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

This be the method of memory in respect of sin; now for the works of grace; I do not mean such as GOD hath wrought in us, but such as our selves by his grace have done. There is a rule how they may be remembered, and how they must be forgotten.

This be the method of memorie in respect of sin; now for the workes of grace; I doe not meane such as GOD hath wrought in us, but such as our selves by his grace have done. There is a rule how they may be remembred, and how they must be forgotten.

Our virtues and good works may be after some manner remembered. Quàm immensa est laetitia de recordatione transactae virtutis! ¹Our conscience is exceedingly comforted by the memory of our zealousness to serve God. The kingdom of God consists in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Now, if there be knowledge of righteousness, then certainly there will be peace of conscience; and these cannot be without joy of the Holy Ghost. Job hath a whole Chapter of these holy remembrances. Chapter 31. If I have walked, &c. and he concludes; My heart shall not condemn me for my days. So sick Hezekiah cheered himself.^m Lord, remember how I have walked before thee with a perfect heart. So Obadiah after a sort justified himself to Elijah, 1 King. 18.13. Diddest thou not hear, how I saved the Prophets of the LORD from Jezebel? The purpose of this repetition, is not to boast merits, but to seek mercies. Neither must this line of remembered goodness be there cut off, but extended forth still: like a man that counts his miles past, but yet goes on his journey. He that is holy, let him be holy still, Revelations 22.11. The further men fetch their career backward to take their run; the further they leap forward when they have run. So a sober recognition of our former obedience, remembering what peace of conscience we had in that service, encourageth our future constancy. There are some who looking to this Record, find their own names blank. What, no good deeds yes, but they have lost their memories: they cannot call to mind where, or when, or how they performed them. Like the drunkard who sought all the Inns in the town for his horse, when indeed he came thither on foot. These men may blame their bad memories, but the fault is in their bad hands and hearts. Some have their good deeds written upon Hospital walls; perhaps lest God should forget them. But we will charitably construe it; that they were recorded there rather by the gratitude of the receivers, then by the popular desire of the contributors. Howsoever, it is somewhat that they have good deeds to remember. But too many have none at all: will you blame their memories? no, God amend their lives.