Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/192

 the Israelites, in whose dwellings there was light, when in all the land of the Egyptians there was thick darknesse, Exod. 10.22.23. 2. To walke in this light, not to sleepe or have fellowship with the workes of darknesse, as it is Ephesians 5.8.11.14. Doct. 5. The whole condition of this our life hath much darknesse in it.

This is gathered from these words; A light shining in a darke place. We may see the explication of these words in Calvin. Reason. Because without the light of the Scriptures and faith we are nothing but darknesse; seeing therefore this light is communicated unto us but imperfectly in this life, there must needs be as yet much darknesse. Use 1. This may serve to admonish us, not to puffe up our selves with the opinion of knowledge, but humbly to acknowledge our imperfections. 2. To exhort us, so much the more diligently to give heed unto the light. Doct. 6. We must give heed unto the Scriptures, untill a greater light be communicated unto us, then we can have out of the Scriptures, that is, untill the last end of this life.

This is gathered from these words, untill the day dawne. Although they were very strongly confirmed, verse 12. Yet they must still give heed unto the Scriptures. Daniel himselfe, though a Prophet, gave heed unto the Prophesies of Ieremy, Daniel, 9.2. Peter himselfe gave heed unto the Epistles of Paul, c.3. v.15. Paul himselfe had great care of the Parchments, that is, of the volumes and books of Scripture, 2 Tim. 4.13. Vse 1. This may serve to refute the Anabaptists, who say that the Scriptures are only profitable for novices and young beginners, and not for the stronger. 2. To reprove those, that rest in that knowledge of the Scriptures, which they have, and seeke no farther. Doct. 7. Very great knowledge, light and cleerenesse shall be communicated unto us in the life to come.

This is gathered from the comparison that is made betwixt the life present and the life to come: In the present we have