Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/22

 This is gathered from the seventh Verse.

Reason 1. Because we make great gaine by the triall of our faith, much more then can be gotten by the triall of gold, is it is in the Text. 2. Because faith by this triall becomes the stronger by reason of afflictions, and doth more firmely expect praise, honour and glory in Christ, as it is in the Text. Vse. This may serve to admonish us, to make it our primary and chiefest care not to faint in our faith and other graces, when we are in the midst of afflictions, as those that have but a temporary faith are wont to do, but to labour to profit by them. Doct. 4. This joy doth not depend upon the sight or visible presence of Christ.

This is gathered from the eighth Verse.

Reason 1. Because faith and hope is properly of those things that are not seene, Rom.8.24. Heb.11.1. Now this joy ariseth from faith and hope, as it is in the Text. 2. Because we rejoyce either in the actuall possession, or in the certainty of the possession of the things we love. Now Christ having not yet seene we love, as it is in the Text. Vse. This may serve to exhort us, while we live here by faith, so to walke, rejoyce, and live, as if we did behold Christ with our eyes: For blessed are all they which have not seen and yet have beleeved, Iohn 20.29. Doct. 5. This joy is unspeakable and full of glory.

Reason. Because both the thing it selfe wherein we rejoyce, and the operation of the Spirit in raising our mindes unto it, is more divine, then can possibly be conceived, much lesse expressed by us. Vse. 1. This may serve to admonish us not to be too curious in the searching after and declaring of those things that are unutterable. 2. To exhort us to apply our soules to the sense and exercise of this grace, because they have a divine and glorious nature. Doct. 6. By this joy we begin to looke for the end of our faith, even the salvation of our soules.

Reason. Because this spirituall joy is a glorious beginning