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

5 Lastly, observe that so long as Noah preached, the world was warned. God needed not to have given them any warning of his Judgements, they gave him no warning of their sins, no respite. Yet, that he might approve his mercy even to •hose, upon whom he meant to glorify his Justice; he gives them long warning, that •hey might have space enough of repenting. O how loth is he to strike, that threatens so long before he executes! He that takes pleasure in revenge, suddenly surpriseth his adversary, and apprehends the speediest advantage: but the Lord is pleased they should be often warned, to show how willing he is to be prevented. God is so patient, that if sinners were not desperate, they should never smart. He doth first summon a parley,^s proclaim peace, hang out his white colours of pity; before the •ed streamers of blood be seen. He useth the commination of hell, as well as the promise of heaven: and both equally commend his goodness. The sharpness of •he one, and sweetness of the other, working together like Oil and Wine; make men wise to salvation. Nineveh had not stood, if the Prophet had forborne to say, It shall not stand. The message of their overthrow, overthrew the message: the prophecy fell, and the City fell not, because her fall was prophesied. The denunciation of death wrought life: the sentence of destruction made a nullity in the sentence. They •eard that their houses should fall; and they forsook not their houses but themselves: and both themselves and their houses stood.

5 Lastly, observe that so long as Noah preached, the world was warned. God needed not to have given them any warning of his Iudgements, they gave him no warning of their sinnes, no respite. Yet, that he might approve his mercie even to •hose, upon whom he meant to glorifie his Iustice; he gives them long warning, that •hey might have space enough of repenting. O how loth is he to strike, that threa•ens so long before he executes! He that takes pleasure in revenge, suddenly surpri•eth his adversary, and apprehends the speediest advantage: but the Lord is pleased they should be often warned, to shew how willing he is to be prevented. God is so acient, that if sinners were not desperate, they should never smart. He doth first ummon a parlee,