2 Timothy

To preach and not to catechize, is to build without a foundation; this way of catechizing is not novel, it is apostolical; the primitive church had their forms of catechism. So much those phrases imply, a form of sound words (2 Timothy 1:13). And the first principles of the orac…

Show your piety by your pity. 2. Walk holily; yours is a holy calling (2 Timothy 1:9). You are called to be saints (Romans 1:7).

The saints of old had it (1 John 2:3): We know that we know him. 2 Timothy 1:12: I know whom I have believed; here was Sensus Fidei, the reflex act of faith; and (Galatians 2:20) Christ has loved me. Here was faith flourishing into assurance.

The Spirit excites, strengthens, increases grace, and makes a Christian go from one step of faith to another, till he comes to the end of his faith — salvation (1 Peter 1:9). It is a fine expression of the Apostle (2 Timothy 1:14): The Holy Ghost which dwells in us. He who dwell…

Contentment is a rare jewel, it is the cure of care. If we have God to be our God; well may we be contented, I know whom I have believed (2 Timothy 1:12). There was Paul's interest in God (2 Corinthians 6:10).

3. Love to our heavenly Father is seen by loving his children (1 John 5:1): Every one that loves him that begat, loves him also that is begotten of him. If we love God, the more we see of God in any, the more we love them; we love them though they are poor: A child loves to see…

Those trees of righteousness that blossom and bear almonds can remember when they were like Aaron's dry rod, not one blossom of holiness growing: a sanctified soul can remember when he was estranged from God through ignorance and vanity, and then free grace planted this flower o…

2. The soul-dress is the exciting and stirring up the habit of grace into a lively exercise. (2 Timothy 1:6) I put you in remembrance, that you stir up the gift of God which is in you: that is, the gifts and graces of the Spirit. The Greek word to stir up, [in non-Latin alphabet…

You desire truth in the inward parts. Sincerity is the sauce which seasons all our actions, and makes them savory; it is the ingredient into every grace: It is called faith unfeigned (2 Timothy 1:5), and love [illegible] in sincerity (Ephesians 6:24). Coin will not go current th…

And if this be supposed and conceded to, then it will follow that he must justify us for our works, whereas the Apostle assures us that such a notion does certainly exclude grace, and brings in vain boasting, which God had design wholly to remove in the way of man's being justif…

(5) 1 Corinthians 16:10. (6) 2 Timothy 1:16, 17, 18; 2 Timothy 4:16. Quest. 30. Are there any differences in the Office, or Offices, of the Guides, Rulers, Elders or Ministers of the Church?

(2) Ephesians 4:8, 12, 13. (3) 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6, 7; Colossians 4:17; Matthew 25:14, 15, 16. (4) 1 Corinthians 12:7.

For the unity of faith is the foundation of love and all the duties thereof, which in an especial manner are to be performed towards the Church, called therefore the household of faith. There is among the members of the Church one faith (Ephesians 4:5): the common faith, the fai…

Q. When were all these things decreed by God? A. Before the world was created, even from everlasting (1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 1:4; 3:11; 1 Peter 1:20; 2 Timothy 1:9). Q. What was the cause of God's decrees?

To this end, the Lord put of his spirit upon the seventy, which were to rule with Moses, Numbers 11.17. Now, the spirit of God, is not a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind, 2 Timothy 1.7. Which shows, that in a Magistrate must be courage to call, and…

For, though they sin, and so lose often the comfort of a good conscience for a time; yet they then lose not their righteousness, which is then in Christ; and to consider, that, when in this world they sustain losses or injuries, or lose all they have upon the earth: that yet the…

This sacred truth which had been hid for so many ages in the Church, and which undeniably manifests the certain future introduction of another and a better Priesthood, is here brought to light, and improved by the Apostle. As life and immortality, so all spiritual truth, was bro…

Neither will the first compleat our interest in that body without the latter. Hence are they frequently conjoyned by our Apostle, not only as those which are necessary to, but as those which essentially constitute the union of the whole mystical body and communion therein (Galat…

This he believed, and had an infallible certainty thereof, because God has so promised. So also (2 Timothy 1:12), [in non-Latin alphabet], I know whom I have believed, and am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him. He uses the same expression in mat…

This is frequently mentioned as an especial privilege and advantage of the Gospel-state (Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 3:6; Chap. 4:16; Chap. 10:19, 35; 1 John 3:21; Chap. 4:17; Chap. 5:14). And on the contrary, the state under the Levitical Priesthood is described as a state of fear…

So the ⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩ of the Law is its abrogation, in taking away all its power of obliging to obedience or punishment. The Apostle elsewhere expresseth the same act by ⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩ (Ephesians 2:15; 2 Timothy 1:10). It is therefore plainly declared, that the…

His appearance before God in Heaven, is his [in non-Latin alphabet]. And his illustrious appearance at the last day, is his [in non-Latin alphabet]; though that word be used also to express his glorious manifestation by the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:10); see 1 Timothy 3:16, 1 John 3:8…

It was as sundry other important truths, made known under the Old Testament, sparingly and obscurely. But life and immortality with this great means of them both, were brought to light by the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:10), all things concerning them being made plain, clear and evident…

Let those who stand in need of grace and mercy, (as who does not) expect them wholly from the sovereign will and pleasure of God, who is gracious to whom he will be gracious (James 1:5). Our own endeavors are means in this kind for obtaining grace in the measures and degrees of…

Therefore as God engages his omnipotency or all-sufficiency as the foundation of all his covenant actings towards us (Genesis 17:1), so he often pleads the same power to assure us of the accomplishment of his promises (Isaiah 40:28, 29). And it is expressly asserted as the princ…

(3.) A ministration to them, as to the things that may be outwardly wanting, as many did to Paul (Acts 24:23). (4.) The owning and avowing of them, as not being ashamed of their chains, bonds, or sufferings (2 Timothy 1:16, 17). (5.) A readiness to undergo hazards, difficulties…

And it is so by the LXX (Judges 13:8; 2 Kings 12:2; chap. 17:27). Our Apostle uses it for to make manifest, that is, bring to light (1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Timothy 1:10). And the meaning of it (John 1:9), where we render it lighteth, is to teach.

