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

Godliness is taken by the Philosophers in a threefold relation. For Religion towards God, which they held a devout adoration of their Idols. For religion towards their country: when any died for their country, they were said Piè mori. For religion towards their parents: so Aeneas was called Pius: and for this they gave those additional names of Pii. Our Apostle meant it not in this latitude: it must here import some particular grace, as appears by the rank. Yet let us a little consider it in the larger acception. So it is such a gracious habit, as prefers Gods glory before all things, and refers all things to it.

Godlinesse is taken by the Philosophers in a threefold relation. For Religion towards God, which they held a devout adoration of their Idols. For religion towards their country: when any died for their country, they were said Piè mori. For religion towards their parents: so Aeneas was called Pius: and for this they gave those additionall names of Pii. Our Apostle meant it not in this latitude: it must here import some particular grace, as appeares by the ranke. Yet let us a litttle consider it in the larger acception. So it is such a gracious habite, as prefers Gods glory before all things, and refers all things to it.

For the former, Godliness aims immediately at the Lords honour, Matth. 8.21. There was one following Christ, but hearing of his Fathers death, he first desire leave to bury him: perhaps he gaped for an executorship, or meant at least to thrust in for an administration. No saith CHRIST; let the dead bury their dead: thou hast a living father, (let the dead go) that can give thee a better inheritance. But to bury ones Father is Godliness: yes, but saith Jerome; Pietatis genus est, impium esse pro Domino: to neglect our very Parents when God requires it, is piety. Himself testifies; he that loves father or mother better than me, is not worthy of me. This falls heavy on some: the voluptuous loves his wife better,^u I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. Uxori plus datur quàm Christo: the uxorious husband obeys his wives precepts, sooner than Gods. The covetous parent loves his child better than the Lord: oppressing Gods children to enrich his own. So his young ones be warm in the nest, let CHRIST shake with cold. Love the Lord, and love thy children, or friends: but if necessity enforce the loss of one; In suos odium, est pietas in Deum, Hieron: whatsoever thou losest, lose not the Lord Jesus.