Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/105

 This is gathered from verse 7.

Reason 1. Because in our prayers we do stirre up our faith, hope, and desire touching those good things, which the Lord will impart unto us at his comming. 2. Because by our prayers we do turne aside and remove those evils from our selves, which make his comming dreadfull unto sinners: for by flying unto Gods mercy, we do flye both from our sinnes, and from his wrath. Vse. This may serve to exhort us, to be diligent in prayer. Doct. 3. Temperance and sobriety should be joyned with our prayers.

This is also gathered from verse 7. It is the same which is said every where, Watch and pray.

Reason 1. Because the effectuall consideration thereof, that the end of all things is at hand, makes us to love this world the lesse, and so to use it, as not to abuse it, that is, soberly and temperately, 1 Cor.7.31. 2. Because these are the meanes whereby our prayers are helped and furthered; therefore it is said in the text, Be sober and watch unto prayer. Vse. This may serve to exhort us, to make conscience of doing our duty in prayer. Doct. 4. Above all things we should labour for brotherly love, that it may be sincere and fervent.

This is gathered from verse 8. Not that charity towards men is more excellent then faith hope and love towards God, but because it is the chiefest of those things which belong unto men, and should be preferred before all those things, which might any way hinder it.

Reason 1. Because love is the summe of the whole law, and so containes in it all other duties.

2. Because charity covers a multitude of sinnes, as it is in the text: amongst men themselves, that they stirre not up anger, hatred, and contention, Prov.10.12.

2. Because charity also doth in some sort cover a multitude of our sinnes before God, to wit, that they procure not the revenge of his anger. For this it doth, as a signe and argument, whereby we are the more assured of the forgivenesse of our sins, because we forgive others their offences, Mat.6.15.