Table of Contents
Title Page
Disclaimer
Their Own Sanctuary (Monsters and Gargoyles, #1)
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Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
A Note From The Author
More by Lacey Carter Andersen
About the Author
Toeveryanimallover—thanksformakingroominyourheartfor creatureswhoneedyoumorethanmostpeoplecouldevenimagine.
~LaceyCarterAndersen
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Chapter One
Medusa
I swear I can hear the twins laughing, even this far away from our little house in the trees. I’m sure they coaxed their dads into piggy back rides.Thestinkersjusthavetogivemyguysasmile, andfourgiantgargoylesaretumblingovereachothertogivethem themoon.I can actually picture our two dark-haired daughters pulling on their dads’ hair, giggling like maniacs. Damnit,maybetheyhavemeundertheirlittlethumbstoo...
Smiling, I spread my arms out in the water. I’m sure I can’t actually hear them laughing, but I’ve seen exactly this scenario a thousand times. It’s funny though. This is mytime to relax. This is my time to drift in the warmest lake in the gargoyles’ sanctuary, relaxing to the sound of the rushing water from the waterfall. Despite that, all I can do is think about are the four sexy gargoyles I left behind and our beautiful daughters. Theremustbesomethingwrongwithme.
Sighing, I force my eyes closed and try to keep my breathing even. Harold thinks if I can learn to meditate, I might not be so high strung. Of course, he's too sweet to actually say highstrung,but freaking Bryon does.
So, here I am. I finished my bath and I'm meditating in the most peaceful place imaginable, and still, I can’t relax. I feel like something under my skin is always buzzing, as if my pulse can’t stop racing. Maybe it’s from all my years being hunted as a monster and attacked by idiot heroes. Or maybe it’s just that I have children. That’s its own kind of never-ending, exhausting battle.
OrmaybeIam alittlehighstrungafterall.
My hand brushes something soft in the water. I freeze and my eyes pop open. There, floating on its back, is the strangest creature imaginable.
Isitsomelittlebeaver,cursedbymagic?
Anuglyducklingkindofthing?
I stand up in the water, trying not to move too quickly or make too much noise. I study the animal a little more carefully. I still don’t know what it is... but it might be dead.
Frowning, I lean over a little closer. Sure enough, its little chest is rising and falling.
Thankgoodness!
It’s got almost a duck-bill on its furry face, strange webbed feet, and a sleek body—almost like a beaver. Likethreeanimalssmashed together . Something tingles the back of my thoughts. I know what it is! A platypus!
Andthepoorthinglookssick.Orhurt.
I touch its smooth fur, and the creature’s eyes open. Sure enough, there’s pain in its gaze.
For a while, I just pet it gently until it very slowly flips around in the water. It comes closer. One of its back legs barely moving as it does so. In fact, it holds that leg tightly against its body, and then presses its face against my arm, rubbing softly. Thiscreaturereally isasweetlittlething!
My mind goes to the hundreds of cats and dogs I’ve befriended over my two thousand years. I’m usually too much of a mess to have an actual pet, but I’ve missed all my furry-friends. This little guy might be a bit strange, but I find that I instantly like him.
He’sgotasweetnature.
Wrapping my arms around it, I’m relieved when it snuggles more closely. I can’t help it if it won’t let me, so I'm relieved that it seems to accept that I’m not a threat.
Maybethehealercanhelpfigureoutwhat’swrongwithit.
I lift it out of the water and it snuggles between my naked breasts. As it looks up at me with those big, sad eyes, I walk onto the shore. Almost instantly, a shadow falls over me. A familiar shadow.
Bryon hits the ground in front of me, shifting from his gargoyle form into that of a man in seconds. As always, I enjoy watching the change. There’s just something sexy about him when his flesh is the
color of wet stone, and he resembles a veryhot statue of a man. And also something so sexy about the tall human-looking version of himself, with big muscles, a dark beard, and a face that’s always just a tad grumpy.
His dark gaze narrows as he looks from me to the creature I hold. “What the hell is that?”
Mr.Grumpyisn’thappyaboutmynewpet?Surprise,surprise!
I smile and look down at it, hiding my amusement at his reaction. “A platypus, and I think it’s hurt.”
Noticing how little it moves, I feel my smile falter. I hope it isn’t hurt that badly.
“Hurt?” Bryon repeats. “Who the fuck cares if it’s hurt? Drop it, and move away. It could be dangerous!”
Glancing up, I meet his dark gaze, trying not to laugh. Is he really worried about this little creature? I mean, Bryon’s the size of a mountain. Does he actually think that he can’t protect me if the furry animal suddenly becomes a danger to me?
“Are you actually scared of it?” I ask, in a teasing voice.
He puffs himself up. “I’m not scared of anything! But I don’t want some freaky creature touching my woman!”
I pet its head, and it makes a soft sound, almost like it's purring. “Relax, it’s sweet!”
Bryon advances and glares down at it. “Look at those talons on its claws! It’s probably poisonous!”
I raise my eyebrows. “Yeah, and cats are dangerous too.” I give a mockingly frightened look at the sky. “Careful, those song birds are making me nervous! They might just be plotting to overthrow mankind!”
If looks could kill, I’d be dead right now. “Put it down.”
I shake my head, leveling him with the same stubborn glare that my daughters have perfected. “I’m going to bring it to the healer, and you’re not going to stop me.”
A tense moment stretches between us. I know Bryon’s natural instinct is to protect me at any cost, but he’s been working on giving me more freedom. We have talked at length about him learning to
trust my judgment. I know right now he’s arguing with himself whether or not he can stop me without this becoming a big thing. Which he’s absolutely right to worry about. It’ll be a cold day in hades before I abandon an injured animal.
I used to try to hide this “softer” side of myself. I mean, all people saw was Medusa, a woman who could kill with just a glance. But now that I’m in a sanctuary, without any humans to accidentally kill, and only gargoyles and magical creatures who are immune to my powers, my sunglasses are stowed away and my softer side is coming out a little more often.
And if Bryon doesn’t like it... too bad.
Bryon folds his arms over his chest, but I can already see I’ve won this fight. Scoreoneforme!“You at least plan to get dressed first...?”
Giving him my most innocent look, I say. “But how am I going to choose my next Brotherhood of Gargoyles if I’m not sure who finds me attractive?”
That look comes over his face, the one that turns me on. He stomps toward me, completely ignoring the creature in my arms, and grabs me by the back of the head. His possessive mouth captures mine, crushing my lips with his passion and his anger.
For a minute, I’m lost. I'm lost in the way he feels, the way he sends fire racing through my body.
When his lips part, I stick my tongue in.
He groans and tears his lips from mine. “You were not supposed to enjoy that,” he says, panting.
I reach down with one hand and cup his erection through his pants. “I enjoy every fucking inch of you.”
A shudder moves through his body. “Either get dressed, or I’m tossing that little beast back in the lake and taking you home.”
