proper or particular functions or callingâ— This is gathered from verse 2. where the shepherds are exhored to feed the flock Reason 1. Because every mans particular function is that condition wherein God hath placed him to advance his glory 2. Because a mans faithfulnesse is most of all made triall of in that condition 3. Because the duties of our generall calling should be exerâ—â—ed in every Christians particular condition Vse This may serve to admonish every one to take greatest care of those duties which are proper to his calling or condition Doct. 4. It is the proper duty of a Shepherd to feed the flock that is committed to his charge This is gathered from verse 2. Reason 1. Because the shepherds are appointed for the edification of the Church now to feed is nothing else but to use all meanes that are appointed by God to procure the edification of the Church 2. Because Pastors are properly given to the faithfull that are converted who as new borne babes should be nourished and brought up with milke and food untill they come to perfection 3. Because the overseers of the Church should take most care of those things that are most necessary for the Church but it is most necessary for the faithfull being imperfect to have their spirituall life preserved and increased by feeding Vse This may serve to admonish 1 The Ministers not to thinke that it is a light or common duty that lies upon them but that the very life of the Church doth in some sort depend upon their labour and Ministery and therefore so to carry themselves as befits and becomes so great a duty 2. The people not to expect from their Ministers vain and light things which might tickle their eares but to come to a Sermon as to the Lords Table and seeke for spirituall food to feed their soules unto everlasting life Doct. 5. Pastors should performe their duties willingly not by constraint This is gathered from the same verse Now by constraint is meant that forcing which proceeds from outward things whereby a man performes the part of a Minister in some sort either to avoid poverty or disgrace and infamy or the censure of others Reason 1. Because that which is done by constraint comes not from the heart as from an inward principle nor from the Spirit sanctifying and therefore it is not a duty pleasing and acceptable unto God 2. Because that which comes not from the heart and is not done willingly is done only perfunctorily and for fashion sake not with that diligence and care which God requires 3. Because that which proceeds not from the heart and the deerest affection of the soule doth not usually worke upon other mens mindes and therefore is not effectuall to the edification of the Church which is the end of the Ministery Vse This should admonish us to look not only to the understanding but also to the disposition of the will and heart in the Ministers of the Church Doct. 6. They should do the same of a ready minde not for lucre Now by lucre is meant all kinde of worldly profit which men acquire unto themselves either in doing the thing or in getting fame or in gaining friends and the like Reason 1. Because that which depends upon lucre or some such like end must necessarily be applyed thereunto and this is to corrupt the word of God 2 Cor. 2. 17. 2. Because that which depends upon mutable things that also it selfe is mutable and inconstant 3. Because he which seeketh after lucre is not a Minister of God but of Mammon Vse This may serve to admonish 1 The Ministers not to follow after lucre 2. The people not to suffer their Ministers to be tempted by poverty and so to be the lesse cheerefull and ready in performing their duty Heb. 13. 17. Doct. 7. The affectation of Lordlinesse should be far from Christs Ministers This is gathered from verse 3. Reason 1. Because they are called to meere service not to Lordlinesse 2. Because Christ himselfe whose Ministers they are did purposely live amongst men as one that serveth that he might leave an example unto those that should minister unto others in his name Luke 22. 27. 3. Because the worke wherein they are imployed is not subject to the command and authority of men For men cannot command religion but only perswade unto it 4. Because the Lordlinesse of Ministers alienates mens mindes from their testimony because they neither willingly subject themselves to such as affect Lordlinesse and they suppose too that those men whom they see to study their owne glory and power do neither look after the glory of God nor the good or the Church Vse This may serve to admonish all Ministers to take heed not only of all affectation but also all shew of Lordlinesse Now these men have a shew of Lordlinesse 1 That would have others in some sort to depend upon their authority 2. Those that prescribe something as necessary to be believed or done which is not taken out of Gods word 3. Those that expound the will of God it selfe too imperiously having no regard to the infirmity of those with whom they have to doe Doct. 8. Ministers should go before the people not only in doctrine but in example also This is gathered from verse 3. Reason 1. Because they are called to feed the flock with all their strength and therefore they should edifie the Church not only by their words but by their deeds also 2. Because a wicked life doth either utterly destroy their preaching or at least much weaken it 3. Because a good example is of a singular force in that it sheweth that that very thing may be done which he preacheth should be done 4. Because it takes away all prejudice out of mens minds and all suspicion of affecting Lordlinesse and vaine glory when they see Ministers seriously to do that which they propound and perswade others to do Vse This may serve to exhort first the Ministers to labour to leade an exemplary life Secondly the people to imitate the good life of their Ministers for therefore are they proposed as examples The common vices contrary to this duty are 1. That many observe those things only in their Ministers which they may carpe at or calumniate and not those things which they should take notice of with intention to imitate them 2. That many imagine that there is a speciall kinde of holinesse belonging to Ministers which others are not bound to labour for 3. That many excuse their wicked courses by this pretence that they are Lay-men not Ecclesiasticall or Clergy-men Doct. 9. Ministers should expect the j ust reward of their labour and care not from men but from Christ. This is gathered from verse 4. Reason 1. Because Christ is the chiefe shepherd and Lord of the flock as it is in the text 2. Because they must expect many injuries from men and those good things which doe happen are not such or so highly to be
