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

The Misery: so soon as CHRIST was baptised, and the Spirit descended on him, presently Satan had a-bout with him. No sooner do we give our names to CHRIST, and receive the holy spirit, but instantly the devil rages and roars against our poor souls with might and malice. If we begin to please God, we displease the world: if God be our friend, that will be our enemy,^p when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side: without were fightings, within were fears. When we once put our endeavours to godliness, expect no quiet. Nunquam bella bonis, nunquam dissidia cessant: Et quocum certet, mens pia semper habet, Prosp. Say we then with David; Oh God my heart is ready. Paratum ad sublimia, paratum ad humilia: paratum ad prospera, paratum ad adversa, paratum ad universa. Ready for good things, ready for evil things, ready for high things, ready for low things, ready for all things, Bernard. 1 Sam. 6. The king of Bethshemesh might low after their calves at home, yet they kept one path, and turned neither to the right hand nor to left. So although we mourn for parting from our temporary delights; yet let us keep the way of truth, that will bring us to the end of our faiths, the salvation of our souls. Scrape not then on the dunghill of this earth for pearls, where nothing will thrive but toad-stools.^q In me you have peace, in the world you shall have tribulation: leave me to affect our own misery.

The Miserie: so soone as CHRIST was baptised, and the Spirit descended on him, presently Satan had a-bout with him. No sooner doe we give our names to CHRIST, and receive the holy spirit, but instantly the devill rages and roares against our poore soules with might and malice. If we begin to please God, we displease the world: if God be our friend, that will be our enemie,^p when wee were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side: without were fightings, within were feares. When we once put our endeavours to godlinesse, expect no quiet. Nunquam bella bonis, nunquam dissidia cessant: Et quocum certet, mens pia semper habet, Prosp. Say we then with David; Oh God my heart is ready. Paratum ad sublimia, paratum ad humilia: paratum ad prospera, paratum ad adversa, paratum ad universa. Ready for good things, ready for evill things, ready for high things, ready for low things, ready for all things, Bernard.