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, Phil. 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. Doct. 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 Pet. 1.14,15, 2 Pet. 2.20. Tit. 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 Pet. 2.11. 2 Cor. 4.1. Having received mercy, let us not faint, &c. and Chap. 7.v.1. Doct. 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, Rom. 12.2.
