A00665:851
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.
Now lastly, let us come more narrowly to examine the Felicity of this Kingdom: Cujus lex veritas, Rex Trinitas, modus aeternitas The Kingdom of heaven is taken divers ways: sometimes for the life of the Just, under the similitude of the marriage of men, and of the carriage of men. So Matth. 22.2. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain King, that made a marriage for his son: The elect are the guests bidden to the wedding; Matth. 25.1. The kingdom of heaven is likened unto ten Virgins: Not that only Virgins shall enter the kingdom of heaven. For as Paul says, Gal. 6.15. In Christ, neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, •ut a new creature. So, neither marriage is any thing, nor virginity, but chastity. Chrysostom, who was a great admirer of virginity, could say; Primus gradus castita•is est sincera virginitas; secundus, fidele conjugium. The first degree of chastity is spotless virginity; the next, faithful wedlock. Christ was conceived in virginity, •nd borne in marriage; to show that Coelibarus is not only coelo beatus; whether single or married, if faithful, they are admitted to this kingdom. Sometimes the kingdom of heaven is taken for the Church militant, mixed with good and bad, Matth. 13.24. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a field, that had in it both wheat •nd tares, vers. 47. The kingdom of heaven is likened to a net, that gathered of every •inde. In a Kingdom there be divers subjects, some true, and some false: so in the Church, some be loyal, and others hypocrites. Therefore the course of Christ in •is kingdom is such, as good Magistrates should take in Common-wealths; Ut bo•i invitentur praemiis, ut mali dent poenas: to reward the good, and to punish the wicked. ⟨p. 242⟩In this present state, among men the best are regarded least. Jacob is bound prentice, while profane Esau rides a hunting. But in the future estate, Major serviet minori; The greater shall serve the less. Sometimes it is taken for Christ himself: