Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/200

 godlinesse joyne a profane life, or turn aside from that profession. The sinne of these men is more grievous, then of Turks and Infidels, that never gave their names unto Christ; for the neerer any man commeth unto God, the more doth he dishonour his name, if he doth fall back againe. He that hath in some sort forsaken Sathan, and given himselfe up unto God, and afterward forsakes God again, and gives himselfe up unto Sathan, seems to have known both masters, and advisedly to pronounce that he is the better, whose servant he would rather be, that is, Sathan.

2. To admonish us, 1. Carefully to beware, not only of the damnable sin it selfe, but also of all appearance, and every degree of it, and every occasion that might leade us thereunto. 2. If in any respect we have turned towards such like abomination, to recall our selves betimes, and seriously to bewaile our offence, like as Peter did after his denying of Christ, Matth. 26.75. Doct. 4. It is the nature of such sinnes to bring destruction upon men.

This is gathered from these words; bring upon themselves destruction.

Reason. Because sinne in respect of the guilt that is joyned with it, hath a kind of power whereby it drawes all evill; like as faith and prayers obtain every good gift from God. Hence is it, that our sins are said to cry for vengeance; and also to draw punishment unto it as it were with strong cords, Isay 5.18. For while men draw sin with such-like cords, they do also draw the punishment of sinne, which is joyned unto it. Vse 1. This may serve to admonish us, in this respect to beware of sin. 2. To exhort us, by faith, repentance, and prayers, to turn away that destruction from us, which our sins would bring upon us. Doct. 5. The destruction which hangs over the heads of grievous offenders will come swiftly.

This is gathered from these words; swift destruction.

Doct. 6. Men are wonderfully prone to imbrace errors.

This is gathered from these words; And many shall follow.