Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/219

 that first word, But chiefly: as if he had said, that all the unjust should indeed suffer punishment, but those most certainly, and most heavily, that are such as the false teachers are here described to be. Now they are described both in generall, and in particular. In generall the effect of their wicked walking, in those words, them that walke. Of which effect, 1 he shewes the principall cause, which is, the flesh. 2 The administring, or next cause, which is the lust of the flesh, that is, the vicious motions and inclinations of corrupt nature: which is illustrated by the proper effect thereof, uncleannesse, because the motions of the flesh do spiritually defile the soules of men, so that it makes them polluted in the sight of God. The particular description is by a particular sin, which is, a contempt of lawfull authority: which sin is illustrated by its effect, that is, that they do contemptuously reproach dignities; where he shewes the manner of this effect which is adjoyned, that they do it boldly and selfe-willed. The Doctrines arising here-hence. Doct. 1. Although all sinners may deservedly feare the judgement of God, yet there are some that may more certainly expect the severity of that judgement.

This is gathered from these words; But chiefly them.

Reason. By reason of that proportion which is kept betwixt the sins and their punishments. Now they that may most certainly expect this severity of judgement, are such especially, as are very much given unto those sins, whereby we read in the Scriptures that men have brought upon themselves swift destruction. Use. This may serve to admonish us, most of all to beware of those sins that do most hasten our damnation. Doct. 2. There is no one sin so heinous, as to walk in the wayes of a sinner.

This is gathered from these words; But chiefly them that walke.

Reason 1. Because the act of sin doth not so much condemn as the habit of sin; like as on the contrary, the habit of any vertue doth much more commend a man, then any particular act, though it be of great note.

2. Because he that walks in the way of sin, addes impeni