Vse. This may serve to informe us, to examine our minds according to this rule: for they that care not for the words of the Prophets and Apostles, have not purity of minde; but they that cleave fast unto them, although it be accompanied with divers infirmities, have alwayes in readinesse a sure argument of their sincerity. Doct. 3. Yet the very best have need to be often stirred up unto these duties.
This is gathered from these words; This second Epistle I now write.
So Phil. 3.1, and this Epistle, c.1.v.10,13.
Doct. 4. Such admonitions are works of Christian charity.
This is gathered from this title, beloved.
Reason 1. Because they tend to deliver men from the greatest evill, and to communicate unto them the greatest good. 2. Because they pertaine unto the communication which is exercised by charity. Use 1. This may serve to reprove those that cannot endure admonitions, and take them for their enemies that use them. Gal.4.16. 2 Tim.4.3. 2. To exhort us, to exercise our selves unto this duty with all charity.
Verse 3. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last dayes, scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
Verse 4. And saying, Where is the promise of his comming? For since the Fathers fell asleepe, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
The Analysis.
Vpon occasion of the Apostles testimony before cited, there is in these words a new description made of some wicked men of whom we must greatly beware. For in that he saith, that this is first to be knowne, what these wicked men are, of whom he doth admonish us, he doth thereby mean not only to shew that this is necessary to be known for the understanding and applying of the Apostles words with benefit,
