Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/116

 example of life to go before the Church; the contrary vice whereunto is, to Lord it over the Church. This duty being thus declared and described, they are perswaded unto it by the reward that is adjoyned, which for that cause all faithfull shepherds do receive, verse 4. at the end. Which reward is set forth both by the internall nature of it, that it is a crowne of glory that fadeth not away; and by the authour and giver of it, to wit, that the chiefe Shepherd our Lord Jesus Christ, will give it; and also by the time of this giving of it, when the chiefe Shepherd shall appeare, that is, at the last day of judgement. Now this exhortation, that it might be the more effectuall, and might worke the more upon them, is urged and set forth by the person of Peter, who was the ministring cause thereof, 1. From the parity and fellowship of the same duty, as Peter an Elder prayed the other Elders to do their duty. 2. From the knowledge which he had and the testimony which he could give of the afflictions of Christ, which he suffered for the Church, the remembrance whereof should stir up all shepherds to a diligent care of the Church. 3. From that certaine expectation which he had of the glory to come, which glory he promiseth to all shepherds in the name of the chiefe shepherd.

The Doctrines drawne herehence.

Doct. 1. Those exhortations are most effectuall which are propounded in an humble manner.

This is gathered from verse 1. where the Apostle prayes, not commands, in humility and charity. So Phil. 1.9. 1 Tim. 5.1 He prayes the Elders also as a fellow Elder, although he was placed in a higher degree, as Apostle. Reason 1. Because by this manner of doing it appeares, that he which exhorts doth not aime at his owne good, but the good of another. 2. Because by this manner of doing his zeale shewes it selfe to be the purer. 3. Because he, to whom such an exhortation is made, is honoured thereby, and so takes it the easier and better. Vse. This may serve to direct us, in all our exhortations and admonitions to have respect unto this. Doct. 2. It makes the exhortation the more effectuall,