I grin. “I’ll get dressed, but you’ll have to hold it while I do.”
Before he can argue, I dump the little creature into his arms.
He scowls down at it. “I don’t like this.”
I dress quickly, trying to ignore my heated body. I have to forget how good Bryon’s hard dick felt through his pants, and focus on our argument.
Easiersaidthandone.“You don’t like the platypus?” I ask, and hate that my words are a little breathless.
The little creature is rubbing against Bryon, looking about as innocent as a creature could look.
“Don’t these things only exist in Australia? How the hell did it end up here? How did it get through the sanctuary wards and into one of our rivers?”
I raise a brow, taking a deep breath to clear my head. “Does it matter? It needs our help?”
He scoffs. “Of course it matters!”
Shaking my head, I can’t help but grin. I love my gargoyles, but they’ve got to be the only people in this world who actually think Medusais fragile and in need of protection.
When I'm dressed, I reach for the creature again, but Bryon simply holds it tighter. “If you’re going to insist on this, then I’m holding it.”
An argument forms on my lips, but I let it die. Bryon is as stubborn as I am. If I don’t want him chucking the creature, I might have to meet him halfway on this.
“Okay, let’s go!”
He doesn’t look relieved as we head for the gargoyle village. “You know the others won’t like this.”
I think of my husbands. Marcus will flip. Forrest will probably want to keep the little guy as a pet, and Harold will want to nurse it back to health, but keep it far from me. Iguesswe’llsee.
Chapter Two
Marcus
Idon’tlikethatdamncreature.
The four of us glare at the little animal swimming playfully around in the river beneath our house. One of its back legs is still wrapped, but I’ve watched it grow stronger over the past two weeks. Now, I’m sure it’s just faking it.
Any wild animal would be gone. So why is this one still hanging around?
Medusa is kneeling down beside the pool with the twins, tossing the platypus little fish. Bryon, Harold, and Forrest are all right next to them. I told them to be nearby to make sure the platypus doesn't get too close to our women. If it does, it willregret it.
The platypus turns, and our eyes meet. For a second too long our gazes lock, and then it goes back to playfully splashing around.
There’ssomethingwrongwiththatfuckingthing.
And yet, Medusa won’t hear a bad word about it. She and the twins just carry on, as if it’s their new pet. Which it is not.
When the healer’s shadow crosses over the pond, I watch as she lands near my family. For a minute, I just observe her. The older woman looks happy today, which is a good thing for all of us. Since she’s gifted with The Sight, a foul mood often means she’s seen something dangerous in our future. And now that the future includes our woman and children, Gelena’s moods are even more important to me.
Taking a deep breath, I feel a little weight leave my shoulders. Now, to deal with the weird creature. I lift off from the balcony of our treehouse and fly down until I land beside her.
“You’ve come to check its injury?” I ask, and even I know I sound a bit grumpy.
Galena grins, watching Medusa and the creature. “As asked,” she says, her tone far too chipper.
Whydoesshehavetoenjoyhowmuchwehatethissomuch?Or maybe Galena just likes seeing our village women happy. They are the future of our people, after all. And Galena’s Sight stuff makes her pretty obsessed with the future, which I guess I understand.
But either way, I find this whole thing irritating as hell.
When Galena shifts out of her gargoyle form, her large wings disappear, and her beautiful grey skin turns back to a human-color. She wordlessly takes a fish from Medusa and lures the platypus closer, dangling the fish. It takes the bait, and while it snacks, the healer unwraps its legs and studies it.
“How is he?” Medusa asks, a little too worried for my taste.
The healer stands. “I think the beast is all better.”
Medusa looks sad. Probably imagining how it’ll soon be gone. “I guess... that’s good.”
But the twins clap, their tiny pigtails bouncing. Despite how wary I am of the little beast, I’m suddenly overwhelmed by my daughters’ happiness. Their entire eyes light up when they smile, and their tiny dimples form in their cheeks.
Kneeling down, I smile at my three-year-old angels. “You girls happy it’s all better?”
Bella’s smile widens. “Platty better!”
“Platty so cute!” Trinity chimes in.
Damn it all to hell, I’ve been wanting this thing gone since the first time I saw it, but now, I’m imagining how much it’ll hurt my little girls when it leaves. My grumpy heart seems to grow four sizes bigger. If they cry when this thing leaves, we’re never getting a pet again.
“Now that he’s all better, he probably has to find his family and go home,” I say in my softest, gentlest voice.
Oh crap, Bella has that look in her eyes. Her mouth narrows, and her arms cross in front of her chest. “He’s not going!”
Trinity, on the other hand, looks like she wants to cry. “Platty is going?”
I look to Forrest and Harold. They’re usually the ones who handle the twins when they get emotional. Bryon and I have already decided that we’ll be the ones beating the crap out of anyone who’s unkind to them in the future. That’s what we’re good at—fighting, not emotions.
Harold comes over and kneels down beside the girls, radiating his usual calmness. “We know you both love Platty.”
Bella eyes him suspiciously. “Yes.”
“And that you want Platty to be happy,” he continues.
A little of the fire goes out of Bella’s eyes, and Trinity comes over and curls up against Harold.
“But Platty is a wild animal. Now that he’s all better, he needs to go back to his home.”
Bella’s arms tighten against her little chest. “No!”
“But—“ Harold begins.
“No!” she shouts her favorite word again.
Harold looks to Forrest.
Forrest's green eyes twinkle with amusement, and he trots over. Before any of us know what he has planned, he hoists Bella up onto his shoulders. She squeals and uncrosses her angry little arms to grab his hair. Then, with his free arm, he pulls Trinity in front of him. All three of them are laughing as Forrest takes off, racing around.
I realize I’m smiling when my gaze locks with Bryon’s, and so is he. Immediately, our smiles fade.
“Medusa...” I begin.
She looks up, frowning. “I know he has to go, but I’m going to miss him.”
Harold wraps an arm around her and says nothing. They simply feed the little beast together.
A thousand words spring to my lips, about how keeping a Platypus is illogical in every way. I even make it through five different arguments in my mind about the logistics of it, before I give in and sigh. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Medusa doesn’t appreciate my careful planning in things like this. Harold’s words always ring in my head. “Don’t try to fix it. Just be there for her.”
So, fighting all of my natural instincts, I sit down beside Medusa and help feed the platypus. Immediately, I know I’ve made the right decision, because Medusa turns to me with that smile, the one that reminds me so much of our daughters. Because there are no humans in our sanctuary, or weak magical creatures, Medusa doesn’t have to wear her sunglasses here. That means I get to see how her smile reaches her eyes.
It’sthemostbeautifulthinginthisworld.
Reaching out, I brush back the hair from her face and lean closer. Our lips touch in an instant, and the world drifts away around us. My dick hardens, and my heart races. It’s been two days... I need more than a kiss from my sexy woman.
