An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustratedAn analyticall exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated

Here is a special exhortation propounded towards the Elders, that they should perform their duty and office in a holy manner. The duty in general is set down to be, to feed the flock, whereof they were made overseers, by a diligent over••ght and care of them, verse 2. at the beginning. And withal it is described by 3 conditions that are in a special manner required therein, which are set forth by a dehortation from the three contrary vices, that are opposed to those three conditions. 1. The first condition is, willingly to feed the flock; the contrary vice whereunto is, to do it by constraint. 2. To do it readily and freely▪ the contrary vice unto this, is, to seek after filthy lucre thereby. 3. Not only in doctrine, but in ⟨p. 108⟩example of life to go before the Church; the contrary vice whereunto is, to Lord it over the Church. This duty being thus declared and described, they are persuaded unto it by the reward that is adjoined, which for that cause all faithful shepherds do receive, verse 4. at the end. Which reward is set fo•th both by the internal nature of it, that it is a crown of glory that fadeth not away; and by the author and giver of it, to wit, that the chief Shepherd our Lord Jesus Christ, will give it; and also by the time of this giving of it, when the chief Shepherd shall appear, that is, at the last day of judgement. Now this exhortation, that it might be the more effectual, and might work the more upon them, is urged and set forth by the person of Peter, who was the ministering cause thereof, 1. From the parity and fellowship of the same duty, as Peter an Elder prayed the other Elders to do their duty. 2. From the knowledge which he had▪ and the testimony which he could give of the afflictions of Christ, which he suffered for the Church, the remembrance whereof should stir up all shepherds to a diligent care of the Church. 3. From that certain expectation which he had of the glory to come, which glory he promiseth to all shepherds in the name of the chief shepherd.

HEre is a speciall exhortation propounded towards the Elders, that they should performe their duty and office in a holy manner. The duty in generall is set downe to be, to feed the flock, whereof they were made overseers, by a diligent over••ght and care of them, verse 2. at the beginning. And withall it is described by 3 conditions that are in a speciall manner required therein, which are set forth by a dehortation from the three contrary vices, that are opposed to those three conditions. 1. The first condition is, willingly to feed the flock; the contrary vice whereunto is, to do it by constraint. 2. To do it readily and freely the contrary vice unto this, is, to seeke after fifthy lucre thereby. 3. Not only in doctrine, but in