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

The grave exhortations of old age are to be ponderously received. There is somewhat in the Person, that procures attention to the Doctrine. A reverend Bishop is heard Tanquam Pater Ecclesiae, as a Father of the Church, saith Augustine: his speech may be Brevis, sed gravis; short, but effectual; leaving a deep impression in the hearers. Saint Johns short Sermon in his old age, [Little children, l••e one another.] so warmed his Disciples hearts with the fire of charity: that their head was turned into a Limbeck, and did distil down water at their eyes. The same weight of doctrine doth not feel so weighty in a young mans mouth, as in the gravity of reverend old age. Not that the truth of God depends on the regard of persons: but because mens affections sooner melt at his speech that is stuffed with experience; than at theirs who only aver the theoretical truth. But for us, whether he be a young Timothy, or an old Peter, that tells us the truth in Christ; the Spirit of God work in our hearts a faithful obedience!

The grave exhortations of old age are to be ponderously received. There is somewhat in the Person, that procures attention to the Doctrine. A reverend Bishop is heard Tanquam Pater Ecclesiae, as a Father of the Church, saith Augustine: his speech may be Brevis, sed gravis; short, but effectuall; leaving a deepe impression in the hearers. Saint Iohns short Sermon in his old age, [Little children, l••e one another.] so warmed his Disciples hearts with the fire of charitie: that their head was turned into a Limbecke, and did distill downe water at their eyes. The same weight of doctrine doth not feele so waighty in a young mans mouth, as in the gravitie of reverend old age. Not that the truth of God depends on the regard of persons: but because mens affections sooner melt at his speech that is stuffed with experience; than at theirs who onely averre the theoricall truth. But for us, whether he be a young Timothie, or an old Peter, that tells us the truth in Christ; the Spirit of God worke in our hearts a faithfull obedience!

Well, I am old, and must leave you: yet I will leave that behind me, which shall remain with you. In the whole Verse we find two generals: The Content, and the Intent: his Practise, and his Purpose: his Labour, and the end of his Labour: the thing he does, and the thing he seeks. I will endeavour; there is his labour, practise, and the thing he does. That you may be able after my decease, always to remember these things; there is his purpose, the end of his labour, and the thing he seeks. For the former.