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

They bring on themselves swift destruction.] Swift: You see the Authors of their punishment, [Greek or Hebrew], Themselves: the measure, which is beyond all measure, Destruction. Two full aggravations of their unhappiness: Themselves; O yet, Si alienâ manu, non propriâ; ⟨p. 412⟩that they might complain of others, and acquit themselves! Needs must those sins be sown like hemp-seed with curses, which must make halters for themselves. They might say to an enemy, or to their old companion in errors. Liceat perituris ••iribus ignis, igne perire tuo; and this might seem Cladem authore levare. But themselves bring it; not that they lay violent hands upon their own flesh or spirit, but by con•• quent. As no man properly and immediately calls the dropsy to him, yet by insati•e drinking of unwholesome liquors he procures it, Rom. 6.21. For the end of these things is death. Destruction is tied to the end of sin, as Sampson tied fire to the foxes tails. Or, as a great weight of lead is bound to a small cord; it seems nothing to pull the cord, but the lead comes withal, and quasheth the puller to pieces. Th•• is the vexation, when they feel extreme torments, they shall curse themselves […] the cause. True it is, they shall blaspheme God desperately, Rev. 16.11. Curse the devil maliciously, and execrate other company: expressed by gnashing their teeth, the effect of an impatient fury: but at last they shall be convinced, and have this acknowledgement extorted from them; Proprijs configimur armis, we have destroy•• our selves. Besides, the measure of this self-procured woe, is destruction: all the dregs of the viol, all the plagues in the store-house of Almighty Justice; so far […] mans passive nature is capable; infinite in extension; what falls short in breadth, to be supplied in length; infinite in everlasting passion. Now the last ingredient to […] bitter potion remains: to the author and measure, the manner, Swift. When i• shall come, it makes no sparing; before it do come, it gives no warning. Nothi is more sure to dispatch them, nothing more quick to attach them; it is Swift destruction.