A00665:39
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.
2. This is a clear remonstrance of Saint Peters humility; a famous Apostle; some have given him more, the primacy of the Apostles: yet what's his own Title, a Servant of JESUS CHRIST. The godly are no further ambitious, than to belong to CHRIST. There is great suit to be retained in the service of Princes: but the best is to serve the Prince of Princes. What need he wait upon a channel, that may dwell by a whole River? Or serve him that serves, when he may serve him that reigns? A poor estimation of our selves, gives us the richest estimation with God.a When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the Head of the tribes of Israel? When thou wast little I then made thee great. Abraham sayes, non sum dignus: I am not worthy, &c. God dignifies him to be the Father of them that believe; Act. 1.23. When the lot was to be cast for an Apostle to supply Judas room, two were appointed; Joseph and Matthias. Joseph trinominis, of three appellations: Joseph, the son of rest; Barsabas, and Justus, sir-named so for his equity. Yea more, he was Frater Domini the LORDS brother. Matth. 13.55. Are not his brethren James and Joses, &c. that is, Christs near kinsman. Mathias but twice named in the Scriptures; both times in that one Chapter, Acts 1. yet the lot fell upon Matthias. Matthias signifies a little one: so the Gospel appointed for the day of his feast and memory, commends little ones, Mat. 11.25. Thou hast hid these things from the wise, and hast revealed them to babes, to little ones. Notwithstanding the great titles and privileges of the other, GOD sent the lot upon the little one, it fell upon Matthias. He that seems little in his own eyes, is the greatest in GODS account. It hath been the humble and blessed acknowledgement of the Saints, that they are servants. Though we be new borne to our fathers Inheritance, yet now we are in our Nonage.b The heir, as long as he is a Child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be LORD of all. Men make difference of their friends, children, and servants; GOD none. His friends must serve.