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

1 Their multitude, Many: wickedness walks with numbers, and is never scanted of followers. Matth. 24.5. Many shall come in my Name, and deceive many. Paul says, they shall draw a world after them. Goodness hath a few adherents, because the gate is narrow that leadeth to life; the wicked in a proud disdain blanch heaven gate, as too strait for their greatness. All that the master graciously invited, disdainfully refused. Luk. 14.18. All with one mind make excuse: well, his cheer shall not be lost. Goodness may complain with Paul; At my answering, no man assisted me, but all forsook me: yet still prays for them, that it may not be laid to their charge. Christendom is the least part of the world,¹ they that profess Christ truly the least part of christendom; and of this little part there be many that may be called Heretics, not so much in their lips, as in their lives, not in their doctrines, but in their doings: they colour for CHRIST, but confederate underhand with the world. Therefore Many are called, but few are chosen. It is said. Revel. 20.12. that the books shall be opened, and another book which is the book of life. There is but one book of life, wherein the elect are registered: but the books of the reprobates are many, for one book will not hold them. But if I for bear the common customs, I shall be held singular and irregular, a by-word of the people, and as a tabre• before them, Job •7.6. And what, must thou prefer fame before conscience? Remember the Philosopher when the people applauded him, Quid mali feci, he asked what evil he had done? So••es ever suspected that, which past with the general most commendation Augustine reckons up 288 severall opinions de summo bono. Civit. lib. 19. cap. 1. but amongst ⟨p. 428⟩all these we never found any so mad, as to place his happiness upon common fame. Indeed so long as great men be good men, and the most the best, we may follow both: but because this is rare, let us not do as the most, but do as we must. It is better to have good company in heaven, than great company in hell. It was a satirical, an atheistical answer of a Jester, when a great Lord asked him whether he would go to heaven or to hell: he said, To hell; for there I shall be sure to meet your Lordship, and the most part of my acquaintance. But he little loves CHRIST, that will not love him without company: