spirit and yours, who are most nearly concerned in this sad loss. And,
The Best Things Reserved Until Last
"An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and which fades not away, reserved in heaven for you." 1 Peter 1:4
I have chosen this text upon a double ground.
1. To make a diversion of immoderate sorrow and grief from my own spirit and yours, who are most nearly concerned in this sad loss. And,
2. Because it will afford us matter most suitable to the blessed state and condition of this glorified saint, at whose funeral we are here met.
In the inscription, verses 1 and 2, you have first a holy salutation, showing first by whom this epistle was written, namely, Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ; secondly, to whom it was written. Now they are described two ways: first, by their outward condition, "strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia." There are divers opinions about these strangers—but the most common and received opinion among the learned is, that Peter wrote this epistle to the converted Jews, scattered through the provinces in Asia, who met with much opposition and affliction for the gospel's sake. Secondly, they are described by their spiritual and inward condition, which is set forth,
(1.) By the fundamental cause of it, namely, election of God.
(2.) By the final cause, namely, sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience.
(3.) By the subservient cause, namely, reconciliation, conferred in obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.