Reason. Because the courses and fashions of the wicked are therefore set forth unto us, that we might avoid them. Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to suffer our selves to be led away by the example of the wicked multitude. For God doth not propose it as a thing to be followed, but to be shunned and avoided. Doct. 3. We should in a singular manner differ from the wicked therein, that we judge of the wayes of God not according to the sense of the flesh, but according to the nature of God.
This is gathered from these words: One day with the Lord. With men it is otherwise.
Reason. Because spirituall things are to be judged of spiritually. Now all the wayes of God are in some sort spirituall and divine. Vse. This may serve to reprove those, that in such examinations are wont to consult with flesh and blood, and not with the word of God. Doct. 4. The end of all Gods wayes, as they have respect unto men, is the repentance and salvation of the godly.
This is gathered from v.9. Now here ariseth a question.
Quest. Whether all and every particular man be meant thereby, when it is said, that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance?
Answ. The patience of God according to its nature hath that use and end, to lead all sinners unto repentance, Rom.2.4. and in that sense might their interpretation be admitted, who understand these words and the like of all and every particular man: But that the Apostle in this place hath speciall reference to the elect, it appears thereby, that he speaking of the beloved of God, verse 8. and reckoning himselfe amongst the number of us, saith, that God is long-suffering to us-ward, that is, towards those beloved, and is not willing that any should perish, that is, any of them: because Gods principall work towards men is the salvation of the faithfull, and therefore all his wayes tend thereunto, as unto the scope and mark whereunto they are directed.
Vse 1. This may serve to reprove the madnesse of those men that blame those things in God, which make most for their use and good, as these men do in the slacknesse of the Lords comming.
