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

The pressure of native corruption is heavy: as in the Ephi•ltes or disease called the Night-mare, a sleeping man thinks he feels some heavy weight lying on his breast, and holding him down; he groans and strives to remove it, but he cannot. So this inborn corruption lies on the heart of a Christian, and he would fain be rid of it, he fights against it, and complains that he is forcibly over-borne by it, to do the evil he neither would nor should: but let him be comforted, Christ shall one day give him a full deliverance. No combat, no testimony. Lastly, concerning sins to come, we must find in our selves hatred and resistance: We know, that whosoever is borne of God, sinneth not. ¹He is always fixing his eye upon that rule, Philip. 4.8. Whatsoever things are true, and honest, and just, and pure, and lovely, and of good report: if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, he thinks on these things. So that, Sanctimonium est Testimonium, our Sanctimony is this Testimony: 1 Joh. 2.5. We know we are in God, by keeping his Word. Hence it is that some books have read, [Greek or Hebrew]; make your election sure Through good works: so Beza says, he found it in two Greek manuscripts. This is a good witness, when a man reasons from the proper effects to the proper cause, 2 Tim. 2.19. The foundation of God standeth sure: it is granted; God is sure of it, but how may I be sure of it? Paul there answers; Let every one that nameth the Name of Christ, depart from iniquity. Happy soul, that comes with this certificate, under the hand and seal of the holy Spirit, to the gate of heaven. He may justly challenge mercy; Feci quod jussisti, redde quod promisisti; I have done what thou hast commanded, perform to me what thou hast promised: I have worn the short white robe of Innocency, give me the long white robe of Glory. There is a private mark, and a public mark; Go through the City,² and set a mark upon the foreheads of them that mourn for the sins of the times: there is the Private mark, Well done, thou good and faithful servant, ³