be hurt by others, though they do earnestly desire and endeavour to do it.
The Doctrines arising herehence.
Doct. 1. Christians should be emulators and followers of that which is good.
This is gathered from verse 13.
Reason 1. Because they are called to the imitation of Gods goodnesse; Be ye holy as I am holy: be ye perfect as your Father is perfect.
2. Because they are begotten again unto the image of God, and should daily more and more be fashioned thereunto.
3. Because there is nothing besides that is worthy of our serious imitation.
Vse. This may serve to exhort us, to lift up our mindes, and betake our selves to this holy and divine emulation. Doct. 2. They that are followers of that which is good are freed from harme. This is gathered from verse 13. Reason 1. Because if God be for us, who can be against us?
2. Because wicked mens minds also are oftentimes overcome by the goodnesse of the good: as Esau was moved by the obsequiousnesse of Iacob.
3. Because the greatest good cannot be taken away from those that labour for true godlinesse.
Vse. This may serve to comfort us against all dangers which may befall us by following that which is good. Doct. 3. To suffer afflictions for righteousnesse sake doth not hinder, but further our happinesse.
This is gathered from Verse 14. So Matth. 5.10. Reason 1. Because such afflictions make us conformable unto Christ in the fellowship of his sufferings, Phil. 3.10. 2. Because it is a singular part of that obedience and holinesse, which tends unto happinesse. 3. Because God hath promised bountifully to reward it. Vse. This may serve to comfort us, against all the evils which may befall us for righteousnesse sake and a good conscience. Doct. 4. We must lay aside the feare of all dangers wherewith our mind may be troubled.
