An expositio[n] upon the two epistles of the apostle S. Paul to the Thessalonians…An expositio[n] vpon the two epistles of the apostle S. Paul to the Thessalonians…

It is the part of a good Christian, and a wise ⟨p. 202⟩man, to know himself: and to know the nature of this flesh, which we bear about with us, which fighteth always so mightily against the spirit: to know the waywardness, and •rokendnesse of our heart, and the weakness and vanity of our mind. Many are so far from this, that they think all their ability is of themselves. I have, sayeth he, judgement, I have the light of reason, I have sense, I have understanding, and counsel, and the ordering of mine own way. Thus say they that neither know GOD nor themselves.

It is the part of a good Christian, and a wise ⟨p. 202⟩man, to know himselfe: and to knowe the nature of this fleshe, which wée beare about with vs, which fighteth alwaies so mightily against the spirite: to knowe the waiwardenesse, and •rokendnesse of our hearte, and the weakenesse and vanity of our minde. Many are so farre from this, that they thinke all their abilitie is of themselues. I haue, sayeth he, iudgement, I haue the light of reason, I haue sense, I haue vnderstanding, and counsel, and the ordering of mine owne waie. Thus say they that neyther knowe GOD nor themselues.

But we must humble our selves under the mighty hand of God, & acknowledge that we are nothing. We must confess with S. Paul, I know, that in me, that is to say, in my flesh, ¹dwelleth no good. And again, It is not in him ²that willeth, nor in him that runneth, but in God that showeth mercy. Our saviour saith, That which is borne of the flesh, is flesh: and ³