It is eternal, because it was set down by God from everlasting before all times, as Paul says, God has chosen the Ephesians to salvation before all worlds (Ephesians 1:4). And he says of himself, that he was called according to the purpose of God, which was before all worlds (2…

Again, they are called from misery to happiness and glory, from aliens to be friends, from darkness to light (1 Peter 2:9), from being enemies to be reconciled, from bastards to become sons, from vessels of wrath to be heirs of glory. With respect to all these sorts of calling,…

Again, works are to be done in regard of men: that our neighbor may be helped in worldly things — Luke 6:38; that he may be won by our example to godliness — 1 Peter 3:14; that we may prevent in ourselves the giving of any offense — 1 Corinthians 10:32; that by doing good we may…

But to a guilty conscience the rustling leaves are drums and trumpets. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). A sound mind, as it stands there in opposition to the spirit of fear, is a conscience unwounded by guilt.

See 1 Timothy 1:19: "Holding faith and a good conscience, which some having put away, concerning faith have made shipwreck" — and therefore they were vessels laden with some kind of faith; they had of that ware in their vessels, for how else could they make shipwreck of it. So i…

No other sense can the text suffer but that by Presbytery we should understand consessus Presbyterorum, a meeting of Elders, and so do Camero and Forbesse themselves expound it. Sutlivius objects to the contrary, that the Apostle Paul did lay on hands upon Timothy, which he prov…

For we are obliged to convict the first of imperfection both with respect to the doctrine it reveals — which, not exceeding the scope of the law, as we have said, contains nothing akin to the knowledge of Christ — and also with respect to the manner of perceiving divine things,…

Forbidden hypocrisy, vain glory, etc. (Matthew 6:5; 1 Corinthians 13:3; Philippians 1:16; Philippians 2:3). Sobriety in affection, is to hold them in, so that they pass not measure (2 Timothy 1:6; Titus 1:8). Thus much of feeling.

And (Deuteronomy 30) and (Joshua 24) it's called a choosing of the Lord, and that upon deliberation, as knowing that we have need of him, that he is a Savior suited completely to all the necessities of our souls, and that we are warranted to believe on him; it's the native act a…

Therefore He is called a tried, elect, precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; and indeed that is no small ground of confidence, that when a soul comes to Christ by believing, it may be sure He will not fail it. 2. Being sure that we have committed ourselves to Christ (which su…

And M. Saltmarsh says the same, that our sorrow, repentance, mortification, and change of the whole man, are nothing in us; but they are in Christ, and must be apprehended by faith, as things unseen: whereas the divine nature is in the Saints (2 Peter 1:4). Faith dwells in us (2…

3. The Scripture both calls it impossibility, and also rebukes it as sinful (John 6:44), (Romans 8:6-8), (Ephesians 2:1-3, 11-13), (Ephesians 4:17-19), (Ephesians 5:8). Asser. 3. All preparations even wrought in us, by the common and general restraining grace of God, can have no…

It is true, the word, the works of God, are not the principal object of faith, nor objectum quod; faith rests only on God, and the Lord Jesus (John 14:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:8). Your faith toward God (1 Peter 1:21; Deuteronomy 1:32; John 3:12; Genesis 15:6; Daniel 6:23; Romans 4:3…

7. Indeed, upon this reasonless and fleshly ground, if we may omit praying, and so believing, loving, repenting, mortifying our lusts, when the Spirit stirs us not to these acts, and say, if God will suffer me to sin, let him see to it, then upon the same ground all the justifie…

The Holy Ghost shall come down upon you, as it were with fiery tongues, and shall warm and heat you, with whatever duties God shall call you to (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Quench not the Spirit; now quenching belongs to fire, a sign therefore that the spirit is of a fervent nature,…

Christ was forsaken of his disciples but not forsaken of his Father. So Paul (2 Timothy 1:16): "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me." (Psalm 41:9) "My familiar friend in whom I trusted has lifted up his heel against me."

Meditate on them, seek after them. First begin with the sureness of Christian doctrine, that you may lay a good foundation that Christ is the teacher of the Church, who has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:10). Then penitently sue out your pa…

Then for his power and sovereign dominion, there is not a better argument for confidence, than the preface and conclusion of the Lord's Prayer. Whatever state you are reduced to, God is still to be trusted, who is Our Father, which is in Heaven, and whose is the kingdom, power a…

(2.) His goodness and fatherly love, (Psalm 100:2) "Serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with singing." (3.) His holiness, (2 Timothy 1:3) "I thank God whom I serve from my forefathers, with pure conscience." (2 Timothy 2:22) "With them that call on the Lor…

The Gospel is the very word of God, both the Father's and the Son's, it is an act of loving, serving, and pleasing God, for this is the word Christ preached, that we love God, and Christ loves us again. 3. A prospect of eternal happiness, (2 Timothy 1:10) He has brought life and…

(Jeremiah 1:17): Truss up your loins, arise and speak to them all that I command you: be not afraid of their faces, lest I destroy you before them. Like liberty may the ministers of the word use, observing Paul's rule (2 Timothy 1:7): God has not given us the spirit of fear, but…

2. If you be Christ's, then commend your soul, and life, and all that you have, into the hands of Christ. This was the practice of David (Psalm 22), of Christ upon the cross, of Paul (2 Timothy 1:12). And this practice is the only way to obtain safety and protection.