When we break apart, panting, I realize everyone is watching us, including Galena.
The older gargoyle smiles. “Perhaps I could bring the girls to help pick herbs for a few hours, after they’ve gotten a chance to say goodbye to their pet. You guys could have some alone time, and some time to take the creature some place safe.”
I almost say, fuckyes, but I’m learning.
Harold looks at Medusa. “What do you think? Are you ready to say goodbye?”
I hold my breath, all of the arguments forming in my mind once more.
She looks back at the creature, her eyes sad. “It’s what’s best for him.”
Behind her back, Bryon and I give a long distant high-five. As much as we don’t want to see our girls sad, we’re more than done with this suspicious little creature.
“I guess we should go tell Bella and Trinity then.” Harold looks to where Forrest is still racing around with them, all laughing.
This part won’t be fun. But like pulling off a bandage, we need to do it quickly. Then we’ll be rewarded with sex. Not a bad day at all, if I do say so myself.
Chapter Three
Medusa
I’m glad we were able to cheer the girls up and get them to understand that it’s time for our pet to leave, but it still broke my heart. I wonder if I can convince the guys we need a puppy. A puppy could be good in the sanctuary, right?
Forrest rubs my shoulders softly. “Why don’t we go take a little dip in the river?”
I’ve just bathed, but we all know these boys aren’t just in the mood for a nude swim. Their dicks have been hard most of the day, and their little touches have more than warmed my engine up. Plus, it means we aren’t getting rid of Platty. Not yet.
So, I stand from my spot beside the little inlet our pet likes to swim in. “Let’s go up a little more to where the water is extra warm.”
My men follow me, and I’m more than a little pleased when I can feel their eyes glued to my ass. Thismom’sstillgotit!
When we reach the right spot, concealed fairly well with thick foliage around it, I seat myself down on a rock.
Bryon raises a brow. “Shouldn’t you be getting naked?”
I grin. “I’d rather... watch you guys get naked.”
Bryon shakes his head, but I know he’s smiling underneath that tough exterior. “What exactly are you expecting here?”
“A little bit of this!” Forrest shouts.
He climbs on top of another rock and begins to shake his ass like a male stripper. He slowly removes his shirt, inch by inch revealing his six pack, and then tosses his shirt at me. I’m laughing, even while my gaze is glued to his hands as they slide to his belt.
“Oh yeah! You want some of this!” he says, then spins around and sticks his ass out, smacking it.
I’m laughing harder. I don’t know if I’m turned on or just falling more in love with this man, but I’m liking it, either way.
He yanks off his belt and spins around. Putting it between his legs, he pretends to ride it like a horse. “Oh yes, you like this, don’t you?”
“You’re an idiot!” Bryon says, shaking his head, but Forrest isn’t the least bit discouraged.
Marcus just stares. “I’m not doing that.”
Forrest takes off his pants, throws that at me too. Then, in one movement, he yanks off his boxers. I'm not smiling when his massive erection appears. Damn, this boy might be a joker, but he has sucha nice package...
“How about a little bit of this?” he asks, then starts rotating his hips so that his dick is moving around in circles.
“Come here,” I say.
He leaps down from the rock and comes to stand in front of me.
Without hesitating, I lean forward and take him into my mouth.
“Fuck,” he groans, all amusement draining from his face.
“That worked for her?” Bryon asks, sounding incredulous.
I don’t answer him, because my mouth is full of cock. But I reach forward and cup Forrest's balls, taking him deeper and deeper. Forrest’s hand digs into the back of my hair, and he starts to fuck my mouth slowly and deliciously.
My entire body is heating up. There’s just something sexy about a man working so hard to turn a woman on. There’s something I love about how much he goes out of his way to make me smile.
“Hold on,” Marcus says, from somewhere behind Forrest. “We didn’t get our turn to, uh, strip for you.”
I let Forrest’s dick slip out of my mouth, then lean forward and lick the tip, just to watch those brilliant green eyes of his turn darker. He very reluctantly moves to my side, but his hand is on his dick and he’s stroking himself, eyes closed.
Fuck,that’shot.
Turning to my other men, I wait.
“We’re really going to do this?” Bryon asks, grumpily.
Marcus doesn’t answer. He starts to remove his clothes, starting with his shirt. Even though he’s not dancing or trying to make it hot, I don’t mind seeing his chiseled body one bit. When his shirt’s
unbuttoned, he folds it and places it on the rock behind him. I have to hide my grin behind my hand. He’s so careful about not wrinkling anything, and I think it's just adorable.
Next he removes his socks and shoes and sets them beside the rock, then takes off his pants and boxers. When he’s done, he looks between my mouth and his dick.
“Want something, sailor?” I ask.
He raises a brow. “You know I do.”
I wave him over, reach out, and start stroking his thick erection. His eyes close, and his head tilts back. He'd better believe I’ll be sucking him soon, but not yet, not when I have a show to watch.
Bryon looks at Harold. My blond gargoyle is blushing like mad, but he starts to take off his clothes in a hurry, like he’s trying to get it over with. Again, I try not to laugh.
At last, Bryon throws his hands up in the air. “Fine, if it leads to sex!”
I can’t help but laugh, and he glares at me as he rips his clothes off one piece at a time.
My gaze goes to his cock, because, well, these four have made me a bit dick-obsessed.
Much to my happiness, he’s hard.
“Were you enjoying Forrest’s dance?” I ask, trying to sound serious.
His glare deepens. He walks over to me and says, “No, I was excited about this!”
I open my mouth to argue right back, and his shaft slides inside.
Oh fuck, I love when he gets all demanding and possessive like this. I love it when he uses me like I’m made for his pleasure and his pleasure alone.
Harold walks up beside him, and I watch him, curiously out of the corner of my eye. He kneels down in front of me, a massive blond god of a man. He tugs off my pants, tears off my underwear, and suddenly his mouth is between my legs.
I groan and Bryon tilts me back further, holding my head securely as he forces himself deeper in and out of my mouth. Marcus closes his hand around mine and reminds me to keep stroking, then his
hand moves to my breast, stroking my nipples, rolling them between his thumb and finger.
My system is overloading. Harold is sucking and pressing between my folds like a man on a mission, and the way Bryon has taken control of me makes me feel like a creature made for sex. Not a mother. Not a woman with a list of things to do and no time to get them done. I’m just—me. A woman. Desired by my men.
When Bryon starts to speed up inside my mouth, I suck harder, knowing he’s close. His grip on my hair tightens. I gag slightly as his big shaft fills me entirely, and then, he comes, hard, shouting my name.
It takes several long seconds before his grip loosens ever so slightly. He takes his shaft and draws it slowly out of my mouth, then, holding my gaze, he pumps it in and out a few more times, letting me suck every inch of it.
Forrest appears at my side. He turns my head, and then his dick takes the place of Bryon’s. His grip is slightly looser, his movements less frantic and more deliberate. And I love it! There’s nothing better than my sexy men taking turns with me... other than maybe when they all take me at once.
