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

Here is then the second aggravation of their sin; [Greek or Hebrew]. The LORD that hath given them his livery, allowed them maintenance, to whom they have vowed homage, and who can pour on them vengeance. 1. His livery, they ⟨p. 399⟩take and wear. Question them, as the mariners did Jonah; What art thou? they will answer with him; I fear the LORD GOD of heaven. Yea, they will profess with David, Psalm. 116.16. O LORD, I am thy servant. But, alas, they put on this cloak that they may be the more securely wicked under it: and if you trust them not, you shall be sure they will not deceive you. But how can they profess him, and deny him too? Yes, they may profess him in words, and deny him in works. They bear Caesars stamp upon base metal. There was one condemned for coming to the marriage without his wedding-garment: these have the garment, but they come not to the wedding: God shall pluck their coat over their ears. Secondly, his maintenance they take and live on: the bread they eat, the air they breath, the clothes they wear, all are his: they are maintained only at his cost and charges: yet they deny the Lord that feeds them. We are to worship God, ratione immensi Dominii, impensi beneficii; both for his glorious Sovereignty, and gracious bounty. Si non colis, iniquus es: si negas, ingratus es; If thou do not worship him, thou art unjust; if thou denyest him, thou art unthankful. Me thinks thou shouldst fear, that the bread should choke thee, the air infect thee, the water drown thee: when thou considerest, I have denied the Lord of all these. Think of his ye that forget God and his benefits: he that riseth from the table without giving of thanks, goes his way and owes for his ordinary. And because he will not pay God in his thanks, God will pay himself in his torments. Shall I take my Masters food, and deny my Master? Thirdly, they have vowed homage to him, and faithful adherence: Christ covenanting with his blood to wash away their sins; they to forsake his enemies, and continue his faithful soldiers and servants to the end of their lives. Now what kind of soldier is he that runs away from his Colours, and denies his General? Fourthly, they deny that Lord, who can destroy all those that rebel against him, Luke 19.27. Those mine enemies that denied me to reign over them, bring hither, and slay before me.