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

For method •n tractation, consider three principal passages: A Disclaiming of all fabulous mixtures with the sacred Truth. We followed not cunningly devised fables. Proclaiming of the virtue and Excellency of Christ. When we made known to you his power and coming. Testifying of this, and that from the surest witness: Ab oculato testimonio; We were eye-witnesses of his Majesty.

For method •n tractation, con•ider three principall passages: A Disclaiming of all fabulous mixtures with the sacred Truth. We followed not cunningly devised fables. Proclaiming of the vertue and Excellencie of Christ. When we made knowne to you his power and comming. Testifying of this, and that from the surest witnesse: Ab oculato testimonio; We were eye-witnesses of his Majestie.

These be the general and doctrinal roots; there are some sub-distinguished branches, which we refer to their own places.

These be the generall and doctrinall roots; there are some sub-distinguished branches, which we referre to their owne places.

We have not followed cunningly devised fables.] This is the thing he removes and disclaims: [Greek or Hebrew]. Art compositas fabulas, according to Erasmus. Calvin •ayes, it intends Subtle artificium. But because [Greek or Hebrew] doth not only signify a Fable, but also Orationem, a Rhetorical discourse: the Apostle condemns both poetical fictions, and oratory eloquence: the Sophistry of Logic, the painting of Rhetoric, and the meretricious figments of poetry; when they shall stand in competition with Divinity, and presume of their own power to help a soul to Jesus Christ. The embroidered orations of the one, and the gaudy tinctures of the other, are all out Fables. To omit those that regarded rather Sonum than Sensum; the cadence of language, rather than the substance of reason; the very best did but fabulize.