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

We are further taught here to use good forms in saluting; Grace and peace, gracious not grievous, holy not hollow, blessings not curses: not an execration instead of a benediction. There be idle, profane, and unrellishing complements: either through Curiosity or Curialitie, Christian salutations are thought gross. Instead of God be with you, I kiss your hand, I am your slave, &c. these are the elegancies of our times. Indeed there is one salutation left us, and frequent with us; good in it self, if it had the luck to light into good mens mouths; it is God save you. But as it hath been Satirically observed, these days are not altogether uncharitable: for whereas God chargeth men to love others as themselves, many love others better than themselves. You shall have a ruffian salute another with God save you Sir: but after some strange attestations, swear away himself with God damn me Sir. So he wishes his friend saved, himself damned. How wretched is it, and unbecoming the tongue of a Christian, when a curse comes instead of a blessing? When a Master shall curse his servants; as if GODS curse could not come to his house, but through his own lips. But when it comes to this, that parents curse their children, O fearful! The child kneels for a blessing, the father gives it a curse. If we wish the plague and such noisome diseases to them that live with us, how should we scape it our selves.

Wee are further taught here to use good formes in saluting; Grace and peace, gracious not grievous, holy not hollow, blessings not curses: not an execration instead of a benediction. There be idle, prophane, and unrellishing complements: either through Curiositie or Curialitie, Christian salutations are thought grosse. Instead of God be with you, I kisse your hand, I am your slave, &c. these are the elegancies of our times. Indeed there is one salutation left us, and frequent with us; good in it selfe, if it had the lucke to light into good mens mouthes; it is God save you. But as it hath beene Satyrically observed, these dayes are not altogether uncharitable: for whereas God chargeth men to love others as themselves, many love others better than themselves. You shall have a ruffian salute another with God save you Sir: but after some strange attestations, sweare away himselfe with God damne me Sir. So he wishes his friend saved, himselfe damned. How wretched is it, and unbecoming the tongue of a Christian, when a curse comes instead of a blessing? When a Master shall curse his servants; as if GODS curse could not come to his house, but through his owne lips. But when it comes to this, that parents curse their children, O fearefull! The child kneeles for a blessing, the father gives it a curse. If we wish the plague and such noisome diseases to them that live with us, how should we scape it our selves.