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

Thus much for the reproof of those two errors; one in the defect, the other in the excess: neither whereof have indeed obtained faith: Now for direction to those that have obtained it: this twofold.

Thus much for the reproofe of those two errors; one in the defect, the other in the excesse: neither whereof have indeed obtained faith: Now for direction to those that have obtained it: this twofold.

1 Learn to acknowledge the author Hast thou obtained that precious Jewell denied to thousands, be the more thankful. As Thales Milesius asked no other reward of his readers, but ubi mea legeris, me agnosce; Where thou readest me, acknowledge me So God requires of his creatures, that where they find the benefits, they thankfully acknowledge the Benefactor. God hath kept nothing to himself but his glory, and this he will not give to another: as Pharaoh gave all to Joseph, only excepting the throne: yet in this glory we are too forward to be sharers. When the Babylonians heard the music, cornet, flute, harp, &c. they fell down, and worshipped the Idol. So men when they hear the music of their own praises,¹ Idolize themselves, and worship a golden calf. The wife is bound to be chastely reserved ⟨p. 26⟩to her own husband; and not with a tempting dress to invite adulterers. Vain glory tricks us up, not for God our husband, but for strange lovers; he will acknowledge no such wife. Joab sent messengers to David, that he should bring in his forces, and take Rabbah; his reason was,^d lest I take the City and it be called after my name: not Joab thy servant, but David the King must have this honour. So God cannot endure that his creature should divide the glory with himself; give him all willingly, or he will have all in despite of thee. Ascendat gratia tua, ut descendat gratia sua: let thy thankful acknowledgement go up, that his great bounty may come down.