A25280:2254
An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustratedAn analyticall exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated
An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated by doctrines out of every text and applied by their uses for a further progress in holiness / by ... William Ames ...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 ...
London: printed by E.G. for John Rothwell, 1641London: printed by E.G. for Iohn Rothwell, 1641
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Doct. 1. It is the property of wicked men to be willingly ignorant of all things, that cross their lusts.
Doct. 1. It is the property of wicked men to be willingly ignorant of all things, that crosse their lusts.
This is gathered from these words: They willingly are ignorant of. All men are ignorant of many things, but the faithful are not ignorant of those things that are necessary for them unto salvation, nor do they please themselves in the ignorance of any truth, much less in the ignorance of those things that pertain unto the practise of religion: nay they do very much labour for this knowledge, whereby they may be brought unto eternal life: but the wicked, although they do very much desire to know other things, yea and are too curious in it, yet they love to be ignorant of those things that pertain to the bridling of their lusts and reproving of their sins. This is that ignorance which is called voluntary and affected.
This is gathered from these words: They willingly are ignorant of. All men are ignorant of many things, but the faithfull are not ignorant of those things that are necessary for them unto salvation, nor do they please themselves in the ignorance of any truth, much lesse in the ignorance of those things that pertaine unto the practise of religion: nay they do very much labour for this knowledge, whereby they may be brought unto eternall life: but the wicked, although they do very much desire to know other things, yea and are too curious in it, yet they love to be ignorant of those things that pertaine to the bridling of their lusts and reproving of their sins. This is that ignorance which is called voluntary and affected.
Reason 1. Because they affect those vices whereunto this knowledge is repugnant. Therefore they eschew knowledge as a thing that is evil unto them, and makes against them; and affect ignorance as a thing that is good for them and very well agreeing with them. For he that hath resolved with himself to give his mind unto sin, and to continue therein, seeks to have peace and quietness in that condition, and therefore abhors that truth which convinceth his conscience of sin, and suffers him not to sleep in it.