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

The use of this point serves to reprove the hasty wishers for death. In the least extremity; let me die. Some of the Saints have not escaped this infirmity. Elijah, 1 King. 19.4. He arose, and went for his life to Beersheba; and after that a days journey into the wilderness; all to scape Jezebel: yet when he was there, he requested for himself that he might die. It is enough, now, O Lord, take away my life: for I am not better than my Fathers. In the morning he fled for his life: at evening being a little weary, he prays for death. So Jonah; first cries earnestly for life, Chap. 2. Out of the belly of hell I cried, and thou heardest my voice. Some days after he begs and sues for death, Chap. 4.3. Take, O Lord, I beseech thee, my life from me: for it is better for me to die than to live. Because Jezebel pursues him in the world, therefore Elijah must needs out of the world: because the Ninevites did not die, therefore Jonah will not live. If they had then departed, the one had died fainting, & the other had died chafing. They that desire death in passion, desire it only for fashion. For when sickness, Deaths messenger comes, Medici adducuntur, munera promittuntur; Physicians are consulted, rewards promised, prayers conceived, vows offered, that death may be deferred, Aug. You remember the Fable of the old man with the burden of sticks; wherewith being overladen, and weary of his misery, he calls for Death to come to him. Death came, took him at his word, and asked him what he would with him. But he answered, quickly turning both his mind and language; I desire thy help to bear my burden of sticks for me. Young Clitipho in the Comedy, being abridged of his lusts, had nothing in his discontented mouth, but Emori cupio, I would fain die. The wiser father replied; My son, Priùs disce quid sit vivere; First learn what it is to live. Desire life with aged Simeon, till thou hast got the Lord Jesus in thine arms: without whom the first death will be terrible, the second death intolerable. Bern. Tu quomodo exibis anima misera, quae ducem itineris Dominum Jesum non nosti? Miserable soul, with what courage canst thou set on thy way, which knowest not the guide of the journey, Jesus Christ? If a man should live as long as Methuselah, if his head were as white as snow, yet it is not fit to melt till he have known Christ.

The use of this point serves to reprove the hasty wishers for death. In the least extremity; let mee die. Some of the Saints have not escaped this infirmity. Elias,