Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/25

 establish the true faith, not only against the Heathens and Jewes, but also against the Papists themselves, who say that this true doctrine of the grace revealed in Jesus Christ, is a new doctrine, and never heard of before these times; for we acknowledge no other grace, but that which those Prophets alwayes prophesied of from the beginning of the world.

2. To exhort us, continually to meditate upon this grace our selves, and as occasion shall serve, to shew it forth unto others, with all freenesse and readinesse of minde: for this doth become us much rather then those, that lived so long before the comming of Christ, and beheld him only afar off. Doct. 2. Those ancient Prophets did not only prophesie of this grace, but they did also enquire and search diligently into it.

This is gathered from the same words.

Reason 1. Because it seem'd unto them, as indeed it is, a very great mystery of godlinesse, 1 Tim. 3. 16. therefore they saw that they must use the very utmost of their endeavours, to come to some measure of the knowledge of that which did lye hid therein, both for their owne comfort and the edification of the Church. 2 Because this truth was proposed unto them in a more obscure manner under types and shadowes, so that they could not look into the thing it selfe without great care and labour. Use 1. This may serve for information, hereby we may understand what manner of men the true Prophets of God were heretofore; they did not utter words without sense, or understanding, or care-taking of those things that did lye before them, as the diabolicall Prophets of the Heathens were wont to do in their fury: but they did wholly apply their minds to what they did. 2. To exhort us therefore to lay aside all sloth and sluggishnesse, and to use all care and diligence in the enquiring and searching after these divine things: for this industry is much more requisite for us, then it was for them, to whom the holy Ghost did immediately dictate all things. Doct 3. The foundation of all this grace and salvation, lies in the humiliation and exaltation of our Lord Iesus Christ.

This is gathered from the eleventh Verse.

Reason. Because the whole mediation of Christ, whereby