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

that fly in England with the wings of hypocrisy, and swim in the sea of Rome with the sins of Idolatry. These be stragglers, far from hitting the mark of salvation. When Diogenes saw a bungling archer about to shoot, he ran as fast as he could to the mark: the lookers on demanded the reason, he answered. I stand here to make sure work that he may not hit me: for this fellow never means to come near the mark. It will be hard for him that observes the time, to preserve the truth.

that flie in England with the wings of hypocrisie, and swimme in the sea of Rome with the sinnes of Idolatry. These be straglers, farre from hitting the marke of salvation. When Diogenes saw a bungling archer about to shoot, hee ranne as fast as hee could to the marke: the lookers on demanded the reason, he answered. I stand here to make sure worke that he may not hit mee: for this fellow never meanes to come neare the marke. It will be hard for him that observes the time, to preserve the truth.

2 Revolters, that do not multiply, but subtract; growing worse and worse; so far from acquiring graces they had not, that they lose them they had. Like Nebuchadnezzars dreamed Image, the head might be of gold, but the feet was of clay and dirt; they have a muddy ending. In the Roman Indictions, the first year they payed gold as to the Crown: the second year, silver for the soldiers pay: the third year brass, for armour. So some have been in persecution golden Saints, in peace silver professors, at last brazen or leaden worldlings. I have read of certain trees, that on the Monday have been growing in the Forrest, and before Sunday following, under sail on the sea. Near to Calipolis there are by report, certain trees, that shoot up apace, and grow in a short time to such height, as a man may from their tops see the City Ilium; and then they presently wither. These men spring fast at first, and seem tall Cedars in profession: but when once they come to the sight of the City of God, then they waste away: not like the good tree, Psalm. 1. that brings forth his fruit in due season: but rather when the season comes wherein fruit is to be gathered, they elude the Masters expectation. Rome, that was once so famous for the Faith, yet apostated; How is that faithful City become an harlot! It is a fearful saying;