A00665:1008
A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written
A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, written by the blessed apostle St. Peter. By Thomas AdamsA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written by the blessed apostle St. Peter. By Thomas Adams
London: printed by Richard Badger and Felix Kyngston for Jacob Bloome, 1633London: printed by Richard Badger and Felix Kyngston for Iacob Bloome, 1633
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Vanity is thrice called Vain, to show the vileness of it. In these and such like places, so fraught with repetitions; as it is with Numeration in Arithmetic: the figure in the first place stands for it self; in the second place for ten-times it self; in the third for a hundred times it self. So when the Scripture condemns a sin; as it proceeds in iteration, it riseth in aggravation.
Vanity is thrice called Vaine, to shew the vilenesse of it. In these and such like places, so fraught with repetitions; as it is with Numeration in Arithmeticke: the figure in the first place stands for it selfe; in the second place for ten-times it selfe; in the third for a hundred times it selfe. So when the Scripture condemnes a sin; as it proceeds in iteration, it riseth in aggravation.
Oh the infallible power of the word! heaven and earth shall pass, it shall never fail. Time may fail, speech may fail, audience may fail: but the matter of that abundant treasure shall never fail. It may be, Samuel knows not Gods first call, nor his second, nor his third; yet at last, speak Lord, for thy servant heareth. It may be as Peter, Act. 10.16. in his vision; Arise, kill, and eat; he excuseth himself; Not so Lord, for I have never eaten any unclean thing. But when this was done thrice, he is resolved. So when the Lords voice comes to us once, Arise and eat; it may be we excuse our selves; Not so Lord: but when it shall be spoken thrice, often; there is some hope that we will hear at last. It may be according to the sign that God gave Hezekiah, Esa. 37.30. This year ye shall eat such as groweth of it self: the second year, such as springeth of the same: but the third year ye shall sow and reap. So the first time we hear the doctrine of salvation, it is without profit; and it breeds no meditations in us but such as grow of themselves. The next time, such as spring of the former, thoughts of flesh and blood. But yet the third time, it may work us, to a more industrious cogitation of heavenly things. Paul in the 17. of the Acts; three Sabbath days together handled one doctrine.