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

Another cause is confidence of power and numbers. Seneca reports that the Senators of ancient Rome ordained, that the slaves should go distinguished from the free borne in apparel: as it might be the cap which made a difference between a slave and a Citizen. But at last they perceived that there might be inconvenience in this: for the slaves might chance to fall a numbering their own side, and upon the understanding of their own strength, might break forth into open rebellion, and shake off the yoke of servitude. So let every man do as he list, and every assembly assume what fashion it list; it will be at last considered who have the most of their side. And where is Major numerus, will follow Pejor populus: they will be followers of the camp, partly for company, and partly for booty. So they will come to perform indeed, what Hushai dissembled in word, 2 Sam. 16.18. When the people choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide. Thus the ring leaders begin, ⟨p. 385⟩not only to vaunt of their virtues, but to crack of their forces; and that by the hundreds and the thousands. But yet numbers should not, shall not prevail against the right. It was Gods charge, Follow not a multitude to do evil. You have often a multitude of the simple led by one that is subtle: but one good man will not be led by a bad multitude. Error steals in at a little hole, through wantonness and neglect of order. Therefore to prevent it, Saint Paul did heartily charge us to observe order, 1 Cor. 14.40. Let all things be done decently, and in order. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. Coloss. 2.5. I rejoice in beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith. Such is the excellency of order, that the Apostle ranketh it with Faith. Cant. 6.10. The Church is compared to an Army; because of the goodly array and equipage wherein she marcheth. Without this so many assemblies, so many rents in Christs garment: so many congregations, so many distractions. Quot capita, tot Schismata, Jerome. It is not well to see a Church like Jeremies speckled bird,