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

Rather, [Greek or Hebrew], Potius. Let not the goodness of God, which without your desert hath chosen and called you to the profession of CHRIST, forgiving and purging your former sins, make you idle and careless. But rather strive to answer this mercy in your faithful conversation: lest you fall into that pit of destruction, from whence by his death he hath redeemed you. Ambite benefactis Dei; let your obedience consent in a sweet harmony with Gods mercies, that you may be capable of his promises; and not cut off like withered and fruitless branches. The rather. He doth seem to encourage this endeavour, A Beneficio, à Periculo, à Praemio: Partly by the Benefit, partly by the Danger, and partly by the Reward. The first whereof incites our gratitude, the next our fear, the last our hope. 1. The rather, because you have received such a benefit, as cleansing from sin by CHRISTS blood. O what sin should be so dear to us, as Gods only Son was to him! 2. The rather; for fear lest a recidivation overthrow all your happiness. As Demas lost himself, by loving this present world, 2 Tim. 4.10. Seven worse spirits may make a re-entry, when upon the expulsion of one there is found a vacuity. Lots wife had as good have dwelt in Sodom still, as to look back after her deliverance, Ezek. 18.24. If the righteous turn away from his righteousness; in the sin that he hath sinned, he shall die. A man hath been dangerously sick, is now something recovered▪ if by misgovernment he fall into a relapse, he exasperates the disease. The first sickness of the body feeds upon ill humours, the relapse on the vital spirits. For a wound half cured, to come to a new incision, is more painful than ever. It would grieve a traveller, got half-way forward his journey, losing all that, to return, and begin again, Gal. 3.3. Are ye so foolish, that having begun in the Spirit, ye will be made perfect by the flesh? No, rather give all diligence to continue: and call upon God for perseverance; who alone can keep us from the griping paws, and grinding jaws of that roaring Lion. It is said, Zach. 4.9. that the hands of Zer••b•• ⟨p. 209⟩