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

But every man pleads his knowledge; let him then show it in the effects. Scientia conscientiam dirigit, Conscientia scientiam perficit, knowledge directs conscience, conscience perfects knowledge. Abused knowledge will enhance judgement and punishment: for this, were the sins of the Jews, caeteris paribus, greater than the sins of the Gentiles: because in Jury God was known, and his Name great in Israel; it was not so with other nations, neither had the Heathen the knowledge of his laws. The sins of us Christians, other circumstances being matches, are greater than the sins of the Jews, because our knowledge is more. They had but an Aspersion; line to line, here a little and there a little: we have an Effusion, Acts 2.17. I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.^g Now after you have known God, how turn you again to those beggarly elements? will you swear, that know you should not swear? will you defraud, that know you should deal justly?^h Ye have not so learned CHRIST. If Barbaria wring her hands for knowing so little, beware least Christendom rend her heart, for knowing so much to so little purpose. Knowledge doth elevate or lift up the soul: but if it be abused, it shall give her the greater fall. Because the precipice is from on high, like stars that the red Dragons tail swooped from heaven; it shall fall like an Angel of light into utter darkness, validiora exempla, quàm verba: deeds prove more than words: never tell me your science, show to me the fruits of your good conscience. Albeit your words be never so loud, if your works be lewd: though you were sons of thunder; yet a crack in the Instrument will spoil the sound; as Jupiters adultery did even among children discredit his thunder. Our knowledge without holiness is like Uriahs letters that contained his own death, 2 Sam. 11. To such they are letters of blood, commendations to Satan. As that servant in the Comedy; Egomet tabellas detuli, ut vincirer? Have I brought letters to bind my self? so these two, disjoined, commend a man to hell; Go bind him hand and foot, and throw him into utter darkness. Sin even in ignorance is a talent of lead; but sin in knowledge is a millstone to sink a man to the lowest. Bona noscere, et mala facere; to know good, and do ill, makes a mans own mittimus to hell.