- fit proposed is contained in these words, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitfull: where by a negation is meant the contrary affirmation, namely, that by these vertues they shall be quick and active, and also fruitfull; which benefits are explained by the primary efficient cause, which is the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; and the secondary cause, which are the vertues themselves whereunto he exhorts them. And these vertues he explaines according to that way which he had intimated before in the exhortation, touching the manner, and touching the degree: touching the manner, that they be in you; touching the degree, that they abound. The Doctrines arising herehence. Doct. 1. There are spirituall benefits arising from vertues, whereby the faithfull are stirred up to labour for vertue.
This is gathered from the scope of this verse, and from the connexion which it hath with the former exhortation. These benefits are such, that they cannot be understood by carnall and worldly men; but the faithfull do not only understand them, but also seeke for them with great and continuall diligence. Otherwise this argument which the Apostle useth to the faithfull, would have beene altogether uneffectuall. But these benefits are such, that they make men rich, not in this world, but in the Lord, 1 Tim. 6.18. Luke 12.21. Vse. This may serve to reprove those earthly men, which are not moved with such arguments, but covet the gaine, profits, and pleasures of this life, and savour not those things that belong to the kingdome of God. Doct. 2. It is a great benefit to the faithfull, and so they esteeme it; if they can be ready to do good works.
This is gathered from that, they make you that ye shall not be barren, that is, not idle or slothfull in the profession of religion.
Reason 1. Because it is the greatest misery for men to be reprobate unto good workes.
2. Because by this readinesse to do good, the faithfull come to obtaine their desires.
3. Because by this meanes the life spirituall is exercised and increased. For as all life is the beginning of operation, and tends unto operation, so also is it increased by operations.
