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
Verse 10. _But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in
the lust of uncleannesse, and despise government:
presumptuous are they, selfe-willed: they are not
afraid to speak evill of dignities_.
The Analysis.
In this verse is contained the particular conclusion of the former
arguing: because he doth particularly apply unto the false teachers of
that age, that which he had affirmed in generall of the unjust, verse 9.
Therefore this particular conclusion is joyned with the generall, not
by a bare _copula_, but by a gradation from the lesse to the greater,
as it is intimated in that first word, _But chiefly_: as if he had said,
that all the unjust should indeed suffer punishment, but those most
certainly, and most heavily, that are such as the false teachers are
here described to be. Now they are described both in generall, and in
particular. In generall the effect of their wicked walking, in those
words, _them that walke_. Of which effect, 1. he shewes the principall
cause, which is, _the flesh_. 2. The administring, or next cause,
which is _the lust of the flesh_, that is, the vicious motions and
inclinations of corrupt nature: which is illustrated by the proper
effect thereof, _uncleannesse_, because the motions of the flesh do
spiritually defile the soules of men, so that it makes them polluted
in the sight of God. The particular description is by a particular sin,
which is, a contempt of lawfull authority: which sin is illustrated by
its effect, that is, that they do contemptuously reproach dignities;
where he shewes the manner of this effect which is adjoyned, that they
do it boldly and selfe-willed.
The Doctrines arising here-hence.
Doctrine 1. _Although all sinners may deservedly feare the judgement of
God, yet there are some that may more certainly expect the severity of
that judgement._
This is gathered from these words; _But chiefly them_.
_Reason._ By reason of that proportion which is kept betwixt the sins
and their punishments. Now they that may most certainly expect this
severity of judgement, are such especially, as are very much given unto
those sins, whereby we read in the Scriptures that men have brought
upon themselves swift destruction.
_Use._ This may serve to admonish us, most of all to beware of those
sins that do most hasten our damnation.
Doctrine 2. _There is no one sin so heinous, as to walk in the wayes of
a sinner._
This is gathered from these words; But chiefly them that walke.
_Reason_ 1. Because the act of sin doth not so much condemn as the
habit of sin; like as on the contrary, the habit of any vertue doth
much more commend a man, then any particular act, though it be of great
note.
2. Because he that walks in the way of sin, addes impenitency unto
his sins; now impenitency doth condemne men more then any sin, because
there is no way to escape the anger of God, but by repentance.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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