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

2 Revolters, that do not multiply, but subtract; growing worse and worse; so far from acquiring graces they had not, that they lose them they had. Like Nebuchadnezzars dreamed Image, the head might be of gold, but the feet was of clay and dirt; they have a muddy ending. In the Roman Indictions, the first year they payed gold as to the Crown: the second year, silver for the soldiers pay: the third year brass, for armour. So some have been in persecution golden Saints, in peace silver professors, at last brazen or leaden worldlings. I have read of certain trees, that on the Monday have been growing in the Forrest, and before Sunday following, under sail on the sea. Near to Calipolis there are by report, certain trees, that shoot up apace, and grow in a short time to such height, as a man may from their tops see the City Ilium; and then they presently wither. These men spring fast at first, and seem tall Cedars in profession: but when once they come to the sight of the City of God, then they waste away: not like the good tree, Psalm. 1. that brings forth his fruit in due season: but rather when the season comes wherein fruit is to be gathered, they elude the Masters expectation. Rome, that was once so famous for the Faith, yet apostated; How is that faithful City become an harlot! It is a fearful saying;^p It is impossible for them who have been made partakers of the Holy Ghost, &c. if they fall away, to be renewed again by repentance. I suppose he means a moral impossibility; so great a difficulty, that setting aside the almighty power of the Spirit, they cannot be recovered.

2 Revolters, that doe not multiply, but substract; growing worse and worse; so farre from acquiring graces they had not, that they lose them they had. Like Nebuchadnezzars dreamed Image, the head might be of gold, but the feet was of clay and dirt; they have a muddie ending. In the Roman Indictions, the first yeare they payed gold as to the Crowne: the second yeare, silver for the souldiers pay: the third yeare brasse, for armour. So some have beene in persecution golden Saints, in peace silver professours, at last brasen or leaden worldlings. I have read of certaine trees, that on the Munday have beene growing in the Forrest, and before Sunday following, under saile on the sea. Neere to Calipolis there are by report, certaine trees, that shoot up apace, and grow in a short time to such height, as a man may from their tops see the Citie Ilium; and then they presently wither. These men spring fast at first, and seeme tall Cedars in profession: but when once they come to the sight of the Citie of God, then they waste away: not like the good tree,