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

This is the superior and more immediate manner of denying CHRIST: there is also an inferior and more remote manner. Which is of such as turn the grace of God into wantonness, and evacuate to their own souls the virtue of his cross: who being redeemed to serve Christ, deny that service: there is a world of these. Tit. 2.11. The grace of God that bringeth salvation to all men, hath appeared: Teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, godly to this present world. It persuades to holiness by this token, that it brings salvation with it. It is grace, a sweet nature: that brings salvation, ô more sweet, most welcome but it might lye hid in unknown obscurity, nay it Appears: not to Paul or Peter only, but To all men. Deliverance from danger binds to gratitude: this was Davids security to Bathsheba concerning the succession of Solomon: As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, 1 King. 1.29. But advancing to great preferment bindeth more: this was Josephs apology to his tempting mistress: My Master hath entrusted all to my hand; there is none greater in his house than I: how then can I do this great wickedness? Gen. 39.9. We were all justly condemned for treason, to hell; the stroke of damnation was near us: at an instant and exigent cometh our pardon; not by the hand of an Angel, Gods special courtier, but in the hand of a mediator; not written with ink, but with blood; not vulgar blood, that runs in common veins, but blood royal; no meaner than ran from the side of his own Sonne. Now our Sovereign Creator commends a suite to us; that we would serve him; by this Token, that he hath redeemed us at such a prize. If we break the covenant, vilipend the mercy, refuse the service, trample under our prophet feet the precious token, deny him that bought us; what remains but a fearful expectation of judgement, and fiery indignation to devour us? Hebr. 10.27.29. under this kind I will touch but four offenders.

This is the superior and more immediate manner of denying CHRIST: there is also an inferiour and more remote manner. Which is of such as turne the grace of God into wantonnesse, and evacuate to their owne soules the vertue of his crosse: who being redeemed to serve Christ, deny that service: there is a world of these.