Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/62

 3. Because our lusts are deceitfull. Eph. 4.22. Because they lead unto death. Galat. 6.8. Rom. 8.6.13. Vse. This may serve to admonish us, above all things to apply our selves unto this study. Doct. 3 The lusts of the flesh warre against the soule.

Reas. 1. Because they spoile the perfection of the soule, which consists in the image of God. 2. Because they doe either quench or grieve the holy Spirit, upon whom the comfort of the soule doth depend. Eph. 4.30. 1. Thess. 5.19. 3. Because they cause the Death of the soule, and lead thereunto. Vse. 1. This may serve to direct us, alwayes to thinke upon our spirituall warfare, and accordingly in all things to carry our selves, as it becommeth the good Souldiers of Christ. 2. To admonish us, to take speciall heed of those enemies which we have within our selves; those enemies that are without can doe us no hurt, if those that are within have not power over us, and so doe as it were give us up into their hands. Doct. 4. To abstaine from fleshly lusts, is the way to make our conversation honest.

Reas. 1. Because all filthynesse proceeds from the lusts of the flesh. 2. Because the true honour and honesty of a man consists in that spirituall victory which he hath over himselfe. 3. Because by overcomming the lusts of the flesh, the way is made easie to all vertues and good duties. Use 1. This may serve to refute and reprove those men, that seeke for honour and dignity by pampering the flesh, & obeying the lusts thereof. 2. To exhort us, cheerfully to oppose our selves against the lusts of the flesh, for this very cause, because it is a most honest thing. Doct. 5. The faithfull should have a care to live honestly, not only amongst the faithfull, but also amongst the unbelieving Gentiles.

This is gathered from these words, among the Gentiles; Which notwithstanding we must so understand, that we doe not follow all those things that seeme honest unto them, nor omit those things that doe displease them; but only that we