A17412:1146
Sermons upon the ten first verses of the third chapter of the first Epistle of S. Peter Being the last that were preached by the late faithful and painful minister of Gods word, Nicolas Byfield. Wherein method, sense, doctrine, and use, is, with great variety of matter, profitably handled; and sundry heads of divinity largely discussed. Published since the authors death by William Gouge.
London: printed by H. Lownes for George Latham, 1626
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.
Quest. But if Christians may know their calling, what should be the reason that so many Christians are so unsettled, and are not assured of their calling?
Quest. But if Christians may know their calling, what should be the reason that so many Christians are so unsetled, and are not assured of their calling?
Ans. Distinguish of Christians;1 some are Christians in name and outward profession, but not in deed, being not at all converted, though they have the means of conversion: and this is the estate of the most men and women in all places. ⟨p. 210⟩Now some are indeed converted, but are weak Christians, as it were infants that lye but in the cradle of religion.
Ans. Distinguish of Christians;1 some are Christians in name and outward profession, but not in deed, beeing not at all converted, though they have the meanes of conversion: and this is the estate of the most men and women in all places. ⟨p. 210⟩Now some are indeede converted, but are weake Christians, as it were infants that lye but in the cradle of religion.
1Now for the first sort, the answer is easy: They know not their calling, because they are not called; yea, they are so far from knowing it, that they generally are offended at it, that we should teach, that any body can know his own calling certainly. Carnal Christians then know it not, because they have it not: and in particular, the causes why these Christians attain not assurance, is, because they rest upon common hope of mercy in God: which house is but like the house of a Spider, and will give up the ghost when the evil day cometh upon them. And besides, they live in known sins, which they love and prefer before all things can be offered to them by the Gospel. Now it is impossible to have true assurance, and to lye at the same time in known gross sins without repentance. And further, many Christians, by their wilful unteachableness, and incurableness in sinning, do so provoke God, that all means notwithstanding, yet those things that concern their peace are hidden from their eyes, Luk. 19.42.
1Now for the first sort, the answer is easie: They know not their calling, because they are not called; yea, they are so far from knowing it, that they generally are offended at it, that we should teach, that any body can know his owne calling certainly. Carnall Christians then know it not, because they have it not: and in particular, the causes why these Christians attaine not assurance, is, because they rest upon common hope of mercy in God: which house is but like the house of a Spider, and will give up the ghost when the evill day commeth upon them. And besides, they live in knowne sinnes, which they love and preferre before all things can bee offered to them by the Gospell. Now it is impossible to have true assurance, and to lye at the same time in knowne grosse sinnes without repentance. And further, many Christians, by their wilfull unteachablenesse, and incurablenesse in sinning, doe so provoke God, that all meanes notwithstanding, yet those things that concerne their peace are hidden from their eies, Luk. 19.42.
1Now for the weak Christian, the causes of his want of assurance are such as these: Sometimes ill opinions about assurance; either that it may not be had, contrary to the charge given, 2. Pet. 1.10. or if it be had, it will not be profitable, contrary to the reasons given before.
1Now for the weake Christian, the causes of his want of assurance are such as these: Sometimes ill opinions about assurance; either that it may not be had, contrary to the charge given, 2. Pet. 1.10. or if it be had, it will not bee profitable, contrary to the reasons given before.
Sometimes it is their ignorance: they are so unexpert in the Scriptures, that, not discerning the frame of godliness in general, they can never tell when they fully know this, or any other doctrine in particular: And this let is the stronger, when they smother their doubts, and will not ask the way, or seek resolution in things they understand not, especially in cases of their own consciences.
Sometimes it is their ignorance: they are so unexpert in the Scriptures, that, not discerning the frame of godlinesse in generall, they can never tell when they fully know this, or any other doctrine in particular: And this let is the stronger, when they smother their doubts, and will not aske the way, or seek resolution in things they understand not, especially in cases of their owne consciences.
In some Christians, this want of assurance ariseth from mere slothfulness: though they be often called upon, and convinced, yet they return to their former carelessness, and will not be at the pains to use the directions given them for the settling of their hearts.
In some Christians, this want of assurance ariseth from meare slothfulnesse: though they bee often called upon, and convinced, yet they returne to their former carelesnesse, and will not bee at the paines to use the directions given them for the setling of their hearts.
In some Christians it is a violent proneness in their natures, ⟨p. 211⟩to take offence at such infirmities, or mistakings, as they observe in such as have professed religion before them: yea, sometimes they take offence at the liberty of those that are truly godly, though they abuse not their liberty. And this offence is sometimes so deadly, that they give way to the projects of renouncing of all religion, because they have observed such things in those that profess religion: As in the primitive church, many Christians took grievous offence at other Christians, for the use of their liberty in things indifferent, so as the Apostle was afraid they would fall away and perish in their scandals.
