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

Let us prevent Gods Justice, by doing to our selves what he threatens to do […] to sinners. Let us overthrow our sins, that he may not overthrow our houses: ••• damn our selves, that he may not condemn our souls: turn our iniquities to […] ⟨p. 607⟩that his fire may spare our Cities. As Nineveh by taking to heart the message of ••eir overthrow, did overthrow the message. Their walls and buildings stood, by ••ting their transgressions fall. They turned to deprecation and repentance, and ••od turned to commiseration and forbearance. The subversion was threatened, the ••nversion effected. Thus let us save God a labour, that when he comes to correct […] he may find it done to his hand. Let us be self-afflicters, as we have been self-copters: and set repentance to do what God threateneth. Have we sinned in intemperance, let us punish our selves with abstinence: then God will not inflict on us fa••ne. If in uncleanness, chastise we the flesh by contrition, and cleanse it with reso••ion against all unchastity: so may we escape the diseases both of body and con••ence. Let us break off our covetise by mercy to the poor: so in stead of being impoverished on earth, we shall find riches in heaven. If in anger, let us return to patience: so when the Lord comes in anger against us, we shall move him to be pati••t toward us. If in pride, come we down to humility: when he looks to find us ••the chair of presumption, let him see us in the humble dust: then instead of cal••ng us down to hell, he will lift us up to heaven. Thus with the fire of grace from •ods Altar, let us consume our natural, unnatural corruptions; that the fire of vengeance may never touch our houses, nor bodies, nor souls. Lord, overthrow ••r sins, and let our selves stand: teach us to condemn our errors, that thou •ayest never Condemn us. That so serving thee with pureness of heart, we ay be brought to the brightness of thy glory, through the greatness of thy ercie.