Reason. Because looke how farre forth the faithfull make profession of true piety, so farre forth are they the temples of the holy Ghost: therefore when in that respect they are reproached, the holy Ghost is evill spoken of: and when they hold fast and adorn their profession notwithstanding these reproaches, the same Spirit which is evill spoken of by the reproachers, is glorified by them.
Vse 1. This may serve for terror to those that do reproach others.
And 2. For comfort to those that are reproached.
Those things which are in the 13 verse, were handled before chapters 2. & 3.
Doctrine 7. God hath certaine and appointed times to execute his judgements.
This is gathered from verse 17 at the beginning.
Reason 1. Because the patience and long-suffering of God must have their time.
2. Because there is a time also required, that men may fill up the measure of their sinnes.
3. Because there are certaine opportunities of time, wherein Gods judgements are executed with greater benefit, then they could be at other times.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to condemne God any way either of slownesse or rashnesse in respect of his judgements, but to rest well satisfied in his most wise ordering of all things.