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

Beloved, you cannot hear well without studying how to hear; do not think we can preach well without it. Indeed there be enthusiastical Preachers, that run away with a Sermon, as horses with an empty cart: you are not worth your ears, if they cannot distinguish. But to conclude, if no great work can be done without study, then surely not the salvation of body and soul without it. It is well, if with any study we may have it. When an Astrologer told Agrippina, that Nero her son should be Emperor; but first he must untie a knot by art, that was tied by nature: he meant, that he must artificially dissemble himself honest, though he were naturally a villain. She answered, he shall untie any knot to have an Empire. It is enough for us that we may have the Kingdom of Heaven, though we untie a knot by the art of Grace, that was bound by the corruption of Nature. We are borne unclean, have made our selves guilty; given to lust, avarice, pride; there's Natures knot: let us untie this by grace;^s Such were ye, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified; and the Kingdom of Heaven shall be ours. To this let us give all study: some Astronomers have beaten their brains with much study, to find out the space betwixt Earth and Heaven: ⟨p. 102⟩and have given it up for above three hundred thousand miles. How great was their study? how uncertain their account? how vain the fruit? know it is a great way, not a journey over to France, or to India; study how to get thither. For this we study to preach, for this study you to hear, let us all study to practice; and when we have given all Diligence, still LORD be merciful to us.

Beloved, you cannot heare well without studying how to heare; doe not thinke wee can preach well without it. Indeed there bee enthusiasticall Preachers, that runne away with a Sermon, as horses with an emptie cart: you are not worth your eares, if they cannot distingush. But to conclude, if no great worke can be done without studie, then surely not the salvation of body and soule without it. It is well, if with any study we may have it. When an Astrologer told Agrippina, that Nero her sonne should be Emperour; but first he must untie a knot by art, that was tied by nature: he meant, that he must artificially dissemble himselfe honest, though hee were naturally a villaine. Shee answered, hee shall untie any knot to have an Empire. It is enough for us that wee may have the Kingdome of Heaven, though wee untie a knot by the art of Grace, that was bound by the corruption of Nature. Wee are borne uncleane, have made our selves guiltie; given to lust, avarice, pride; there's Natures knot: let us untie this by grace;