In some Christians it is a violent pronenesse in their natures, ⟨p. 211⟩to take offence at such infirmities, or mistakings, as they observe in such as have professed religion before them: yea, sometimes they take offence at the liberty of those that are truly godly, though they abuse not their libertie. And this offence is sometimes so deadly, that they give way to the projects of renouncing of all religion, because they have observed such things in those that professe religion: As in the primitive church, many Christians took grievous offence at other Christians, for the use of their liberty in things indifferent, so as the Apostle was affraid they would fall away and perish in their scandalls.
Lastly, some Christians are not settled, because when the evil day comes upon them, they cast away their confidence, and strive to think, that because God afflicteth them, therefore they are not his; being, for the present, uncapable of all those promises of Scripture, that make it clear, that God may afflict them, and not be displeased with them, and they may be his dear servants and children. They will not know, that whom God loves he chastens, and that he is used to try his gold in the fire, and that whom God gives the greatest comforts, he usually sends great trials immediately after; as when Christ was honoured with a voice from heaven at his baptism, & a visible descending of the holy Ghost upon him, he was by and by led into the wilderness to be tempted of the Devil, And Paul, after his revelation, was cast down almost into hell with temptations.
Lastly, some Christians are not setled, because when the evill day comes upon them, they cast away their confidence, and strive to thinke, that because God afflicteth them, therefore they are not his; being, for the present, uncapable of all those promises of Scripture, that make it cleare, that God may afflict them, and not bee displeased with them, and they may bee his deare servants and children. They will not know, that whom God loves he chastens, and that hee is used to try his gold in the fire, and that whom God gives the greatest comforts, hee usually sends great tryalls immediately after; as when Christ was honoured with a voice from heaven at his baptisme, & a visible descending of the holy Ghost upon him, hee was by and by led into the wildernesse to bee tempted of the Divell, And Paul, after his revelation, was cast downe almost into hell with temptations.
Thus of the knowledge of conversion and calling in general. Now in this Text is further imported, That a Christian may know the warrant of all his particular actions: for the true Christian goeth to the light, that it may be manifest that his works are wrought in God, John 3.22, and he walketh by rule, Gal. 6. and he makes the Word a light to his feet, and a Lantern to his paths, Psal. 119. And this point greatly reproveth the carelessness of the most Christians, that are unresolved in the most actions of their lives, and live by false rules; as the example of others, or the conceits of their own heads, or their profit, or the like: They do not know their calling in seeing the warrant of all their courses; and therefore ⟨p. 212⟩it is, that they live in strange offences and see not the danger. These walk in darkness, and know not whither they go. Now if any ask, how they may attain to the knowledge of the rules for all their actions? I answer, shortly, they must redeem the time, and study the Scriptures: for there only shall they find the right rules of all good conversation, John 5.39. 2. Tim. 3.15. Ephes. 5.15. and withal, men must ask the way to Zion, Jer. 50.4, 5. They must make conscience to seek resolution and counsel of their Teachers especially: and in all this be sure they bring an humble heart, and a lowly mind; for God hath promised to teach the meek and the humble his ways.
Thus of the knowledge of conversion and calling in generall. Now in this Text is further imported, That a Christian may know the warrant of all his particular actions: for the true Christian goeth to the light, that it may be manifest that his workes are wrought in God, Iohn 3.22, and he walketh by rule,
To inherit Blessing.] The end of their calling is to inherit Blessing. What things are contained in these words, will appear by certain general observations, and by the particular unfolding of them.
To inherit Blessing.] The end of their calling is to inherite Blessing. What things are contained in these words, will appeare by certaine generall observations, and by the particular unfolding of them.
In general, we may hence gather,
In generall, we may hence gather,
1 That Gods people, or true Christians, are a blessed people, such as have a marvellous excellent estate above all men; none like them. Deut. 23.29. Let the righteous man dwell where he will, he is better than his neighbour: they are the only noble and excellent ones, Psal. 16.3. As God said of Job, so is it true of all them, none are as they, Job 2. They do not inherit that which is blessed only, but they inherit blessing. Every leaf of the Bible saith they are blessed; and the word in the old Testament so translated, signifies blessedness: all blessings are theirs. This would be a great comfort to true Christians that know their calling: nothing should dismay them: they should chide their souls, if they be discouraged, as David did, Psal. 42. And the wicked men of this world should be ashamed of their sottish blindness, that account godly men in a miserable case, or do any way vilify them: And weak Christians should pray earnestly to God, to show them the hope of their calling, Ephe. 1.9. that they may be from their hearts persuaded of their happiness.
