Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/137

 Vse. This may serve to exhort, first of all, that they will principally apply themselves unto Sermons. Secondly, those that have received some benefit by Sermons, that they would also diligently apply themselves to the reading of the Scripture, that they might more and more confirme and edifie themselves. Doct. 2. Faith is the proper marke of difference, whereby the Church is distinguished from all other societies.

For therefore are the Christians here described by faith, that they may be distinguished from all other men: and the same which in other Epistles are wont to be called the elect, the called, the Churches of God, those which are in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ, are in this place barely called the faithfull.

Use. This may serve to admonish us, if we will make our calling and the condition of our salvation sure, then to labour especially to obtaine faith, and also to increase it more and more. Doct. 3. The faith of Christians is a most precious profession.

Therefore it is here called precious faith; and in the former Epistle, Chap. 1. v.7. faith is said to be more precious then gold that perisheth. Vse 1. This may serve to exhort us, to make more account of faith then of all worldly things, according to that of Christ: What shall it profit a man to gaine the whole world, and lose his owne soule, or faith?

2. To comfort poore Christians which have no possessions in this world. For if they have true faith, they have that which is more excellent then silver and gold.

Doct. 4. The faith of common Christians is as precious as was the faith of the Apostles.

Which is not to be understood of the degree or quantity, but of the nature or quality.

Reason. Because the faith of all Christians layes hold of the same good, viz. Christ and his benefits. Hereupon Paul cals it common faith: for as one that is sick of the Palsie, that taketh some precious thing with a shaking hand, doth possesse it as well as the other, that is strong; so the faithfull, though