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

It is true, that there are many oppositions, yet is there still a sufficient entrance. We may say of it, as Saint Paul speaks of his occasion of preaching the Gospel, 1 Cor. 16.9. Lata porta, sed multi adversarii: a great door and effectual is opened, but there are many adversaries. Saint Paul himself was a little feared with the apprehension of this difficulty; when he prayed thrice against those buffetings of Satan, 2 Cor. 12.9. But he was confirmed in the Lords answer; My grace is sufficient for thee. Indeed flesh and blood, in the natural corruption of it, cannot enter the kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 15.50. no more than a cable rope can be brought through a needles eye. While it is whole it cannot pass; but untwine it, and lay it thread by thread, and then you may easily draw it all through. If the worldling would untwist his riches by charity, and the sinner untwist his sins by repentance, they may abundantly enter. There is an Abundanter that shuts many out; abundance of worldly riches, and lusts of covetousness: for, Luk. 12.15. Mans life consisteth not in this abundance. And if not his natural life, much less doth his spiritual life, consists in it. There is an Abundanter ⟨p. 237⟩that lets many in, Tit. 3.6. It is the grace of God which is abundantly shed on us through Jesus Christ.

It is true, that there are many oppositions, yet is there still a sufficient entrance. We may say of it, as Saint Paul speakes of his occasion of preaching the Gospell, 1 Cor. 16.9. Lata porta, sed multi adversarii: a great doore and effectuall is opened, but there are many adversaries. Saint Paul himselfe was a little feared with the apprehension of this difficultie; when he prayed thrice against those buffettings of Satan, 2 Cor. 12.9