Fuck.IthinkIjustwantthemtouchingme,onewayoranother . At that moment, Harold pulls his mouth from between my legs. What?No!
I let Forrest’s dick pop out of my mouth and look down, trying not to whimper. But Harold has other plans. He picks me up and Marcus seats himself on the rock. Harold sets me onto the other man’s lap. Then, holding my gaze, Harold grabs Marcus’ shaft and steers it into my ass.
Which is hot as hell.
I’m so wet, but Marcus is a big man. A big man who loves my ass more than anything in this world and knows justhow to fill up every inch of me. Breathing hard, I’m overwhelmed by the sheer size of him as he sinks inch by inch deeper. It’s the most exquisite feeling, like I’m perfectly hugging that line between pleasure and pain.
When he’s all the way inside, there’s one second when everyone is just staring and panting, before Harold stands up and places
himself at my other entrance. Marcus pulls my legs further apart and leans back further, making more room for the man in front of me. Harold’s big cock sinks deeper inside of me, and my nails dig harder into his shoulders as every bit of air leaves my chest.
As he reaches his hilt, I let loose a string of curses.
“That’s one dirty mouth,” Forrest says, his voice thick with desire. I look at where he’s standing at my side. His gaze is glued to my mouth, and he still has one hand gripping his shaft. His free hand slides into my hair, and he leans me back further and further on top of Marcus, who wordlessly complies, then dangles himself over my mouth. One of my hands goes up to hold his shaft, and I lower him so that I can suck his balls.
“Oh fuck, Medusa,” he groans.
Encouraged, I suck harder, and then forget every damn thing as the two men inside of me start thrusting.
I swear I can’t think or function. I’m just a million nerves screaming in pleasure. When Forrest tilts his dick down and starts to thrust into my mouth like a wild animal, I can only groan around him and let it happen. When Harold starts to suck my nipples and thrust more rapidly into my pussy, I just wrap my arms around his head and hold him closely to my breasts. When I can feel Marcus’s dick swelling in my ass, I’m craving the feeling of him exploding inside of me.
And then it does... and damndoes it feel good.
My orgasm builds like something untamable, my inner-muscles swelling around Harold’s dick. I’m like a light, burning brighter and brighter, waiting to shatter. I’m not afraid... I’m reaching it for it like a person desperate for that brilliant release.
And at last, I do...
I break into a million pieces, riding the men inside of me as the ripples of pleasure sweep over me. When Forrest explodes into my mouth, and Harold fills my pussy, I swear I’m experiencing complete and utter bliss. The kind that makes me feel like every bone in my body has turned to mush and my head is finally, finallyquiet.
After several long moments, Forrest pulls out of my mouth and collapses beside me. Harold strokes my face, kisses my cheek, and
holds me close.
This moment... I wish it could last forever.
And then shadows pass over us. All our gazes go to the sky at once, to the handful of gargoyles flying so rapidly to the town. My men pull out of me and hurry to their clothes.
“What’s going on?” I ask, hating how quickly our perfect moment slipped away.
Marcus looks troubled. “Probably nothing, but a Brotherhood has just returned from monster-hunting.”
My good mood dims just a bit. I wonder if this monster was one of the lucky ones to survive. Silently, I give a prayer that my monster-sisters, the women I’ve gotten to know in one way or other over my two thousand years, are all safe.
Harold kisses my cheek. “We’ll be back soon.”
“Do you need us to help you release the platypus?” Forrest asks, already shifting into his gargoyle form.
I shake my head.
“We’ll be back soon,” Forrest promises.
All my men have turned the stunning color of wet-stone, and their massive wings stretch behind their bodies. They flap their wings and in seconds shoot into the sky.
For a minute I just watch them, and then I sigh and go to find my clothes. My gargoyles have got to be the most attentive partners and fathers I’ve ever seen, so I can’t be too upset when they have to attend to business, even if I miss them when they are gone.
But as I pick up my clothes, I freeze. Something’s wrong. I’m beingwatched.
Casually, I let my gaze slide around me, even as my hands curl into fists. If someone thinks this is the first time I’ve been attacked, or that I’ll go down without a fight, they’re wrong.
Whereareyou,youbastard?
Then I see the platypus hiding behind the grass, watching me... tooclosely. Weird.
How long has he been there? And why does his gaze cause goose bumps to erupt along my skin? He’s just an animal, right? But then, I’ve never seen an animal watch a person like that before.
He doesn’t blink. He just stares and stares. And for the first time, I think my gargoyles were right. There’s something off about this animal.
I dress quickly, trying to keep my eye on him as I do so.
When at last I’m done, I speak, even though I feel silly. “You’re not actually a platypus, are you?”
A blue glow surrounds him, and the creature shifts, growing bigger and more humanoid with each passing second. At last, a blue man with fins on his head regards me.
Ohfuck,whatthehellisthis?
“Lady Medusa,” he greets, bowing his head.
I stand up taller. This creature must be powerful, or else my powers would have instantly turned him into stone. But if he tries anything, he’ll learn very quickly that I’m dangerous, with or without my stone-glare.
“What are you doing here? And why the fuck did you pretend to be that animal?”
A slow smile spreads his lips. “A certain sea queen has heard a rumor that the gargoyles are collecting female monsters. She wanted to see if it was true, and more so, what happens to the women who are taken.”
I stare. I know the sea queen, and I’m never sure about her motives. “It seems to me you learned the truth pretty quickly but continued to hang around...”
That smile of his stretches even further. “I was injured during my travels, so at first I stayed simply until I healed. Yet it became increasingly more difficult to leave. You’re a very beautiful woman naked. And watching your gargoyles fuck you like that... I’ll never forget the sight. In fact, it’ll warm my cock for many years to come.”
My hands curl tighter. “Have you ever had a woman beat the shit out of you?”
He raised a brow, the scales on his flesh shimmering with the movement. “More times than I can count.”
Then, he reaches down, and I can see his cock peeking between the grass. He wraps his hand around his swollen length.
“Don’t even think about it,” I say.
He frowns. “Surely you’d enjoy seeing me pleasure myself to the sight of you?”
I take a step forward. “I’m a taken woman, shifter. And I swear to all that’s powerful in this world that if you’re here when my gargoyles get back, they’ll rip you limb-to-limb.”
He sighs, too loudly. “I guess you’re right. My mission has been accomplished, and so, I must go.” But his gaze slides over me very slowly yet again, and his cock jerks. “As much as I’ll miss you.”
“Pervert,” I mutter, glaring at him.
He laughs. “You’re just lucky that my queen would kill me for failing this mission, or when you pressed me between those sweet breasts of yours, I would’ve shifted and made us both very happy.”
I stomp up to him and kick him as hard as I can in the crotch.
His eyes widen, he grabs himself, and falls over in the water groaning.
