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

The Papists say, Images are the books of Idiots, but the Prophet calls them Teachers of lies: and all know that they are occasions of sin. Let me give you a Picture without the offence; behold an Image without sin. It is of Virtue: you shall not sooner see the medals but you will strait know the face. Conceive her a virgin Intemeratae pudicitiae, of an unspotted chastity; fair, yet never courted with a lascivious language. She hath a face white as is heaven mixed with some lovely red; White with her own innocence, ruddy with blushing at others naughtiness. Of her Saviours complexion;^r My beloved is white and ruddy. She hath a brow clear as Crystal, wherein God hath written Sapientia, Wisdom. This is her courage; she may be affronted, she cannot be affrighted. She hath eyes that never sent out a wanton look: those casements were never opened to let in vanity. She is not poring with them on the earth; but Nititur erectos ad sydera tollere vultus; directs them to heaven where they shall one day see her desire, even the glory of GOD,^s Thou hast ravished my heart, my spouse, with one of thine eyes. The LORD loves those eyes. She hath lips like a thread of scarlet, and her speech is comely, Cant. 4.3. She hath the tongue of Angels; when she speaks, she ministers grace to the hearers. She discourseth the language of Canaan most perfectly: and never opens but the first air she breaths, echo's with the praise of her maker. Her ears are like the ⟨p. 118⟩Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple; none but the high Priest must enter there. They are stopped to the songs of any Siren, open to the mournings of any poor. What gracious words she receives in at those doors, she sends them like Jewels to be laid up in the Cabinet of her heart. She hath two hands; one of equity, another of of charity, none for injury. She gives every one his due for Justices sake, some more than their due for mercies sake. She gives, forgives, does that to others which she expects at the hands of CHRIST. She hath bowels of mercy; the members of Christ are as dear to her, as her most inward and vital parts. She feeds them, as considering what it were to have empty bowels her self. Her knees were never stiffened with pride: she can easily bow them to give her Superior homage: but throws them down at the foot-stool of her maker: