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I. The nature of it — a letter written. What shall we render to the Lord for His mercy in writing these blessed covenants?

II. THE NUMBER OF IT — a second after the former. "This second"; not so much fearing the miscarriage of the first, as hoping to work better confirmation by the next.

III. THE TENOR OF IT — to stir up their minds. Why are the words of the wise compared to goads (Ecclesiastes 3:11) but to show that the best in God's team need pricking forward?

IV. THE ORDER — by way of remembrance. This is a just order and method; first, to teach the way of the Lord, then to remind men of walking in it. We are not only called teachers, but remembrancers (Isaiah 62:6).

(Thos. Adams.)

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KJV: This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

WEB: This is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you;