2. Because in performing this duty, wee serve God and Christ, and shall receive a reward from him, Ephes. 6.5, 6, 7, 8.
Vse. This may serve to reprove those, that direct their duties according to the persons of the men with whom they have to doe. Doct. 4. We ought to doe our duty for conscience toward God, though we are wrongfully afflicted by men.
This is gathered from Verse 19.
Reason 1. Because conscience alwayes lookes to the judgement of God and not to the qualities and judgements of men. 2. Because the conscience is by this meanes constant, immutable, and alwayes like it selfe, howsoever mens judgements may alter. Vse. This may serve to direct us in all our actions to have a speciall respect to the conscience. Doct. 5. It it thank-worthy, and we shall receive glory from God, if we suffer wrongfully, and not justly.
This is gathered from the 19 and 20 verses.
Reason. 1. Because this is proper and peculiar to Christians, as is the love of our enemies, Matth 5.44, 45. 2. Because by this meanes we give great glory unto God, when we suffer the bitterest things out of conscience toward him. Use. This may serve to exhort us, cheerefully to set our selves to the performing of these duties. Doct. 6. The calling of Christians doth in a speciall manner lead to the patient suffering of afflictions.
This is gathered from the 21 verse, at the beginning.
Reason 1. Because they are called unto glory by the enduring of all kindes of afflictions, as by the way that leadeth thereunto, cap. 5. verse 10.
2. Because they are called to overcome their enemies and evill doers by well-doing, and if it be possible to winne them thereby, Matth. 5.44. Rom. 12.21.
3. Because they are called to imitate Christ, as it is in the text.
Vse 1. This may serve to admonish us, not to imitate or follow the men of the world in these things, because we have another manner of calling.
