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

It was thus with them, in it we may see, our own case. Cernimus in prisco jam nostra pericula mundo. They say, it is half a protection to foreknow a danger: behold the Apostles fidelity, and therein Gods mercy, we are forewarned. Precedents give light to succeeding times: we see further than the Fathers; because like dwarfs we get up on their shoulders; we see with eyes and our own also. So Diogenes might brag that he had more wit than his mother; because he had his mother-wit and his own too. There is no treasure so much enricheth our mind as learning: no learning so appliable to our life as history, no history so directing as Example, no example so worthy our observing as that is written by Gods own finger. It was an old saying, Optimum est alienâ insaniâ frui: to get knowledge by another's expense and experience, is as it were to feed fat on another's mans cost. Israel was Gods people so well as we; yea in respect of their faith, our Fathers: therefore if they were tempted by false prophets and sinned, if they sinned and were punished: let not us having the same danger, and erring in the same manner, think to escape the same punishment. 1 Cor. 10.11. All these things happened unto them for ensamples, and are written for our admonition. God hath set up these sins as crocodiles to terrify us, and we entertain them as Sirens to seduce us. Ver. 7. Be not ye idolaters, as were some of them. Paul like a good scribe, brings out of his treasure things both old and new: there is both an historical narration, and a theological application. Now lege historiam, ne fias historia: read the history of others, lest thou be made a history to others. If the errors of former ages cannot teach us for the time present, our ⟨p. 373⟩delinquishments wherein we perish shall teach the succeeding ages for the time to come. Cannot the example of Judas teach thee to be no traitor? of Elymas, to be no Sorcerer? of Gehesi, to be no bribe-taker? of Achan, to abhor Sacrilege? of Nabal, to be no Churl? Then the wretched exorbitances coupled with Gods fearful judgements, shall teach others hereafter, 2 King. 1.14. The third Captain seeing the two former miscarrying in the business, could learn to humble himself; Let my life be precious in thy sight. They were miserable, that thou mightest be happy: if thou will not repent, others shall be made happy by thy being miserable.