Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/244

 but also that this may and ought to be chiefly observed out of the Apostles words, namely, that there shall come such men in the last dayes. For so is this phrase explained, Iude, v. 18. These wicked men are described in generall, 1 By their impiety towards God, that they are scoffers. 2 By their impurity of life and deeds, that they walke after their own lusts. Then in special by their arguing, that the wicked scoffers used, to defend their impiety, and to remove the contrary doctrine from themselves, verse 4 For in those words is expressed, 1 their scoffing, which was before noted in generall, and 2 their argument is set forth, whereby they would perswade themselves and others, that they might walk after their own lusts, without feare or danger: namely, because the comming of God, the expectation whereof did deterre men from such a life, is not to be feared, in these words: Where is the promise of his comming? Now this they confirmed to themselves and others by a vaine comparing the times that went before with those that were to come; that whereas there was no comming of the Lord to judge the world since the times of the Fathers, and from the creation of the world, there was no cause to feare that any such thing would happen at the end of the world, in these words, For since the Fathers fell asleepe, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. Now this whole description, or rather the thing described, that is, this impiety, is illustrated by the adjunct of time, wherein chiefly and by a speciall kind of eminency or abundance it is found, namely, in the last dayes. The Doctrines arising here-hence. Doct. 1. In the reading of the Scriptures we must give speciall heed unto those things whereof we have greatest use.

This is gathered from these words: Knowing this first. For the Apostle would, that for the present they should first and chiefly think of those things, that the Apostles had spoken for their present use, touching those wicked men.

Doct. 2. The Scripture foretels most grievous things of the last dayes.

So 1 Tim4.1. 2 Tim.3.1.

Reason 1. For that iniquity doth abound more in the last dayes, it is because knowledge doth abound, which is held