A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

That you may be able to remember. There are two offices of the holy Spirit; Docere & suggerere, to Teach and to call to remembrance. Both are expressed. Joh. 14.26. The Holy Ghost when he comes, shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Suppose that the fundamental articles of faith may be taught, within less than the term of a Preachers life: which (curious speculations, and idle digressions, laid a side) I conceive not impossible. In the remainder what shall he do? Either he must preach the same over again, and so be a Remembrancer: or else be silent, and so be no Preacher. It is too true that, who hath not an Athenian ear? We long for novelties, and would have men preach not only Novè, after a new method; but Nova, new doctrines. But Christs sheep love not only his name, but the Echo of his name: they hearken to his voice, and to every reflection of his voice. Were your sanctification absolute, continual obedience to his Word would no more trouble you, than the everlasting aspect of his countenance doth trouble the Angels. Therefore answerable to the degree of your regeneration, must be the degrees of your attention. Likewise causeth liking. 2 Cor. 3.18. We with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image. If you be changed into that Image, you will desire to behold in the Gospel, as in a glass with open face, that Image into which you are changed.

That you may beable to remember. There are two offices of the holy Spirit; Docere & suggerere, to Teach and to call to remembrance. Both are expressed. Ioh. 14.26. The Holy Ghost when hee comes, shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Suppose that the fundamentall articles of faith may be taught, within lesse than the terme of a Preachers life: which (curious speculations, and idle digressions, layed a side) I conceive not impossible. In the remainder what shall he doe? Either he must preach the same over againe, and so be a Remembrancer: or else be silent, and so be no Preacher. It is too true that, who hath not an Athenian eare? We long for novelties, and would have men preach not only Novè, after a new methode; but Nova, new doctrines. But Christs sheepe love not only his name, but the Eccho of his name: they hearken to his voice, and to every reflection of his voice. Were your sanctification absolute, continuall obedience to his Word would no more trouble you, than the everlasting aspect of his countenance doth trouble the Angels. Therefore answerable to the degree of your regeneration, must be the degrees of your attention. Likewise causeth liking.