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

2 But this makes a man slothful in Gods service, the certainty of his own election. What need the heir take so much pains, that is borne to the Inheritance; as the hired servant? Nay, but rather this spurs him up to an extraordinary carefulness saith; as the Apostle saith; The rather give diligence. Doth God tell me; I shall never know mine own election without piety of life; then if I neglect piety I make my self uncapable of assurance. I am sick, I fain would know of the Physician whether I should live or die: he tells me, that if I refrain such unwholesome diet, and take such a prescribed course, I shall live.

2 But this makes a man slothfull in Gods service, the certaintie of his owne election. What need the heire take so much paines, that is borne to the Inheritance; as the hired servant? Nay, but rather this spurres him up to an extraordinary carefulnesse saith; as the Apostle saith; The rather give diligence. Doth God tell me; I shall never know mine owne election without pietie of life; then if I neglect pietie I make my selfe uncapable of assurance. I am sicke, I faine would know of the Physician whether I should live or die: he tells me, that if I refraine such unwholsome diet, and take such a prescribed course, I shall live.

If Eve fly to the forbidden fruit, she is sure to die for it. My father hath determined that I shall be his heir: he will not tell me so much in express terms, yet gives me a sign how I shall know it, by-observing him with obedience. So God elects some men to be his heirs, this purpose he conceals in his own bosom: yet allows them certain signs and remonstrances whereby they may apprehend it; as faith in CHRIST, obedience to the Gospel, &c. If we obey his will, and prove those effects of Election in our consciences; we make that sure to our selves, which was sure before in his decree through Jesus Christ.

If Eve flie to the forbidden fruit, she is sure to die for it. My father hath determined that I shall be his heire: he will not tell me so much in expresse termes, yet gives me a signe how I shall know it, by-observing him with obedience. So God elects some men to be his heires, this purpose he conceales in his owne bosome: yet allowes them certaine signes and remonstrances whereby they may apprehend it; as faith in CHRIST, obedience to the Gospell, &c. If wee obey his will, and prove those effects of Election in our consciences; we make that sure to our selves, which was sure before in his decree through Iesus Christ.