Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/128

 3. Because under the shew of some worldly profit, pleasure, or honour, we do oftentimes admit of those things, which betray and destroy our soules.

Vse. This may serve to admonish us not to drown our selves in the things of this world, but so to use the world, as if we used it not, 1 Cor. 7.31. Doct. 3. We have such a spirituall enemy, that we had need to watch and ward continually against him.

Reason 1. Because he is full of spirituall malice and craft.

2. Because his diligence is answerable to his malice.

3. Because he is most cruell, seeking not to bring some small inconvenience upon us, but our utter destruction.

Vse. This may serve to admonish us, never to be secure, but day and night to be mindfull of that danger wherein we are. Doct. 4. We must couragiously resist the Devill.

This is gathered from verse 9.

Reason 1. Because he is such an enemy, that we can make no peace or league with him. 2. Because they which yeeld unto the devill give themselves up into his hands, as being overcome. 3. Because the courage of our minde to resist is a great part of spirituall victory. Use. This may serve to exhort us, to strengthen our mindes in all things to make this resistence. Doct. 5. The chiefe power of resisting, consists in a stedfast faith.

This is gathered from these words, Whom resist stedfast in the faith. Reason 1. Because faith layes hold upon Christ who overcame the devill, and in him they lay hold of victory it selfe. 2. Because faith laies hold of the truth of all the promises, whereby the soule is invincibly fortified. 3. Because faith, seeing it is the foundation of all grace, if it be stirred up and strengthened, it confirmes and strengthens also all the other vertues. Vse. This may serve to direct us, to have a speciall care to raise and build up our faith. Doct. 6. The examples of other beleevers doe make much for the confirmation of our faith in afflictions & other temptations.