esteemed of as that they should depend upon them 3. Because they will labour to please him most from whom they expect their reward Now they should please Christ not men Vse This may serve to comfort godly Ministers against those troubles which they finde men to make against them Doct. 10. Their reward is a crowne of eternall glory Reason 1. Because glory is the reward of the faithfull for all kinde of obedience towards God Now in the Ministery there is a speciall kinde of obedience 2. Because those that did strive or runne lawfully in a race there was wont to be a Crowne set before them so for those that carry themselves well in the exercise of the Ministery besides the glory common to all the Saints there is a speciall kinde of addition prepared which is like as it were a crown Vse This may serve to exhort Ministers couragiously to contemne all temporary ignominy and disgrace for this Crowne of eternall glory Doct. 11. This Crowne of glory shall be fully given at Christs second comming to judgement Vse This may serve to admonish us patiently to persevere unto the end Verse 5. Likewise ye younger submit your selves unto the elder yea all of you be subject one to another and be clothed with humility for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble Verse 6. Humble your selves therefore under the mighty hand of God that he may exalt you in due time Verse 7. Casting all your care upon him for he careth for you The Analysis THe Apostle having in the former verses described the duty of the Elders towards the Church or the younger sort and perswaded them unto it he doth there-hence conclude the duty of the younger towards the elders by a comparing of things that are alike unto it as the first word of the 5 verse shewes unto us Likewise This duty is in generall pointed out by subjection which is set forth by the other duty that is due not only to the Elders but also to all the members of the Church by reason of that nature which it hath common with the former and it is also called subjection in those words yea all of you be subject one to another Now this subjection as well unto the Elders as unto all is first described what kinde of subjection it ought to be to wit not only outward but proceeding from the inward subjection of the soule unto God be clothed with humility And that it is meant of humility towards God may be gathered from verse 6. Secondly He doth perswade them also unto this humility 1. Because it is an ornament of the minde that by the way 2. From Gods blessing adjoyned which followes thereupon God gives grace unto the humble which is illustrated by Gods curse contrary thereunto that fals upon the proud God resisteth the proud Thirdly he doth urge and presse them unto this subjection towards God verse 6. Humble your selves therefore and he shewes the proper reason of this subjection which is the mighty hand or omnipotency of God and withall hee explaines that reason which he had before propounded concerning the blessing and grace of God towards the humble to wit that by that grace they shall be exalted the time of which exaltation is marked out that it shall be in due time that hee may exalt you in due time In the last place by anticipation of a close but weighty objection whereby this subjection is usually made very difficult he shewes the true manner thereof to wit that it should be joyned with that confidence which casts all care upon God so that no feare or worldly care can hinder this subjection which confidence he doth perswade them unto by that effectuall providence which God hath over the faithfull for their good verse 7 at the end For he careth for you The doctrines arising herehence Doct. 1. There is the like duty of the people towards their Pastors as there is of the Pastors towards the people This is gathered from verse 5 at the beginning Likewise ye younger Now by the younger in this place is chiefely meant the flock which depends upon the Pastors because the Pastors and Presbyters were for the most part chosen of those that were elder in age and therefore the greatest part of the flock consisted of youngers Now their duty is said to be like not for that it is in the same kinde that the people should guide their Pastors as the Pastors do guâ—de the people but because there is the like reason of both their duties Reason 1. Because the same God and Lord both of Pastors people hath imposed and prescribed to both their duties 2. Because that relation which is betwixt the Pastor and people requires a mutuall intercourse of duty 3. Because the Pastors labour and care is made void if the people do not in some sort answer the same 4. Because the Pastors care and labour tending to the salvation of the people deserves it Vs. This may serve to reprove those that are very curious and rigid in exacting their Pastors duty when in the meane time they are nothing carefull of their own dutie Doct. 2. The duty of people towards their Pastors consists chiefly in subjection Reason 1. Because their Pastors are set over them in Gods name 2. Because faithfull Pastors propound nothing else to themselves to observe but the will of God whereunto subjection and obedience must necessarily be yeelded 3. Because in the calling of their Pastors they did either expresly or covertly at least promise this very thing Vse This may serve to reprove those that come unto Sermons as Judges to play the Criticks not to subject themselves to the will of God and such as cast off all discipline as an intollerable yoke Doct. 3. There is a kind of subjection also due unto all Christians This is gathered from these words Be yee all subject one to another Reason 1. Because as occasion shall serve we should humble our selves to performe the meanest offices unto our brethren 2. Because we should submit our selves unto the private admonitions of our brethren 3. Because we should with all patience beare all the infirmities of our brethren Vse This may serve to reprove the arrogancy and pride of men which cannot endure any such subjection Doct. 4. Humility is a great ornament Reason 1. Because humility is a singular vertue and in some sort the foundation of all the rest 2. Because it makes us acceptable unto godly men to whom in this regard we are made more profitable 3. Because it doth greatly commend us in the sight of God when for his sake we are subject not only to our superiours and equals but also to those of the lowest degree Vse This may serve to refute all those that seeke for honour and reputation by arrogancy and shunne humility as it were a vile debasing of a mans selfe Doct. 5. God resisteth the proud Reason 1. Because the proud resist the will of God
