_Vse_ 1. This may serve _to exhort us_ to make more precious account of the word of God and of his kingdome, then of all the world, and that not only in respect of our selves, but of others also; as the Apostle doth in this place extoll the word of God and the condition of the regenerate above all the things of the world, that by this consideration among others he might move the faithfull to esteeme of others, that are regenerate, more highly, and to love them more fervently, then all the things of the world. 2. To comfort us, in that God of his bounty and grace hath advanced us to such a dignity. Doctrine 18. _We ought to have a singular respect unto this dignity and excellency in the word of God, as it is preached unto us by the Gospell._ This is gathered from the 22 verse at the end. _Reason_ 1. Because the same word of God is preached unto us, that is so much commended by the Prophets, Apostles, and by Christ himselfe, as it is in the Text, _this is that word_. 2. Because it makes much unto our salvation, as it is preached unto us. _Use._ This may serve _to admonish us_, not to satisfie our selves with some generall esteeme of the word, as many are wont to doe, that are weary of the word that is preached unto them, and loathing it do reject it; but religiously and reverently to receive the word that is preached unto us, as the eternall word of God. Illustration: (‡ decoration) Chapter II. Verse 1. _Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and evill speakings,_ Verse 2. _As new borne babes, desire the sincere milke of the word, that ye may grow thereby._ Verse 3. _If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious._ Verse 4. _To whom comming as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,_ Verse 5. _Ye also as lively stones are built up a spirituall house, an holy Priesthood, to offer up spirituall sacrifice, acceptable to God by Iesus Christ._ Verse 6. _Wherefore it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chiefe corner stone, elect, precious, and he that beleeveth on him shall not be confounded._ Verse 7. _Vnto you therefore which believe he is precious, but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,_ Verse 8. _And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they are appointed._ Verse 9. _But ye are a chosen generation, a royall Priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should shew forth the praises of him, who hath called you out of darknesse into his marvellous light:_