Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/33

 2. Because the former lusts of sinne do wholly withdraw us from the will of God, which we ought to obey.

3. Because the former lusts of sinne are such, that all that are come to the knowledge of the truth, may be asham'd of them; this is intimated in the Text, where they are called lusts which were in our ignorance: because they cannot endure the light. 'Vse' 1. This may serve to condemne those, that professe themselves the children of God, and call upon God as their Father, & yet follow the same course of life that the children of this world do. 2. To exhort us, not to conforme our selves to this world, Rom. 12. 2. where there is a reason also given of this exhortation, in the 1 Verse, because if we do this we cannot present our selves to God as a living sacrifice, acceptable unto him. So 2 Tim. 2. 19. Doct. 7. The calling of the faithfull doth necessarily require holinesse in them.

This is gathered from Verse 15, 16.

Reason 1. Because holinesse is one of the chiefe ends of this calling, therefore it is usually called in the Scriptures a holy calling, 2 Tim. 1. 9. 2. Because God which calleth us is most holy, and he cals us to have communion with him in holinesse, as it is in the Text. 3. Because the calling it selfe is in its own nature a setting of a man apart from the common and corrupt use of the world to a sacred use; and therefore it is a consecration or dedication of men unto holinesse. Vse 1. This may serve to rebuke and condemne those, that seek for nothing by their Christian calling, but justification and blisse, and in the meane time altogether neglect the care to live holily. 2. To exhort us, in all our conversation to endeavour to be holy, as it is in the Text; Be ye holy in all manner of conversation; that is, so walke, as it becommeth the calling, wherewith ye are called. Doct. 8. The severity of Gods judgement should stirre us up to the practise of piety.