Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/46

 119. 2. 2. An earnest endeavour, answerable thereunto, to use it and enjoy it. Iohn 6. 27. 3. A delight, whereby we are well pleased in the sweetnesse thereof, Psal. 119.103. Reas. 1. Because the word is absolutely necessary for us; without it we cannot live; for it is our milk or spirituall food, as it is in the text, 2. Because we alwayes want something that may begotten: this is also signified in the text, when we are called new borne babes; whereby it is intimated that our imperfection is so great, that by reason of it, we should earnestly desire the helpe of the word. 3. Because the excellency and perfection of the word is so great, that it should of it selfe delight us, though we stood in no need of it our selves; this is also intimated in the text, when there is mention made of the sincerity of the word,and of the goodnesse of God that appeares therein. Vse. 1. This may serve to condemne that satiety and loathing of the word, that appeares too evidently in too too many. 2. To admonish us, not to suffer our affections to be taken up with the things of this world, thereby to lessen that desire, which we should have to the word of God. 3. To exhort us, to use the utmost of our endeavours to stir up and increase these pious affections in our selves. Doct. 6. This affection and desire that wee ought to have to Gods word, should have respect to the sincerity thereof.

This is gathered from that, desire the sincere milke of the word: that is, the nature it selfe of the word and of the things proposed therein, as they are pure, and affoord nourishment fit for our Soules.

Reas. 1. Because otherwise we doe not desire the word, as it is the word of life, or the bread of life, or the milke of life, as it is in the text, but as we doe apprehend it under some carnall shew. 2. Because this desire alone proceeds from spirituall life, which seekes after that in the word that tends unto life, which is intimated also in the text by the similitude of infants, that naturally desire their mothers milke.

Vse. 1. This may serve to reprove those ministers that falsifie the word of God by their owne mixtures and devices, and obtrude upon him an adulterate word, in stead of the simple