An analyticall exposition of both the Epistles of the Apostle Peter : $b Illustrated by doctrines out of every textAmes, William
Religion
An analyticall exposition of both the Epistles of the Apostle Peter : $b Illustrated by doctrines out of every text
Ames, William
Bible. Peter -- Commentaries -- Early works to 1800
4. Because the Lordlinesse of Ministers alienates mens mindes from
their testimony, because they neither willingly subject themselves to
such as affect Lordlinesse, and they suppose too that those men, whom
they see to study their owne glory and power, do neither look after the
glory of God, nor the good of the Church.
_Vse._ This may serve to admonish all Ministers, to take heed not only
of all affectation, but also all shew of Lordlinesse. Now these men
have a shew of Lordlinesse, 1. That would have others in some sort
to depend upon their authority. 2. Those that prescribe something as
necessary to be believed or done, which is not taken out of Gods word.
3. Those that expound the will of God it selfe too imperiously, having
no regard to the infirmity of those with whom they have to doe.
Doctrine 8. _Ministers should go before the people not only in doctrine,
but in example also._
This is gathered from verse 3.
_Reason_ 1. Because they are called to feed the flock with all their
strength; and therefore they should edifie the Church not only by their
words, but by their deeds also.
2. Because a wicked life doth either utterly destroy their preaching,
or at least much weaken it.
3. Because a good example is of a singular force, in that it sheweth
that that very thing may be done, which he preacheth should be done.
4. Because it takes away all prejudice out of mens minds, and all
suspicion of affecting Lordlinesse and vaine glory, when they see
Ministers seriously to do that, which they propound and perswade others
to do.
_Vse._ This may serve to exhort, first, the Ministers, to labour to
leade an exemplary life. Secondly, the people, to imitate the good life
of their Ministers, for therefore are they proposed as examples. The
common vices contrary to this duty, are: 1. That many observe those
things only in their Ministers, which they may carpe at or calumniate,
and not those things which they should take notice of, with intention
to imitate them. 2. That many imagine that there is a speciall kinde of
holinesse belonging to Ministers, which others are not bound to labour
for. 3. That many excuse their wicked courses by this pretence, that
they are Lay-men, not Ecclesiasticall or Clergy-men.
Doctrine 9. _Ministers should expect the just reward of their labour
and care, not from men, but from Christ._
This is gathered from verse 4.
_Reason_ 1. Because Christ is the chiefe shepherd, and Lord of the
flock, as it is in the text.
2. Because they must expect many injuries from men, and those good
things which doe happen, are not such, or so highly to be esteemed of,
as that they should depend upon them.
3. Because they will labour to please him most, from whom they expect
their reward. Now they should please Christ, not men.
_Vse._ This may serve to comfort godly Ministers against those troubles,
which they finde men to make against them.
Doctrine 10. _Their reward is a crowne of eternall glory._
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