“Next time, think twice before you take advantage of my fucking sweet disposition.”
After he stops looking like he’s going to cry, he pulls his knees up to his chest in the water. “Lesson learned.” And I’m glad that his voice comes out high and frightened.
I take a step closer to him.
His eyes widen. In an instant, he shifts into a platypus once more. The creature looks at me with longing and then he dives into the river. I follow along the shore until I’m sure he’s left the sanctuary. Then, and only then, do I breathe easy. Yes, I’m hot. And yes, I’d enjoy watching gargoyles as sexy as mine fucking anyone. But that creepy little shifter is going to have a beating of a lifetime if I ever see him again.
Walking back to our treehouse, I briefly wonder if I should tell my gargoyles the truth. Could the creature have learned anything from watching us that could be dangerous? And what will the sea queen do with her spy’s information? And then, I think about how much my men will gloat if they discover they were right about the little beast being dangerous.
“I’ll never hear the end of it,” I mutter to myself.
So maybe I’ll tell them, and maybe I won’t. Because everyone knows that gargoyles are annoying as hell about this kind of stuff. Being immortal, I’ll truly be hearing about this for thousandsof years to come.
Damnthatlittleplatypusandhishorn-dogways.
Up ahead, I hear my daughters’ laughter and my thoughts fade away. Walking faster, I smile. Four hot men and two wonderful children? I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Soit’sprobablyokaytokeepone littlesecret. TheEnd.
Have you read Medusa’sDestinyyet, the tale of how Medusa meets her gargoyles? If not, pick it up! And if you already have, check out Keto’s Tale. This series is full of sexy gargoyles and head-strong women, so I think you’ll enjoy it!
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Vse 1. This may serve to informe us, not to think that wicked and profane and Atheisticall men do speak from any reason or judgement, when they scoffe at religion. For they are beasts in their life, and therefore they have also beastly imaginations, which they are wont to bring forth under a shew of reason.
2. To admonish us, in shunning profane and blasphemous opinions and imaginations, to beware especially of a wicked life, because it makes way for all wicked opinions.
Doctrine ♦5. That is proper to wicked and prophane men, in some sort to deny the comming of the Lord, and his judgement.
♦ “V” replaced with “5” for consistency
This is gathered from verse 4. at the beginning.
Reason. Because the expectation of judgement is a strong bridle to restraine and keep in the wickednesse of men, which ungodly and profane men do most of all desire to shake off.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, by all means to take heed, that we be not any way partakers of that impiety: which comes to passe not only then when we do utterly deny his comming, but also when we do either make any doubt of it, or apprehend it as a thing far off from us, or do ineffectually think of it, not edifying our selves in faith and obedience.
Doctrine 6. The fallacy wherewith wicked and profane men do deceive themselves, consists therein, that they will believe nothing above their senses, and do oppose their sense against the testimony of God.
This is gathered verse 4. at the end. For since the Fathers, &c.
Reason. Because they are sensuall men, Iude, verse 19. and are led by sense and sensible things, like as bruit beasts.
Vse 1 This may serve for information: hence we may understand that the contradictions of profane men are void of all reason, and therefore are to be contemned with detestation. Nothing can be more contrary or mad, then to consult with nature about supernaturall things, and to fetch the judgement of spirituall things from sense.
2. To admonish us, not to attribute any thing to our senses in matters of faith. For it is all one, as if we should seek the judgement of reason amongst bruit beasts.
Verse 5. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water, and in the water,
Verse 6. Whereby the world, that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.
Verse 7. But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgement, and perdition of ungodly men.
The Analysis.
In the refutation of this profane opinion, the Apostle doth first reprove the ignorance of these profane men, verse 5,6,7. Secondly, he doth instruct the faithfull touching the comming of the Lord in those things, that did most pertaine to the confirmation of them in the truth against such temptations that might arise from such humane cavillings, verse 8,9,10. The Apostle reproves their ignorance, 1. From the cause, that it was voluntary or affected ignorance. 2. From the object, namely that truth, which they willingly were ignorant of, and did oppugne. Now that truth which is affirmed contradicts that assertion, whereby these men would confirme their opinion. For when they had said it, and had brought it for an argument, that all things did continue in the same estate from the beginning of the creation, the Apostle denies this, and shewes the contrary by the history of the flood, verse 6. then by comparing
things alike, he gathers that the same also is to be expected concerning the destruction of the world by fire at the comming of the Lord, that was before in some sort performed by the destruction of it in water, verse 7. 3. The reason of this consequence is taken from the common cause of creation, preservation, and both destructions of the world, namely, the word & will of God, verse 5,7. 4. He doth illustrate the conclusion it selfe concerning the destruction of the world by the end thereof, that it may withall be applyed unto those wicked ones, with whom he now dealt, verse 7. at the end, while he cals the day of the Lord the day of judgement, and perdition of ungodly men. For in these words he threatens eternall damnation unto those profane men, that denied his comming, wᶜʰ must certainly be expected at the comming of the Lord.
The Doctrines arising herehence.
Doctrine 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 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 evill 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 himselfe to give his mind unto sin, and to continue therein, seekes to have peace and
quietnesse in that condition, and therefore abhorres that truth which convinceth his conscience of sin, and suffers him not to sleep in it.
2. Because he is given unto those lusts that stop up the way unto saving knowledge, and hold him ensnared and intangled so that he cannot freely endeavour and labour for true knowledge: therefore he affects ignorance in this respect, not so much in it selfe, as in the cause of it.
Vse 1. This may serve to convince those, that please themselves in the ignorance of holy things, because this is the property of a wicked man.
2. To admonish us, never to shut our eyes against the light of the truth.
3. To exhort us, on the contrary to use all our endeavour and give all diligence to gaine knowledge, especially in those things that pertaine to our own practise and life.
Doctrine 2. It makes verie much for the taking away or lessening of our ignorance, to look upon the works of God that are past, that from them we may gather the works that are to come.
This is gathered from the comparison that is here made, verse 5,6,7.
Reason. Because the works of God are as looking-glasses, wherein Gods sufficiency and efficiency are proposed unto us to behold.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to look slightly upon the works of God, nor to read the histories of them as we read humane histories, but so, that we may alwayes behold God in them.
Doctrine 3. Those publick works of God, the creation, preservation, and destruction of the world, first by water, secondly by
fire, are often to be meditated upon, and compared one with the other.
This is gathered from the same comparison.
Reason. Because God hath proposed those, as very remarkable arguments, to worke some sense at least of religion in mens minds.
Vse. This may serve to exhort us, to exercise our selves in these meditations, which God hath commended unto all sorts of men.
Doctrine 4. In all such works of God, that is especially to be considered, that they are by the word of God, and do depend thereupon.
This is gathered from verse 5,7.
