An analyticall exposition of both the Epistles of the Apostle Peter : $b Illustrated by doctrines out of every textAmes, William
Religion
An analyticall exposition of both the Epistles of the Apostle Peter : $b Illustrated by doctrines out of every text
Ames, William
Bible. Peter -- Commentaries -- Early works to 1800
2. To reprove those, that are wont to say, when they are stirred up
to Christian duties, that they are not Saints or Angels, but flesh
and blood, and therefore cannot either abstaine from common vices,
or come neere unto a heavenly life. For Christians besides and above
that nature, which they have from _Adam_, are made partakers also of a
divine nature, whereby they are able to doe all things through him that
strengtheneth them, namely Christ, _Philippians 4.13._
3. To exhort us, to labour with all diligence, that the grace of God
may be unto us like a second nature, as some say of _Custome_. And so
it will be, when we performe the workes of grace and new obedience, not
by constraint or unwillingly, as many use to doe, but with delight and
cheerfulnesse, as if we were carried hereunto by the inclination of
nature, as the fire is upward.
Doctrine 5. _The corruption of sinne is contrary both to this nature,
and Gods promises._
_Reason._ Because the presence of the divine nature and the vertue
of the promises drives out this corruption, as heat doth cold, & as
light dispells darkenesse, _1 Peter 1.14,15_, _2 Peter 2.20._ _Titus
2.11,12._
_Vse_ 1. This may serve _to condemne_ those, that will joyne together
these things that are so inconsistent and repugnant and contrary to
God himselfe, that is, those that joyne the profession of Religion with
most corrupt practise.
2. To exhort us, if we believe the promises of God, and love the divine
nature to our own salvation, then to eschew all these corruptions.
Thus much the Apostle intimates, when he saith: _Having escaped the
corruption_, as if a flying away were required, and that quickly, as
it were from a fire, wherein we are almost burned, or from a plague
that rageth in our houses, _1 Peter 2.11._ _2 Corinthians 4.1._ _Having
received mercy, let us not faint_, &c. and _Chapter 7. verse 1._
Doctrine 6. _This corruption of sinne beares rule in the world._
This is gathered herehence, because this is the true description of
corruption made by the Apostle.
_Vse._ This may serve to exhort us, 1. not to love the world too much.
This use the Apostle makes of it, _1 Iohn 2.15._ 2. Not to fashion our
selves according to this world, _Romans 12.2._
Doctrine 7. _Lust is the essentiall cause of this corruption, which is
in the world._
For it is not from the fabrick of heaven and earth, nor in any created
substance, but in the naughty affections and dispositions, together
with the actions flowing therehence, so that every man carries this
world in his owne bowels. And the reason why this wickednesse is
signified by concupiscence or lust, is:
_Reason_ 1. Because in mans conversion to worldly and unlawfull things,
sinne is more manifest then in a simple aversion from God.
2. Because this desire of unlawfull things is most contrary to that
affection, which we should have towards God, and divine and heavenly
things.
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