Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/201

 Reason 1. By reason of that darknesse, which hath taken hold of mens mindes; thereupon they may be easily drawne under any shew or glimps of light.

2. By reason of that disposition which they have, alien from the truth; thereupon they easily imbrace those things that are contrary to this truth.

3. By reason of that disposition which they have, agreeing with the nature of errors. For sinners have in themselves the seeds, of all sins, errors and heresies; so that the nature of corrupt man doth as easily receive errors, as the tinder fire.

4. By reason of the just judgement of God, whereby for the punishment of other sins they are given over to the power of errors, 2 Thess. 2.10.

Vse 1. This may serve to instruct us, to shew the corruption and wretchednesse of our nature, how hardly are we brought to imbrace the heavenly and saving truth, when we are carried headlong unto damnable errors. 2. To admonish us, that it should not be an offence unto us, if we see many given unto errors; because this was foretold us by the Apostle, and it hath a manifest reason; so that it is not to be wondred at, that many are given unto errors, but that rather, that any one doth believe the truth. 3. To exhort us, 1 Unto humiliation, in respect of this pronenesse unto error, 2 To care and circumspection that we be not overswayed by it. And an Argument whereby we may and should be stirred up unto this care, we have in the text, whiles they which follow heresies and hereticks, are said to follow their destruction. For not only the authors of heresies run unto destruction, but also their followers, as in the place of the Thess. before cited. In those which perish, so that it is a signe of destruction, to be seduced by hereticks. Doct. 7. The fruit of errors and heresies is speaking evill of the way of truth.

This is gathered from these words, By reason of whom the way of truth shall be evill spoken of. By the way of truth is meant the Gospell, or the will of God revealed in the Scripture, which shewes the true way of salvation. It is said to be evill spoken of, when the dignity thereof is violated, most properly by reproachfull words. It is said to be evill spoken of by