A17385:867
A17385:867
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.
11. To pray for it to God.
2. To acquaint our selves with the word of Christ. For that sets out his praises, his love to us, and the singular blessings he hath purchased for us.
3. To converse with Christians that do tenderly love Christ, and abound in holy affections. Those daughters of Jerusalem, that wondered why the Church should make such ado about Christ, when they had conversed with her a while, and heard her speak with such affection and admiration, they are turned, and will now go seek Christ as well as she, Cant. 5.9. to the end, and 6.1.
3. To converse with Christians that doe tenderly love Christ, and abound in holy affections. Those daughters of Ierusalem, that wondered why the Church should make such adoe about Christ, when they had conversed with her a while, and heard her speak with such affection and admiration, they are turned, and will now goe seek Christ as well as shee, Cant. 5.9. to the end, and 6.1.
13. Thirdly, such as have felt this love of Christ, should be careful to keep it; now there are seven things to be observed, if we would preserve the love of Christ in our hearts.
13. Thirdly, such as have felt this love of Christ, should be carefull to keep it; now there are seven things to be observed, if wee would preserve the love of Christ in our hearts.
1. First, we must establish our assurance of both our loves to Christ, and his love to us: we must labour our own edification in the faith, if we would keep our selves in the love of God, Jud. 20.
1. First, we must establish our assurance of both our loves to Christ, and his love to us: we must labour our owne edification in the faith, if wee would keep our selves in the love of God, Iud. 20.
2. Secondly, if we would preserve this love, we must keep uprightness. For if we relapse to the love of sin, the love of Christ will decay in us.
2. Secondly, if we would preserve this love, we must keepe uprightnesse. For if we relapse to the love of sin, the love of Christ will decay in us.
3. Thirdly, we must keep our selves out of the company of such, as might entice us from the love of Christ, namely, out of the company of Idolaters, and all profane persons.
3. Thirdly, we must keep our selves out of the company of such, as might intice us from the love of Christ, namely, out of the company of Idolaters, and all profane persons.
4. Fourthly, we must take heed of worldliness: for the love of God, and the love of the world will not stand together. The cares of this life will be a snare and bait to draw us away.
4. Fourthly, we must take heed of worldlinesse: for the love of God, and the love of the world will not stand together. The cares of this life will be a snare and bait to draw us away.
5. Fifthly, we must take heed of security after feelings. For if the Church be so sleepy after communion with Christ, that when he comes again she will be slumbering, and not rise when he calls; Christ will be gone and not answer, no though afterwards she call, Cant. 5.2, 6, 7.
5. Fiftly, we must take heed of security after feelings. For if the Church be so sleepie after communion with Christ, that when he comes again she will be slumbring, and not rise when he calls; Christ will be gone and not answer, no though afterwards she call, Cant. 5.2, 6, 7.
6. Sixthly, we must walk in the steps of the flock, and feed our kids near the tents of the shepherds; we must converse with holy Christians, and keep our selves under the powerful instructions of profitable Ministers, Cant. 1.7. &c.
6. Sixtly, we must walke in the steps of the flock, and feed our kids neere the tents of the shepheards; we must converse with holy Christians, and keepe our selves under the powerfull instructions of profitable Ministers, Cant. 1.7. &c.
7. Seventhly, we must be much in the preparation for the second coming of Christ. To be much in thinking of or praying for the coming of Christ will preserve us from declination in our affection to Christ, Jud. 20, 21.
7. Seventhly, wee must be much in the preparation for the second comming of Christ. To be much in thinking of or praying for the comming of Christ will preserve us from declination in our affection to Christ, Iud. 20, 21.
The doctrine implied in these words is, that when we shall come to heaven, and shall see Christ face to face, we shall love him, and admire him wonderfully. For the Apostle takes it for granted, that it is no hard thing to love Christ, if we once saw him.
The doctrine implyed in these words is, that when we shall come to heaven, and shall see Christ face to face, we shall love him, and admire him wonderfully. For the Apostle takes it for granted, that it is no hard thing to love Christ, if we once saw him.
And thus of the first sign.
And thus of the first signe.
The second sign is the joy of the holy Ghost expressed in these words:
The second signe is the joy of the holy Ghost expressed in these words:
In whom, though you see him not, yet believing ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorious.
In whom, though you see him not, yet beleeving ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and glorious.
There are six kind of joys.
There are six kind of joyes.