Reason. Because we can receive no benefit by meditating upon Gods works, unlesse we do behold the perfection of God in them. Now the perfection of God in his works doth very much appeare therein, that all things are done by his word and according to his will.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, to turne our eyes from all second causes, and to acknowledge God and his word in all things. For thence it comes to passe, that men often times attribute those things unto fortune, which are done by God, because they are ignorant of the power of Gods word. And such an opposition there seems to be in the text, betwixt the words of the wicked, (when they say that all things continue, making no mention in the mean time of God, by whose power they continue; but rather closely attributing this continuance to fortune or second causes,) and that assertion of the Apostle, whereby he affirmes that the world was at first by Gods word, and is kept by the same word:
Doctrine 5. Every consideration of the works of God should be applyed to the comfort of the faithfull, and terrour of the wicked.
This is gathered from verse 7. at the end.
Verse 8. But (beloved) be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand yeares, and a thousand yeares as one day.
Verse 9. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, (as some men count slacknesse) but is long-suffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish; but that all should come to repentance.
Verse 10. But the day of the Lord will come as a thiefe in the night, in the which the heavens shall passe away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also; and the works that are therein shall be burnt up.
The Analysis.
In this other ♦part of the refutation the Apostle propoundeth unto the godly and faithfull those things that might establish and confirme their hearts in the truth, touching the comming of the Lord. 1. Therefore he perswades them to understanding and knowledge, contrary to the ignorance of the wicked. For whereas he had spoken before of the wicked, this they are willingly ignorant of, now turning to the faithfull he exhorts them unto the contrary. But be not you ignorant of this one thing. 2. He propounds the thing it selfe, which he would have them in a speciall manner to understand and observe, which containes two things. 1. That the prolonging of the Lords comming is not with that slacknesse, which should be a stumbling-block to any man, both because it is not to be judged of according to our sense, but by the eternity of God, in respect whereof that space of time, which seemes very long unto us, is but as one day, verse 8. and also because the end of this prolonging is the conversion and salvation of sinners: and therefore this prolonging proceeds not so much from slacknesse, as from patience, verse 9. 2. That the manner of his comming, (both because it shall be sudden, and also because it shall be with majesty and great terrour,) is such, that it should rather make men carefull to prepare
themselves for it, then to be curious in inquiring about the time it selfe, or to complaine of slacknesse.
♦ “patt” replaced with “part”
The Doctrines arising herehence.
Doctrine 1. When wicked and profane men are reproved, refuted and condemned in Scripture, this is done for the faithfull and elects sake, whose edification and salvation God hath respect unto, even when he seemes to speak unto others.
This is gathered from the beginning of verse 8. where the Apostle turning himselfe directly unto the faithfull, shewes that these wicked men were refuted for their good. So 2 Thessalonians 2.13. Iude verse 20. 1 Timothy 6.11. 2 Timothy 3.14.
Reason 1. Because the whole Scripture and all the meanes of salvation do by a speciall kind or propriety belong unto the faithfull.
2. Because God will not have his word to passe without some fruit: Now wicked men are oftentimes so fore-lorne, that no congruous fruit can be expected in them, but only in the faithfull.
Vse 1. This may serve to informe us, to judge aright of Gods intention in those things that he doth about men that are past all hope and incorrigible. For as the Apostle saith of Oxen, that God taketh not care for Oxen, but for men; so should we think that God taketh not care so much for these bestiall men, as for the faithfull and elect whom he doth chiefly speak unto even when he seemes to speak unto others.
2. To admonish us, not to neglect or despise such rebukings of the wicked, as if they did nothing belong unto us, but wisely to turne it to our own use.
Doctrine 2. The faithfull do then profit by the word of God, which is against the wicked, when they are become much unlike the wicked.
This is gathered therehence, that whereas the Apostle did reprove the wicked of ignorance, he doth now exhort the faithfull to knowledge, Proverbs 1.15.
Reason. Because the courses and fashions of the wicked are therefore set forth unto us, that we might avoid them.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to suffer our selves to be led away by the example of the wicked multitude. For God doth not propose it as a thing to be followed, but to be shunned and avoided.
Doctrine 3. We should in a singular manner differ from the wicked therein, that we judge of the wayes of God not according to the sense of the flesh, but according to the nature of God.
This is gathered from these words: One day with the Lord. With men it is otherwise.
Reason. Because spirituall things are to be judged of spiritually. Now all the wayes of God are in some sort spirituall and divine.
Vse. This may serve to reprove those, that in such examinations are wont to consult with flesh and blood, and not with the word of God.
Doctrine 4. The end of all Gods wayes, as they have respect unto men, is the repentance and salvation of the godly.
This is gathered from verse 9. Now here ariseth a question.
Question. Whether all and every particular man be meant thereby, when it is said, that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance?
Answer The patience of God according to its nature hath that use and end, to lead all sinners unto repentance, Romans 2.4. and in that sense might their interpretation be admitted, who understand these words and the like of all and every particular man: But that the Apostle in this place hath speciall reference to the elect, it appears thereby, that he speaking of the beloved of God, verse 8. and reckoning himselfe amongst the number of us, saith, that God is long-suffering to us-ward, that is, towards those beloved, and is not willing that any should perish, that is, any of them: because Gods principall work towards men is the salvation of the faithfull, and therefore all his wayes tend thereunto, as unto the scope and mark whereunto they are directed.
Vse 1. This may serve to reprove the madnesse of those men that blame those things in God, which make most for their use and good, as these men do in the slacknesse of the Lords comming.
2. To admonish us, not to pervert these right wayes of God, but alwayes to apply them unto that use whereunto they tend, that is, to the furtherance of our own repentance and salvation.
Doctrine 5. The way of the Lord, when he commeth to judgement, shall be with swiftnesse, majesty and terrour.
This is gathered from verse 10.
First, it shall be sudden, because the houre and day thereof is not revealed, and because the most part of men expect no such thing. And it shall be full of majestie and terror, because it is the comming of the Lord not in humility, as his first comming was, but in glory.
Use. This may serve to admonish us, to prepare our selves accordingly against this comming of the Lord. For this use the Apostle presseth and exhorteth us unto in the rest of the chapter.
Verse 11. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and
godlinesse,
Verse 12. Looking for, and hasting unto the comming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
Verse 13. Neverthelesse, we according to his promise, looke for new heavens, and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousnesse.
Verse 14. Wherefore (beloved) seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blamelesse.
Verse 15. And account, that the long suffering of the Lord is salvation, even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdome given unto him, hath written unto you.
Verse 16. As also in all his Epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned, and unstable, wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Verse 17. Ye therefore beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastnesse.
Verse 18. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: to him be glory, both now and for ever, Amen.
The Analysis.
