3. Because out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh: we cannot therefore sanctifie God with all our heart, unlesse we are ready to do the same likewise with our mouth.
Vse 1. This may serve to reprove those, which boast of the sincerity of their heart, and in the meane time take no care for the holinesse of their heart and words. 2. To exhort us to prepare our selves for this duty, Ephes. 4.29. Doct. 8. All Christians should be ready not only to professe the truth, but also to give a good reason of their profession.
This is gathered from these words: to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you. And this is not to be understood of all truth, but of the truth of religion; nor of all these things neither, which do any way pertain unto religion, but of the very substance of faith, hope, and religion, as it is in the text: a reason of the hope that is in you: nor is it either a naturall reason that is required, or such a kinde of reason that may stop the mouths of every gainsayer; for this all are not able to do, nor doth it belong unto all; but some sure ground out of Gods word, whereupon our faith and hope should be built and strengthened against all kinde of temptations. Now here ariseth a question. Quest. Whether such a reason is to be given to every one that asketh, or no? Answ. No not absolutely to every one, because we are not to give it to Dogs and Swine, (that is, to uncleane persons) without a necessary cause, but to every one that asketh us, so that our profession or answer may probably at least turn to the glory of God, as it is in the text, to sanctifie God. Vse. This may serve to exhort us, 1 seriously to study our religion, to understand the grounds thereof. 2 Freely and ingeniously to declare and defend it upon a good occasion. Doct. 9. Our profession of religion should be with meekenesse in respect of men, and with feare in respect of God.
Reason. Because by meekenesse we do good amongst men, and the feare of God will stirre us up to do our duty, and keep us within the bounds and limits thereof.
Vse. This may serve to reprove those, which keepe no measure in their words and actions.
