Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/11

 lites, Gal.2 8,9. Therefore as Iames doth expresly direct his Epistle to the twelve Tribes scattered, so here also by the same reason, by the strangers scattered we are to understand the twelve Tribes scattered. By the foreknowledge of God, according to which the faithfull are here said to be elect, we are to understand election it selfe, as it is in God, Rom.8.29. and by election the same act of God, as it is terminated in the faithfull, and put in execution by effectuall vocation. By sanctification of the Spirit, we are to understand the whole spirituall change of our condition, even unto perfect holinesse and glory, because sanctification is the meanes of salvation unto which we are chosen, 2 Thess.2.13. By obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Christ we are to understand the whole worke of Redemption, together with the application thereof unto justification and reconciliation with God, Ephes.1.6.7. The Doctrines that we may draw from this are these. Doct. 1. The beginning and fountaine of all our happinesse and consolation consists in this, that we are the elect of God.

This is gathered from hence, that the Apostle purposing in this description to make mention of those things that did most of all pertaine to the consolation of the faithfull, puts election in the first place, 1 Thess.1.4. Reason 1. Because all our happinesse comes wholly from God, who is the author and fountaine of all good: now it comes from him not by the way of nature, but of counsell and free election, and so it proceeds from election it selfe. 2. Because all his speciall blessings which belong unto our salvation, depend upon election, Ephes.1.3,4. Vse. This may serve to exhort us to use all diligence to make our election certaine and sure. 2 Peter 1.10. Doct. 2. There is no other cause or reason to be given of our election unto salvation, but only the good pleasure of God.

This is drawne from those words: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God: for if there were any cause extra Deum, out of God, that could possibly be discerned by the eye or sense of man, it is most likely that the Apostle would have