In these verses is contained an application of the doctrine, that was before propounded concerning the Lords comming, to the use and edification of the faithfull. Now this application is made by an exhortation to piety and holinesse, which is first of all propounded, verse 11. Secondly, confirmed by the doctrine that was before proposed concerning the manner of the Lords comming, verse
12,13. Thirdly, it is againe repeated and pressed, verse 14. Fourthly it is againe confirmed by the doctrine that was before proposed concerning the patience and long-suffering of God, verse 15. begin. which is in this place confirmed by the testimony of the Apostle Paul: whose testimony is illustrated, 1. Thereby, that he was frequent in such testimonies, verse 16. begin. 2. By a preoccupation, whereby the faithfull are admonished not rashly to wrest any thing that Paul spake concerning such things, to a contrary sense, because although he spake some things that are hard to be understood, yet they are such that they are not wont to be wrested, but by some perverse men, who wrest the other Scriptures also unto their own destruction. From all these he inferres in the last place a conclusion both of the fore-going exhortation, and also of the whole Epistle, which is, to have a care to be stedfast, verse 17. and to labour for growth, verse 18. The end whereof is shewed to be the glory of Christ in that doxology, wherewith the whole Epistle is closed up.
The Doctrines arising herehence.
Doctrine 1. All Scripture must be applyed unto a practicall use, that it may advance holinesse and piety.
This is gathered from verse 11. Now not only in this place is this order of instruction observed, but in all the Epistles and Sermons that are propounded in Scripture.
Reason 1. Because the end of all Theologicall doctrine is to live well.
2. Because a bare apprehension and speculation of the truth, and a meere assent thereunto, is nothing worth, if it be separated from the practise. For this is found in some sort in the devils themselves.
3. Because the temptations of the Devill tend chiefly thereunto, that if he cannot hide the truth, yet so to choak it, that it can bring forth no fruit in the life; and thereupon he takes occasion to mock and deride men.
Use. This may serve to admonish us all, to labour for this both in private and in publike, in preaching, hearing, reading, and meditating upon Gods word; and never think that we know any thing as we ought to know, unlesse we know it unto piety and holinesse.
Doctrine 2. In piety and holinesse we must alwayes aime at and labour for the highest perfection.
This is gathered 1. From the question, What manner of persons ought ye to be? 2. From the plurall number, which is used in the originall, ἐν ἀναστροφαῖς, in your conversations, that is, in all piety and holinesse.
Reason 1. Because every degree of piety and holinesse is as desirable in it selfe as the first is.
2. Our desire and affection towards the highest degree of holinesse and piety is a part of the very first degree. For there is no true holinesse without a desire of perfect holinesse.
3. Because we are called unto perfect holinesse, neither can we see God without it.
Vse. This may serve to reprove those, that rest in a kind of lukewarme profession, or in a partiall practise of piety and holinesse.
Doctrine 3. It makes much for the advancing of piety; to look for and hasten unto the ♦comming of the day of the Lord.
♦ “commming” replaced with “comming”
This is gathered from verses 12,14. So Philippians 3.20.
Reason 1. Because it takes off our minds from all those things, that belong unto this present world.
2. Because it makes us to prepare our selves for the world to come, 1 Iohn 3.3.
Use. This may serve to exhort us, to raise up our minds, as much as may be unto this spirituall looking for the Lord.
Doctrine 4. Our chiefest care touching the comming of the Lord, should be, to be found of him in peace.
This is gathered from verse 14. Now by peace is meant that condition which is pleasing unto God and approved of him; whereupon not the anger, but the goodnesse and grace of the Lord is shewed in communicating all happinesse.
Reason 1. Because the Lord is looked for, as the supreme Judge, whose anger is to be flyed from and avoided, and his approbation and good liking greatly to be sought for.
2. Because unlesse peace be then had, afterwards it cannot be had for ever.
Vse. This may serve to exhort us, while we live here, continually to seek to confirme our peace with God, and in our own consciences. Now this is done by raising up in our selves a lively faith and confidence, establishing our hearts with all assurance of salvation, and following all those means whereby our calling and election is made sure.
Doctrine 5. From the long-suffering of God we must gather those things which make for the promoting of our peace and salvation.
This is gathered from verse 15. For when the Apostle tels us, that we should account, that the long suffering of the Lord is salvation, he means that we should so think ♦with our selves and dispute of these things, that we should gather nothing else from thence, but that God aimes at our salvation, and therefore we also should take great care of it.
♦ “wich” replaced with “with”
Reason. Because by these meditations we should confirme and increase both our faith and our sanctification. For our reasonings and disputes, when they are rightly directed either by the word, or by the works of God, as by a third argument, to the strengthning of our faith and increase of holinesse, as unto a conclusion drawne from thence; they are those morall means whereby we work out our salvation with feare and trembling.
Vse. This may serve to exhort us, to exercise our selves more and more in such meditations: for being accustomed thereunto, from them we shall gather honey and medicine, whence others suck poyson; as we may see in this example, wherefrom the Lords prolonging of his comming the wicked men did conclude those things whereby they might confirme their profane opinions; but the faithfull are taught on the contrary, by the same argument to conclude those things, which make much for their salvation. Such is the Apostles admonition, Romans 6.12.
Doctrine 6. In the writings of the Apostles and Prophets, Christians must have a speciall heed to those things, which do most direct them to such connexions or conclusions.
This is gathered from verse 15. Where Pauls testimony is cited to confirme & illustrate this connexion, & not to prove other things, which might easily be proved out of his writings.
Reason 1. Because these are most necessary for us to know, and of perpetuall use.
2. Because that was the wisdome of God communicated to the Apostles and Prophets, that they might explaine these truths unto us most frequently, and clearly, which is the reason of that elogy which is given unto Paul in the text, according to the wisdome given unto him he hath written unto us.
Vse. This may serve to reprove those, that doe more willingly by far give heed unto those things, which do little or nothing at all touch the conscience of a man, or the practise of his life. The inward inclination and disposition of a man appeares manifestly by those things which he doth chiefly heed in his reading and hearing: As if a man be given only to the tongues, he will observe nothing but the words and phrases: If he be a lover of Chronology, he will take notice of nothing but the things that have beene done, and the moments of time wherein they were done: If he be a Disputer, one that seeketh praise by arguing, he will marke nothing, but those things which make for controversies: so a godly man, although he will not neglect other things, which serve for his use, yet he doth chiefly fix his mind upon those things, which do most directly tend unto godlinesse.
Doctrine 7. We must understand all these things so, as if they were directly written unto us.
This is gathered from these words, Hath written unto us. So Hebrews 12.5.
Reason 1. Because such was the wisdome of God, which spake in these holy men, that they wrote those things which do belong unto us as well as unto those that lived at that time.
2. Because God would have the Scripture to be the publick instrument of the Church, not of one age only, but of all ages. Therefore every part of it is the rule of life both to me and thee, as well as unto those to whom it was first given.
Vse 1. This may serve to admonish us, not so much to meddle in the Scriptures, as if we were in another mans ground, or in those things which belong unto others, and not unto our selves.
