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

2 Because Brotherly kindness is the moderator of Godliness. Some mens piety runs an impetuous pace; so fast that it forgets to salute their brother by the way. Those two Disciples were so hot for Christ, that they would needs have fire from heaven upon their brethren. As Judas would have hindered Mary's piety by show ⟨p. 150⟩of Charity: so the Pharisees overthrew Charity with the shows of Piety,^g They devour widows houses, and for a pretence make long prayer. God loves not such mad zeal, that so fixeth the eyes on heaven, that it despiseth to look on their poor brother on earth. Indeed when such an opposition meets us, that either we must forsake Christ, or our brother; then himself teacheth us to leave all, and so follow him. But when there is no such necessity, God is often contented to depart from his own right, that we may succour our brother. Go learn what that meaneth; I will have mercy and not sacrifice, Matth. 9.13. Merciful works to thy brother, are Pro sacrificiis, Heb. 13.16. and Prae sacrificiis, Hos. 6.6. God will forgive the omission of piety, upon good cause of fraternal charity. He will spare the wife from Church to comfort her sick husband; the mother, to relieve her distressed child. We have those will run so fast to a Sermon, that they will not stay to give a poor orphan a penny. The true Catholic hath a catholic care: and sets not the two Tables at variance; both which look to Gods obedience, as the two Cherubins to the Mercy-seat. I know there is a Great Commandment, and another (but) like unto it, Mat. 22.38. But let not sacrifice turn mercy out of doors, as Sarah did Hagar: nor the flames of Zeal consume the moisture of Charity, as the fire from heaven drunk up the water at Elijah's sacrifice. Godliness works by brotherly kindness, Gal. 5.6. No man must look so high, that he over-look his brother, Isaiah 58.3. You fast and mourn, and I regard it not, saith the Lord; because ye exact upon the poor: Pietatem hanc ego nolo; Charity is the Kings high-way to heaven: Zeal like Cushi runs apace, but love like Ahimaaz, gets first to the King, because it runs by the way of the plain,