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

I have given three helps of Diligence; let me yet add a fourth, Study; so some here translate [Greek or Hebrew], what good work can be done without study? Indeed the main is confessed:^q Study to show thy self approved unto God. But we think inferior ⟨p. 101⟩offices need no such studious diligence: what easier thing is there than to keep the peace? yet the Apostle says, Study to be quiet. Mans nature is so apt to revenge, that it is no easy matter to be peaceable, Says the Philosopher, Te studeto, study thy self. What is easilier known than a mans self? No, sayes Job, Non novi animam meam, I know not mine own soul. Mans self is a good book to study:^r I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Read this book in Folio, in thy prosperity: read it in Quarto, abridged by calamity: read it in Octavo, made less by penury: read it in Decimo-sexto, made contemptible by ignominy: read it in Nihilo, made nothing of this world by death. The Lawyer will not answer a declaration without study; or he builds more on his fortune and favour, than on his wit and fidelity. The Poet can tell the Gallant that buys Love-sonnets; I study for your pleasure. The Advocate studies his pleading, or talks idle. When a vain-glorious Orator asked his friend, How liked you my speech? and preventing the answer which he expected applausive; believe me says he, I did it on the sudden, without study: so I believe says the other, for it did not savour of the Study. For us, what dare we do without study? Perhaps you think not so; but that we come with the same preparation to speak, that you come to hear. So we might all be acaccused be accursed, for doing Gods business negligently. You think, because it is easy for you to come to Church when the Bell hath tolled an hour, it is as easy for us on a nights warning to preach. If there be any thing in the world that bewrays this Cities ignorance, this is it: I will tell you a paradox: I call it so because few will believe it, but it is true. It is more difficult to hear well, than to speak well. To hear, say you? I can hear the gravest Bishop in the Land, and never study for the matter: But I say, if thou wilt be so good a hearer as he is a Preacher, thou must study for it more than he. Good reason: he goes along with the meditations conceived in his own breast;