2. To exhort us, to raise up our minds to receive the word of God with a congruous affection. We may easily think with our selves how our minds would be affected, if we should receive a letter that was written by the hand of God in heaven, and directed unto us by name,
and sent unto us by one of his Angels: after the same manner should we be affected in reading and hearing the written word of God.
Doctrine 8. In other truths that are lesse necessary for us to know, there are some things hard to be understood.
This is gathered from verse 16. He doth not say this of all Pauls Epistles, nor of any one whole Epistle, much lesse of the whole Scripture, (as the Patrons of traditions, and Enemies of Scripture would have it,) but of some few things. And he seemes to point chiefly at some of those things, which Paul wrote concerning the comming of the Lord, because he speaks of that in this place, & therefore it is very likely that he hath reference unto those things which are spoken of, 2 Thessalonians 2.2.
Reason 1. Because there are some divine mysteries so farre remote from us, that in what words soever they be expressed, they will alwayes be hard to be understood.
2. Because God would have some things, that are not of so generall and necessary a use, out of his singular wisdome to be more obscurely propounded: which seemes to be the proper reason, why those things of Antichrist, 2 Thessalonians 2. were in the Primitive Church hard to be understood. For God would for just causes, that Antichrist should come, and that most men should be ignorant who he was, untill he did come.
3. God would exercise the industry and diligence of the faithfull in searching the Scriptures, and finding out the sense and meaning of them, not to deter men from reading them, as the Papists use to do, by wresting this argument amisse. For Peter in this place doth not discourage so much as the ♦ common sort of the faithfull from reading the Scriptures, but rather stirs them up to read all the Epistles of Paul, although he tels them that there are some things in them that must be read warily.
♦ “comon” replaced with “common”
Vse 1. This may serve to admonish us, not to think it sufficient that we know the words of the Scripture, but to give all diligence and labour to find out the true sense and meaning of them.
2. To comfort us, that we should not be too much cast down, if we do not fully understand some things in the Scripture, because we are told that there are some things hard to be understood.
Doctrine 9. They are unlearned and unstable men, that wrest the Scripture to maintaine their impiety.
For that the Apostle means, when he saith that they wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction; not that it is such an exceeding dangerous thing to interpret some place of Scripture otherwise then it should be, but that it is the property of a very wicked man to argue out of the word of God against God, or against his will. Now they are called unlearned, not because they have no skill in the tongues or arts, wherein such pestiferous men may sometimes excell; but because they never effectually learned or were taught those things which pertaine unto religion: And in the like manner are they called unstable, because in that knowledge of the truth which they had and professed, they were not grounded and rooted, but as men not grounded nor setled they are easily turned from their profession.
Vse. This may serve for admonition, that the people should not therefore be deterred from reading the Scriptures, as the Papists would have it, (who in this very thing shew themselves to be unlearned and unstable, because they do mischievously wrest this place, where they are expresly told, with how great danger it is wont to be done:) but that we should labour to cast off all ignorance and unsteadfastnesse, that so we may be made fit to read the Scriptures with profit. For this is the scope of the admonition, as the Apostle useth it in this place.
Doctrine 10. The end and scope of all divine information and instruction in respect of the faithfull is, that they may be stablished and grow in that grace which they have received.
This is gathered therehence, that this is the conclusion of this generall Epistle, as it was of the former; which holds good also in all other Epistles and Sermons, in respect of those that are now faithfull:
Reason. Because by their effectual calling they have faith, hope, and charity begotten in them, so that they have the principle of all grace in them, nor can any thing be wanting besides the continuation, confirmation, and increase of the same grace.
Doctrine 11. To obtaine stedfastnesse in grace there is required a fore-knowledge of those things that tend to the confirming and strengthening of our minds.
This is gathered from these words: Seeing ye know these things before.
Reason. Because although our stedfastnes depends upon God, and the effectuall operation of his Spirit, as it is in the conclusion of the 1 Peter 5.10. Yet God worketh in us not only by a reall efficacy, but also agreeable to an intelligent nature, by teaching and perswading. Now nothing can be wrought by this morall way, unlesse knowledge go before, and so it must be wrought by knowledge, as it is in the text.
Vse 1. This may serve to refute the Papists, who maintaine ignorance and commend it in the common people: they are sufficiently refuted by him, from whom they boast that they have received the Chaire, free from all error. For Peter in this place, 1. Requires knowledge of all the faithfull, yea, and fore-knowledge too of those things whereby they might be confirmed against profane men and false teachers. 2. He presupposeth that all that were truly faithfull to whom this Epistle came, were already endued with this knowledge. 3. He presupposeth that his Epistles were so cleare and so easie to be understood that all the faithfull which should read
them with godly minds, might understand out of them, and consequently out of the Scriptures, those things, whereby they being forewarned, might be fore-armed against those false deceivers whereof he spake.
2. To admonish us, not so to look for our confirmation, and strengthening from God, as that we should in the meane time neglect the knowledge of those things that tend thereunto, but to use all our endeavour both in generall to know those things that are absolutely necessary unto salvation, and in particular, those things that are necessary for us in our practise upon occasion of any temptation.
Doctrine 12. Besides knowledge there is required also unto the stedfastnesse of grace a continuall and vigilant heed.
This is gathered from this word, Beware
Reason 1. Because knowledge is unprofitable, if it be not reduced to practise. Now practise in difficult things cannot be had without care and heed.
2. Because many are the fallacies wherewith we are assaulted, both in the Devill and his instruments that are without us, and in our selves also, by reason of that marvellous deceitfulnesse of our hearts, such as cannot be expressed.
Vse. This may serve to exhort us, above all to take notice of our selves, and those things that tend to the strengthning and stablishing of us in grace.
Doctrine 13. It should be an argument to the faithfull to beware of the errors of some men, because they are wicked men, ungodly, and profane.
This is gathered from that title, the error of the wicked.
Reason. Because all those things that have any agreement with ungodlinesse are to be shunned and avoided. Now those things that are in a speciall manner approved of by profane men, must necessarily have an agreement with profane ungodlinesse.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, by this means amongst others to strengthen our selves against divers errors, that are most pleasing to profane men.
Doctrine 14. ♦Stedfastnesse and increase of grace are joyned together.
♦ “Sedfastnesse” replaced with “Stedfastnesse”
This is gathered from the connexion of verse 17. with the 18.
Reason 1. Because like as trees and all plants, and also living creatures, from which this metaphor is taken, are corroborated by growth, while they acquire greater and perfecter strength, so also do the faithfull.
2. Because the stedfastnesse of grace consists not therein, that it continues in the same degree, but that it is formed in its nature, one property whereof of is, to grow untill it come to perfection.
Use. This may serve to exhort us, to labour therefore to be so stablished, that we may also grow and increase in all grace.
Doctrine 15. They grow in grace, that grow in the effectuall knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ.
See Chapter 1. Verse 2.
Doctrine 16. Our end and desire in all things, even in those things that pertaine to our own salvation, should be the eternall glory of God in Christ.
