Reason 1. Because this hope is the perfection of that wherein our spirituall life doth consist. 2. Because this expectation represents the reward unto us, by contemplating, whereupon we are made unmoveable and abounding in the worke of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15.58. Hebrews 6.11. 3. Because this hope begets patience, whereby with strong consolation it doth overcome all the difficulties, that are wont to befall men in the course of Godlinesse. Hebrews 6.12,18,19.
Vse. This may serve to exhort us, to have a care to lay this foundation very sure in our hearts, and daily to confirme it more and more.
Doctrine 3. To keepe this hope firme and lively, we should couragiously gird up our selves that we might be prepared, and ready to performe all those things that tend thereunto.
This is gathered from those words: gird up the loines of your mind; for this is it, that is signified by the habit of a man, that hath his loines girt in Scripture, that he is prepared and ready to performe his duty. Luke 12.35.
Reason 1. Because the difficulty to retaine this hope is very great, in so much, that it cannot be kept without earnest endeavour. 2. Because in spirituall duties our loines are too slack, that is, the sloth of sin, and infirmity hath taken hold of all our faculties. Hebrews 12.12.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, by no meanes to yeeld to the sloth and sluggishnesse of our corrupt nature, but to drive against it as much as we can, and laying aside every weight, and the sloth that doth beset us, to runne the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12.1.
Doctrine 4. Sobriety in the use of the things of this life, doth very much conduce to the furtherance of this endeavour.
This is gathered from this word, Be sober and hope.
Reason Because the love and immoderate use of the things of this world, doth so burden the soule, and glue it to the earth, that it cannot lift up it selfe to seeke after heavenly things.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to addict our minds to any worldly thing, but here to use this world, and not abuse it. 1 Corinthians 7.31.