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

Diverse uses are to be made of this proposition; which are generally two-fold; concerning others, concerning our selves. Concerning others, that we fly the persons in whom this corruption rages; as being willing to avoid the plague, we do balk the house wherein the infection dwells, miserable folly! we hate the plague which may kill our bodies, we love the plague which may spill our souls. The condition of sin is better than the condition of sickness.¹ For if a man lie sick in the streets, others are dainty and shun him, walking a loof. But let a rich man be an adulterer, a swearer, an usurer; we close with him: yet only of these we have a charge, De non tangendo, not to accompany them. Which of these corruptions, in your own souls, do you think the worst? To see this corruption, the Lord give us eyes, to let out this corruption, prick our hearts, and from this corruption, save our souls.

Diverse uses are to be made of this proposition; which are generally two-fold; concerning others, concerning our selves. Concerning others, that we flie the persons in whom this corruption rages; as being willing to avoid the plague, we doe balke the house wherein the infection dwells, miserable follie! we hate the plague which may kill our bodies, wee love the plague which may spill our soules. The condition of sinne is better than the condition of sickenesse.¹ For if a man lie sicke in the streets, others are daintie and shunne him, walking a loofe. But let a rich man be an adulterer, a swearer, an usurer; we close with him: yet only of these we have a charge, De non tangendo, not to accompany them. Which of these corruptions, in your owne soules, doe you thinke the worst? To see this corruption, the Lord give us eyes, to let out this corruption, pricke our hearts, and from this corruption, save our soules.

1. 1Nazian.