An analyticall exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated by doctrines out of every text and applyed by their uses for a further progresse in holinesse / by ... William Ames ...

Verse 9. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temp∣tations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgement to be punished, or suffering punishment.

The Analysis.

THis is the generall conclusion, the premisses whereof the former examples make up, and it is disposed in a copulate axiom, the former part whereof is of the mercy of God, and the latter of his justice. Where we may take notice of the reason of this order, which may be two-fold. 1 Because in the premisses he had spoken of mercy in the last place; there∣fore that the connexion might be evident, he puts it first in the Conclusion; and because he intends to speak more at large of the wicked afterwards, therefore he mentions Gods justice towards them in the last place. 2. The Apostle doth first of all conclude the mercy of God towards the godly, because it was his primary intent and purpose to comfort and strength∣en

the godly. The object of Gods mercy is the godly. The act and effect thereof is, to deliver them from temptation. The object of his justice is the wicked. The act and effect thereof is, to reserve them unto the day of judgement. Where he addes the manner how they shall be reserved, namely so, that they shall in the meane time suffer punishment. The cause and reason of these acts and effects, as well of his mercy as his justice, is the wisdome of God, or his knowledge joyned to∣gether with his will; as that first word intimates unto us, The Lord knoweth.

The Doctrines arising herehence.

Doct. 1. We have need of divers arguments to confirme our faith touching the mercy and justice of God.

This is gathered therehence, that the Apostle was so care∣full to conclude this, and by so many arguments.

Reason 1. Because faith is not, as knowledge and sense is, to have such a full and evident assurance, as excludes all man∣ner of doubting, but it hath some obscurity in the object, and so admits of divers doubtings, which must be removed by such-like arguments.

2. The imperfection of our faith, which must be helped by these means.

3. The multitude of objections and temptations, which fight against this faith.

Vse 1. This may serve to reprove the security and pre∣sumption of those, that feele no want in this kinde.

2. To admonish us, to use all diligence, and to search out all the arguments that may be, to edifie our selves in this faith.

Doct. 2. They that are truly righteous, so that they are vessels of the mercy of God, are also godly.

This is gathered therehence, that here they are called god∣ly, who before in the example of Noah and Lot, were called righteous.

Reason. Because no righteousnesse can be pleasing unto God, which is not referred unto him and his honour; now this is done no other way, but by piety.

Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to rest or please our selves in any righteousnesse, that is separated from true piety towards God.

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 tempta∣tion is here put for deliverance from all evill.

Reason. Because the afflictions or miseries of this life be∣come 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 un∣to sinne.

Vse 1. This may serve to admonish us, to beware of the temptation that is in the evill, more then of the evils them∣selves.

2. To instruct us, to judge aright of the mercy of God to∣wards the godly; for although they are not presently delive∣red 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, rest∣ing upon the beliefe of those things which he hath promised.