In these three verses, the Apostle proves by the testimony of Scripture, that which he had spoken in the last place, to wit, that Godly men shall inherit a blessing. In which testimony there is in the first place the blessing set downe, which all desire, _He that will love life, and see good dayes_. 2. The piety of those to whom this blessing is promised, is synecdochically declared by a distribution of the subjects, as it is in the speech, verse 10. or in the deeds and conversation of life verse 11. 3. The connexion of the blessing, with this piety is confirmed by the most powerfull cause thereof, namely, the providence of God, watching over the Godly for their good, verse 12. at the beginning. Which is illustrated by a contrary effect of the same providence toward those that doe evill, namely, that he watcheth over those alwayes for evills, verse 12. at the end. The Doctrines arising herehence. Doctrine 1. _It is common unto all men, in some sort to desire blessing and happinesse._ For therefore doth he in this place, use a common argument to stirre up all to the practice of piety. _Reason_ 1. Because *_omnia appetunt bonum_, all things desire their own good, & in some sort too that which they apprehend as _summum bonum_, the chiefest good. 2. Because all nature tends unto its owne perfection, and this perfection is happinesse. 3. Because the nature of happinesse is such, that if the understanding doth in any manner comprehend it, the will cannot but in some measure desire it, because it is in all respects desireable. _Use_ 1. Let us not therefore rest contented with a confused desire of happinesse, but endeavour and labour to stirre up and to increase in our selves the true, genuine and effectuall desire thereof. 2. _For direction_, not to corrupt this desire that is approved of God, or to choake it with worldly desires, but to goe forward and increase it daily according to that rule, which is given unto us from God. Doctrine 2. _True and solid piety is the only way to attaine unto these blessings._ _Reason_ 1. Because God hath promised it to the Godly alone. 2. Because piety in its owne nature leadeth to God, and joynes us with God, who is the fountaine of all good. 3. Because piety it selfe hath that perfection joyned with it, namely, peace of conscience and sound consolation, which is a great part of happinesse. _Vse_ 1. This may serve _to convince_ those of folly and madnesse, that would be happy, but will not be Godly. 2. _To direct us_, to kindle in our hearts an earnest endeavour to be godly by the expectation of this happinesse, and to gaine unto our selves an assurance of it. Doctrine 3. _The providence of God alone, makes for the furtherance of this piety, and the confirmation of this happinesse._ This is gathered from verse 12. _Reason_ 1. Because God by his providence doth fulfill and perfect all his promises.