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

This shall instruct us to destroy and defy Impostors: and though heresy hath crept in like a Serpent through secret holes, and by subtle insinuations, scarce leaving a print behind it: yet if we find not the entrance by some slime or tract; wheresoever we do find it, we shall abhor it. Our knowledge so abounds, that scarce ever had nation more means to avoid false Apostles. That as Paul said, 1 Cor. 9.2. If I be not an Apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. So Christ may say to us; If I be not knowledge unto others, yet doubtless I am so unto you, Josh. 15.15 Mention is made of Kiriath-sepher, which signifies a City of books: sure this our Country may be called Kiriath-sepher: for 1 Cor. 2.6. We speak wisdom among them that are perfect. If not perfect in all degrees of knowledge, like the Gospels Champions: yet perfect in all parts of knowledge, like the Gospels children. Our eyes be good, we know: our hands be good, we can: God grant our hearts be good, that we will, defend Christ his cause. But as it is reported of a Roman Senator, a man somewhat over-matched by his wife; after he had discharged Catiline his house, and forbidden her to entertain him, which she obeyed not; he said of her, Opulentia valet, ingenium valet, lingua valet, animositas valet; tantum voluntas aegrotat; Her wit is in health, her purse is in health, her tongue is in health, her courage is in health; only her will is sick. And that is one reason why women are not suffered to make their Will when they die, because they had their will so much while they lived. So God hath charged our souls, his Spouse; not to admit his enemies, spiritual adulterers, false teachers; but to keep them out of his House, the Church. We have hands able to do it, stomachs able to do it, wits able to do it, wealth and means to do it: only our hearts are sick, we want wills to do it. What fools are we, when God hath shut our foe out at the gate, to let him in again at the Postern? He that entertains a Seminary of heresy into his house, whereas God by his command, and the municipal Laws of the Prince, hath excluded him: will speed at last, as he that betrayed a City to a Tyrant; which when he had conquered, he first hanged up him that helped him to it.

This shall instruct us to destroy and defie Impostors: and though heresie hath crept in like a Serpent thorow secret holes, and by subtill insinuations, scarce leaving a print behind it: yet if we finde not the entrance by some slime or tract; wheresoever we doe finde it, we shall abhorre it. Our knowledge so abounds, that scarce ever had nation more meanes to avoid false Apostles. That as Paul said,