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

2 Be thankful to this Giver; not only for spiritual, but even for temporal things. It is not enough to take the whole loaves, but let us even gather up the fragments. Lay up in the Ark of thy memory, not only the Pot of Manna, the Bread of life; but even Aaron's Rod, the very scourge of correction, wherewith thou hast been bettered. Blessed be the Lord, not only Giving, but also Taking away; saith Job. God that sees, there is no walking upon roses to heaven, puts his children into the way of discipline: and by the fire of correction, eats out the rust of corruption, Psal. 50.15. God sends trouble, then bids us call upon him; promiseth our deliverance: and lastly, the all he requires of us is to Glorify him. ^cGod giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not. Never upbraids? How then doth he condemn Israel by the Ox and the Ass? Isaiah 1.3. How tell David of his favours to him, in deliverance from Saul, ²and advancement to a Kingdom? I answer, God never upbraids, but when our ingratitude enforceth him. The widow of Zarephath to Elijah; 1 King. 17.18. Art thou come to call my sin to remembrance? But it is our unthankfulness, that calls our sins to remembrance. How is the faithful City become an Harlot? God enquires not the means, but wonders at the matter. Unthankfulness is such a fault, that men think it a vice, Angels a sacrilege, Devils a monster, God himself a wonder. Gratitude pleaseth him: of the Samaritan that gave him thanks, Christ took notice.^f Of the ten cleansed none were found to give glory to God, but the stranger. The Leper praiseth God, Christ praiseth the Leper: Mary Magdalen gave Christ an unction of thankfulness, he gave her an unction of a good name; a thing better than ointment; for^g A good name is better than precious ointment. That wheresoever this Gospel should be preached, her work should not be forgotten: Mat. 26.13. the whole world should ring of her. God gives all gratis, I mean in the adverb, not in the noun; for they are not all thankful persons that receive it. Some are not made better by Gods gifts, yea, many are made worse. Give Saul a Kingdom, and he will tyrannize: give Nabal good cheer, and he will be drunk: give Judas an Apostleship, and he will sell his Master for money.