3. Because _nemo propriè læditur nisi à seipso_, no body is properly hurt but by himselfe and his own fault; he therefore that escheweth evill and doeth good, cannot properly be said to be hurt by others, though they do earnestly desire and endeavour to do it. The Doctrines arising herehence. Doctrine 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. Doctrine 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. Doctrine 3. _To suffer afflictions for righteousnesse sake doth not hinder, but further our happinesse._ This is gathered from Verse 14. So _Matthew 5.10._ _Reason_ 1. Because such afflictions make us conformable unto Christ in the fellowship of his sufferings, _Philippians 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. Doctrine 4. _We must lay aside the feare of all dangers wherewith our mind may be troubled._ This is gathered from the same verse at the end. _Reason_ 1. Because such feare is contrary unto faith and a sure confidence. 2. Because it hath no other use, but to hinder us in doing of our duty. 3. Because it is contrary to the honour of God and the worthinesse of a good cause. _Vse._ This may serve to admonish us not to give place to such pusillanimity and faint-heartednesse. Doctrine 5. _We should strengthen our hearts against all feare, by putting our trust in God._ _Reason_ 1. Because there is nothing else whereby we can overcome all feares and terrours. 2. Because God hath taken this upon himselfe, and commanded us to commit our cause unto him. 3. Because by this trust and confidence God is made the strength of our soules. _Vse._ This may serve to exhort us, truly to put our trust in God. Doctrine 6. _By this trust and confidence we sanctifie God in our hearts._ This is gathered from verse 15.