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

Though you know them, and be established in the present truth.]

The Apostle takes it as granted, that they understood these things already, and were constant in the assurance of the truth of them. A happy progress! Oh that we could say so to our auditories: and as Paul, Rom. 7.1. Scientibus legem loquor, I speak to them that know the Law. But Nescitis? know you not? is a word often used by Saint Paul. Rom. 6.3. and in many other places; know you not? ¹Is it possible that you have heard so much, and still remain ignorant? Well, suppose you know; but are ye established in your hearts? If yes; Oh you are worthy to be commended, I will not withhold your just praise and acknowledgement. 1 Cor. 11.2. Now I praise you brethren. Other grounds have received showers, and conceived thorns, whose end is to be burned. Hebr. 6.9. But we are persuaded better things of you, such as accompany salvation. Fain would we be so persuaded of you also: but I fear then, our persuasion were better than our experience. 1 Cor. 15.34. For some have not the knowledge of God; I speak this to our shame. It were to our shame indeed, if we did not know God. As in countries where be the greatest plenty of fruits, they have the shortest lives; they do so surfeit on their abundance. So we have the greatest plenty of spiritual food, but we turn the fullness into loathing and contempt. We have the best Pulpits, but I cannot say we have the best lives. The Indians were the most beggarly and naked people, amongst whom was all the gold: so in the midst of Gods mercies, and the riches of grace; we are the most poor, naked, and miserable in our conversations. Which being true, our commendation must be turned into Commination: Our, In this we praise you; into, In this we praise you not,