_Vse._ This may serve to direct us, in all our exhortations and admonitions to have respect unto this. Doctrine 2. _It makes the exhortation the more effectuall, when a man speakes out of certaine judgement and communion of affection._ This is gathered herehence, that _Peter_ makes way for his exhortation, in that he was a witnesse of the sufferings of Christ, and so had a certaine knowledge of those things which belong unto Christ, and that he was partaker of the same glory; and therefore he was affected after the same manner himselfe, as he desired they should be. _Reason_ 1. Because knowledge gives ability and authority, and communion of affection addes zeale and charity to the exhortation. 2. Because these two will take away those objections, which usually hinder the efficacy of the exhortation; namely, either that he gives his judgement of things that he doth not know, or else at least he is an unexperienced man, of whom it may rightly be said, _If thou wert here, thou wouldest thinke otherwise_. _Use._ This may serve to direct us to get knowledge of those things which we exhort others unto, and affections also answerable thereunto. Doctrine 3. _Men should be exhorted in a speciall manner unto those duties, which belong unto their proper or particular functions or callings._ This is gathered from verse 2. where the shepherds are exhorted to feed the flock. _Reason_ 1. Because every mans particular function is that condition wherein God hath placed him to advance his glory. 2. Because a mans faithfulnesse is most of all made triall of in that condition. 3. Because the duties of our generall calling should be exercised in every Christians particular condition. _Vse._ This may serve to admonish every one to take greatest care of those duties which are proper to his calling or condition. Doctrine 4. _It is the proper duty of a Shepherd, to feed the flock that is committed to his charge._ This is gathered from verse 2. _Reason_ 1. Because the shepherds are appointed for the edification of the Church: now to feed is nothing else, but to use all meanes that are appointed by God to procure the edification of the Church. 2. Because Pastors are properly given to the faithfull that are converted, who as new borne babes should be nourished and brought up with milke and food, untill they come to perfection. 3. Because the overseers of the Church should take most care of those things, that are most necessary for the Church; but it is most necessary for the faithfull being imperfect, to have their spirituall life preserved and increased by feeding. _Vse._ This may serve to admonish, 1. The Ministers not to thinke that it is a light or common duty that lies upon them, but that the very life of the Church doth in some sort depend upon their labour and Ministery, and therefore so to carry themselves, as befits and becomes so great a duty.