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

They sell you.] An evil Pastor may sell his flock three ways; by flattery, by heresy, by silence.

They sell you.] An evill Pastor may sell his flocke three wayes; by flatterie, by heresie, by silence.

1 By flattery; he that encourageth a man in his errors, sells him for his own gain. Magnus laudator, magnus adulator. These are they that sew pillows, where they should quilt thorns: that proclaim peace in stead of war; that skin ulcers with lenitives; and say omniabenè, when God sees and says, All is stark nought. There is a faithful zeal required in ministers, but it hath many hindrances. Such are affection; when Parents (not unlike Zaledicus) put out one of their own eyes, that they may not see their children's faults. Corruption, when they are guilty of the same sins. The people argue thus; such a Preacher taxeth many sins bitterly, but you never heard him find fault with usury; therefore certainly it is lawful. Fear of great men; who like mules kick when they should suck. Bashfulness; which is in a woman a great virtue, in a Preacher a great vice. Now this boldness must not be without meekness.^a If a man be fallen, restore him with the spirit of meekness. The original implies; put him gently into joint again. Some are over-bold; that send much talk out of their mouths, before discretion come •nto their heads. Nihil ignorantiâ verbosius. ^bA fools voice is known by multitude of words. Impudent speakers are like the gaping oysters; when you open them: either they stink, or there is nothing in them. Qui dicit se nescire quod scit, ingratus est: qui •icit se scire quod nescit, temerarius est. He that professeth ignorance, and hath knowledge, is culpable of ingratitude: he that professeth knowledge, and is ignorant, is guilty of a proud rashness. There is a difference between a dumb dog, and a •arking cur.