A00665:837
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.
But our Apostle himself makes it a difficult thing to be saved, 1 Pet. 4.18. If the righteous scarcely be saved, &c. The Apostle doth not intend any difficulty in respect of Gods election; but in regard of our affliction; because through a fiery trial, and through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God, Act. 14.22. So scarcely saved, that by reason of their miseries they seem to the world not to be saved at all. Through much tribulation, they must enter, but howsoever they shall enter. This doth not hedge up the way, but enlarge it: Stephen saw great happiness by Christ in his peace, but under the stones he saw heaven it self open, Heb. 12.6. God doth receive, not reject, the son whom he doth scourge. Dignus amore non eris, 1si dignus castigatione non censeris: if God do not think thee worthy of his rod, he will never think thee worthy of his Crown. Doth any man find the way to blessedness difficult? himself is in fault. Doest thou complain the gate is shut? No, but thou art not habited for entrance. None might come to Ahasuerus court in sackcloth, but they that come so are best welcome to God. It is said of the virtuous wife, Pr. 31.21. that all her household are clothed in Duplicibus, in double garments. All gods servants have double garments; a black mourning garment of penitence, and a white robe of Innocence. Either of these must be vestis Talaris, down to the heels, even to the end of their life.
But our Apostle himselfe makes it a difficult thing to be saved, 1 Pet. 4.18. If the righteous scarcely be saved, &c. The Apostle doth not intend any difficultie in respect of Gods election; but in regard of our affliction; because through a fiery tryall, and through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdome of God, Act. 14.22. So scarcely saved, that by reason of their miseries they seeme to the world not to be saved at all. Through much tribulation, they must enter, but howsoever they shall enter. This doth not hedge up the way, but enlarge it: Stephen saw great happinesse by Christ in his peace, but under the stones he saw heaven it selfe open,