this honour shall not be for a small while, but for ever. For the King of heavens mind will not change, nor shall the Elect die and lose their honor, or live and staine it. Besides, God will give fulnesse of gifts and grace to use this honor, which earthly Princes cannot give, and this honor shall be held without envy or opposition, and they shall have eternall possessions answerable to their Honor.
And thus of the 7. verse, and so of the fourth reason to confute the first objection.
This verse and the next contains an answer to a second objection, which might be made thus: Might some one say, I know not whether the former comforts belong unto me: I know not whether I be borne again, &c.
THis verse and the next containes an answer to a second objection, which might be made thus: Might some one say, I know not whether the former comforts belong unto me: I know not whether I be borne againe, &c.
To this the Apostle answers by giving two signs, by which men might try themselves. 1. The first is the love of Christ. 2. The second, the joys of the holy Ghost. Concerning which, the meaning is, that whosoever loves Christ, whom he hath not seen, and hath felt those unspeakable and glorious joys of the holy Ghost, he is undoubtedly borne again: But ⟨p. 71⟩such are you; therefore you need not doubt your estate.
To this the Apostle answers by giving two signes, by which men might try themselves. 1. The first is the love of Christ. 2. The second, the joyes of the holy Ghost. Concerning which, the meaning is, that whosoever loves Christ, whom he hath not seene, and hath felt those unspeakable and glorious joyes of the holy Ghost, hee is undoubtedly borne againe: But ⟨p. 71⟩such are you; therefore you need not doubt your estate.
In general we may then note,
In generall we may then note,
1. First, that there are certain and infallible signs of a child of God: there §1is such a way of trial by signs.
1. First, that there are certain and infallible signs of a child of God: there §1is such a way of tryall by signes.
2. Secondly, that the trial of our estate by effects wrought in us, is a safe and profitable way.
2. Secondly, that the triall of our estate by effects wrought in us, is a safe and profitable way.
3. Thirdly, that though we see not all the signs, yet if we discern any in sincerity, they are infallible, therefore the Apostle here propounds two of many.
3. Thirdly, that though we see not all the signes, yet if we discerne any in sincerity, they are infallible, therefore the Apostle here propounds two of many.
Whom having not seen ye love.
Whom having not seene ye love.
Two things may here be observed: the one expressed, the other implied.
Two things may here be observed: the one exprest, the other implied.
The doctrine expressed is, that the unfeigned love of Jesus Christ is in every one that is borne of God; and where it is, it is an infallible sign. He that loves Christ, it is certain, that both God the Father, and Christ love him, Joh. 14. 21. Eph. 6.23. and contrariwise, 1 Cor. 16.22.
The doctrine exprest is, that the unfained love of Jesus Christ is in every one that is borne of God; and where it is, it is an infallible signe. He that loves Christ, it is certaine, that both God the Father, and Christ love him, Ioh. 14. 21. Eph. 6.23. and contrariwise, 1 Cor. 16.22.