A00665:743
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.
Brethren: this title ascribes to the people some dignity; that by faith in Christ they become Brethren to the very Apostles, and have the fraternity of the heavenly Saints. Alliance to Princes is held a noble happiness: but let us bless him that hath by the cement of his blood, allied us to those glorious and triumphant Saints in heaven. Be thou never so poor, if a true believer; Peter and Paul, yea, JESUS CHRIST himself is thy Brother.
Brethren: this title ascribes to the people some dignity; that by faith in Christ they become Brethren to the very Apostles, and have the fraternity of the heavenly Saints. Alliance to Princes is held a noble happinesse: but let us blesse him that hath by the cement of his bloud, allied us to those glorious and triumphant Saints in heaven. Be thou never so poore, if a true beleever; Peter and Paul, yea, IESUS CHRIST himselfe is thy Brother.
Again, this term is not without some requirable duty. Is the Minister thy Brother? hear him. If God had spoken only by Angels, or by some raised from the dead, or by himself in thunder; this had been terror: but by thy Brother; this is the sweetness of familiar mercy. The Lord doth raise up unto us Prophets of our own brethren, Act. 3.22. But take heed lest Gods gentleness be abused by thy contempt: it is the Word of thy Judge and Maker, though in ore fratris, in the mouth of thy brother. I know that worldly greatness doth easily run into this scorn; what, shall such a poor man reprove me? Yes, Jer. 1.10. I have set thee over nations and kingdoms, Act. 9.15. I have chosen him to bear my Name before Gentiles and Kings. Revel. 10.11. Thou shall prophesy before people, and nations, and Kings. If thou be the Shepherd, suffer none to pollute the fountain whereof the sheep should drink. I know that the poorer sort are presumptuous enough, but they want teeth and horns: The sons of Zerviah are too hard for us. If our conscience and the salvation of our souls lay not upon it, it were better for us to hold our peace. I speak not only concerning the pains: if a man knew the burden, it would take away his stomach. Hierome on those words of Paul,