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

The first branch of the first particular of the first general, is the word of connection;¹ Wherefore. This word infers a consequence on the premisses, or is a reason of the precedent speech. The Apostle had formerly discovered the danger of such as forget their own purging. But there are many that forget not that they were purged by the redemption of Christ, but remember it too much: and from this derive encouragement of a licentious life, quitting themselves from all sins by his passion. But Non sic didicistis Christum, Eph. 4.20. You have not so-learned Jesus Christ. Was your first lesson Christs Cross, and did you so construe it, Rom. 6.1. Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? He that thus spells Christ, hath but small literature of religion.^o Thou art made whole: sin no more lest a worse thing come unto thee. Here is a Cure, a Diet, and a Danger. Thou art made whole, there's the cure. Sin no more, there's the diet. Lest a worse thing come unto thee, there's the danger. Let every one that calls on the name of the Lord Jesus, depart from iniquity, 2 Tim. 2.19. Art thou a Christian? Sit illi dominatio, a qu• denominatio: acknowledge him thy Lord, of whom thou hast thy name and title: do not usurp that name unless thou lead an answerable life. Otherwise though thou carry a while the name of a Christian: thou wilt find at last the reward of an Infidel. If ye call God, Father; pass the time of your sojourning here in fear, 1 Pet. 1.17. Shall we acknowledge a Father, and deny him honour? The end of our conversion, is to amend our conversation: and that word which sounds peace and joy and remission of sins; leaves this lesson behind it; Sin no more. As upon a general pardon granted at a Royal Parliament, the prisons are emptied; yet the prisoners and malefactors have three memorable words spoken to them; Exit, gaudete, Cavete; Go forth, rejoice in your liberty, but beware lest your sins bring you back again. He that draws arguments of presumption and riot from CHRISTS death and passion; hath not perhaps forgotten his Saviour, but remembers him to the improvement of his own damnation.