It is not for nothing the Apostle says that Abraham doubted not, knowing that he which had promised, was also able to do it (Romans 4:20). And in the same sense he says (2 Timothy 1:12), I know whom I have believed; God is able to keep that which I have committed to him. To this…

Branch 3. Christ first suffered and then was exalted: see hence that sufferings must go before glory. Many desire to be glorified with Christ, but they are not content to suffer for Christ (2 Timothy 2:12): If we suffer with him, we shall reign with him. The wicked first reign a…

Theodosius thought it a greater honor to be a servant of Christ than the head of an empire. Servire est Regnare — Christ's servants are called vessels of honor (2 Timothy 2:21), and a royal nation (1 Peter 2:9). Serving of Christ ennobles us with dignity: it's a greater honor to…

Therefore murmur not at God's dealings; His work goes on, nothing falls out but what he has wisely decreed from eternity; every thing shall promote God's design, and fulfil his decree. 2. Comfort to the godly in regard of their salvation (2 Timothy 2:19). The foundation of God s…

This argument stands like Mount Zion which cannot be moved. Insomuch that some of the Papists hold that such who have absolute election cannot fall away (2 Timothy 2:19): The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. The foundation of God…

While there are two seeds in the world, expect to be under the black rod. The gospel tells us of reigning, but first of suffering (2 Timothy 2:12). 2. It informs us that affliction is not always the sign of God's anger: Israel the apple of God's eye, a peculiar treasure to him a…

This case is sad and dismal to be thus in the house of bondage under the power and tyranny of Satan: When David would curse the enemies of God, how did he pray against them, that Satan might be at their right hand (Psalm 109:6)? He knew he could lead them into any snare: If Sata…

God values not any by their high birth, but their holiness. 4. Holiness is the [illegible], the only thing that differentiates us from the reprobate part of the world: God's people have his seal upon them (2 Timothy 2:19), the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The…

Where can we rest our faith but upon God's faithfulness? There is nothing else we can believe in, but the truth of God; we cannot trust in an arm of flesh, we cannot trust in our own hearts; this is to build upon the quicksands; but the truth of God is a golden pillar for faith…

If the head be tainted with erroneous opinions — that believers are free a Lege Morali, that there is no resurrection, that we may do evil that good may come of it — what sin will not this lead to, or keep your head? Error is a spiritual gangrene (2 Timothy 2:17), which spreads,…

5. Before the kingdom of grace be set up in men's hearts, the kingdom of Satan is set up in them: They are said to be under the power of Satan (Acts 26:18). Satan commands the will; though he cannot force the will, he can by his subtle temptations draw it: The devil is said to t…

The Lord has two heavens he dwells in, and the holy heart is one of them. 5. Sanctification is the only thing that differences us from the wicked; God's people have his seal upon them (2 Timothy 2:19). The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, the Lord knows them that…

The true saint is as Luther says, Haeres Crucis, heir to the cross; affliction is his diet drink, but here is that which may be as a bezoar-stone to keep him from fainting — these sufferings bring a kingdom. The hope of the kingdom of heaven, says Basil, should sweeten all our t…

(8) To attend with diligence, skill and wisdom to the discharge of that authority which in the rule of the Church is committed to them. (1) 1 Timothy 3:10, 11, 13; chap. 4.12; 2 Timothy 2:3; Colossians 1:24; Philippians 2:17; chap. 3.17. (2) Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28.

Answ. It is so, both on the part of the elders or ministers themselves, of whom that duty is strictly required, and who principally therein labor and watch for the good of the flock; and on the part of the Church, for the furtherance of their faith, and obedience, by instruction…

Romans 10:29: The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 2 Timothy 2:19: The foundation of God remains sure, and has this seal, the Lord knows who are his. Second grace is either imputed or inherent: imputed is in justification, a part whereof is remission of sins.

Furthermore, the prescience and purpose of God are by the holy Ghost put for one and the same thing. 2 Timothy 2:19: the foundation of God remains sure — the Lord knows who are his. Romans 11:2: those whom God foreknew are said to be elected according to the election of grace (v…

Or else 3. when this ordinance is not in the case of such sins administered, then God himself (who works without an ordinance sometimes the same effects that with it) does excommunicate men's spirits from his presence and gives them up to Satan by terrors to whip them home to hi…

And therefore all young persons must have care of these sins of youth, and watch the more against them, because they are so incident to their years. Now, the way to avoid them, is to follow Christ's example, Luke 2:52, to labour to grow, as in years, so in wisdom and grace: and…

It is therefore the duty of stewards in the house of God, to give to his household their proper portion. This is the blessed advice our Apostle gives to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:15): Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, [〈 in non-Latin alph…

(2) Others there were, who not daring to oppose themselves directly to a principle so generally received in the Church, they would still allow the expression, but put an allegorical exposition upon it, whereby they plainly overthrew the thing intended. They said the resurrection…

A due consideration of this sovereign spring of all grace and consolation will greatly influence our minds in and to all the principal duties of obedience. Such as thankfulness to God (Ephesians 1:3, 4, 5), humility in ourselves (1 Corinthians 4:7), compassion towards others (2…

Such things as will give exasperation to the spirits, or advantages to the temptations of men, ought to be avoided, or treated on with that wisdom, gentleness, and meekness, as may be no prejudice to them. This way of procedure does the same Apostle expressly prescribe to all mi…

Hence he styles himself in particular (Philemon 1) the bondman for Christ, and gloried in his bonds as his peculiar honor (Acts 26:29), an Ambassador in bonds (Ephesians 6:20). So (Philippians 1:7) and 12. 13, 14, 16; (Colossians 4:3) which he desired the Church to remember him…

Even among them that were called in those days this twofold state was found. No small number there were who were then falling into apostacy, but they were a certain determined number which that plague should prevail against (2 Timothy 2:17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22). They were appoint…

They were his people by eternal designation, antecedently to their effectual vocation, and therefore he will have the Word preached to them. And in the hard work of his ministry the same Apostle who knew the end of it, affirms that he endured all things for the Elect's sake (2 T…

[in non-Latin alphabet] is often used by our Apostle for an experience upon trial (Romans 5:4; 2 Corinthians 2:9; Philippians 2:22), as [in non-Latin alphabet] by Peter (1 Peter 1:7). Hence is [in non-Latin alphabet], one that upon trial is approved, found sound, and therefore i…

And when the Apostle bids Timothy, turn away from such; does not this simply that they were scandalous persons, and apparently wicked? It is not likely that the Apostle would else have commanded to turn from them, sith he himself did so lovingly converse with so many sorts of me…

That the Church is said not to have spot or wrinkle, in respect of the life to come. That when the Apostle says; In a great house there are not only vessels of gold, &c. but some to honor and some to dishonor (2 Timothy 2:20); by this great house he does not understand the Churc…

But some will say, God cannot do some things which man can do, as God cannot lie, nor deny himself: and therefore he is not omnipotent. Answer. Although some have thought that God could do even these things, and that he did them not, because he would not: yet we must know and be…

1. Such an one is bound not to join with any church or society where any fundamental article of faith is rejected or corrupted. There may be a fundamental error in a true church for a season, when the church errs not fundamentally (1 Corinthians 15; 2 Timothy 2:18). But I suppos…

Or the magnificent, as Junius renders it; they are the spiritual phoenixes, they are the cream and flower of the creation; they are purior pars mundi, the purer part of the world, double-refined (Zechariah 13:9). 4. God calls them vessels of honor (2 Timothy 2:21). Though they a…

3. It noteth designation to any public office for God's glory; those that do more eminently or more nearly serve God in some peculiar office, are called his servants; as Magistrates (Romans 12:4), he is the Minister of God for your good: and verse 6, God's Ministers attending co…

General abuses are those which concern repentance wholly considered, and they are these. The first is that they place the beginning of repentance partly in themselves and partly in the Holy Spirit — or in the power of their natural free will being helped by the Holy Spirit — whe…

When sufferings for religion grow hot, then blessed is he that is not offended in Christ. Troubles are then at a height: first, when a man's nearest friends and relations forsake and leave him — Micah 7:5-6; 2 Timothy 4:16; second, when it comes to resisting unto blood — Hebrews…

But whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, we must think of these things (Philippians 4:8). It c…

And how many rocks are there that were never broken — hearts of stone, never turned to flesh — to whom sin was never bitter, nor wrath terrible, nor Christ sweet. 3. They that allow themselves in any known sin (2 Timothy 2:19). They that have sound and saving faith do faithfully…

The true inference therefore from this ground, from man's inability to perform, were this, that therefore a man should not enter into Church Covenant in his own strength, for that was Peter's fault in promising not to deny Christ, but to die with him rather: but Church-Covenant,…

Salmasius to take advantage from those Epistles, both against Episcopacy, and the Epistles themselves, finds in the Laurentian Copy [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], spoken of Damas's Episcopacy, hence he infers that Episcopacy was there styled a new order, and that the Epistles were w…

And "the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true" (1 John 5:20) — as if, forsooth, we had not been furnished with one before. At least He changes it to such a degree that it becomes capable of rightly performing its proper office:…

I shall shortly give you some few grounds from Scripture to clear and confirm this truth; the first of which is taken from the names that the people of God get, and from the expressions that are used in making mention of them in Scripture, which will infer all that has been said…

2. Indeed, to say we see justification more clearly, when we see no sanctification, is to make the water and the Spirit (1 John 5:8) dumb or false witnesses, that either speak nothing, or tell lies. 3. It is against the office of the Spirit, which is to make us know [illegible],…

Grace is born in heaven, and came from the inmost of the heart of Christ; it has neither seed nor parent on earth, therefore the Lord challenges it as his own (2 Corinthians 12:9): "The Lord said to me, My grace is sufficient for you." (2 Timothy 2:1) "The grace that is in Chris…

I know them, and they know me. Sure it is relative to that: 2 Timothy 2:19: Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, the Lord knows them that are his. Sure, the sheep that Christ dies for (John 10) are the sheep that he gives his life for (verse 11) and…

And then it is no matter though God commit all power to the Son, and that the Son though he has all power, must ask all of the Father, for to be sure whatever he asks, the Father has not power to deny; for they have but one will and power. They are one; so as if God deny him, he…

In the midst of sorrow you find some comfort, if your life in Christ makes your saddest times joyful and comfortable to you; and so in outward afflictions, though afflictions may seem to be grievous, yet wait a while, and you shall see the more weight and burden that lies upon y…

Adam lost the day before he had any offspring, so Christ wins it in his own person before he does solemnly begin to preach the Gospel, and call disciples: and therefore here was the great overthrow of the adversary. 2. In regard of Satan who by his conquest got a twofold power o…

(3.) His holiness, (2 Timothy 1:3) "I thank God whom I serve from my forefathers, with pure conscience." (2 Timothy 2:22) "With them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

1. Because he cannot overcome you without your own consent. The wicked are taken captive by him at his will and pleasure (2 Timothy 2:26), because they yield themselves to his temptations, like the young man (Proverbs 7:22): He goes after her straightway, as an ox goes to the sl…

Christ himself, beside the sermons made to the people, trained up and taught himself his 12 apostles and his 70 disciples. Paul commands Timothy to teach that which he had learned to such as shall be fit to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Furthermore, this teaching is of great use…

(Psalm 1): The Lord knows the way of the righteous, that is, knows, and approves it. (2 Timothy 2:19): The Lord knows who are his, that is, he knows and chooses them. (John 17:2): This is eternal life to know you the only God, that is, to know and acknowledge you for our God.

