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 so takes it the easier and better.
Vse. This may serve to direct us, in all our exhortations and admonitions to have respect unto this.
Doctrine 2. It makes the exhortation the more effectuall, when a man speakes out of certaine judgement and communion of affection.
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 objections, which usually hinder 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.
Use. This may serve to direct us to get knowledge of those things which we exhort others unto, and affections also answerable thereunto.
Doctrine 3. Men should be exhorted in a speciall manner unto those duties, which belong unto their proper or particular functions or callings.