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

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.

3 But suppose a vicious person assumes, or rather presumes; I am sure of my election? Indeed there cannot a greater honour be done to God, than giving confidence to his promise. But what? demonstration of ungodliness, and evidence of salvation, found together at once? This holds like a sick mans dream. The wicked mans tongue may say this; but there is a bird within sings another note; the Conscience. It is impossible for an ill liver, to retain any sure hope of his Election. The hypocrite is divided, and lives not together: his tongue walks Gracious street, but his heart is a Pest-house. His profession is like White Chapel; but his conscience is as foul as the common Sewer. His talk gives him rich in grace; but mark what gold comes out of his coffer; none but slip-coin; light or counterfeit metal. He is just as sure of heaven, as a galley-slave is of the Empire of Turkey.

3 But suppose a vicious person assumes, or rather presumes; I am sure of my election? Indeed there cannot a greater honour be done to God, than giving confidence to his promise. But what? demonstration of ungodlnesse, and evidence of salvation, found together at once? This holds like a sicke mans dreame. The wicked mans tongue may say this; but there is a bird within sings another note; the Conscience. It is impossible for an ill liver, to retaine any sure hope of his Election. The hypocrite is divided, and lives not together: his tongue walkes Gracious streete, but his heart is a Pest-house. His profession is like White Chappell; but his conscience is as foule as the common Sewer. His talke gives him rich in grace; but marke what gold comes out of his coffer; none but slip-coine; light or counterfeit mettall. He is just as sure of heaven, as a galley-slave is of the Empire of Turkey.