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. Because _actiones virtutum versantur in particularibus_, the actions
of vertues are in particulars, and therefore it is not sufficient to
judge aright of good and evill in generall, unlesse that judgement be
also applyed to particular actions, according to their circumstances.
_Vse_ 1. This may serve to reprove those, that please themselves in
their ignorance, as if ignorance were the mother of devotion, or of
any vertue, whereas it is the greatest enemy to vertue, and the mother
of all profanenesse, especially if it be voluntary, as _Peter_ shewes,
Epistle 2. Chapter 3. verse 5. Where he gives a reason of their great
wickednesse, because those scoffers of whom he speaks, were willingly
ignorant of those things which pertaine unto true godlinesse.
2. To exhort us, to seeke for knowledge, and when wee have gotten
it, to apply it also to the increase of vertue. For vertue without
knowledge is blinde, and knowledge without vertue is vaine.
Doctrine 7. _Continence or temperance is the perfection of knowledge._
Now by continence and temperance we meane a moderation, whereby all
lusts are suppressed that might allure or withdraw us to any thing that
is contrary to vertue and knowledge.
_Reason_ 1. Because knowledge tends to such a moderation and
governement of the affections.
2. Because knowledge it selfe cannot subsist without this moderation.
For unlesse the affections are directed by knowledge, knowledge it
selfe is corrupted by the affections: hence it is, that many errours
and heresies oftentimes take their rise and beginning from evill
manners and affections, _Ephesians 4.18._
_Vse_ 1. This may serve to reprove those, that are puffed up with
knowledge, when in the meane time they shew by their intemperance, that
they know nothing yet, as they ought to know, _1 Corinthians 8. 1,2._
2. To exhort us, to use all our knowledge to the governement of our
affections and manners.
Doctrine 8. _Patience must be joyned with continence to the perfection
of vertue._
By patience we meane that grace whereby we continue and persist in
well-doing, although we are crossed by many grievous things. Therefore
it includes in it patience, constancy, and stablenesse of minde, or
Christian fortitude. Continence strengthens vertue against alluring
intisements, and patience against all adversity, so that vertue is
quite perfected, if it be grounded on faith, directed by knowledge, and
strengthened on the one side by continence, and on the other side by
patience.
_Vse_ 1. This may serve to reprove the lightnesse and inconstancy of
men, who indeed professe themselves to be studious of vertue, and yet
can beare no thing, to keepe vertue whole and intire.
2. To exhort all good men, to prepare themselves to beare all
afflictions for vertue sake and a good conscience.
Doctrine 9. _Godlinesse is the chiefe and most necessary of all
vertues._
By _godlinesse_ we meane true religion towards God, and a minde wholly
given to the true worship of God.
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