Reason 1. Because they are not so learned and stablished, but that they may be yet farther instructed and stablished. 2. Because if they had all knowledge and also faith, yet their will and affections must be by these meanes stirred up unto their duty. For our will is like unto a slow and dull servant, to whom it is not enough once to heare the commands of his master, but they must be often told him. Then againe, if they had not only all knowledge and faith, but also a most ready will and affections, yet because they are continually assaulted by temptations, they have need on the other side of continuall remembrances and puttings in mind; to strengthen them. The speech of the Captaine and the sound of the Trumpet, and such like excitements, do put some courage even into the most valiant souldiers. Vse 1. This may serve to reprove the pride of those men, that put such confidence in themselves in their own knowledge and faith, that they do utterly contemne such kinde of helpes. 2. To exhort all to be constant and diligent in the hearing of Sermons. For if there be any that abound in knowledge; and perhaps exceed the Preacher himselfe, so that they cannot be taught any more by him, yet they may be stirred up by admonitions and exhortations, and in that respect they should alwayes be present there; but much more should they, that are not yet learned and stablished in the truth. 3. To direct, as well the Preachers as the hearers, not only to teach the truth, but also to bring a word of exhortation alwayes, that is, to apply it to the use of the truth which they deliver, and then the hearers, to come unto Sermons, not as being greedy of novelty or speculation, but being prepared before hand and ready to receive exhortations and admonitions, and to turne them into practise. Doct. 5. We must take hold of the opportunity of time, which we have, diligently to exercise such Christian duties.
This is gathered from these words, As long as I am in this tabernacle. So Gal. 6.10. John 9.4. & 12.35.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to deferre or put off the time of our repentance and obedience, 2 Cor. 6.2. Psal. 95.7, 8.
