faithfull, in these words: who hath called you: the grace of which calling is shewed, first, by the end and scope, that it is, to partake of the eternall glorie of God. Secondly, by the principall cause, in Christ Iesus. Thirdly, by the condition that goes before the accomplishment of this calling, and properly belongs to this exhortation of the Apostle unto constancie in afflictions, to wit, because we are so called unto eternall glorie, that in the meane time we must suffer afflictions, after that ye have suffered a while. In the last place upon occasion of this prayer he addes a religious doxologie, glorifying God, verse 11. wherein is contained both the last end of that petition, and a confirmation of the same that it shall be heard; as also an indirect exhortation to the faithfull, to bend all their care thereunto, to glorifie Gods name really and effectually, by persisting in the grace of God.
The Doctrines arising here-hence.
Doct. 1. We had need to watch continually. Be vigilant.
Reason 1. Because sinne and danger doth naturally steale upon us, if we do not resist it. 2. Because we cannot do our duty without diligent care and labour, and therein consists the manner of watching. 3. Because if we could avoid danger, & obtain our desires, if we did not seeke it with care and diligence, it would be no praise to us, nor peace of conscience. Vse. This may serve to direct us, to imitate watchmen, which watch and ward to keepe the Citie; the like diligence should we use in keeping our soules, to examine all that goes in and out, our thoughts affections, words, and actions, together with the occasions of them, what they are, whence they came, and whither they tend. Doct. 2. That we may watch as we ought to do, it is required that we should be sober.
Now by sobernesse is meant the moderation of our affections touching all worldly things.
Reason 1. Because the cares of this world do so burthen the soule, that they leave no place for spirituall cares.
2. Because the care of the world doth draw and distract the minde, so that although it doth not altogether exclude religion, yet it doth diminish and weaken it.
