Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/190

 Vse 1. This may serve to instruct us, in all those things that pertaine unto faith and our salvation to depend only upon the Scriptures, because nothing can be more sure. 2. To exhort us, to give God thankes, that he hath not only made knowne unto us his truth, but hath also confirmed it by strong and sure reasons, and in all respects hath had regard to and provided for the weaknesse of our faith. 3. To reprove many Christians, which do too much stagger and doubt of these truths. For there appeares such a wavering and doubting of the minde, where the life is doubtfull and uncertaine, and is not surely grounded and ordered according to the rules of Christ. Now we should be as sure of these matters of faith by the Scriptures, as we are of those things that we our selves see now present before our eyes; and go on as firmely and constantly in the way of Christ, as if we did now with our eyes see Christ himself, and all those things that he hath promised us; or as if we did now heare that voice, Arise ye dead and come to judgement.

Doct. 2. The prophesie of the Old Testament gives a most sure testimony of the power and comming of Christ.

This is gathered from the reference which this 19 verse hath to verse 16. So Luke 1.20. Acts 3.18,24. & 10.43.

Reason. 1. The greatnesse of this mystery, which was such, that it must not be shewed on a sudden to the world, but, for dignity sake, as it were, by such like messengers going before.

2. That it might the more appeare that these things come from God, who was the only author of such like prophesies.

3. Because the salvation of the people of God from the beginning of the world depended upon the beleeving of this mysterie.

Vse 1. This may serve to instruct us, to confirme our faith more and more by such like arguments.

2. To exhort us, highly to esteeme of this mysterie, because God himselfe alwayes made such reckoning of it, that he would have his Prophets from the beginning of the world to be exercised in the declaration of it.

3. To admonish us, that it should never seeme tedious unto us, to heare and meditate upon those things, which pertain