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

Or when we ask good things, but to an evil purpose. So the envious begs honour, that he may revenge himself on his enemies. Young men ask health, that ⟨p. 45⟩they may be strong for licentiousness. Others require great places and offices, and to have somewhat to do about the fire, that they may warm their own fingers. As if a man should be ambitious of the Praetorship in the City; that so with mulcts amercements, warrants, and bribes, he may maintain his family, and never go to his coffers for money. Some desire learning, that they may be factious: others riches, not to serve God, preserve the state, nor relieve the poor; but to grow fat with idleness, and domineer over their neighbours.^s Ye fight and war, yet you have not, because you ask not. Ask not! alas we beg continually, yet cannot speed: the error is not in the want of asking. Where is it then? ye ask and receive not, because you ask amiss. Ver. 3. you fail in your manner of requesting, therefore God doth not satisfy your desires. You ask and miss, because you ask amiss. No, we pray as earnestly, and with as devout affection as others, yet speed not. Look a little further into the Apostles words, and your own hearts: ye ask, that you may consume it upon your lusts. Here's the reason, you beg good things to be wanton with them; silver and gold to give unto Baal: corn and wine to riot. Perhaps you may faintly pray against that sin, which you would be loth to lose. This is to pray in jest; as Augustine speaks of his unconverted estate; that he desired God to cool the fire of his concupiscence; but orabat extingui, malebat expleri: his tongue besought an extinction, his heart desired a satisfaction; he had rather have it pleased, then expelled. He prayed indeed, but as if he were afraid lest God should hear him.

Or when we aske good things, but to an evill purpose. So the envious begges honour, that he may revenge himselfe on his enemies. Young men aske health, that ⟨p. 45⟩they may be strong for licentiousnesse. Others require great places and offices, and to have somewhat to doe about the fire, that they may warme their owne fingers. As if a man should be ambitious of the Pretorship in the Citie; that so with mulcts amercements, warrants, and bribes, he may maintaine his familie, and never goe to his coffers for money. Some desire learning, that they may be factious: others riches, not to serve God, preserve the state, nor relieve the poore; but to grow fatt with idlenesse, and domineere over their neighbours.