A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

The scope of this verse is persuasive and hortatory: wherein the Apostle labours to reduce Christianity to practise; That as men have a plentiful hope of salvation, so they may show a liberal argument of sanctification. For every one that hath this hope purgeth himself. 1 Joh. 3.3. And he that is freed from damnation walks after the spirit, Ro. 8.1. Neither can there be a sound testimony of conscience, that we are in Gods favour; if it be not joined with the integrity of life. That which from everlasting stood sure in heaven by Gods decree of election, this make sure to your selves on earth by your conversion from evil, and conversation in goodness. As God hath his Statutum est, so must you have your Probatum est. CHRIST hath bequeathed to all believers a legacy of glory, entitle your selves to it by your faith and holiness; make your election sure. It was ever sure in GODS prescience, now make it sure to your own conscience. Which when you have done, be stablished in your hearts; Ye shall never fall. He that hath a grant from the King under the broad-seal, and hath also interested and strengthened himself in this grant Robore Legis, and hath approved himself Coram facie Judicis; wants now nothing but possession, which the Sheriff cannot deny him. So the Christian having both these made sure to him, when death shall manumit him, the Angels shall bring ⟨p. 204⟩him to the Inheritance, and the gate of glory shall give open way, the Porter not being Peter, but the LORD JESUS himself. A man in your City is to be made free by his fathers copy: you demand proof that he is such a mans son: he proves it by testimony, you cannot deny his freedom. The Father of heaven makes all Christians free by CHRISTS copy, Joh. 8.36. If the Son make you free, shall you not be free indeed? Thou comest and demandest thy freedom: where is thy testimony that thou art such a fathers son? here, my faith and some measure of obedience. Christ will answer, Matth. 25.21. Well done thou good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

THe scope of this verse is perswasive and hortatory: wherein the Apostle labours to reduce Christianitie to practise; That as men have a plentifull hope of salvation, so they may shew a liberall argument of sanctification. For every one that hath this hope purgeth himselfe.