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

2 For such a Discretion as may moderate Knowledge; and qualify that heat to which it is addicted.^d Knowledge puffeth up. Some men so bluster on their knowledge, that they hold all the world dunces besides themselves. There is somewhat of poison in it, without the Corrective of Temperance. Hence comes singularity of opinions; Some conceit themselves so wise, that all the sober and peaceable spirits of the Land are mere fools to them. Poor souls! Who does not pity their blind madness? One cries, Secreta mea mihi; My mysteries be to my self: another replies, St•ltitia tua tibi; thy foolishnesse be to thy self: the former is the Schismatic, the other the Libertine. An indifferent man might decide; Nec uni, nec alteri, sed dividatur: let not all the folly be to one, nor all to other, but let them both part it betwixt them. One is so wise that he cares for no Preacher at all; another wills that such a factious one shall teach him, and no body else. Whether is the madder of the two; he that will altogether fast, or he that will feed on nothing but bones? Modus rei tribuit decorem, ordo modum, discretio ordinem. ²The grace of an action is the Manner, the grace of the Manner is Order, the grace of the Order is Discretion. Temperance is not so much a virtue it self; as Quaedam moderatrix & auriga virtutum; as a Marshall or Moderator of ⟨p. 124⟩virtues. It is not enough to do a good work; Nisi illud suo loco, modo, tempore feceris; unless the due place, fit manner, and convenient time, be observed. If not in the right place, it is as a man lights a taper, and puts it beside the candle-stick. If not after the right manner, it is as one that is gone a good part of his travel; but must come back again, because he hath mistaken his way. If not in due time, it is like him that would never water his garden, but when it rained. If not to the right person, it is like a man that forgetfully salutes his friend ever by the wrong name. If nor to the right end, it is like Julian, that never was bountiful, or did a man a good turn, but to damn his soul.

2 For such a Discretion as may moderate Knowledge; and qualifie that heat to which it is addicted.