An expositon of all St. Pauls epistles together with an explanation of those other epistles of the apostles St. James, Peter, John & Jude : wherein the sense of every chapter and verse is analytically unfolded and the text enlightened. / David Dickson ...

The Second Part.

Vers. 11. For the Grace of God that bringeth salva∣tion, hath appeared to all men.

The second part of the Chapter touching the Doctrine of Faith, follows, which hee subjoyns as the fountain, from whence virtue is fetched, for the performance of the foresaid duties: For they cannot bee Christian duties, except grace to perform them bee derived from Christ by Faith. For in this the works of regenerate and un∣regenerate men materially good, do differ: That the works of these are done by the enemies of God, from the corrupt strength of free will, for carnal ends, without a∣ny respect to the glory of God: But the works of rege∣nerate men are done by the servants of God, reconciled

by Faith, from the fountain of saving Grace, which administers knowledge and strength to their performan∣ces. And this Doctrine of Faith is propounded, by way of confirmation of the Precepts, or the Doctrine of man∣ners, upon four Reasons, All which prove that the afore∣said virtues are to bee endeavored after.

Hath appeared] Reas. 1. Because the Gospel of the Grace of God bringing salvation of all kinds to men, being published and manifested, hath appeared to all sorts of men: Therefore it is meet, that men of all sorts, shew their thankfulness to God in an holy conversation, prosecuting the foresaid virtues.

Vers. 12. Teaching us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, wee should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world:

Reas. 2. Because this Gospel of God doth not onely teach us what duties wee are bound to perform, but also instructs us how to draw strength from the fountain of the Grace of Christ, from his death and resurrection, to deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts, and to live so∣berly, as to our selves; justly, as to our neighbours; and holily, as to God: Therefore ought wee to bee ready for the performance of these duties.

Vers. 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Iesus Christ.

Reas. 3. Because wee expect eternal life at the second coming of Christ, who is the great God, one with the Fa∣ther and the Holy Ghost, and our Saviour: Therefore it behoves us to bee armed and stirred up to follow after all the foresaid good works, which God requireth of us.

Vers. 14. Who gave himself for us, that hee might redeem us from all iniquity, and purifie unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works.

Reas. 4. Because therefore Christ offered up himself for us, that hee might effectually redeem us from the bondage of sin, and purchase us to himself, as a peculiar people, that wee might follow after good works: Therefore if wee would not have that Redemption to bee void as to us, wee must of necessity forsake our sins, and follow after the foresaid virtues, and newness of life.

Vers. 15. These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Hee repeats the command of attending to his Do∣ctrine, willing him to insist upon these things, i. e. That hee sharpen his exhortations and reproofs with Authori∣ty; which Authority hee commands that no Professor despise, and that Titus do nothing that may expose him to contempt.