Reason 1. Because Christs sheepe know his voice and follow him, Iohn 10.27. Now his voice sounds in the Prophets and Apostles.
2. Because in the Prophets and Apostles all things agree with sincerity, 1 Peter 2.2. Psalms 19.8,9.
Vse. This may serve to informe us, to examine our minds according to this rule: for they that care not for the words of the Prophets and Apostles, have not purity of minde; but they that cleave fast unto them, although it be accompanied with divers infirmities, have alwayes in readinesse a sure argument of their sincerity.
Doctrine 3. Yet the very best have need to be often stirred up unto these duties.
This is gathered from these words; This second Epistle I now write.
So Philippians 3.1, and this Epistle, chapter 1. verse 10,13.
Doctrine 4. Such admonitions are works of Christian charity.
This is gathered from this title, beloved.
Reason 1. Because they tend to deliver men from the greatest evill, and to communicate unto them the greatest good.
2. Because they pertaine unto the communication which is exercised by charity.