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

Grace and Peace: this is the voice of the Ministers of the Gospel: so CHRIST directed them. Luke 10. Peace be to you. The Prophets began with vae, woe. Esa. 1. woe to a sinful nation. Hos. 4. The Lord hath a controversy with the land. Amos 1. For three transgressions, and for four, &c. But the Gospel begins,^q Fear. not, for I bring you tidings of great joy that shall be to all people.^r We have not received the Spirit of bondage to fear again, but the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba Father. They come not with bitter violence, like those two hot Disciples, whom nothing could content but fire from heaven. But is there not a time to reprove, as well as to comfort? yes, there is a season when that still voice that came to Elijah, ^sthe voice that thou hearest behind thee; those low whisperings can do no good. And then God is content, we should derive from his Throne thunderings, and lightnings, and louder sounds. Revel. 4.5. When Israel in Moses absence had turned-beasts, and calved an idolatrous image: Moses did not dance after their pipe, and laugh at their superstitious merriment: but with great zeal reproved their folly, and with indignation confounded their Idol.^t Behold, the whole earth sitteth still, and is at rest: ^uthe people sit down to eat and drink, and rise up to play. If this be the worlds state, we should be false prophets to cry nothing but peace. If your lives proclaim wars against God, we must denounce Gods wars against you. We would fain at every Sermon say nothing, but Peace to this Audience, but our God says, There is no peace to the wicked. We would sing with the Angels, Peace on earth, and good will towards men: