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

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.^x Another said, Lord I will follow thee, but let me first go bid them fare-well that are at home, as if any friend were to stand in competition with CHRIST. But we have always somewhat to do when we should follow him: as Elisha said to Elijah; let me first kiss my father and my mother; then will I follow thee, 1 King. 19.20. Uriah was so earnest of fighting the Lords battle; that he would not go down to his house, nor sleep with his beautiful wife. Such a zeal, as prefers Gods service before all other things, that is godliness.

For the former, Godlinesse aimes 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 goe) that can give thee a better inheritance. But to bury ones Father is Godlinesse: yes, but saith Ierome; Pietatis genus est, impium esse pro Domino: to neglect our very Parents when God requires it, is pietie. Himselfe 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,