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

In another course, our good works are to be forgotten, and not mentioned: let them be remembered to enliven our obedience, and comfort our conscience: but rather than we should arrogate merit by them, oblivion take them. He that in pride remembers his virtues, hath indeed no virtues to remember; because he wants the mother virtue of all, humility. Here is one difference between good and evil men: both remember virtues; Pii aliorum, impii suas: good men remember the virtues of others, evil men their own. They think on others virtues as ensamples to imitate, these on their own as miracles to wonder at. The way to have God remember them, is for our selves to forget them. Abraham was content to offer up Isaac, but then he forgets it, therefore God remembers it, Gen. 22.16. Because thou hast done this thing: there is the general: what thing? the particular follows, And hast not withheld; not thy servant, but Thy son: and not only thy son, but thy only son; therefore in blessing, I will bless thee. Mary showed to CHRIST great kindness; but when she had done, she thought it not worth remembrance: therefore CHRIST repeats it,¹ and amplifies it from point to point. Simon, thou gavest me neither water to my feet, nor kiss to my mouth, nor oil to my head; but she hath washed me with tears, kissed with her lips, and anointed my very feet.

In another course, our good workes are to be forgotten, and not mentioned: let them be remembred to enliven our obedience, and comfort our conscience: but rather than we should arrogate merite by them, oblivion take them. He that in pride remembers his vertues, hath indeed no vertues to remember; because he wants the mother vertue of all, humility. Here is one difference betweene good and evill men: both remember vertues; Pii aliorum, impii suas: good men remember the vertues of others, evill men their owne. They thinke on others vertues as ensamples to imitate, these on their owne as miracles to wonder at. The way to have God remember them, is for our selves to forget them. Abraham was content to offer up Isaac, but then he forgets it, therefore God remembers it, Gen. 22.16. Because thou hast done this thing: there is the generall: what thing? the particular followes, And hast not withheld; not thy servant, but Thy sonne: and not onely thy sonne, but thy onely sonne; therefore in blessing, I will blesse thee. Mary shewed to CHRIST great kindnesse; but when she had done, she thought it not worth remembrance: therfore CHRIST repeats it,