- tency 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.
Vse 1. This may serve to condemne those, that please themselves therein, that they are not murtherers, nor adulterers, nor robbers, &c. when in the meane time they walk in the way of other sins, who do either contemne the worship of God, or neglect faith, hope, and charity, and are altogether ignorant of the like vertues. 2. To admonish us, to take heed unto our selves, by a timely and daily repentance, that we walk not in sins, though we cannot abstain from all sin. Sinners are not so much hatefull unto God, as the workers of sin, and such as walk in it. Doct. 3. There is in all men while they are in this world, some cause pricking and stirring them up unto sin.
This is gathered therehence, that the flesh is here put as the beginning of all those sins, whereunto these wicked men were given. Now it is called the flesh, because it doth extend it selfe as largely as the flesh or body of man, being carnall: and so is in all and every particular man in common and without any exception. This is proved first Gal 5.17. Iames 1.14. Mat. 15.19. Secondly, it is confirmed also by reason and experience, because when there is no outward object or perswasion that can induce us unto sin, yet we feele such little sparks arising in our selves, that will set the whole man on fire, if they be not quenched betimes.
Vse 1. This may serve for instruction, 1 To refute their dreame, which imagine a perfection in this present life. 2 To refute the Papists, who say that concupiscence after Baptisme is not formally a sin. For that which of its own nature produceth sin, must needs have the nature of sin. For quale effectum, talis causa, such as the effect is, such is the cause. 2. To admonish us, diligently to beware not only of outward provocations, that might lead us into temptation, but also of our selves and our own hearts; for there lyes our greatest danger. Doct. 4. Sinne doth not consist only in outward words and deeds, but also in the inward lusts and affections, which are contrary unto the law of God.
