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

This is the latitude and dimension of their wickedness; wherewith I will have done, when I have declared the Penalty of it. Their punishment is proportioned to their fault: they denied him that bought them, and he that bought them will deny them, 2 Tim. 2.12. If we deny him, he will also deny us. How, where, and when will he deny them? They surfeit on pleasures, and enjoy the wish of their own hearts; how then doth he deny them? Doth not God bless whom he loves and love whom he blesses? Alas, those blessings to such men prove curses: Conceditur opulentia, abscinditur misericordia: wealth is granted, but mercy is withholden. The earth seems their own, the world applauds them; and is not Vox populi, Vox dei; the voice of the people, the voice of God? No, for the whole world lieth in wickedness: but here they are honoured, where then shall they be denied? The echo answers, Here: even where Saul would be honoured, there was he denied, before the people. They spend their days in peace, their minds are not troubled, they sit not sighing and blubbering for their offences, sure God is not angry with them; when shall they be denied? Now, even in that they lament not, their case is most lamentable: their pulse hath left beating, this argues Gods dereliction; that their life breath is painted out, and they have given up the (Holy Ghost.) Will you hear how, where, and when? Take it from CHRISTS own mouth. Matth. 10.33. Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. For the manner, How; I will deny him, not conceal him, nor excuse him, not hold my peace and silence it, but deny him. For the place where; Before my Father, where my word will be taken: for I have the key of heaven, to let in and keep out whom I please. Coram Patre, who hath committed all judgement to me, and set me to sentence every man according to his works. Coram Patre, if it had been only. Coram hominibus, before men, where thou denyest me, they would approve my justice: if Coram daemonibus, before the devils, they would be glad of thy company, and with a hasty rape hurry thee to perdition: if only, Coram Angelis, before the Angels, (which is also expressed, Luk. 12.9. He that denieth me before men, shall be denied before the Angels of God.) They would witness how often I have sent them to guard thee, how little thou didst regard me.