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
This is gathered from these words: _damnable heresies_. Some are more
damnable then others, yet all do in their nature tend to damnation.
For all are contrary unto the way of truth, whereof mention is made,
verse 2. which way alone leads unto life. But there are some heresies
which can by no meanes consist with salvation or eternall life.
Hereupon such opinions are by a kind of appropriation called heresies
in the Church, that is, opinions altogether damnable. For there is a
difference to be observed betwixt things rashly spoken, bare errors
in faith, and heresies properly so called. In the heresies themselves
also we must distinguish betwixt the materiality, and the formality of
it. For to make a formall heresie, for which a man is properly called
an heretick, there is required besides an errour in those things that
pertaine unto the fundamentals of religion, a reluctation against the
cleare light, and obstinacy in that reluctation.
_Vse._ This may serve to condemne those that under the name of peace
and charity, make so little reckoning of the bringing in of heresies
into the Church. They would have all things received in and tollerated,
which is all one, as if they would for peace and charity admit of
damnation it selfe. For heresies have damnation joyned with it.
2. To admonish us, 1. to take diligent heed that we do not by any means
further such heresies. 2. Not rashly or for a light cause to pronounce
any man an heretick. 3. As carefully to beware of heresies, as we
should of damnation.
_Question._ In the reason which is here given of this property of
heresies, that they are damnable, a question is moved, What is meant
by denying the Lord? _denying the Lord that bought them_. For many
gather from this place, that all and every particular man were redeemed
by Christ, because it is here said that he bought even those wicked
hereticks: but it may be answered divers wayes.
_Answer_ 1. That these false teachers were members of the visible
Church, and therefore, 1. they accounted themselves such as were
redeemed by Christ, and made shew of that profession. 2. Men were to
account them such, as long as they continued in the Church; and in this
respect they may be said to be such as were redeemed by Christ; like
as the Apostles are wont to call whole Churches justified, sanctified,
and elect. There is not the same reason therefore of all and every
particular man, as there was of these.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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