Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/77

 vanity of this world, but the inward is spirituall life it selfe. For Christ and grace is called the inward adorning of the heart or minde, because it makes a man amiable and commends him in the sight of those which esteeme and prize it.

2. Because only men look after the outward adorning, and and those none of the graver sort neither; but God himselfe lookes after the inward, as it is in verse 4.

3. Because the outward adorning is not durable, but the inward is incorruptible, as it is in verse 4. which is not corruptible, and 2 Cor. 4.18. Vse. This may serve to admonish us, every day more and more to renounce this outward and worldly adorning, and to looke to the inward and true adorning of the mind and soule. Doct. 6. Meekenesse and mildenesse of spirit in women, as in all others also, is an adorning that is precious in the sight of God.

This is gathered from verse 4.

Reason 1. Because many filthy unbeseeming things, which arise from anger and perturbation of the minde, are removed by such a disposition. 2. Because such a disposition is very apt to please, and all men desire that others should be well pleased with their behaviour. Use 1. This may serve to refute those, which affect a kind of glory and honour by their fiercenesse and impatiency. 2. To exhort us, not only for civility sake, but also for conscience toward God to endeavour to get such a disposition. Doct. 7. Every man should seeke for examples of such vertues out of Scripture, and apply them unto himselfe according to his owne proper condition.

For women have holy women proposed unto them for examples, verse 5. So have men holy men.

Doct. 8. In weighing of examples we should have the chiefest regard to those that are most commended in Scripture.

This is gathered from those words, Abraham, Sara, and the like, verse 6.

Doct. 9. Then and not before are we the children of such holy ones, by a true imitation of them, when we do so persist in well doing, that no terrour or any other temptation is able to remove us from this our purpose and resolution.