Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/261

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

This is gathered from this word, Beware.

Reason 1. Because knowledge is unprofitable, if it be not reduced to practise. Now practise in difficult things cannot be had without care and heed. 2. Because many are the fallacies wherewith we are assaulted, both in the Devill and his instruments that are without us, and in our selves also, by reason of that marvellous deceitfulnesse of our hearts, such as cannot be expressed. Vse. This may serve to exhort us, above all to take notice of our selves, and those things that tend to the strengthning and stablishing of us in grace. Doct. 13. It should be an argument to the faithfull to beware of the errors of some men, because they are wicked men, ungodly, and profane.

This is gathered from that title, the error of the wicked. Reason. Because all those things that have any agreement with ungodlinesse are to be shunned and avoided. Now those things that are in a speciall manner approved of by profane men, must necessarily have an agreement with profane ungodlinesse. Vse. This may serve to admonish us, by this means amongst others to strengthen our selves against divers errors, that are most pleasing to profane men. Doc. 14. Sedfastnesse and increase of grace are joyned together. This is gathered from the connexion of v.17. with the 18. Reason 1. Because like as trees and all plants, and also living creatures, from which this metaphor is taken, are corroborated by growth, while they acquire greater and perfecter strength, so also do the faithfull. 2. Because the stedfastnesse of grace consists not therein, that it continues in the same degree, but that it is formed in its nature, one property whereof of is, to grow untill it come to perfection. Use. This may serve to exhort us, to labour therefore to be so stablished, that we may also grow and increase in all grace. Doct. 15. They grow in grace, that grow in the effectuall knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ.

See Chapter 1. Verse 2.