Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/255

 3. Because the temptations of the Devill tend chiefly thereunto, that if he cannot hide the truth, yet so to choak it, that it can bring forth no fruit in the life; and thereupon he takes occasion to mock and deride men.

Use. This may serve to admonish us all, to labour for this both in private and in publike, in preaching, hearing, reading, and meditating upon Gods word; and never think that we know any thing as we ought to know, unlesse we know it unto piety and holinesse. Doct. 2. In piety and holinesse we must alwayes aime at and labour for the highest perfection.

This is gathered 1 From the question, What manner of persons ought ye to be? 2 From the plurall number, which is used in the originall, [Greek: en anastrophais], in your conversations, that is, in all piety and holinesse.

Reason 1. Because every degree of piety and holinesse is as desirable in it selfe as the first is. 2. Our desire and affection towards the highest degree of holinesse and piety is a part of the very first degree. For there is no true holinesse without a desire of perfect holinesse. 3. Because we are called unto perfect holinesse, neither can we see God without it. Vse. This may serve to reprove those, that rest in a kind of luke-warme profession, or in a partiall practise of piety and holinesse. Doct. 3. It makes much for the advancing of piety, to look for and hasten unto the commming of the day of the Lord.

This is gathered from v.12, 14. So Phil. 3.20. Reason 1. Because it takes off our minds from all those things, that belong unto this present world. 2. Because it makes us to prepare our selves for the world to come, 1 Iohn 3.3. Use. This may serve to exhort us, to raise up our minds, as much as may be unto this spirituall looking for the Lord. Doct. 4. Our chiefest care touching the comming of the Lord, should be, to be found of him in peace.

This is gathered from v. 14. Now by peace is meant that condition which is pleasing unto God and approved of him; whereupon not the anger, but the goodnesse and grace