A00665:1161
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.
The witnesses before whom this was done, were of two sorts: some that Chri•• took with him, others that met him. The Disciples he took with him were three, Peter, James, and John. Numerus in se perfectus, & in testando integer; A number a•• to give a sound and sufficient Testimony. Here two questions are moved; first, why Christ chose but three: secondly, why only these three. Why three and no more, why these three and no other? First, why but three? To show unto us, that Paci electi; Few are chosen: God doth not reveal his glorious mysteries to all; […] some whom his own good pleasure calleth and culleth out, Act. 10.41. God […] show him openly, not to all the people, but to us witnesses chosen before of God. Beside three can give a sufficient testimony, Deut. 19.15. Matt. 18.16. In the mouth of […] three witnesses every matter shall be established. Next, why these three, and none of the rest? 1. I do not answer with Feverdentius, because these three were Flos totius […] Christi, & Principes novi Testamenti; Because they were the flower and prime of a Christs Apostles, and the Princes of the New Testament. I never read that Christ gave unto them any such prerogative or superexcellencie above the rest. 2. […] do I fetch an answer from the mystery of their names, with Gorrhan. He that will see the glory of God, must be a Peter, agnoscere per fidem, to acknowledge Christ […] faith: a James, supplantare peccatum, to supplant sin: a John, operari per gratiam, […] work good by the grace of God. For in these three, Credendo verum, extirpando •• lum, & operando bonum; To believe that is true, to root out that is evil, and to practice that is good; he placeth all perfection. 3. Nor yet do I answer, because these three were more eminent in virtue and graces than the rest. Three sorts […] men are qualified to see God: Such as love him, Joh. 14.21. If a man love me, I will love him, and Manifestabo ei meipsum; I will manifest my self to him. Such as are H•• ble,