A00665:1042
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.
But now come with the Gospel, and urge them with the heart-blood of JESUS CHRIST, shed to save their souls from hell, and to satisfy for their sins. This is that powerful pleading which makes good men confess their hearts to burn within them: and bad men, even an Agrippa to say; I am almost persuaded to be a Christian, Act. 26.28.
But now come with the Gospell, and urge them with the heart-bloud of IESUS CHRIST, shed to save their soules from hell, and to satisfie for their sinnes. This is that powerfull pleading which makes good men confesse their hearts to burne within them: and bad men, even an Agrippa to say; I am almost perswaded to be a Christian, Act. 26.28.
Thirdly, collect we hence, that the word of God hath more power than all mens edicts. Men in their writings are at much cost in adorning their stile, and reducing their words to number, weight and measure; interlacing many rhetorical figures to beget attention. But on the contrary, the Scriptures in a plain simplicity, accommodates it self to the capacity of the weakest. Yet under this simplicity is included a strange majesty, and gravity of speech. As great Princes in their Edicts use no figures to their subjects, but plainly and briefly set down their commands: so God absolutely imposeth his will without debating the matter. Yet in persuading, moving affection, and posing the deepest apprehension, they have a Power beyond all writings. Read the first Chapter of Essays Prophecy, and compare it with the best Oration of Tully. Read the History of Joseph, and confer it with any tale of Aeneas. Read the acts of David, and weigh them with the wonders of Tamburlaine. Read the Gospel, which is the History of the life and death of Christ; and you will think the saddest stories of any humane pens mere counterfeits to it. Let the Scriptural Psalms and Hymns be balanced with the most accurate and pathetical poems; alas, when these vanish with their air, those shall ravish the ear, and withal take the conscience. Josephus was a man admired for eloquence, yet how he halts in his imitation! concerning Abraham's sacrificing of his son Isaac, he makes a large rhetorical discourse: