Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/218

 Doct. 3. The sting of every evill of punishment, whereunto men are obnoxious in this life, is temptation.

This is gathered therehence, that deliverance from temptation is here put for deliverance from all evill.

Reason. Because the afflictions or miseries of this life become hurtfull unto us only by that means, and as they are in us occasions or motives unto sin. For that is the nature of temptation, whereof mention is here made, to induce men unto sinne. Vse 1. This may serve to admonish us, to beware of the temptation that is in the evill, more then of the evils themselves. 2. To instruct us, to judge aright of the mercy of God towards the godly; for although they are not presently delivered from the afflictions themselves, yet if they be delivered from the temptation of them, they have great experience of Gods mercy towards them. Doct. 4. God doth very well know how to performe all those things that he hath either promised to the godly, or threatned to the wicked.

Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to judge of the event of these things, or of the successe of the godly or the wicked, according to those things that we see, but to referre all these things unto the knowledge and wisdome of God, resting upon the beliefe of those things which he hath promised.

Verse 10. But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleannesse, and despise government: presumptuous are they, selfe-willed: they are not afraid to speak evill of dignities.

The Analysis.

In this verse is contained the particular conclusion of the former arguing: because he doth particularly apply unto the false teachers of that age, that which he had affirmed in generall of the unjust, verse 9. Therefore this particular conclusion is joyned with the generall, not by a bare copula, but by a gradation from the lesse to the greater, as it is intimated in