So he makes the doctrine of free grace a key to open the door to all licentiousness. 5. Another thing to unsettle Christians, is persecutors (2 Timothy 3:12). The Gospel is a rose that cannot be plucked without prickles.

It is easy to commit idolatry with the creature. 1. Some make a god of pleasure (2 Timothy 3:4): [illegible], lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Whatever we love more than God, we make a god.

It is very suspicious where there is no growth, there wants a vital principle. Some instead of growing better, grow worse; they grow more earthly, more profane (2 Timothy 3:13). Evil men proficient in Pejus, shall wax worse and worse.

Because he loves his estate more than God, and so he makes it his God: though he does not bow down to an idol, yet he worships the graven image in his coins; he is an idolater: that which has most of the heart, that we make a God. 2. If we love our pleasures more than God, we ma…

How many mercies have we to allure us to obey! Miracles of mercy; therefore the apostle joins these two together, disobedient and unthankful (2 Timothy 3:2). And this dyes a sin of a crimson color.

Answ. The Word of God (which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament) is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. (2 Timothy 3:16) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, etc. By Scripture is understood the sacred book of God — it is…

Matthew 10:16. Be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. The Apostle says, All Scripture is of divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16). God's Word is compared to a lamp, for its enlightening quality (Psalm 119:105), and to silver refined, for its enriching quality (P…

3. The third counterfeit of Sanctification is hypocrisy; when men make a pretence of that holiness which they have not. A [reconstructed: comet] may shine like a star; such a luster shines from their profession as dazzles the eyes of the beholders (2 Timothy 3:5). Having a form…

Austin says his mother Monica traveled more for his spiritual birth, than his natural. Timothy's mother instructed him from a child (2 Timothy 3:15). She did not only give him her breast milk, but the sincere milk of the Word.

The word written comes with authority; it shows its commission from heaven: Thus says the Lord — It is of divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16). The oracles of Scripture must be surer to us than a voice from heaven (1 Peter 1:18).

Think, O Christian, what affliction leads to, it leads to Paradise, where are rivers of pleasure always running; may not this make us cheerfully submit to God's will, and say, Lord if there be so much kindness in affliction, if all you do is to make us happy, Your will be done.…

Every bird that has fine feathers has not sweet flesh. All that shine with the golden feathers of profession are not saints: (2 Timothy 3:5) [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], Having a form of godliness, but denying the power. What is a lifeless form?

It is not to be denied that the whole Scripture is serviceable to the faith of God's Elect; and it all some way or other leads to Christ; and for this reason is the Scripture called the word of Faith (1 Timothy 4:6). And it is all of it to be believed, because it is all true, an…

(1) Ephesians 4:8, 11, 12, 13. (2) Titus 1:7, 8, 9; 2 Timothy 3:2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. (3) 1 Peter 5:2, 3.

The end therefore God granted his word to the Church, was, that thereby it might be instructed in his mind and will, as to what concerns the worship and obedience that he requires of us, and which is accepted with him. This the whole Scripture itself everywhere declares and spea…

First, moral evils, contrary to the light of nature, and express commands or prohibitions of the moral law, direct rules of the Gospel, or of evil report in the world among men walking according to the rule and light of reason. And in cases of this nature, the Church may proceed…

Q. What particular uses are the Scriptures profitable for? A. For the teaching of true doctrine, and convincing the contrary, for correction or reformation of errors in life, and for instructing to good duties (2 Timothy 3:16). Q. Are the Scriptures a complete and sufficient rul…

I answer first; We refuse no traditions, which are agreeable to the Scripture, and analogy of faith: but such as are agreeable to one of these, we receive them, though not as Scripture. Secondly, if the Apostles in the New Testament do add anything in any story, which is not in…

Thus he dealt with his servant Job, though there were none for piety like him in his time, through all the world. Now, God has his servants among us: for the trial of whose faith, we may persuade ourselves, some tribulation shall come upon us; For, all that will live godly in Ch…

Hence Paul says, That we must come to heaven through manifold afflictions, Acts 14:23. The Lord knows what is best for his servants and children: and therefore he has set down this for a ground, that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, must suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:…

Now, howsoever it may be thought but a small fault, not to profit in Religion: yet undoubtedly it is a fearful Judgment of GOD, when the hearers of the word in any congregation are daily taught, and do not profit thereby: and therefore the holy Ghost noteth those women to be lad…

[illegible], that is, with a firm resolution to abide in, and pursue the obedience they were called to. So Paul tells Timothy, that he knew his doctrine, manner of life and purpose (2 Timothy 3:10), namely, how his principal aim, design and resolution was to abide in and carry o…

This must be the Touchstone of his light and experience. And it is suited to his whole work, to all the duties of it (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). In nothing but what is regulated hereby are any to be attended to (Isaiah 8:20).

