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

7 Lastly, as sleep turns a man in non hominem, so doth sin in non bonum hominem. In sleep he neither hears like a man, nor speaks like a man, nor walks like a ma• So in this spiritual lethargy, he neither thinks like a Christian, nor understand• like a Christian, nor effects like a Christian; nor acts like a Christian, nor appears like a Christian. There be three seasons, wherein a wise man differs not from a fool: in his infancy, in sleep, and in silence. For in the two former all are fools; and in the latter we are all wise. In sleep the wisdom of the wise is not exercised, and the folly of the fool is not discovered. In the 115. Psalm. ver. 5. There are f•• impediments orderly specified, wherein the sinner differs not from the sleeper. The sinner hath. 1. Impeditum os ab actu confitendi; They have mouths, but they spe••e not. He cannot confess his sins, nor profess his faith, nor pour out his prayers. […] sin, as in sleep he hath a mouth, but not to speak. 2. Oculos impeditos ab actu vid•• di: They have eyes, but they see not. ^mThey have closed their eyes, lest they should see. They differ something in this from an Idol: the Idol hath Oculum fictum, a counterfeit eye: these Oculum clausum, a shut eye. See, that cannot; these can and will not. Who is so blind as he that will not see? The object is exhibited, their sight is self-darkened. They have eyes, but not to see. 3. Aures impeditas ab offici• •• diendi. They have ears, but they hear not. The blind hath eyes, but not to see: the cripple feet, but not to go: the spiritual sleeper hath ears, but not to hear. The ear is a benefit of nature, but an ear to hear is the benefit of grace. 4. No• impeditos ab of ficio odorandi. They have noses, but they smell not. Futura non prase•• unt. They give themselves to sleep, and never suspect the danger that may prevent their waking. Let them come into that blessed Garden of God, where i••• merable flowers give delectable scents; they neither smell the odours, nor relli the fruits. They receive not the things of the spirit.