Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/210

 The Doctrines arising here-hence.

Doct. 1. The multitude of those that sinne doth not hinder Gods justice from executing his judgements upon them for their sinnes.

This is gathered from this; He spared not the whole world. For as it was with dignity in the Angels, so it is also with the multitude now in the world.

Reason 1. Because the multitude doth not lessen, but rather increase the guilt of sinne, and more fill up the measure thereof, as it is in the Proverbe, Qui peccat exemplo, bis peccat, he that sins with example, sins twice: So he that sins with many examples, sins often times, if the thing be rightly considered. As if a man should see another fall in a slippery way, and not take the more heed unto himselfe therein, but fall into the same place and after the same manner, he is much more taxed by men, then if he had fallen alone, or first of all: so is it also in these.

2. Because the multitude which seemeth unto us a great thing, as if it could withstand Gods anger, is before God like unto water, that fals from a bucket.

Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to follow a multitude to do evill. And so much the more necessary is this admonition, because we are all too prone to go in the way of the multitude; which fault also we seeme to commit with some reason.

1. Because that we presume that many eyes see more then one, whence it is that the voice of the people is often taken for the voice of God.

2. Because the labour of examination seemes too difficult, and almost impossible.

3. Because that which all men do, usually goes unpunished among men, and we conceive the like thing of God.

4. Because he that doth not follow the multitude, shall gaine a multitude of enemies, and such as hate him.

But the contrary reason, which is of greater value then all those, is that of Christ, Matth. 7.13. Broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. To the first reason or objection we answer; that one eye of a man that seeth, perceives more, then a thousand blind eyes. The world