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…

In this occasion of Gods promise observe; that Gods grace well used, is rewarded with increase. Those which have received but small measure of grace at the first, by becoming faithful therein, have received increase, which serves to move us to be faithful in the use of those talents, which we have received. For hereby we shall receive increase, when as those which having received good gifts from God, as knowledge, and such like, because they have not been faithful in the use thereof, have been deprived of the same. Wherefore whosoever hath begun to know the will of God, to believe, and to repent; let the same parties proceed to use those gifts still to Gods glory, and the good of his Church and people, among, whom they live; and they shall see the Lord will double and treble, and greatly increase the same unto them.

In this occasion of Gods promise obserue; that Gods grace well vsed, is rewarded with increase. Those which haue receiued but small measure of grace at the first, by becomming faithfull therein, haue receiued increase, which serues to mooue vs to bee faithfull in the vse of those tallents, which wee haue receiued. For heereby wee shall receiue increase, when as those which hauing receiued good gifts from God, as knowledge, and such like, because they haue not beene faithfull in the vse thereof, haue beene depriued of the same. Wherefore whosoeuer hath begun to know the will of God, to beleeue, and to repent; let the same parties proceed to vse those giftes still to Gods glorie, and the good of his Church and people, among, whom they liue; and they shall see the Lord will double and treble, and greatly increase the same vnto them.

Again, note the doctrine of the Gospel is a Doctrine of patience. This showeth how good and meet it is for every one to learn the Gospel in the days of peace: for every one in times of trial, would wish for strength and patience▪ and we know not how long these days of peace will last. Again, each man in his calling, is subject to many crosses and miseries: for in the sweat of our face must we eat our bread. And who is free from pains and diseases, yea who can scape death it self? Now in all these, and in all other troubles, we have need of patience. And therefore in the time of health and ease, let us hide in our hearts the seeds of this grace, to wit, the Doctrine of the Gospel: and then in due time, we shall reap the fruit of patience, which will make us contented in all distresses both of life and death. And if we would know why most men are so impatient in afflictions; it is because they have so little knowledge and faith in the Gospel of his grace.