He would not have them always stand at the porch, but enter into the sanctuary, and behold the hidden glories of the house of God. Elsewhere he complains of them who are always learning, that is in the way of it, under the means of it, but yet by reason of their negligence and c…

The next thing ascribed to them is [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩]. Patience, say we, that is, [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩]; but these Graces are expressly distinguished, 2 Timothy 3:10. [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩]; Faith, Long-suffering, Patience; so plainly Colossians 1:11. [⟨in non-Lati…

We cannot but fear such judgement is more rigorous then Charity will allow; for the Scripture tells us, that the tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 12 & 7), and, that even a childe is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right (Proverbs 20:11), and t…

But such are all habitual sinners; those who having prevalent habits and inclinations to sins of any kind unmortified, do walk according to them. Such are profane swearers, drunkards, fornicators, covetous, oppressors, and the like, who shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Co…

Therefore take heed of serving him in a loose and perfunctory manner, you dishonor God exceedingly else, even then when you come to give honor to him. 3. There must be a willing subjection of our hearts and lives to his laws: it must be a subjection of the heart; God's authority…

Testimony 4. 2 Timothy 3:16-17: The whole Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, and to instruct in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, being made perfect for every good work. In these words are contained two…

It is gross hypocrisy for us to pretend to more holiness, reverence, and devotion in the act of receiving than Christ himself, or than the Apostles did, when Christ himself was there bodily present with them. We must follow the example of Christ and his Apostles, except where th…

And when they give themselves up to a constant internal converse with the desires of the flesh, the pleasures and advantages of sin, with delight and approbation, sin may reign triumphantly in them, though no appearance be made of it in their outward conversation. Such are they…

To this the answer is easy. 1. As we collect the actions and sufferings of Jesus Christ, and the institution of the last supper, not from any one of the Evangelists, but from all of them compared together, for that one touches what another omits; so do we judge of the office-bea…

Theology as a complex of spiritual gifts — Extraordinary or ordinary gifts — Ordinary gifts peculiar to the ministry or common to all — Christ the bestower of all gifts (Psalm 68:19; Acts 2:33; Ephesians 4:8) — The Hebrew word signifies both to receive and to give — Christ the a…

What sort of persons they gathered into Christ's fold they themselves everywhere teach. They were born again, called with a holy and effectual calling, godly, faithful, holy, washed, justified, separated from the world and from all evil, children of God, instructed and anointed…

The study of theology, therefore, is nothing other than the effort, directed according to the norm of the divine word, to promote the saving light and the spiritual gifts in which this heavenly wisdom consists in the mind of the theologian. This Scripture itself teaches us every…

Instruction out of the scripture, is by the daily reading of the same with them, both to make them acquainted with the course of them, so that they may mark the same for their better profiting, by the allegations of the public ministry, also to refer those things which are plain…

A seventh reason is from the deceitfulness of our heart, and the natural corruption that sticks to us; there is naturally in us, pride and self-conceit, we are disposed and given to think anything that is our own, though it be but a show, is as good as others' reality; to think…

Nor does the growing in grace which lies on us, by an obligation of a command, stop the way to the journeying toward perfection and heaven, nor shorten the cut to heaven, because heaven is not attainable in this life; but on the contrary, if perfection were attainable in this li…

The Spirit is free, why will you control and rule it by the Law, whereas the nature of the Spirit is freely to conform the heart and life to the outward rule of the Law without the help of the Law, as a crooked thing is made straight according to the line and square, and not by…

It would deliver his soul, if he did but consider that there was a lie in the other way, and he flatters himself in his good estate before God, and considers not the truth of the thing; he thinks he is as fair a dealing man as any of them all, but his heart deceitful, and desper…

The third point is that they which are to be teachers must first be taught, and they must teach that which they have first learned themselves. "Abide in the things which you have learned" (2 Timothy 3:14). Christ taught that which he heard of the Father; the apostles that which…

5. On the contrary, they are wretched and miserable that live without the Gospel (Proverbs 29:18; 2 Corinthians 4:3; 2 Timothy 3:7). 6.

Let us here observe diligently that the prophecies were not written for the men of one age alone, but also for their children and all posterities which should be instructed, to the end they might learn to shun that hardness of heart which was in their forefathers (Psalm 78:6-8)…

I confess the doctrine of the holy Scriptures has many other uses. For they not only contain in them matter that is meet and profitable to comfort the weak and afflicted, but also sharp rebukes and threatenings against the obstinate (2 Timothy 3:16). But Isaiah here shows, that…

Accordingly, by this mark Christ distinguishes his own martyrs from criminals and malefactors. I now return to what I said a little before, that as, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus "(Paul informs us), shall suffer persecution," (2 Timothy 3:12,) this admonition has a ge…

Thus Paul brings a charge against the false teachers of his age, that they lead captive silly women laden with sins, (2 Timothy 3:6.) 15. For you compass sea and land.

It is even now at hand, they shall not escape. As Saint Paul also says (2 Timothy 3): Their madness shall be evident to all men, that they may be confounded. God open their eyes and grant them grace to turn to him by true and earnest repentance, and to forsake and detest these t…

And Enoch also the seventh from Adam, prophesied of such, saying, Behold the Lord comes with thousands of his Saints, to give judgment against all men: This place is not anywhere read in the Scripture: which is another reason why some of the ancient Fathers would not admit and r…

True Religion is evermore a powerful Thing; and the Power of it appears, in the first Place, in the inward Exercises of it in the Heart, where is the principal and original Seat of it. Hence true Religion is called the Power of Godliness, in Distinction from the external Appeara…

And why was all this? The reason is, because Timothy from a child was converted, and knew the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:6). He was from a child converted and called by the ministry of the word in Paul's mouth, and this did endear the heart of Paul to him.

