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

Indeed there are too many that seek Opes not Opus: not Officium but Beneficium; rather the Church-goods, than the Churches good. But let us aim at Gods glory, not our own praise: let none of his honour cleave to our earthen fingers. Though spiritual fishers catch many souls, yet they must not ascribe it to themselves. This were, as the Prophet speaks. Hab. 1.16. To do sacrifice to their net. Let us only mind These things: an honest heart is required in all men, especially in a Minister. When the Apostles were to choose a twelfth into Judah's room, from which he had fallen by treacherous apostasy; they put it to God; Quia novit corda, because he knew the hearts of men. Act. 1.24. Thou Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these thou hast chosen. They spake not of understanding nor memory, ⟨p. 249⟩nor learning nor eloquence: but insisted only on the heart. Indeed the principal in Minister is an honest heart. A good wit for invention, doth well: a good Judgement for disposition, well: a good memory, a graceful pronunciation, a comely presence, all do well: but the chief of all is a good heart. Diligence and painfulness, and patience are good; but it is the sincereness of heart that commends the rest. These things! I could be negligent, and not remember you: or remember you, and not Always? or remember you always, but not of These things: but this is the perfection of his holy diligence; [Greek or Hebrew], to remember you always of These things. Phil. 4.8. Whatsoever is true, or honest, or just, or pure, &c. let us all be diligent about these things. Luk. 2.8. The shepherds were a biding in the field, keeping watch •ver their flock by night. As CHRIST at his first coming found the shepherds tending their flocks: so the spirit of God guide us, that we the Shepherds may be found well leading, and you the Flock well following, at the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Indeed there are too many that seeke Opes not Opus: not Officium but Beneficium; rather the Church-goods, than the Churches good. But let us aime at Gods glory, not our owne praise: let none of his honour cleave to our earthen fingers. Though spirituall fishers catch many soules, yet they must not ascribe it to themselves. This were, as the Prophet speakes.