security Doct. 10. They that suffer for the name of Christ do properly suffer according to the will of God This is gathered from verse 19. compared with ver 14. 16. Reason 1. Because their sinnes oftentimes are not the causes of these afflictions but the will of God to make triall of them 2. Because it is the revealed will of God that such afflictions are the lot of the faithfull and the way by which they usually come to the kingdome of God 3. Because this suffering of such afflictions is part of our obedience to the revealed will of God Vse This may serve to comfort us against the trouble of these afflictions Doct. 11. They which suffer in this manner may commend their soules unto God This is gathered from the same verse Reason 1. Because when they suffer for the name of God God doth in some sort suffer with them and therefore their cause is Gods cause 2. Because in that duty which we performe unto God as his servants we may expect protection from him as our Master 3. Because while we are exposed unto danger for Gods sake God cannot but take care of us Vse This is a use of consolation and it is explained and set forth by the Apostle Paul 2 Tim. 1. 12. Doct. 12. They should do this by well doing This is gathered from the same verse So Rom. 1. Reason 1. Because they cannot suffer for the name of Christ but as they suffer for well doing 2. Because they cannot preserve the liberty of their confidence but by a good conscience that is by well doing 3. Because to commend an evill cause unto God is to make God as it were the Patron of evill Vse This may serve to admonish us to take heed that we doe not deprive our selves of this great priviledge by evill doing Doct. 13. God is a faithfull protector and defender of those that commend their soules unto him Reason 1. Because it is easie for him to preserve our soules as it was heretofore to make them and in this respect he is called in the text God the Creator not the Preserver 2. Because it stands upon his glory to do this 3. Because the fidelity and truth of his promises requires as much This may serve to comfort us in all straits and adversities Let them commend their soules under afaithfull Creator saith the Apostle Chapter V. Verse 1. The Elders which are among you I exhort who am also an Elder and a witnesse of the sufferings of Christ and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed Verse 2. Feed the flock of God which is among you taking the oversight thereof not by constraint but willingly not for filthy lucre but of a ready minde Verse 3. Neither as being Lords over Gods heritage but being ensamples to the flock Verse 4. And when the chiefe Shepheard shall appeare ye shall receive a crowne of glory that fadeth not away The Analysis 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 overâ—â—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 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 perswaded unto it by the reward that is adjoyned which for that cause all faithfull shepherds do receive verse 4. at the end Which reward is set foâ—th both by the internall nature of it that it is a crowne of glory that fadeth not away and by the authour and giver of it to wit that the chiefe Shepherd our Lord Jesus Christ will give it and also by the time of this giving of it when the chiefe Shepherd shall appeare that is at the last day of judgement Now this exhortation that it might be the more effectuall and might worke the more upon them is urged and set forth by the person of Peter who was the ministring 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 certaine expectation which he had of the glory to come which glory he promiseth to all shepherds in the name of the chiefe shepherd The Doctrines drawne herehence Doct. 1. Those exhortations are most effectuall which are propounded in an humble manner This is gathered from verse 1. where the Apostle prayes not commands in humility and charity So Phil. 1. 9. 1 Tim. 5. 1. He prayes the Elders also as a fellow Elder although he was placed in a higher degree as Apostle Reason 1. Because by this manner of doing it appeares that he which exhorts doth not aime at his owne good but the good of another 2. Because by this manner of doing his zeale shewes it selfe to be the purer 3. Because he to whom such an exhortation is made is honoured thereby and to takes it the easier and better Vse This may serve to direct us in all our exhortations and admonitions to have respect unto this Doct. 2. It makes the exhortation the more effâ—ctuall when a man speakes out of certaine judgement and communion of affâ—ction This is gathered herehence that Peter makes way for his exhortation in that he was a witnesse of the sufferings of Christ and so had a certaine knowledge of those things which belong unto Christ and that he was partaker of the same glory and therefore he was affected after the same manner himselfe as he desired they should be Reason 1. Because knowledge gives ability and authority and communion of affection addes zeale and charity to the exhortation 2. Because these two will take away those objâ—ctions which usually hindeâ— the efficacy of the exhortation namely either that he gives his judgement of things that he doth not know or else at least he is an unexperienced man of whom it may rightly be said If thou wert here thou wouldest thinke otherwise Vse This may serve to direct us to get knowledge of those things which we exhort others unto and affections also answerable thereunto Doct. 3. Men should be exhorted in a speciall manner unto thesâ— duties which belong unto their