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

The stream of wickedness is so violent, that many (who had some inceptions of •oodnesse) are even content to run with it, rather than swim against it, or especially reprove it. Usury and Sacrilege scorn to be reprehended, and he is taxed of indiscretion that meddles with them: whereupon some let all alone, resolving to sit •owne and hold their peace. A Fryer that had been for his boldness decourted, afterward admitted to preach to the King of Spain, told this Fable. The Lion •as faulted by the Lioness, that his breath stank. Being mad angry with this imputation, he traverseth the forrest, to be more certainly informed. The first subject beast he met withal was an Ass, and breathing upon him, he demanded the relish of his breath: the Ass plainly told him that it was very unsavoury. Thou art •oo bitter, quoth the Lion, and tore him in pieces. Next he met with the hound, and ••t the same question to him: who answered, It is very sweet. Thou art a flatterer, quoth the Lion; and tore him in pieces. Last he lighted on the Fox, and examining him concerning his breath: the subtle villain replied; Indeed I cannot tell whether it be sweet or sour, for I have caught such a cold that I cannot smell. If we •ould commend the times for devout and holy, you might justly condemn us for •wning flatterers. If we should say, they are stark naught, full of impiety and darkness: then we are held too cynical and censorious. What then? shall we answer •e have caught a cold, and cannot smell or tell? No, we are bound to love our own •oules, better than you can love your own sins. In a word, let us receive the light •f grace, that the light of glory may receive us.

The streame of wickednesse is so violent, that many (who had some inceptions of •oodnesse) are even content to run with it, rather than swim against it, or especially •eprove it. Vsurie and Sacriledge scorne to be reprehended, and he is taxed of iniscretion that meddles with them: whereupon some let all alone, resolving to sit owne and hold their peace. A Fryer that had beene for his boldnesse decourted, fterward admitted to preach to the King of Spaine, told this Fable. The Lion as faulted by the Lionesse, that his breath stanke. Being mad angry with this imutation, he traverseth the forrest, to be more certainely informed. The first subect beast he met withall was an Asse, and breathing upon him, he demanded the relsh of his breath: the Asse plainely told him that it was very unsavory. Thou art oo bitter, quoth the Lion, and tore him in pieces. Next he met with the hound, and t the same question to him: who answered, It is very sweet. Thou art a flatterer, uoth the Lion; and tore him in pieces. Last he lighted on the Foxe, and examiing him concerning his breath: the subtile villaine replied; Indeed I cannot tell wheher it be sweet or sowre, for I have caught such a cold that I cannot smell. If we ould commend the times for devout and holy, you might justly condemne us for wning flatterers. If we should say, they are starke naught, full of impietie and darkesse: then we are held too cynicall and censorious. What then? shall we answere e have caught a cold, and cannot smell or tell? No, we are bound to love our own oules, better than you can love your owne sinnes. In a word, let us receive the light f grace, that the light of glory may receive us.