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

But now is there such a receipt, and must there not be an Account? Yes,^d To whom much is given, of him shall be much required. If there be Acceptio, there must follow Redditio: and that both in Quali, and in Quanto; in Portion, the same; or in proportion, something answerable to it. If the thing given be [Greek or Hebrew], much; the thing required is not [Greek or Hebrew], little: and this shall be exacted in obedience, or extorted in vengeance.^e After a long time the Lord of the servants comes, and reckoneth with them, though it be long, yet at last to a reckoning. Whether the talent be hid in idleness, or wasted in riot; it shall be spoken. Give account of thy stewardship, for thou must be no longer steward. GOD is not like Pharaoh and his Task-masters; that allow no straw, yet exact the full tale of bricks. He is unjustly taxed, to reap where he hath not sown, and to gather where he hath not strewed, Matth. 25.24. No, but if he hath planted a Vineyard, and dressed it with careful cost, he looks for Grapes. If GOD fill Joshua's heart with his Spirit, he will fill his hands with business. If Saint Paul hath abundant Grace, he must have abundant labours. ⟨p. 54⟩Every gift is obligatory; and whatsoever benefits us, ipso facto binds us. Now what shall we answer for the interest, that have misspent the principal? Have we received all, and shall we account for nothing? yes, the books shall be opened, and there are set down all the particulars of our receipts and expenses. There is Item received Strength, and laid out oppression. Item received riches, and laid out Covetousness. Item received Health, and laid out riot and drunkenness. Item received garments, laid out Pride. Item received Speech, laid out swearing and lying. Item received Sight, laid out lusting. Or perhaps your layings out are more. Item so many score pounds laid out in malice and suites at Law: so many hundreds in lusts and vanities: so many thousands in building great houses. Item to the poor in our will to be payed at our death. 40, shillings: to the Preacher for a funeral oration to commend us, half a Sovereign. Will this Bill go currant, when God comes to cast it up? no, if these accounts be not mended in this life, we shall never have our Quietus est in the life to come. Let us then be good in our office, and make our reckonings even: