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

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.

4 But now alas, saith the humbled soul; my godliness is so small, that I even despair of assurance. Be comfortest; strive against thy corruptions, and by the spirit of Jesus Christ, thou shalt overcome Paul was sanctified man; yet he complains, Rom. 7.15. What I would, that do I not: but what I hate, that I do. O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Albeit he groaned under the weight of his infirmities, and felt the buffets of Satan; yet he knew that nothing could separate him from the love of God in Christ,