An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustratedAn analyticall exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated

Now the Apostle proves that which he had before laid down concerning the punishment that should befall false teachers. The conclusion of this arguing is, 1 In general propounded of all the wicked, v. 9. For there is the consequent part of that connex axiom, the antecedent whereof begins v. 4. and is showed by the connection If, as, If God spared not the Angels, &c. Then afterwards in special, of these false teachers themselves and their followers, v. 10. In the general conclusion, v. 9. he doth not barely set down the condemnation of the wicked, but also by a copulate axiom joins together with it, the deliverance of the godly from that temptation, which ariseth unto them by means of the wicked. And the reason is, because the Apostles purpose was, so to reprove the wicked, that he might in the mean time comfort the godly, and strengthen them against all the temptations, whereunto they were obnoxious by means of the wicked. In the antecedent part of this arguing he sets down three arguments, which are as so many examples & judgements of God against the wicked; & they may make three syllogisms to prove one and the same conclusion. The first example is of the Angels that fell, v. 4. The second is of the old world, v. 5. The third is of Sodom and Gomorrah. The syllogisms are knit together, after this manner: If God spared not the Angels, nor the old world, nor Sodom and Gomorrah; then he will not spare these false teachers; nor the like wicked men; But the former is true, by the testimony of Scripture, Therefore, &c. These examples in respect of the general conclusion, which is set down, v. 9. are as species unto their genus. But in respect of the special conclusion wch is set down, v. 10. they are as comparata, partly alike, partly greater. That wherein they are alike, consists therein, as God condemned those sinners so also will he condemn these. Their inequality therein; if God spared not his most excellent creatures, the Angels, nor the old world, nor those cities; then much less will he spare these false teachers.