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

God knows those that are his, yea and he makes them to know it. Satan knows not who are his, nor can themselves otherwise than conjecturally know it. The Judgement of a reprobate belongs not to man, but upon special revelation. So David in the 69. & 109. Psalms, prays not only against their sins, which we may do: but also against their persons, which we may not do. So Paul against Alexander the coppersmith:^e The Lord reward him according to his works. And Saint John seems to allow the Church such a judgement;^f there is a sin unto death; I do not say that he shall pray for it. And Paul, 1 Cor. 16.22. If any man love not the Lord Jesus, Anathema Maranatha. And the Primitive Church with one consent prayed against Julian the Apostate. But this is to be done exceeding rarely; for who knows them that sin unto death? And never absolutely; for they may repent, and turn to the love of Jesus Christ. There is no prescribing to Gods infinite merry: it is true indeed, that the Scriptures threaten damnation to continued sin; yet the Gospel promiseth mercy to repentance. God often saves inter pontem & fontem; and turns ravening Wolves into mild and gentle Lambs.

God knowes those that are his, yea and he makes them to know it. Satan knows not who are his, nor can themselves otherwise than conjecturally know it. The Iudgement of a reprobate belongs not to man, but upon speciall revelation. So David in the 69. & 109. Psalmes, prayes not only against their sinnes, which we may doe: but also against their persons, which we may not doe. So Paul against Alexander the coppersmith:^e The Lord reward him according to his workes. And Saint Iohn seemes to allow the Church such a judgement;^f there is a sin unto death; I doe not say that he shall pray for it. And Paul, 1 Cor. 16.22. If any man love not the Lord Iesus, Anathema Maranatha. And the Primitive Church with one consent prayed against Iulian the Apostate. But this is to be done exceeding rarely; for who knowes them that sinne unto death? And never absolutely; for they may repent, and turne to the love of Iesus Christ. There is no prescribing to Gods infinite merrie: it is true indeed, that the Scriptures threaten damnation to continued sinne; yet the Gospell promiseth mercie to repentance. God often saves inter pontem & fontem; and turnes ravening Wolves into mild and gentle Lambes.