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

By whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.] I come to the Detraction, the cursed effect of their perversion; which is not only pernicious to their own souls, but also derogative to the glory of GOD. Herein I considered two generals; the Patient and the Injury: in the Patient, the Singularity and the Sincerity.

By whom the way of truth shall be evill spoken of.] I come to the Detraction, the cursed effect of their perversion; which is not only pernicious to their owne soules, but also derogative to the glory of GOD. Herein I considered two generalls; the Patient and the Injurie: in the Patient, the Singularity and the Sincerity.

1 The Singularity; [Greek or Hebrew], The way, that excellent way. There is only one way of Truth, and of salvation by it. There are many ways in the world, yet but one way of Truth. Eph. 4.4. There is one Lord, one faith, &c. The Turk hath his way, the Jew his way, the Gentile his way, Heretics their way, Schismatics their way, though there be almost as many ways as feet to walk in those ways, yet the way of truth is but one. Diversity of ways is sought out; either for peevishness, they cannot abide the common rode: because most men pass through the gate, they will climb over the wall; and if others climb, they will creep through. They are so cross, that if authority should command them to wear clean linen, rather than not rebel they would go woolward. Or, for pride, when men scorn to go the Kings high way, because there they have the company of beggars and base fellows. There are some that disdain the poorer sort, and will rather forbear the common duties of religion. But alas, what brag of estate should there be in the Church? there is no spiritual difference; bond or free, all are one in CHRIST. The Emperor eats of the same bread that his Lacquay doth: the beggars child is baptised in the same font that the Kings. This they disdain, and therefore will have Sacraments by themselves, a Synagogue of their own. Or, else for glory, that their singularity may be pointed at. Diogenes was ducking himself in cold water in a frosty morning: the people beheld and pitied him: alas saith a Philosopher; Depart you to your houses, and leave gazing on him; I warrant you that he will come out quickly, and keep himself warm. There are many ways, as it is said of Poland, if a man chance to lose his religion, he shall find it there, or give it gone for ever. But truth hath one way, not a second, not another. What so near one as two, yet a Christian must not go so far from one as two.