Doctrine 1. All Scripture must be applyed unto a practicall use, that it may advance holinesse and piety.
This is gathered from verse 11. Now not only in this place is this order of instruction observed, but in all the Epistles and Sermons that are propounded in Scripture.
Reason 1. Because the end of all Theologicall doctrine is to live well.
2. Because a bare apprehension and speculation of the truth, and a meere assent thereunto, is nothing worth, if it be separated from the practise. For this is found in some sort in the devils themselves.
3. Because the temptations of the Devill tend chiefly thereunto, that if he cannot hide the truth, yet so to choak it, that it can bring forth no fruit in the life; and thereupon he takes occasion to mock and deride men.
Use. This may serve to admonish us all, to labour for this both in private and in publike, in preaching, hearing, reading, and meditating upon Gods word; and never think that we know any thing as we ought to know, unlesse we know it unto piety and holinesse.
Doctrine 2. In piety and holinesse we must alwayes aime at and labour for the highest perfection.
This is gathered 1. From the question, What manner of persons ought ye to be? 2. From the plurall number, which is used in the originall, ἐν ἀναστροφαῖς, in your conversations, that is, in all piety and holinesse.
Reason 1. Because every degree of piety and holinesse is as desirable in it selfe as the first is.
2. Our desire and affection towards the highest degree of holinesse and piety is a part of the very first degree. For there is no true holinesse without a desire of perfect holinesse.