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

Many have too cowardly spirits, a John Baptist were now a great miracle. To do well, and hear ill, is the fate of greatness: but to do ill, and hear well, is the fault of greatness. Envy follows upon Justice; therefore often doing well is made to hear ill. But flattery waits upon unrighteousness; therefore doing ill is made to hear well. Tell my people their sins: there is no greater contradiction ⟨p. 450⟩to that charge, then to conceal men from themselves; or in a false glass to show them their own faces. He that forbears to tell the people their sins, doth not forbear to sell their souls. I could say something to them that control the […] freedom of Ministers.¹ Prophesy no more at Bethel. And indeed greatness carries too strict a hand over some; that they are fain to run at their stirrups, and come in at the least rebuke. They are muzzled for barking, and dare not quest; but like silent setters, hear, and see, and keep counsel. This is miserable, when the Preacher must stoop at the Pulpit door, to take measure of the peoples feet.

Many have too cowardly spirits, a Iohn Baptist were now a great miracle. To doe well, and heare ill, is the fate of greatnesse: but to doe ill, and heare well, is the fault of greatnesse. Envie followes upon Iustice; therefore often doing well is made to heare ill. But flatterie waits upon unrighteousnesse; therefore doing ill is made to heare well. Tell my people their sinnes: there is no greater contradiction ⟨p. 450⟩to that charge, then to conceale men from themselves; or in a false glasse to shew them their owne faces. Hee that forbeares to tell the people their sinnes, doth not forbeare to sell their soules. I could say something to them that controll the 〈…〉 freedome of Ministers.¹ Prophesie no more at Bethell. And indeed greatnesse carries too strict a hand over some; that they are faine to runne at their stirrops, and come in at the least rebuke. They are mussled for barking, and dare not quest; but like silent setters, heare, and see, and keepe counsell. This is miserable, when the Preacher must stoope at the Pulpit doore, to take measure of the peoples feete.