A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…

This Conclusion hath two parts: a Commandment, and a Promise: The words of this commandment have been expounded in the seventh verse, with the doctrines and uses thereof: yet here is to be observed what the spirit commendeth thus seriously to our hearing. The things are three, which were handled in the former verses. First, touching Gods providence, that he seeth and regardeth the tribulations of his church. The second, touching trial: that Gods church and people ought beforehand to consider of the day of visitation, and thereby arm themselves with courage against all afflictions, that they suffer not themselves to be overmuch daunted with any fear. The third touching faithfulness: Gods people must consider what promises they have made to God in baptism, namely, to keep faith, true religion, and good conscience unto the end; and these they must perform unto death. These things being so carefully commended unto us by Christ, we must labour to have them engraven in our hearts, that we may practise them in our lives. And to incite us hereunto, we must mark the two reasons contained in the words. First, because the Spirit of Christ speaketh to us. Secondly, because they concern all Churches, (though principally they were spoken to the church of Smyrna) and therefore none may seek excuse to exempt himself from learning and obeying these things.

This Conclusion hath two parts: a Commaundement, and a Promise: The words of this commaundement haue beene expounded in the seuenth verse, with the doctrines and vses thereof: yet here is to bee obserued what the spirit commendeth thus seriously to our hearing. The things are three, which were handled in the former verses. First, touching Gods prouidence, that hee seeth and regardeth the tribulations of his church. The second, touching triall: that Gods church and people ought beforehand to consider of the day of visitation, and thereby arme themselues with courage against all afflictions, that they suffer not themselues to bee ouermuch daunted with any feare. The third touching faithfulnesse: Gods people must consider what promises they haue made to God in baptisme, namely, to keepe faith, true religion, and good conscience vnto the end; and these they must performe vnto death. These things being so carefully commended vnto vs by Christ, wee must labour to haue them engrauen in our hearts, that we may practise them in our liues. And to incite vs hereunto, wee must marke the two reasons contained in the words. First, because the Spirit of Christ speaketh to vs. Secondly, because they concerne all Churches, (though principally they were spoken to the church of Smyrna) and therefore none may seeke excuse to exempt himselfe from learning and obeying these things.