Doct. 5. The reproaches which the faithfull suffer for godlinesse sake, are to be reckoned amongst those persecutions, which they suffer for the name of Christ.
This is gathered from verse 14.
Reason 1. Because they tend to the dishonouring and disgracing of us. 2. Because they shew that the mindes of the authors of them are as ready to bring greater evils upon us, if occasion should serve. 3. Because reproaches doe worke more upon some mens minds then reall injuries. Vse. This may serve to admonish, 1 all men, to take heed that they have no communion with the wicked world in scoffing at any part of true piety. 2. The godly, to have a speciall care, that they be not moved at such reproaches, but to beare them with the same patience, that they ought to beare other persecutions. Doct. 6. In these reproaches which the godly suffer for the name of Christ, the Spirit of God is in a speciall manner blasphemed on the one side, and glorified on the other.
This is gathered from verse 14.
Reason. Because looke how farre forth the faithfull make profession of true piety, so farre forth are they the temples of the holy Ghost: therefore when in that respect they are reproached, the holy Ghost is evill spoken of: and when they hold fast and adorn their profession notwithstanding these reproaches, the same Spirit which is evill spoken of by the reproachers, is glorified by them. Vse 1. This may serve for terror to those that do reproach others. And 2. For comfort to those that are reproached. Those things which are in the 13 verse, were handled before cap. 2. & 3. Doct. 7. God hath certaine and appointed times to execute his judgements.
This is gathered from verse 17 at the beginning.
Reason 1. Because the patience and long-suffering of God must have their time.
2. Because there is a time also required, that men may fill up the measure of their sinnes.