1 That Gods people, or true Christians, are a blessed people, such as have a marvellous excellent estate above all men; none like them. Deut. 23.29. Let the righteous man dwell where he will, he is better than his neighbour: they are the onely noble and excellent ones, Psal. 16.3. As God said of Iob, so is it true of all them, none are as they, Iob 2. They doe not inherit that which is blessed only, but they inherite blessing. Everie leafe of the Bible saith they are blessed; and the word in the old Testament so translated, signifies blessednesse: all blessings are theirs. This would be a great comfort to true Christians that know their calling: nothing should dismay them: they should chide their soules, if they be discouraged, as David did, Psal. 42. And the wicked men of this world should be ashamed of their sottish blindnesse, that account godly men in a miserable case, or doe any way vilifie them: And weake Christians should pray earnestly to God, to shew them the hope of their calling,
2 That Gods elect by Nature are not in a blessed estate. They are called to it, not borne to it: it is a preferment they are advanced to, by means of their receiving of the Gospel, ⟨p. 213⟩and the sincerity of true Religion. Their religion, not their parents or their own endeavours, helps them to it: by nature they are in a miserable case, both in respect of unholiness and unhappiness, Ephes. 2.1, 2, 3, 1 2. Tit. 3.3. And this is fit for them to know, that they may be the more stirred up to magnify the free grace of God, and to love the Gospel, and that they may be the more humble in themselves, and strive to walk worthy of so excellent a calling, and use all means that God hath appointed, to increase more and more in blessing: And unregenerate men must likewise hence take notice, that they can never inherit blessing, unless they repent: for calling is the door of blessing,
2 That Gods elect by Nature are not in a blessed estate. They are called to it, not borne to it: it is a preferment they are advanced to, by meanes of their receiving of the Gospell, ⟨p. 213⟩and the sinceritie of true Religion. Their religion, not their parents or their owne endevours, helps them to it: by nature they are in a miserable case, both in respect of unholinesse and unhappinesse, Ephes. 2.1, 2, 3, 1 2. Tit. 3.3. And this is fit for them to know, that they may be the more stirred up to magnifie the free grace of God, and to love the Gospell, and that they may be the more humble in themselves, and strive to walke worthie of so excellent a calling, and use all meanes that God hath appointed, to encrease more and more in blessing: And unregenerate men must likewise hence take notice, that they can never inherite blessing, unlesse they repent: for calling is the doore of blessing,
3 That true Christians inherit nothing but blessing: there is no curse mingled withal. It will presently rise in mens minds, that many afflictions of all sorts befall them as well as others. But I answer, first, that all the malediction deserved by their sins, was charged upon Christ, and he hath borne all the curse for them, Gal. 3. Isa. 53. and so Gods justice is satisfied, and their debt paid. Secondly, I may take advantage of the word Inherit, and that two ways: first, that though afflictions (which are properly rods for the wicked) may break in upon the lot of the righteous, yet they shall not rest there, Psal. 125.3. It is but for a little while that God can be angry with them, but he loves them with an everlasting love, Isa. 54.1 They inherit not afflictions, though they have afflictions, Secondly, they are called to inherit blessing: which imports further, That though during their minority in this world, they may endure some hardship, yet when these heirs come to perfect age in heaven, then all affliction shall be cast into the Sea, and there shall be no curse, Revelat. 22. Thirdly, I answer, that even their crosses are blessings: for as God can curse the very blessings of the wicked, so can he, and doth bless the seeming curses of the godly. All shall work together for the best to them that love God, Rom. 2.28. All things are to be measured for good or ill, according to the use of them to us. That which doth us hurt, cannot be a blessing; and that which doth us good, cannot be a curse.
3 That true Christians inherite nothing but blessing: there is no curse mingled withall. It will presently rise in mens mindes, that many afflictions of all sorts befall them as well as others. But I answer, first, that all the malediction deserved by their sinnes, was charged upon Christ, and hee hath borne all the curse for them, Gal. 3.
Now for the particular unfolding of this blessing they ⟨p. 214⟩inherit, we must know, that godly Christians inherit blessing divers ways.
Now for the particular unfoulding of this blessing they ⟨p. 214⟩inherite, wee must know, that godly Christians inherite blessing divers waies.
11 From other men; and so the poor bless them for their charity. The blessing of him that is ready to perish, many times comes upon them, Job 29.13. Their very loins bless them, Job 31.20. and their neighbours bless them for peace making, Mat. 5.8. and the godly bless them for their gifts of grace, and pray for Gods blessings upon them, Psal. 134.3. and if they have any public employments for God, in Church or Common-wealth, the ear that heareth them, blesseth them, Job 29.11. And at sometimes God doth so guide and prosper the ways of his servants, that all sorts of men do acknowledge them for the seed which the Lord hath blessed, Isaiah 61.8.
11 From other men; and so the poore blesse them for their charity. The blessing of him that is readie to perish, many times comes upon them, Iob 29.13. Their very loynes blesse them, Iob 31.20. and their neighbours blesse them for peace making, Mat. 5.8. and the godly blesse them for their gifts of grace, and pray for Gods blessings upon them, Psal. 134.3. and if they have any publike employments for God, in Church or Common-wealth, the eare that heareth them, blesseth them, Iob 29.11. And at sometimes God doth so guide and prosper the waies of his servants, that all sorts of men doe acknowledge them for the seed which the Lord hath blessed, Esay 61.8.
