For to that end did the Apostles usually set downe their names in the Epistles, which they wrote unto the Churches.
Vse. This may bee for exhortation, that we also according to our abilities should labour so farre with those amongst whom we live, that our names may be like precious ointment, and may make something for the edification of others.
2. It may serve to reprove those, which so carry themselves, that they are a disgrace to godlinesse, and to the Church.
In the latter respect the person yeelds us this observation.
Doctrine 2. The salutation of the Apostles and Ministers of God is more highly to be prized.
Reason. Because it is not only a good and godly prayer, as are the salutations of all the faithfull, but it is also a ministeriall application of the good things which God communicates unto us by them. For it proceeds not only from a pious affection, but from their singular office and duty.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to neglect or contemne such blessings, whether they be publick or private.
Doctrine 3. It is an honourable title, if a man be rightly and deservedly called a servant of God or Christ.
Reason. Because the chiefest men in the Church of God alwayes gloried in this title; not only the Apostles and Prophets, but also Kings and Princes, as we see in David.
Vse. This may serve to comfort poore Christians that have no titles whereof to boast. For if they be the servants of God and Christ, they have no cause to envie others, or to complain of their owne condition. Now that it may be knowne who are the servants of God, we must know that there are two things, as it were essentiall to a servant, 1. To depend upon his Masters will and pleasure, for direction in his worke. 2. To referre all that he hath to the use and profit of his Master, not to his owne. So also every faithfull servant of God, 1. depends wholly upon God for the direction of his life, not upon himselfe and his owne counsell, nor upon the examples and customes of the world, much lesse upon the suggestions of the flesh and the devill. 2. He referres himselfe and all that he hath to advance and set forth the glory of God.