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

The whole being thus let fall into parts, let us proceed orderly to take up the first, and view it. This is the hope of the Petitioner; which with a remarkable de pendance knits this Verse with the former; and begetteth this doctrine from the Coherence. The experience of former mercy, works a persuasion of future mercy. The Apostle desired the multiplying of their grace and peace; and he grounds it on this hope, because the LORD hath already given them much. He hath begun, therefore he trusts that he will finish. There is no stronger argument of Gods infallible readiness to grant our requests, than the experience of his former concessions. So David reasons.¹ The Lord that delivered me from the Lion and the Bear, will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. This is argumentum a priori, the voice of a strong faith, that persuades the conscience God will be gracious to him, because he hath been gracious. The Prophet thus often comforted his soul:^l Thou Oh God, hast enlarged me, when I was in distress, therefore have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. So Psalm 86.13. Thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell: therefore Verse 16. O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me. Let the Justitiaries deduce arguments from their own present merits, my soul from Gods former mercies. Thou, O Lord, madest me good, restoredst me when I was evil, therefore have mercy upon me miserable sinner, and give me thy salvation. Thus Paul grounded his assurance; because^m the LORD had stood with him, and delivered him out of the Lions mouth; therefore the ⟨p. 44⟩Lord shall deliver me still from every evil work, and preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. Hence was his Novi, I know whom I have believed. The Prophets distressed soul cried;ⁿ Will the Lord cast off for ever? is his mercy clean gone for ever? hath God forgotten to be gracious? No, he recollects himself, Ver. 10. with the memory of precedent favours; I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High; I will remember the works of the Lord, and his wonders of old. Man useth to reason thus; I have been good to such a one, therefore he need not exact upon me, and over-burden my kindness. God thus; I have been liberal, therefore I will be liberal; multa dedit, sed plura daturus. To him shall be given; because the good he hath, is but an earnest of Gods greater bounty.