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

I have been over prolix in this point of partaking the Divine nature: but it is tedious only to those that have no right in this participation. Let me excuse my self; my tongue followed my heart, and I could not but speak what was try comfort to feel. It hath given sweet content to my own spirit, God grant it may give no less consolation to others. This participation is not a transfusion of the divine essence or nature into us; but a communication of the manifold blessings wrought out by Christ. Of nothing, we have being, of being worse than nothing, we are restored to Gods Image; formed with reason above the creature, and reformed with Grace above reason: now immortal in our souls, hereafter to be immortal in our bodies. What honour, what glory is this, that a man of dust, a worm creeping out of the mud; audeat erectos ad sydera tollere vultus; should look up unto heaven, and call the omnipotent God his Father! How gracious is this promise, how glorious this participation! Let not the blind judgements of the world trouble us: we believe and know, know and feel, feel and joy that we are partakers of the divine nature. We might here infer with^g Athanasius, that Christ is the same substance and nature with the Father; because they that are partakers of the Son, are also partakers of the divine nature. He says further,^h that the beginning of this partaking, is by the consignation of the holy spirit in our baptism.ⁱ Ambrose refels the Arians, from this scripture, who condemn the voice of substance and nature in divine things: as if Christ could be the son of God, and not the substance of God. But if the name of substance or nature trouble them, let this text satisfy then.^k He adds, who can deny the Holy Ghost to be equal with the Father or the Son, when as it is his work whereby we get a participation of the divine nature.^l Cyril says, that the faithful communicant in receiving the Sacrament, is made partaker of the divine nature.^m