A00665:1148
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.
We heard this voice.] The circumstance annexed to this vocal part, is Audience; We heard. Formerly there was provision for the eye, now GOD supplies the ear also. There we have Seen his Majesty, here we have Heard his Testimony. The object to the eye was Gloria Testati, the glory of the Person exhibited: the object to the ear was Vox Testantis, the voice of the Person witnessing. These are the two principal organs of Sense: and the wise love of God by the ex•rcise of them both, brings us to a certain persuasion of these holy mysteries. It a Philosophical question, whether of these senses be better in it self. To answer •ccording to nature, certainly the sight is most excellent: both for celerity, and per•icacity; quickness and sharpness. Segnius irritant animos dimissa per aures. But according to grace, for the benefit of the soul, Hearing far excelleth: and that both for amplitude and Altitude. 1. For Amplitude, we see not many things in comparison […] them we hear. Few can say, I have seen all the works that are done under the Sun, eccles. 1.14. Unless he mean by All works, all kind of works: or by Vision, consideration; as there certainly Solomon doth. But we have heard what Solomon •w; a large Inventory of worldly things, the total Sum whereof is Vanity. The actions and events of former times, are brought home to us by Hearing: whose authors and agents went to darkness, before we came to light: we have heard far more •an seen. 2. For Altitude, we have heard higher things than we have seen. The eye •ay reach almost to the Ceiling of this lower world, but it cannot pierce the pavement of heaven. The ear hears what is done within those everlasting doors: that •od beholds our thoughts, and accepts his Sons Intercession and merits for us. Psal. 8.8. As we have heard, so have we seen in the City of our God: first heard, then afterwards come to see, Psal. 132.6. Lo we heard of it at Ephrata, a strange land: but Vidi•us in monte Zion; We only shall see it in mount Zion, in the glorious kingdom above. ⟨p. 326⟩