Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/31

 cause it cannot be truly learned by us, unlesse it worke this in us, Eph. 4.20. 1, 2, 3, 4. Vse 1. This may serve to condemme those that turne the grace of God into wantonnes Gal. 5.13. 2. To exhort us to use all care to make this grace effectuall in our hearts, that it may bring forth great fruits of Piety. Doct. 2. The foundation of sound holinesse is firmely to hope for that grace that shall be revealed at the comming of Iesus Christ our Lord.

This is gathered from the 13. verse. So Phil. 3.20. Tit. 2.13. Reas. 1. Because this hope is the perfection of that wherein our spirituall life doth consist. 2. Because this expectation represents the reward unto us, by contemplating, whereupon we are made unmoveable and abounding in the worke of the Lord. 1. Cor. 15. 58. Heb. 6. 11. 3. Because this hope begets patience, whereby with strong consolation it doth overcome all the difficulties, that are wont to befall men in the course of Godlinesse. Heb. 6. 12.18.19. Vse. This may serve to exhort us, to have a care to lay this foundation very sure in our hearts, and daily to confirme it more and more. Doct. 3. To keepe this hope firme and lively, we should couragiously gird upour selves that we might be prepared, and ready to performe all those things that tend thereunto.

This is gathered from those words: gird up the loines of your mind; for this is it, that is signified by the habit of a man, that hath his loines girt in Scripture, that he is prepared and ready to performe his duty. Luc. 12.35. Reas. 1. Because the difficulty to retaine this hope is very great, in so much, that it cannot be kept without earnest endeavour. 2. Because in spirituall duties our loines are too slack, that is, the sloth of sin, and infirmity hath taken hold of all our faculties. Heb. 12.12. Vse. This may serve to admonish us, by no meanes to yeeld to the sloth and sluggishnesse of our corrupt nature, but to drive against it as much as we can, and laying aside every weight, and the sloth that doth beset us, to runne the race that is set before us, Heb. 12.1. Doct. 4. Sobriety in the use of the things of this life, doth