Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/197

 *spect of God. 2. In respect of the Devill. 3. In respect of men. First, in respect of God, and that 1 that they which are approved in the Church may be made manifest, 1 Cor. 11.19. Deut. 13.3. 2. That the obstinate wicked may perish in their ungodlinesse and cruelty, 2 Thess. 2.10, 11, 12. 1 Kings 22.20, 21, 22. Secondly, in respect of the Devill, because he is alwayes the father of lyes, and a murtherer, and that envious one, which soweth tares among the good seed. Thirdly, In respect of men, because the wisdome of the flesh is enmity against God and his truth. The use hereof according to the Apostles intention is two-*fold: Vse 1. To admonish us, not to be offended, nor to be too much troubled in minde, when we see heresies to arise in the Church, but to say as the Apostle did, There were, there shall be. 2. To instruct us, not to believe every spirit, but to try whether they are of God, 1 Iohn 4.1. Doct. 2. Every heresie hath damnation joyned with it.

This is gathered from these words: damnable heresies. Some are more damnable then others, yet all do in their nature tend to damnation. For all are contrary unto the way of truth, whereof mention is made, verse 2. which way alone leads unto life. But there are some heresies which can by no meanes consist with salvation or eternall life. Hereupon such opinions are by a kind of appropriation called heresies in the Church, that is, opinions altogether damnable. For there is a difference to be observed betwixt things rashly spoken, bare errors in faith, and heresies properly so called. In the heresies themselves also we must distinguish betwixt the materiality, and the formality of it. For to make a formall heresie, for which a man is properly called an heretick, there is required besides an errour in those things that pertaine unto the fundamentals of religion, a reluctation against the cleare light, and obstinacy in that reluctation.

Vse. This may serve to condemne those that under the name of peace and charity, make so little reckoning of the bringing in of heresies into the Church. They would have all things received in and tollerated, which is all one, as if they would