4. The fourth thing in Glory is dignity and honor, they shall reign as kings. Therefore the Saints glorified are said to have their insignia Regalia, their ensigns of royalty, their white robes and their crown (2 Timothy 4:7). Caesar after his victories, in token of honor had a…

Nor can there be any surfeit at this feast, because a fresh course will be continually served in: new and fresh delights will spring from God; therefore the tree of life in Paradise is said to bear twelve sorts of fruit (Revelation 22:2). 8. Believers at Death shall gain honor a…

Let the wind and storms be up, and the Church almost covered with waves, yet Christ is in the ship of the Church, and so long there is no danger of shipwreck. Nor will Christ only defend his Church as he is King, but deliver it (2 Timothy 4:17), He delivered me out of the mouth…

Ministers are by virtue of their office to glorify God. 1. They must glorify God by laboring in the word and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:1): I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead: Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season…

It is true every Christian is not a martyr, but he has a spirit of martyrdom in him. He has a disposition of mind to suffer, if God call him to it (2 Timothy 4:6). [illegible], I am ready to be offered up: not only the sufferings were ready for Paul, but he was ready for the suf…

Before I come to the full handling and discussing this great point, let me first clear the sense of it, which I shall first do by way of concession or grant. When I say believers do persevere, first I grant that such as are so only in possession, may fall away (2 Timothy 4:10);…

How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God. How many have been cast away upon these golden sands (2 Timothy 4:10), as Demas? What a wonder any soul perseveres in religion, that the earth does not choke the fire of all good affections?

That God does deliver his children out of troubles (Psalm 22:4): Our Fathers trusted in you, they trusted, and you delivered them. 2 Timothy 4:17: And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, namely, from Nero. Psalm 66:11-12: You laid affliction upon our loins, but you bro…

When the destroying angel has been abroad, and shot his deadly arrow of pestilence, God has kept off the arrow that it has not come near us. 4. God shows mercy in delivering us (2 Timothy 4:17): And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, namely Nero. God has restored us f…

Sleidan says, the Protestants in France had a church which they called Paradise; as if they thought themselves in Paradise, while they had God's presence in his sanctuary. The soul that loves God, loves his appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). It will be a glorious appearing to the saints…

Some come to the word preached, not so much to get grace, as to enrich themselves with notions. Itching ears, (2 Timothy 4:3). Austin confesses that before his conversion, he went to hear St. Ambrose rather for his eloquence, than the spirituality of the matter.

(8.) Sins of apostasy are more heinous than others. Demas forsook the truth (2 Timothy 4:10), and afterwards became a priest in an idol temple, says Dorotheus. To fall is a sin, but to fall away is a greater sin.

4. It is the root of perjury (2 Timothy 3:3): Men shall be 〈in non-Latin alphabet〉, covetous, and it follows 〈in non-Latin alphabet〉, truce-breakers: Love of silver will make men take a false oath, and break a just oath. 5. It is the spring of apostasy (2 Timothy 4:10): Demas ha…

Quest. 17. Which are the principal institutions of the Gospel to be observed in the worship of God? Answ. (1.) The calling, gathering and setling of Churches with their Officers, as the seat and subject of all other solemn instituted worship. (2.) Prayer with thanksgiving. (3.)…

Qu. 22. Who are the extraordinary officers or rulers or ministers of the Church appointed to serve the Lord Jesus Christ therein for a season only? An. (1) The Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, with (2) the Evangelists and Prophets endowed with extraordinary gifts of the Holy G…

(2) Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28. (3) 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 4:2; Romans 12:6, 7, 8. (4) 1 Timothy 6:20; Acts 20:28; Jude 3.

(5) 1 Corinthians 16:10. (6) 2 Timothy 1:16, 17, 18; 2 Timothy 4:16. Quest. 30. Are there any differences in the Office, or Offices, of the Guides, Rulers, Elders or Ministers of the Church?

Quest. 42. To whom is the power and administration of this Discipline committed by Jesus Christ? Answ. As to the authority to be exerted in it in the things wherein the whole Church is concerned, to the Elders; as to trial, judgment and consent in, and to its exercise to the who…

(4) In exhorting, comforting, and restoring to the enjoyment and exercise of Church privileges such as are recovered from the error of their ways; all according to the laws, rules, and directions of the Gospel. (1) (Matthew 18:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Titus…

(2) John 6:15; Acts 26:18; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4, 6. (3) 1 Timothy 1:19, 20; 2 Timothy 4:3, 4; Titus 1:13; Jude 3. (4) Ephesians 4:20, 21, 22, 23, 24.

Q. What shall be the last act of this glorious power and authority of Christ, and so the last degree of his exaltation? A. His return to judgment at the last day, when he shall come a second time into this world with unspeakable majesty and glory, to judge the quick and dead (2…

Q. Who must be judge at that day? A. Jesus Christ is appointed of God to be the Judge of quick and dead (Acts 10:42; 17:31; John 5:22, 27; 2 Timothy 4:1; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Q. Who must be judged?

(2) Love to it, as that which is most desirable, which contains in it every thing wherein the soul takes delight and satisfaction. That love his appearing (2 Timothy 4:5). (3) Longing for it or desires after it.

Even the terror and the glory of it, with the vengeance which shall be executed in it, are proposed as the matter of highest consolation to believers, as indeed they are, on many accounts not here to be insisted on. See Isaiah 35:3, 4; Luke 21:31; Revelation 19:7; 2 Timothy 4:8;…

Praestare, Eras. to act, to perform; so the word is sometimes used (John 10:32), [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], many good things have I showed you: that is, wrought and performed among you. (2 Timothy 4:14) [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], Alexander the Copper-smith showed me many evi…

That labor and contention of spirit, which they had in their profession, with sin and sufferings, is expressed by these words; which set forth the greatest, most earnest, vehement actings and endeavours of spirit that our nature can arise to. It is expressed by [〈 in non-Latin a…

The Apostles when this work was committed to them, would not be diverted from a constant attendance to it, by any other duty, much less any other occasion of life (Acts 6:4). See what a charge our Apostle gives to Timothy to this purpose (2 Timothy 4:1, 2, 3). And a great exampl…

13. The Thirteenth Fruit of love is, To long for Christ's appearing. 2 Timothy 4.8. Henceforth there is a Crown of Righteousness laid up for me, and not for me only, but for them which love Christ's appearing.

