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

For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. The doctrine of election, as it is to the faithful the sweetest assurance, so to the proud an occasion of presumption. Nihil dulcius quando sobriè assumitur, nihil periculosius quando superbè praesumitur. A man may be so bold of his predestination, that he forget his conversation: so he may dream himself in heaven, and waken from that dream in hell. Presume not therefore, that thou art so surely Electus, chosen; that thou become, Elatus, proud. Pride is no better an argument of an elect soul, than a tumid swelling is of a sound body. A Proclamation is read, wherein a Christian King grants honour and wealth to certain of his subjects; with assurance of donation upon their just demand. One among the multitude leaps at the news, springs away and stays not to here it out: there is a condition following, provided first that they put on arms, and expel the Turk, which infests some part of his dominions. This man comes one of the foremost to demand the promised honours: he is asked for a testimony of his valour and service in such wars. Alas! he never tarried to hear that condition, and therefore lost the retribution. GOD so promiseth eternal life to men; but withal chargeth them to believe in Christ, and to do him faithful service against the devil, that great enemy to this kingdom. But how many are quite lost, for not staying to hear the proclamation of the Gospel out? they run away with opinion of sufficient belief, and never think of obedience. But to prevent such false hopes, there must be Doing; For if ye do these things, &c.

For if yee doe these things, yee shall never fall. The doctrine of election, as it is to the faithfull the sweetest assurance, so to the proud an occasion of presumption. Nihil dulcius quando sobriè assumitur, nihil periculosius quando superbè praesumitur. A man may be so bold of his predestination, that he forget his conversation: so hee may dreame himselfe in heaven, and waken from that dreame in hell. Presume not therefore, that thou art so surely Electus, chosen; that thou become, Elatus, proud. Pride is no better an argument of an elect soule, than a tumid swelling is of a sound body. A Proclamation is read, wherein a Christian King grants honour and wealth to certaine of his subjects; with assurance of donation upon their just demand. One among the multitude leapes at the newes, springs away and staies not to here it out: there is a condition following, provided first that they put on armes, and expell the Turke, which infests some part of his dominions. This man comes one of the formost to demand the promised honours: hee is asked for a testimonie of his valour and service in such warres. Alas! he never tarried to heare that condition, and therefore lost the retribution. GOD so promiseth eternall life to men; but withall chargeth them to beleeve in Christ, and to doe him faithfull service against the devill, that great enemy to this kingdome. But how many are quite lost, for not staying to heare the proclamation of the Gospell out? they run away with opinion of sufficient beleefe, and never thinke of obedience. But to prevent such false hopes, there must be Doing; For if ye doe these things, &c.