Question. David uses imprecations against his enemies, in which he prays for their utter confusion, as Psalm 59 and Psalm 109, etc. The like is done by Paul (Galatians 5:12; 2 Timothy 4:14) and Peter (Acts 8:20), though afterwards he mitigates his execration. But how could they…

Schools, they are as seminaries to God's church, without which the church falls to decay: because they serve to make supply of ministers. 3. Thirdly, we are to desire, that the Lord would hasten the second coming of Christ, as the saints in heaven pray, Come Lord Jesus, come qui…

O Christian, shake off envy, as Paul did the viper. God has made you more excellent than others, he has given you better riches and preferment; they have a golden apple, you have a crown (2 Timothy 4:7). God keeps the best wine till last; let this divine harp drive away the evil…

This maketh Heaven amiable; the fairest part of our portion in Heaven is a closer and nearer communion with Christ (Philippians 1:23). This maketh the day of judgment sweet, for then we shall meet with our Beloved in the air (2 Timothy 4:18). In short, this maketh the soul to ta…

Objection 7. (2 Timothy 4:8) Everlasting life is termed a crown, and a crown of righteousness to be given of a just judge: therefore man for his part by his works deserves the same. Answer: Everlasting life is called a crown only in resemblance.

When sufferings for religion grow hot, then blessed is he that is not offended in Christ. Troubles are then at a height: first, when a man's nearest friends and relations forsake and leave him — Micah 7:5-6; 2 Timothy 4:16; second, when it comes to resisting unto blood — Hebrews…

No, then Religion appears with the most beautiful face, then a man finds inexpressible sweetness and satisfaction in it; then a smile of God's face is more worth than a thousand worlds; when a man can say with good Hezekiah, Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you in trut…

God's people do best understand God's strength, when they feel the smart of men's malice. (2 Timothy 4:17) [the Lord stood with me and strengthened me.] He had never felt so much of God's strength, if he had not tasted much of man's wickedness in forsaking him.

Schools they are as seminaries to God his Church, without which the church falls to decay, because they serve to make supply of ministers. 3. Thirdly, we are to desire that the Lord would hasten the second coming of Christ, as the saints in heaven pray, "Come Lord Jesus, come qu…

The same is represented as the spirit of his true children, or the family of Jacob (Isaiah 8:17): "I will wait upon the Lord, that hides himself from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him." They that love Christ's appearing, is a name that the Apostle gives to true Christi…

Italian mothers can believe her Roman, Attic ones their own." That this was the same Claudia whom Paul mentions (2 Timothy 4:21), learned men believe, and the dates agree. Add to this that he associates her with Pudens, whom the same Martial also celebrates in book 7, Epigram 10…

(Psalm 130:6): My soul waits for the Lord, more than they that watch for the morning. So Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:3); Paul (2 Corinthians 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Corinthians 15:9-10). And others have set out in its colors the image of Christ in itself; but not as leaving out Christ,…

There is both Word and Writ, and from a land where there can be no lies, from heaven, blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, that they may rest from their labors, [illegible] that the travelers may over-rest, or exceedingly breathe, and refresh or comfort themselves after mu…

So that see how much help the Church of God has had by these writings, so that they have found much comfort in them. And these writings have been the foundation of the faith of God's people, from that time to the world's end, they have ever yielded matter to the ministers of the…

So that if we cut at a scanting with God, and will part with some lusts and corruptions, but not with others, then will God cut you short of all your hopes of eternal life: and it was upon the same terms that Herod fell short of Christ (Mark 6:10; Luke 3:18), he had done many th…

But remember, he does but offer you worldly things to deprive you of heavenly. 2. To draw us to some open sin for the world's sake, as here he tempted Christ to idolatry, and Demas to defection from the faith (2 Timothy 4:10): "Demas has forsaken us, having loved this present wo…

Satan is a loser and you a gainer by temptations, wherein you have approved your fidelity to God: as a man holds a stick the faster when another seeks to wrest it out of his hands. 5. The more we resist Satan the greater will our reward be (2 Timothy 4:7-8): I have fought a good…

Although I contend not about it as being a certainty: but I do only bring conjectures. This Demas of which he makes mention, is the same without doubt whom he complains afterward to have forsaken him, 2 Timothy 4:10. When he speaks of the household Church of Nymphas, let us reme…

He that is such a one, teaches the word and attends upon his office faithfully, without any worldly respect, that is, without regard of glory or gain, without the strength, wisdom or authority of any man. He leans not to the praise of other men, for he has it in himself (2 Timot…

Paul here shows his apostolic care and fervent zeal which he bears to the church: so that in disputing and confuting he intermixes sometimes gentle exhortations, and sometimes he chides sharply, according to his own rule given to Timothy. Preach (says he) the word: be instant in…

And therefore this judgment is seldom pronounced upon any. We find but one example in the New Testament: Paul accursed Alexander the Coppersmith (2 Timothy 4:14). And the Church afterward accursed Julian the Emperor.

And three things cause a lameness or feebleness in this foot, the lust of the eye, that is covetousness; the lust of the flesh, and pride of life. The third duty is, that we must run the race from the beginning to the end, and finish our course, so as we may apprehend life everl…